Svínafellsjökull Glacier

Svínafellsjökull Glacier: Size, Ice Caves, Cap and Volcanoes

The Svínafellsjökull Glacier in Iceland is located in the southeast of the country with coordinates 64.0186° N, 16.8215° W. Svínafellsjökull is an outlet tongue of Vatnajokull and part of the former Skaftafell Nature Reserve. Svínafellsjökull is a popular destination for tourists due to its own beauties as well as the surrounding attractions such as the black sand beach Reynisfjara and the two wildly famous waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Svínafellsjökull can be reached from Reykjavik after a 4-hour drive. However, guided tours to Svínafellsjökull can be booked from the nearby Vik settlement. 

What is the Size of Svínafellsjökull Glacier Tongue?

The Svínafellsjökull Glacier Tongue is 10 kilometers long. Its width changes on its flow but it does not exceed 2 kilometers. Same as most glaciers, Svínafellsjökull is impacted by global warming and constantly decreasing in size. 

What is the prominence of Svínafellsjökull Glacier in Icelandic Culture?

Svínafellsjökull Glacier impacted Iceland Culture positively. Because of the scenic landscapes surrounding the glacier, it has been portrayed in an array of popular movies and commercials. 

What Movies and TV Shows were Shot in Svínafellsjökull Glacier?

Many international and iceland Movies are shot or feature landscapes from the scenic Svínafellsjökull Glacier. Examples of such popular movies include “The Star Wars Saga,” “Batman Begins,” “Game of Thrones,” and “Interstellar.”  

How to Get to Svínafellsjökull?

The Svínafellsjökull Glacier is easily accessible year-round, especially if traveling from Reykjavik. Namely, the glacier is situated neat the Ring Road. Visitors can follow the Ring Road for four hours and then turn left on Route 998. Those that do not like to self-drive can always go on a guided tour. 

What Types of Tours are Available to Svínafellsjökull?

Glacier hiking tours in Iceland are popular especially when on Svínafellsjökull. The ice formations and incredible scenery add to the overall hiking experience. Svínafellsjökull is not very strenuous for hikes, however, it does require a certain level of physical preparation and equipment. Guided hiking tours are the best option. 

Is Svínafellsjökull a Good Viewpoint to Watch Iceland Glaciers?

Yes, Svínafellsjökull is a good viewpoint to watch the marvelous Iceland Glaciers. The best viewpoint is only 15-20 minutes away from the main parking thus being easily accessible for all visitors. 

What are the Places close to Svínafellsjökull?

Places close to the Svínafellsjökull Glacier are Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Tourists find the two localities to be convenient stops for rest, refreshment, and fuel. Also, many tours to Svínafellsjökull start at Vík. 

What are the Similar Glaciers in Iceland to Svínafellsjökull Glacier?

Svínafellsjökull is one of the over 30 Glaciers in Iceland flowing from the country’s largest Vatnajokull ice cap. As a tongue glacier, Svínafellsjökull shares the same features as the:

  • Dyngjujökull Glacier
  • Eyjabakkajökull Glacier 
  • Fláajökull Glacier 
  • Hoffellsjökull Glacier 
  • Köldukvíslarjökull Glacier 
  • Morsárjökull Glacier 
  • Tungnaárjökul Glacier 
  • Virkisjökull Glacier. 
author avatar
Staff Writer