Best for
Mountain enthusiasts
Alpine glacier in premier hiking/skiing terrain.
Skidhadalsjokull (Skíðadalsjökull) Glacier Iceland: Tröllaskagi Mountains
A small glacier in the Tröllaskagi mountains of North Iceland, in the heart of one of the country's premier skiing and mountain hiking regions.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Region
North Iceland
Tröllaskagi mountains, near Dalvík.
Skíðadalsjökull sits in the dramatic Tröllaskagi mountains above the Skíðadalur valley, one of North Iceland's most scenic mountain valleys. The area is renowned for world-class backcountry skiing in winter and challenging mountain hiking in summer. This small glacier is a remnant of the larger ice that once filled these valleys, and it continues to shape the landscape even as it slowly retreats.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Mountain terrain with rapidly changing weather. No marked trails to the glacier. Experienced hikers only. Avalanche risk in winter and spring—check avalanche forecasts.
Sources to check
Access
Mountain hiking
From Skíðadalur valley near Dalvík.
Pro tip
Explore Dalvík
Great base for Tröllaskagi adventures.
What to Expect
- A small cirque glacier in steep mountain terrain
- Dramatic alpine scenery of the Tröllaskagi peninsula
- Quiet solitude away from tourist routes
- Mountain streams and waterfalls cascading from the peaks
- Wildflowers in summer along the valley approach
- Excellent backcountry skiing terrain in the surrounding peaks
Nearby Attractions
- Dalvík village and whale watching tours in Eyjafjörður
- Tröllaskagi backcountry skiing—world-class terrain
- Akureyri—Iceland's capital of the north with cafés and culture
- Hrísey island in Eyjafjörður (ferry from Dalvík or Árskógssandur)
- Arctic Sea Baths near Dalvík with panoramic fjord views
- Ólafsfjörður village and the new Héðinsfjörður tunnel
How to Get There
- Drive to Dalvík via Route 76 from Akureyri (45 min)
- Hike into Skíðadalur valley and up into the mountains
- No marked trails—mountain navigation skills essential
- About 380 km from Reykjavik (4.5-hour drive to Dalvík)
- Inform someone of your hiking plans
Best Time to Visit
- July–August for snow-free hiking access
- Long northern daylight aids mountain navigation
- Check weather forecasts—conditions change rapidly
- Winter brings excellent skiing but avalanche risk
- Combine with Akureyri and North Iceland sights
Planning help
Skidhadalsjokull (Skíðadalsjökull) Glacier FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.