Hoffellsjökull is an outlet glacier from the wildly famous Vatnajokull ice cap. It is located in the southeast of the country in the Hornafjörður Municipality with geographical coordinates 64.4703° N, 15.5347° W. The Hoffellsjökull Glacier is named after the nearby farmland and mountainous area Hoffell. Hoffellsjökull is part of the Vatnajokull National Park, thus making it easy for tourists to visit various natural wonders on one trip.
What is the Size of Hoffellsjökull Glacier?
The Hoffellsjökull Glacier is 20 kilometers long with an average thickness of 300 meters. In the past, Hoffellsjökull used to be larger, but it is constantly retreating due to climate change. The Hoffellsjökull Glacier was at its largest around 1890.
What are the Volcanoes in Hoffellsjökull Glacier?
The volcano in the Hoffellsjökull Glacier is Geitafell. In fact, Hoffellsjökull cuts the Geitafell Volcano. Geitafell is a central volcano that used to be active between 5000 and 6000 years ago. Today, Geitafell has a collapsed caldera with a rather large diameter of 4 kilometers. The volcano shows signs of deep glacial erosion.
What is the prominence of Hoffellsjökull Glacier in Icelandic Culture?
The Hoffellsjökull Glacier is important for Iceland Culture. At the beginning of the 20th century, Hoffellsjökull was extensively researched by glaciologists and represented an access point for research and expeditions on the Vatnajokull ice cap. The goal was to understand the water cycle around the glacier.
What are the Possible Activities on Hoffellsjökull Glacier?
The Hoffellsjökull Glacier offers an array of activities, some better suited for more sedentary and others for more active visitors. Popular activities include hiking, visiting ice caves and hot springs, driving snowmobiles and monster trucks.
Are There Hot Pots in Hoffellsjökull Glacier?
Yes, there are hot pots in Hoffellsjökull. Hoffel Hot Tubs are particularly popular and not overly crowded thus allowing visitors a nice and relaxing time. The Hoffel Hot Tubs and overall the Hot Springs in iceland are among the most spectacular attractions for tourists.
Is Hoffellsjökull Glacier a Good Place for Hiking?
Yes, the Hoffellsjökull Glacier is a good place for hiking. In fact, there are many Hiking Tours in Iceland on and around Hoffellsjökull. Some are shorter and easy and others are more physically challenging and better suited for prepared visitors. Some hikes even include the Geitafell Mountain which is east of the glacier.
What are the Similar Glaciers in Iceland to Hoffellsjökull Glacier?
There are more than 269 Glaciers in Iceland. In terms of glacier types, there are ice caps, outlets, ice streams, piedmonts, etc. Hoffellsjökull is one of the 30 outlet glaciers of Vatnajokull and therefore similar to the:
- Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier
- Fláajökull Glacier
- Skeiðarárjökull Glacier
- Morsárjökull Glacier
- Lambatungnajökull Glacier
- Kvíárjökull Glacier
- Brókarjökull Glacier
