Best for
Glacial flood history
See the 1996 bridge memorial and outwash plain.
Skeidararjokull (Skeiðarárjökull) Glacier Iceland: Largest Outlet & 1996 Flood
Vatnajökull's largest outlet glacier—infamous for the catastrophic 1996 jökulhlaup that destroyed a bridge and reshaped the vast Skeiðarársandur outwash plain.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Region
Southeast Iceland
On Route 1 between Vík and Skaftafell.
Skeiðarárjökull is a glacier of superlatives and destruction. As Vatnajökull's largest outlet, it spreads across a massive front onto the Skeiðarársandur—one of the world's largest glacial outwash plains. In 1996, a volcanic eruption beneath the ice cap triggered a jökulhlaup that released 3 billion tons of water, destroying the Skeiðará bridge and reminding Icelanders of the awesome power hidden beneath the ice.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Skeiðarársandur is subject to glacial flood risk. Follow any road closures immediately. The outwash plain can also experience severe sandstorms that damage vehicles—check conditions.
Sources to check
Access
Route 1 drive-through
You cross Skeiðarársandur on the Ring Road.
Pro tip
Stop at the bridge memorial
Twisted girders tell the story of the 1996 flood.
What to Expect
- A vast black outwash plain stretching to the horizon
- Twisted bridge girders from the 1996 flood memorial
- The massive glacier front visible to the north
- One of the world's largest glacial outwash plains
- Potential for sandstorms on windy days across the barren plain
- A dramatic landscape of volcanic destruction and renewal
Nearby Attractions
- Skaftafell visitor center and hiking trails (east)
- Svartifoss basalt column waterfall in Skaftafell
- Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach (further east)
- Svínafellsjökull glacier hiking tours from Skaftafell
- Kirkjubæjarklaustur village and Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon (west)
- Ingólfshöfði headland with puffin colony tours in summer
How to Get There
- Route 1 crosses Skeiðarársandur between Vík and Skaftafell
- About 300 km from Reykjavik (4-hour drive)
- Bridge memorial pull-off is well-signed along Route 1
- Regular car fine—it's on the main Ring Road
- Watch for sandstorms on the outwash plain in windy weather
Best Time to Visit
- Year-round—Route 1 is maintained all seasons
- Summer for clearest views of the glacier front
- Avoid driving in sandstorm warnings (can damage paint)
- A quick stop on any south coast driving tour
- Combine with Skaftafell for a full day
Planning help
Skeidararjokull (Skeiðarárjökull) Glacier FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.