Where is Barkardalsjökull?

Barkardalsjökull is a small glacier in northern Iceland, nestled in the mountainous terrain of the interior highlands. It is one of Iceland's least-known glaciers due to its remote location and small size.

Can you visit Barkardalsjökull?

Barkardalsjökull is extremely remote and rarely visited. There are no marked trails, commercial tours, or facilities anywhere nearby. Only experienced wilderness hikers with strong navigation skills should consider attempting a visit.

How big is Barkardalsjökull?

Barkardalsjökull is a very small glacier. Like many of Iceland's minor glaciers, it has been shrinking steadily and is at risk of disappearing entirely as the climate warms.

Is Barkardalsjökull retreating?

Yes, Barkardalsjökull has been losing mass. Small glaciers like this are particularly vulnerable to warming temperatures and may be among the first to disappear entirely in coming decades.

Why would someone visit Barkardalsjökull?

Barkardalsjökull appeals to glacier enthusiasts and wilderness adventurers seeking to document or experience Iceland's lesser-known ice formations. For most travelers, more accessible glaciers offer a better experience.

Barkardalsjokull (Barkardalsjökull) Glacier Iceland: Remote Northern Glacier

A small, rarely visited glacier in northern Iceland—one of the country's least-known ice formations in remote mountain terrain.

Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team

Region

North Iceland

Remote and rarely visited.

Barkardalsjökull is one of Iceland's smallest and most obscure glaciers, tucked away in the mountainous terrain of northern Iceland. With limited scientific documentation and virtually no tourist infrastructure, this glacier remains one of the country's true unknowns. It represents the many small ice formations scattered across Iceland's highlands that quietly persist—and retreat—far from public attention.

Safety + sourcing

Last updated: 2026-02-01

Remote mountain terrain with no trails, services, or mobile coverage. Only experienced wilderness hikers should attempt to visit. Always inform someone of your plans.

Sources to check

Best for

Wilderness adventurers

One of Iceland's least-visited glaciers.

Access

Very difficult

No trails, no roads—mountain hiking only.

Pro tip

Choose accessible alternatives

Most travelers will prefer better-known glaciers.

What to Expect

A small ice formation in mountain terrain
Complete isolation and wilderness
Challenging navigation with no marked paths
Glacial meltwater streams feeding into northern river valleys
Rugged highland landscapes with volcanic rock formations
Wildlife including ptarmigan and arctic fox in surrounding terrain

Nearby Attractions

Northern highland wilderness areas
Akureyri , Iceland's northern capital (nearest major town)
Eyjafjörður coastal scenery and whale watching
Goðafoss waterfall on the Ring Road
Mývatn nature baths and volcanic landscape
Bárðardalur valley with excellent salmon fishing rivers

How to Get There

Remote mountain location in northern Iceland
No established trails or access roads
Requires wilderness hiking and navigation experience
Inform someone of your exact plans
Carry all supplies and emergency equipment

Best Time to Visit

July–August for snow-free mountain access
Long daylight hours essential for navigation
Check weather forecasts carefully before hiking
Mountain weather can change without warning
Not recommended for casual hikers

Planning help

Barkardalsjokull (Barkardalsjökull) Glacier FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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