Best for
Mountain hiking enthusiasts
A rare northern glacier in alpine terrain.
Baegisarjokull (Bægisárjökull) Glacier Iceland: Rare Northern Glacier
A rare small glacier in the Tröllaskagi mountains of North Iceland—one of the few glaciers surviving in the country's drier northern regions.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Region
North Iceland
Tröllaskagi mountains, hiking access only.
Bægisárjökull is one of the few glaciers found in North Iceland, tucked into the high peaks of the Tröllaskagi peninsula. While most of Iceland's glacial ice is concentrated in the south and east, the Tröllaskagi mountains reach high enough and are sheltered enough to support several small glaciers. Bægisárjökull is a testament to the power of local geography to create pockets of ice in unexpected places.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Mountain terrain with no marked trails to the glacier. Weather in Tröllaskagi can change rapidly. Only experienced hikers should attempt to reach this glacier—inform someone of your plans.
Sources to check
Access
Hiking only
No roads—mountain hiking required.
Pro tip
Base in Siglufjörður
Charming fishing town with good facilities.
What to Expect
- A small glacier nestled in high mountain terrain
- Steep, rugged hiking through Tröllaskagi peaks
- Alpine scenery unlike typical Icelandic lowlands
- Meltwater streams cascading through narrow mountain valleys
- Possible sightings of arctic fox in the surrounding highlands
- Snow patches lingering well into summer on surrounding ridges
Nearby Attractions
- Siglufjörður Herring Era Museum and colorful village
- Ólafsfjörður and panoramic Eyjafjörður views
- Tröllaskagi ski areas including Dalvík and Siglufjörður
- Héðinsfjörður abandoned fjord with dramatic mountain scenery
- Hofsós Infinity Pool overlooking Skagafjörður
- Akureyri , the capital of North Iceland (1.5 hours)
How to Get There
- Drive to Siglufjörður or Ólafsfjörður via Route 76
- Hike into the Tröllaskagi mountains from valley access points
- No marked trails—good navigation skills essential
- Inform someone of your hiking plans before departing
- Carry all supplies, food, and emergency gear
Best Time to Visit
- July–August for snow-free hiking access
- Long northern daylight aids mountain navigation
- Weather in Tröllaskagi can shift rapidly—check forecasts
- Avoid in winter unless experienced in alpine conditions
- Best combined with a North Iceland road trip
Planning help
Baegisarjokull (Bægisárjökull) Glacier FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.