Key risk
Katla jökulhlaup
A Katla eruption could send floods of 100,000+ m³/s down this channel.
Mulakvisl (Múlakvísl) River Iceland: Katla Jökulhlaup Risk Guide
A glacial river from Mýrdalsjökull, directly linked to Katla volcano—its Route 1 bridge is specially engineered for the ever-present jökulhlaup risk.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Region
South Iceland
Katla jökulhlaup risk. Monitor volcanic alerts.
Múlakvísl is one of Iceland's most monitored rivers due to its direct connection to Katla, one of the country's most powerful subglacial volcanoes. The river drains meltwater from Mýrdalsjökull glacier and crosses under Route 1 between Vík and Skógar. Its bridge has been specially engineered to handle—or be sacrificed to—the massive glacial floods that a Katla eruption would unleash. The 2011 jökulhlaup that destroyed the previous bridge served as a stark reminder of nature's power.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Múlakvísl is in a Katla eruption hazard zone. Always check the Icelandic Met Office for volcanic alerts. During eruption or jökulhlaup warnings, evacuate the area immediately following official instructions.
Sources to check
Location
Route 1 crossing
Between Vík and Skógar on the Ring Road.
Engineering
Sacrificial bridge
Designed to break away safely during extreme glacial floods.
What to Expect at Múlakvísl
- Glacial river with grey-brown sediment from Mýrdalsjökull
- Specially engineered bridge visible from Route 1
- Volcanic hazard signage and evacuation route markers
- Views of Mýrdalsjökull glacier cap towering above the outwash plain
- Evidence of the 2011 jökulhlaup that destroyed the previous bridge
- Sulfurous mineral deposits coloring the riverbed and banks near the glacier outlet
Nearby Attractions
- Vík í Mýrdal and Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Skógafoss waterfall
- Sólheimajökull glacier tongue
- Dyrhólaey promontory and arch (puffin colony in summer)
- Seljalandsfoss waterfall with walk-behind path
How to Get to Múlakvísl
- Crosses Route 1 (Ring Road) between Vík and Skógar
- About 2.5 hours from Reykjavik by car
- The bridge is clearly visible when driving the South Coast
- No special vehicle required—regular car on paved Route 1
- Brief photo stops are possible at safe pullouts near the bridge
Best Time to Visit Múlakvísl
- Accessible year-round via Route 1 (Ring Road)
- Summer offers clearest views of Mýrdalsjökull above the river
- Winter driving requires caution for icy road conditions
- Always check volcanic status before South Coast travel
- The bridge area is a brief stop—plan time for nearby attractions
Planning help
Múlakvísl River FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.