SVÍNAFELLSJÖKULL IN SHORTSvínafellsjökull is an outlet glacier flowing down from Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap, close to the Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park. It is about 320–330 km (roughly 4.5–5 hours) from Reykjavík and free to view from the car park and short path. Going onto glacier ice is only safe with a guide, and the authorities advise keeping visits to this glacier tongue short.
About Svínafellsjökull
Svínafellsjökull is one of the more dramatic outlet glaciers along the south side of Vatnajökull, with a jumble of jagged blue and white ice tumbling down from the ice cap into a lake at its foot. A short, flat path from the car park leads to a viewpoint at the edge of the lake, close enough to see the crevasses and ice formations without stepping onto the glacier.
It is also one of the easiest glaciers in Iceland to get close to. The turn-off is just off the Ring Road, a few minutes east of Skaftafell, so it fits into any drive along the south coast, whether you are heading for Jökulsárlón, Höfn or the East Fjords.
The glacier has appeared on screen more than once, including as a filming location for Interstellar and for scenes north of the Wall in Game of Thrones. Walking on the ice itself requires a guide and proper equipment, since the surface hides crevasses and changes constantly.
Like other Icelandic glaciers, Svínafellsjökull is shrinking year by year. The lake at its foot is growing as the ice retreats, and the view you see today will not be the same in ten years.
Quick facts
RegionSoutheast Iceland, part of the Vatnajökull outlet glaciers
TypeOutlet glacier of Vatnajökull, roughly 8–10 km long
Name"Pig Mountain Glacier", after nearby Svínafell
From ReykjavíkAbout 320–330 km, around 4.5–5 hours by car
From HöfnAbout 130 km
From Skaftafell visitor centreAbout 10 km
RoadRing Road (Route 1), then a short signposted gravel track
Walk to viewpoint10–15 minutes on a mostly flat gravel path
EntryFree to the viewpoint
On the iceOnly with a guide and equipment, booked with a tour operator
Time needed30–45 minutes at the viewpoint; a half day for a guided glacier walk in the area
Beyond the Wall: Svínafellsjökull on screen
The glacier takes its name from Svínafell, the farm and mountain beside it. The name means roughly "Pig Mountain". Svínafell is an old settlement, known from Njáls saga as the home of the chieftain Flosi Þórðarson.
Film crews found the glacier long after the saga writers did. The broken, ash-streaked ice looks like another world, and it has played one more than once. It stood in for the land beyond the Wall in Game of Thrones and for an ice planet in Interstellar, and it was used for the training scenes in Batman Begins. Stand at the viewpoint and you will recognise the ridges of ice from the screen.
How to get to Svínafellsjökull
By carSvínafellsjökull lies beside the Ring Road (Route 1), about 320–330 km east of Reykjavík and about 130 km west of Höfn. A few minutes east of the turn for Skaftafell, a small sign for Svínafellsjökull marks a gravel track on the inland side. The track is short but can be rough, so drive slowly.
Parking and the walkThere is a small car park at the end of the track. From there, an easy path of 10 to 15 minutes leads along the moraine to the viewpoint above the glacier lake. The path can be muddy after rain and icy in winter.
On a guided tourGlacier walks and ice climbing in the Skaftafell area are done only with trained guides, booked in advance. Tours usually meet at Skaftafell, and the guides choose the outlet glacier that is safest on the day. See the safety note below about Svínafellsjökull itself.
Skaftafell visitor centreThe national park visitor centre at Skaftafell, about 10 km away, has parking, toilets and information about the park, the trails and glacier tours. It is the best place to start if you have questions.
Since 2018 the Civil Protection authorities have warned of a possible rockslide from the mountainside of Svínafellsheiði onto the glacier. They advise against travelling on Svínafellsjökull and ask visitors to stop only for a short while at the viewpoints by the glacier tongue. Read the signs at the car park and follow any closures.
What is Svínafellsjökull glacier?
Svínafellsjökull is an outlet glacier, a tongue of ice that flows down from the Vatnajökull ice cap, the largest glacier in Europe. It is roughly 8 to 10 km long and less than a kilometre wide, squeezed between dark mountain ridges on its way down from the slopes of Öræfajökull.
Unlike the vast ice cap above, the tongue comes down almost to road level. That is why hikers, photographers and film crews all end up here. You can stand a short distance from the ice front without any climbing at all.
