Breidamerkurjökull in Iceland is a piedmont type of glacier and an outlet from the country’s largest Vatnajokull Glacier. The glacier flows on the southern side of the Vatnajokull Glacier and ends in a lagoon named Jökulsárlón. The geographic coordinates of Breidamerkurjökull are 64.1531° N, 16.4000° W. Despite its small size, the glacier is scenic and attracts a plethora of visitors. It is also the largest outlet of the Vatnajokull Glacier. Snowmobile tours and ice cave explorations are trendy activities among tourists visiting the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier.
What does Breidamerkurjökull mean?
The term Breiðamerkurjökull literally translates to “wide, woodland glaciers.” The origin of the name has to do with the overall landscape appearance of the area during the time of Icelandic settlement. The name of the Jökulsárlón Lagoon means “glacier river lagoon.”
How Big is Breiðamerkurjökull?
The Breidamerkurjökull Glacier is not particularly big. Namely, it has an area of 17 square kilometers. In the past 50 years, Breidamerkurjökull has been progressively retreating, and there is a risk of the glacier disappearing completely in the near future.
What are the Volcanoes near Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier?
The most prominent volcano near the Breidamerkurjökull Glacier is Öræfajökull. Öræfajökull is the largest active volcano in the country and classifies as a glacier-clad central volcano. It is covered with ice year-round, and its tallest peak stands 2.110 meters in height.
What is the prominence of Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier in Icelandic Culture?
Breidamerkurjökull Glacier has left a mark on Iceland Culture. The picturesque scenery of Breidamerkurjökull has been featured in many commercials and films. The Breidamerkurjökull Glacier is also portrayed in the famous Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie.
What are the Crystal Ice Caves on Breidamerkurjökull?
The Blue Crystal Ice Cave is a sapphire blue cave in Breidamerkurjökull. The cave is breathtaking and attracts thousands of tourists. The transportation to the cave is organized in modified vehicles and upon entrance, visitors are equipped with crampons and helmets.
What are the Facts about Breiðamerkurjökull?
Breidamerkurjökull is the largest outlet of the Vatnajokull Glacier. It classifies as a piedmont glacier type and is quite scenic. The Breidamerkurjökull Glacier forms the Jökulsárlón lagoon marked by floating icebergs. In the past, Breidamerkurjökull was larger and its icy waters almost reached the Ring Road. Today, the glacier is decreasing in size. Breidamerkurjökull is a popular attraction among tourists.
What Activities are Possible in Breidamerkurjökull?
Popular activities in Breidamerkurjökull include snowmobile and truck tours as well as hikes. Ice cave explorations rank high on the list of adventurous activities. For wildlife enthusiasts, it is possible to watch seals swimming in the Jökulsárlón lagoon or resting on floating icebergs.
What are the Similar Glaciers in Iceland to Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier?
Outlet Glaciers in Iceland are common. Breidamerkurjökull is the largest tongue or outlet of the country’s largest ice cap Vatnajokull. Breidamerkurjökull shares similarities with other tongues of the ice cap, such as the:
- Morsárjökull Glacier
- Virkisjökull Glacier
- Fláajökull Glacier
- Hoffellsjökull Glacier
- Eyjabakkajökull Glacier
- Tungnaárjökul Glacier
- Dyngjujökull Glacier
- Köldukvíslarjökull Glacier.
