Finding The Unexpected Glacier In Iceland

After spending a couple of days at The Blue Lagoon in Iceland, we relocated to Reykjavik, where we had the convenience of a vehicle for easy navigation. On this day, our objective was to explore as many striking Icelandic attractions as possible.

Exploring the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik

The day was packed with magnificent waterfalls, awe-inspiring yet intimidating volcanoes, and formidable geysers. However, one activity I had eagerly anticipated was embarking on a snowmobile ride atop a glacier.

Anticipation of Snowmobiling on a Glacier

After a long day of driving from one scenic spot to another, we finally reached the snowmobiling location. Exhausted yet enthusiastic, we were disheartened to discover that the establishment was closed.

Encountering Challenges in Glacier Access

Although there was staff present, the individuals qualified to facilitate glacier trips were unavailable, leaving us with no option but to forgo our plans. Disappointment loomed, yet I resolved to explore alternative sites.

As fate would have it, the situation remained unchanged, and with an early morning flight scheduled for the following day, returning at dawn was impractical.

The Unexpected Discovery of the Glacier

Undeterred, I consulted Google Maps, which indicated the existence of a glacier not far from our location. It was situated off the beaten path, and my foremost advice for anyone considering off-road travel in Iceland is to secure a vehicle suitable for that terrain!

What followed was a cautious and anxious drive across volcanic rocks in our small car until we reached the base of a hill, at which point we decided to continue our search on foot.

Experiencing the Glacier Up Close

After trekking for what seemed an eternity, we eventually arrived at the foot of a towering mountain, where a glimmer of ice was visible in the distance.

While I am always up for a challenge, the prospect of climbing that mountain in unsuitable footwear and attire was daunting, prompting me to settle for a distant view of the glacier. (If you look closely in the previous image, you can see a group of individuals traversing the glacier, highlighting the vast distance involved).

However, Lloyd pointed out that I was already standing on the glacier…

The glacier was merely concealed beneath a thin layer of sand, which obscured the ice beneath it!

I initially perceived it to be akin to a shallow layer of melting snow atop the ground, mistakenly thinking that the mountain was merely dusted with a bit of snow (which certainly looks that way, doesn’t it?).

Feeling accomplished, I ventured to explore further along the glacier. As I proceeded, I began to grasp the true scale of the glacier, although I did take a rather careless action that I would not recommend.

In my eagerness, I stood underneath a protruding ice shelf to touch it. It soon became clear that these ice formations were at risk of breaking off the main glacier.

Realizing the potential danger, I quickly moved away.

Lloyd decided it would be an exceptional notion to sample some ice from the glacier. Aware that glaciers take years to melt, I thought tasting the glacier would be a unique experience!

I must admit, I struggled with the art of licking ice! What an amusing expression I captured (but I swiftly moved on from that moment).

It turns out the ice had no flavor, which was reassuring; it wasn’t salty or “earthy” in any way!

Reflections and Lessons Learned

The rest of our evening was filled with lighthearted antics around the glacier, featuring playful attempts at capturing stunning photographs while engaging in playful activities, like jumping across the small river created by melting glacier water.

Eventually, we made our way back to the vehicle, bidding farewell to the glacier.

After navigating the challenging dirt roads back to the main route, we passed by the glacier once more. This time, I was filled with a sense of satisfaction and pride, realizing that our determination had resulted in the unforgettable experience of standing on a glacier that had once seemed impossibly distant.

Discover more: Best things to do in Iceland