Langjökull, Ice cap in Southern Region, Iceland
Description
Langjökull is the second-largest ice cap in Iceland and spreads across the southern and western regions with a length of about 50 kilometers and a width of 20 kilometers. The surface shows a rolling profile with crevasses and ice fields, while underneath lie two volcanic systems and ancient lava fields.
History
The lava field Kjalhraun beneath the ice cap formed about 7800 years ago through volcanic activity. The ice cap began forming over it in later centuries and remains today above two active volcanic systems.
Culture
The name means Long Ice in Icelandic and describes its shape stretching through the western highlands. Visitors today see a white expanse spreading between volcanic peaks and crossed by crevasses.
Practical
Guided tours depart from Húsafell Center or Klaki and offer activities such as snowmobile rides and ice cave visits. The highland area requires proper winter gear and is best visited with an experienced local guide.
Did you know?
An engineered ice tunnel was carved into the cap and is the largest of its kind worldwide. Visitors can walk inside and observe the layered ice sheets that formed over centuries.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Southern Region).
Glaciers represent some of the most remarkable natural formations on Earth. These ice masses form over centuries through the compression of snow and move slowly through valleys and across mountain slopes. They shape landscapes from the Patagonian Andes to Arctic regions and store approximately 70...
Iceland is an island shaped by ice and fire. Glaciers cover much of the interior while geothermal areas show that something is always happening beneath the surface. The landscapes here look different from most places: black sand beaches formed by volcanic activity, fjords cutting deep into the...
Eiríksjökull
13.6 km
Prestahnúkur
20.9 km
Hallmundarhraun
18.4 km
Geitlandsjökull
21.8 km
Bjarnafoss
26.4 km
Strútur
23.9 km
Hafrafell (Kaldidalur)
17.4 kmGeitland
22.7 kmFremri-Skriðjökull
16 kmBrækur
16.1 kmÖgmundarjökull
12.1 kmRegnbuðajöklar
22.7 kmKlofajökull
14.5 kmNyrðri-Skriðjökull
14.4 kmGlacial Cave
17.9 kmInto the Glacier
15.6 kmNýifoss
24 kmWaterfall
24.2 kmNýifoss
24.1 kmWaterfall
26.6 kmLambárfoss
26.6 kmNýifoss
24 kmWaterfall
23.7 kmWaterfall
25.9 kmBröttuhlíðarfoss
24.7 kmHáaleitisfoss
24.3 kmWaterfall
26.9 kmWaterfall
26.2 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes