Best for
Mountain hikers
Alpine glacier in dramatic Tröllaskagi scenery.
Hjaltadalsjokull (Hjaltadalsjökull) Glacier Iceland: Tröllaskagi Near Siglufjörður
A small glacier in the Tröllaskagi mountains of North Iceland, near the charming fishing town of Siglufjörður.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Region
North Iceland
Tröllaskagi mountains, near Siglufjörður.
Hjaltadalsjökull is a small glacier perched in the high peaks of Tröllaskagi, the dramatic mountainous peninsula of North Iceland. Named for the Hjaltadalur valley below, this glacier is one of several small ice formations that survive in the alpine terrain between Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður. The surrounding landscape offers some of North Iceland's most spectacular mountain scenery and best backcountry skiing.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Mountain terrain with no marked trails to the glacier. Weather in Tröllaskagi changes rapidly. Only experienced mountain hikers should attempt this—inform someone of your plans before departing.
Sources to check
Access
Mountain hiking
No trails—experienced hikers only.
Pro tip
Explore Siglufjörður
Award-winning Herring Era Museum and charming town.
What to Expect
- A small glacier in steep alpine terrain
- Dramatic mountain views across the Tröllaskagi peninsula
- Solitude—very few hikers reach this glacier
- Alpine wildflowers in summer on the lower slopes
- Meltwater streams tumbling down into Hjaltadalur valley
- Pristine mountain air and panoramic fjord views on clear days
Nearby Attractions
- Siglufjörður and the award-winning Herring Era Museum
- Ólafsfjörður village and panoramic Eyjafjörður views
- Tröllaskagi ski areas—some of Iceland's best backcountry skiing
- Héðinsfjörður abandoned fjord through the single-lane tunnel
- Dalvík village and whale watching tours in Eyjafjörður
- Hofsós Infinity Pool with stunning Skagafjörður views
How to Get There
- Drive to Siglufjörður via Route 76 (paved)
- Hike into the mountains from Hjaltadalur or Siglufjörður
- No marked trails—navigation skills required
- About 400 km from Reykjavik (5-hour drive to Siglufjörður)
- Inform someone of your hiking plans
Best Time to Visit
- July–August for snow-free hiking conditions
- Long northern daylight allows extended hikes
- Check weather—mountain conditions change rapidly
- Winter brings excellent skiing but glacier access is difficult
- Combine with North Iceland attractions for a full trip
Planning help
Hjaltadalsjokull (Hjaltadalsjökull) Glacier FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.