Why visit Svínafellsjökull
Four reasons this glacier is worth the short detour from the Ring Road.
Ice formationsThe surface is broken into tall ice towers called seracs, deep crevasses and ridges of blue ice streaked with black volcanic ash. Few glaciers show their structure this clearly from a viewpoint.
Easy to reachThe car park is minutes from the Ring Road, and the viewpoint is a short, flat walk. It works as a stop on a longer drive along the south coast or towards East Iceland.
The settingRugged mountains and green valleys frame the ice, and Vatnajökull National Park around it has hiking trails, waterfalls and wide views, with Skaftafell and Svartifoss just up the road.
PhotographyWhite snow, blue ice and black rock give strong contrast, and the light changes it through the day and the seasons. Small meltwater pools near the path give reflections on calm days. Bring spare batteries, as they drain fast in the cold.
How to experience the glacier
Most people come for the view. If you want to go further, do it with a guide.
The viewpoint walkWalk from the car park along the moraine to look over the glacier lake, the floating ice and the ice front. Stay on the path and well back from the edge and the water.
Glacier hiking and ice climbingGuided trips in the Skaftafell area run from easy glacier walks for beginners to ice climbing. Crampons, helmets and ice axes are provided, and the guides explain how the glacier moves, the local geology and how the climate is changing the ice.
Ice cavesIn winter, natural ice caves with clear blue walls form in the outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull. They change every year, and you can only visit them with certified guides who know which caves are safe that season.
Helicopter flightsScenic flights over Vatnajökull National Park show the outlet glaciers from above, and some land on the ice in places that are hard to reach on foot.
Because of the rockslide warning, guided walks from Skaftafell are generally run on neighbouring glacier tongues and not on Svínafellsjökull itself. Ask your tour operator which glacier you will visit.
Best time to visit Svínafellsjökull
Summer (June to August)Long daylight and milder temperatures make this the most comfortable and popular season for glacier walks, and the track and path are at their easiest.
Winter (November to March)The season for ice caves and snowy views, always with a guide and proper equipment. Conditions change fast, daylight is short and the path can be icy.
Safety and practical tips
- Never walk onto the glacier without a guide. Crevasses are often hidden and the ice surface changes constantly.
- Keep your stop at the viewpoint short and read the warning signs at the car park.
- Book glacier walks in advance, especially in summer.
- The viewpoint path is easy, but the ground near the lake can be uneven and slippery.
- Dress in warm layers with a waterproof shell, even in summer. Wind off the ice keeps temperatures low.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring sunglasses. The glare from ice and snow is strong.
- Take a camera with spare batteries.
- Follow your guide's instructions and leave nothing behind. The glacier and its surroundings are fragile.
Facilities and accessibility
There are no facilities directly at Svínafellsjökull. The Skaftafell visitor centre nearby has toilets, parking, a café and information.
Nearby places worth a stop
Where to stay near Svínafellsjökull
Most visitors stay around Skaftafell or in nearby towns like Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Hof, both within easy reach of Svínafellsjökull.
Svínafellsjökull FAQ
Can I walk on Svínafellsjökull without a guide?
No. Independent glacier walking is not safe. Going onto glacier ice is only done with a guide and proper equipment, and the authorities currently advise against travel on Svínafellsjökull because of a rockslide risk.
Where is Svínafellsjökull glacier?
In Southeast Iceland, beside the Ring Road just east of Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. It is about 320–330 km from Reykjavík and about 130 km west of Höfn.
How far is Svínafellsjökull from Skaftafell?
About 10 km by road.
How long is the walk to the Svínafellsjökull viewpoint?
About 10 to 15 minutes from the car park on a mostly flat gravel path.
Is it free to visit the viewpoint?
Yes, walking to the glacier lake viewpoint is free; only guided ice walks are paid.
Has Svínafellsjökull been used in films?
Yes. It appeared as the land beyond the Wall in Game of Thrones, as an ice planet in Interstellar and in Batman Begins.
When is the best time to visit Svínafellsjökull?
June to August for long days and comfortable glacier walks. November to March for ice caves and snow, with a guide.
What does Svínafellsjökull mean?
Roughly "Pig Mountain Glacier". It is named after Svínafell, the mountain and farm next to it.
Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND
My trip
Talk to a local
