Svínafellsjökull

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What people say

Kristen Mackiewicz
" About: Glacier outlet viewing point. If you want to get up close to a glacier, this is the best place to do it! Svinafellsjokull means “pig hill glacier” Time: 10 minutes from main road to parking, 30 minutes around the glacier Rating: 5/5 Crowds: few - not many know of this access point Vehicle: 4wd recommended - The road to get here is EXTREMELY rough - I wouldn't recommend it in a small car although I know some do it! Parking: small parking lot - free Views: There is a good view right away, but then you can also follow the path straight back and around where you will get some amazing glacier views. Seasonal: Use extreme caution in the winter as the rocks could be slippery Amenities: none Pro-tip: Another very dangerous place that has claimed lives, so BE CAREFUL. As the path goes back, you do have to climb up and around some steep and slippery rocks. Stop early if you are feeling uncomfortable. More info: this is NOT a place to walk on the glaciers. As you can see, there is a lagoon under the ice. Do not attempt to climb on or touch the glaciers."
Nally Preseault
"Svínafellsjökull is an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier outside of the Arctic. The tongue-like glacier is part of both the Skaftafell Nature Reserve and the larger Vatnajökull National Park. It's made of sharp ridges with bright-blue ice, glistening snow, and large streaks of black ash. It has stunning views of Iceland's south coast. It's also known as a popular spot for hiking, both on the glacier and its ice caves (with a guide, of course). From the free parking lot, you'll have about a ten-minute hike to the glacier. Though the rocky trail is wide and well-maintained, it is uphill. For raising your heart rate, you'll be rewarded by getting to walk right down to the brown (thanks to ash deposits) lagoon, hear the calving ice, watch floating icebergs, and practically touch the jagged glacier. It's beautiful--and it's disappearing before your eyes."
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"There is parking space just 10 minutes walk from the glacier outlet. Bare in mind that glaciers change very fast. I visitied this glacier outlet twice and it looked completely different, so these pictures might look a bit different of how it looks like when you visit it. "

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