Key risk
Katla jökulhlaup
Check dated flood and gas warnings before stopping.
Mulakvisl (Múlakvísl): The River Below Katla
A glacial river from Mýrdalsjökull, directly linked to Katla volcano. Its Route 1 bridge is engineered around the jökulhlaup risk.
Region
South Iceland
Katla jökulhlaup risk. Monitor volcanic alerts.
Quick Answer
Múlakvísl is one of Iceland's most monitored rivers due to its direct connection to Katla, one of the country's most powerful subglacial volcanoes. The river drains meltwater from Mýrdalsjökull glacier and crosses under Route 1 on Mýrdalssandur. Floods and gas pollution can disrupt travel here. A jökulhlaup in 2011 destroyed the previous bridge.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Múlakvísl is in a Katla eruption hazard zone. Always check the Icelandic Met Office for volcanic alerts. During eruption or jökulhlaup warnings, evacuate the area immediately following official instructions.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Location
Route 1 crossing
Between Vík and Skógar on the Ring Road.
Engineering
Flood history
The former bridge was destroyed in the 2011 flood.
What to Expect at Múlakvísl
- Glacial river with grey-brown sediment from Mýrdalsjökull
- Specially engineered bridge visible from Route 1
- Volcanic hazard signage and evacuation route markers
- Views of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap above the outwash plain
- Evidence of the 2011 jökulhlaup that destroyed the previous bridge
- Sulfurous mineral deposits coloring the riverbed and banks near the glacier outlet
Nearby Attractions
- Vík í Mýrdal and Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Skógafoss waterfall
- Sólheimajökull glacier tongue
- Dyrhólaey promontory and arch (puffin colony in summer)
- Seljalandsfoss waterfall with walk-behind path
How to Get to Múlakvísl
- Crosses Route 1 (Ring Road) on Mýrdalssandur
- About 2.5 hours from Reykjavik by car
- The bridge is clearly visible when driving the South Coast
- No special vehicle required; regular car on paved Route 1
- Brief photo stops are possible at safe pullouts near the bridge
Best Time to Visit Múlakvísl
- Accessible year-round via Route 1 (Ring Road)
- Summer offers clearest views of Mýrdalsjökull above the river
- Winter driving requires caution for icy road conditions
- Always check volcanic status before South Coast travel
- The bridge area is a brief stop; plan time for nearby attractions
Gas risk can rise without a higher river
In its September 1, 2026 update, the Icelandic Met Office reported hydrogen sulphide above health-protection limits at Láguhvolar and advised people not to remain near Múlakvísl or its source at the glacier. The river level had not risen alongside the increased electrical conductivity. Calm weather allowed gas to collect in low ground.
A river that looks quiet is therefore not proof that its banks are safe. Check the latest dated update before stopping. The older August update lower down the same page reports an improvement; it should not override the later September warning.
Planning help
Múlakvísl River FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How is Múlakvísl connected to Katla volcano?
Múlakvísl drains meltwater from the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which covers the Katla volcano. Outbursts of water stored beneath the glacier can produce floods without a major eruption.
Why is the Route 1 bridge over Múlakvísl specially designed?
The Route 1 bridge replaced one destroyed in the July 2011 flood. A bridge is not a refuge during a flood: follow road closures and civil-protection instructions.
Is it safe to stop at the Múlakvísl bridge?
Check current gas and flood warnings before stopping. On September 1, 2026, IMO advised people not to remain near the river or its glacier source because of hydrogen sulphide pollution.
What happened at Múlakvísl in 2011?
In July 2011, a jökulhlaup from a geothermal cauldron under Mýrdalsjökull sent a flood down Múlakvísl that destroyed the Route 1 bridge. The event was not a full Katla eruption but demonstrated the river's flood potential.
Where exactly is the Múlakvísl?
Múlakvísl flows from the southern edge of Mýrdalsjökull glacier and crosses under Route 1 (Ring Road) on Mýrdalssandur in South Iceland. The bridge is clearly visible from the road.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.