Drangajökull

Drangajökull is an ice cap that spreads across the northern Westfjords with multiple glacial tongues flowing into surrounding valleys. The glacier covers about 200 square kilometers and forms one of the region's larger frozen masses.

The glacier formed during the last ice age and has gone through several phases over the past thousand years. It was one of the few Icelandic ice masses that grew during the Little Ice Age around 600 years ago while others shrank.

The glacier feeds Kaldalón fjord, which inspired composer Sigvaldi Kaldalóns to write many musical pieces in the early 20th century. This musical connection shows how the landscape shaped local artistic expression.

Access to the area is via Road 635 through the Westfjords. Guided tours on the glacier run from June to September and provide safe ways to explore the ice field.

Unlike other Icelandic glaciers in higher locations, this ice mass sits entirely below 925 meters elevation. This unusual feature makes it a striking example of how glaciers can persist at lower altitudes.

Location: Westfjords

Elevation above the sea: 925 m

Address: Drangajökull, 512, Iceland

GPS coordinates: 66.15000,-22.25000

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:43