SNAEFELLSJOKULL GLACIER

About Snæfellsjökull Glacier

Snæfellsjökull’s geological features make it a fascinating destination for scientists and adventurers. The volcano is around 700,000 years old and has a well-preserved caldera at its summit. The glacier and its surrounding area are part of Snæfellsjökull National Park, Iceland’s first national park to include a marine component. This protected area is home to diverse flora and fauna, including arctic foxes, seals, and a variety of bird species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Beyond its natural beauty, Snæfellsjökull holds a special place in literature and local folklore. The glacier gained international fame as the setting for Jules Verne’s classic science fiction novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth." In the book, the glacier serves as the gateway to a subterranean world, sparking the imaginations of readers worldwide. Locally, Snæfellsjökull is considered a place of great mystical and spiritual significance, often associated with various legends and tales of supernatural occurrences.

Visiting Snæfellsjökull offers a range of activities for adventure seekers. Guided glacier hikes provide a closer look at the glacier’s crevasses and ice formations, while snowmobiling tours offer an exhilarating way to explore its icy expanse. For those interested in less intense experiences, the surrounding national park features numerous hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the glacier and the surrounding landscape.