Svínafellsjökull Glacier Tongue is an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull in the south-east of the island. The ice breaking apart and forming hundreds of stacks is one of the reasons why you should see Svínafellsjökull with your own eyes. The landscape there is bright and beautiful and if you’re lucky, you might catch the glacier breaking a part and experiencing the raw power of nature. Svínafellsjökull is one of the few accessible glacier tongues of Vatnajökull and has gained fame as an attraction after Game of Thrones was shot there.
This place is also ignored by many travelers who are too excited to see the famous Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. Without taking anything away from Jökulsárlón, I think that this is a big mistake. If you can, plan on making both stops. The scenery here is truly magical and difficult to describe in words, so please experience it for yourself.
My friend, Jon, trying to look tough on a piece of Svinafellsjokull. Don’t be like Jon.
The Location:
How to get there?
From the Skaftafell intersection with Road 1, you only drive about 1 km east until you see Svinafellsjokulsvegur road on your left. Make that left turn and drive the short distance to Svínafellsjökull.
Things to do?
This is a perfect place to visit between Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon. At Svinafellsjokull, enjoy the view, experience the stillness and serenity of nature, take photos, hike, or lick a glacier.
Best place for your photo?
With the van, you can park it so that the glacier is in the background at the parking lot. If you’re doing a selfie, get up close and personal and take the photo right by the ice with the glacier in the background.
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