Admission to Gígjökull is free
Visitors to Gígjökull are not required to make any payment for entry. Despite the limited capacity of the parking area, it generally accommodates the number of visitors adequately without reaching full capacity. Restrooms and sanitary facilities are not provided at this natural attraction.
Gígjökull stands proudly as a steep glacier tongue within Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull ice cap, reaching an impressive height of 1610 meters (5200 feet). Despite its source not being at the peak but rather in a crater nearby, this renowned glacier remains a captivating marvel of nature in Iceland. Over the centuries, decades, and years, Gígjökull has undergone significant transformations, drawing considerable attention in the modern era due to its retreat, often cited as a clear sign of global warming.
While global warming has played a role in the glacier's changes, the eruption in Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 emerged as a dominant force in recent times. On a broader scale, natural climate cycles have also influenced Gígjökull's evolution. Nonetheless, this majestic wonder evolves rapidly before our very eyes, contrasting with other natural wonders that remain largely unchanged throughout a lifetime.
The mesmerizing flow of the ice river
I first visited Gígjökull in 1974, and since then, I have returned many times, as it lies along the route to one of my most cherished destinations in Iceland, the Þórsmörk valley. Back then, it was a grand and expansive glacier tongue slowly descending the steep slope from the summit of Eyjafjallajökull. More than a century earlier, over numerous decades, Gígjökull had advanced, leaving behind the characteristic moraines on either side. By 1974, a small lagoon had formed at the tongue's edge. The tongue underwent a noticeable retreat from that point until the 2010 eruption, causing the lagoon to expand. Following the eruption and the massive flood resulting from the magma melting a significant portion of the glacier, which cascaded down and under Gígjökull, the lagoon vanished. Additionally, the eruption carried a substantial section of the tongue towards the Markarfljót river, which flowed towards the ocean, where the ice eventually melted.
The powerful forces of glacial movement are evident in the case of Eyjafjallajökull
Like any glacier, its slow advance exerts immense pressure, capable of displacing anything in its path. An example of this relentless force is the recovery of a plane that crashed near the glacier's summit in 1952, only to be discovered at the glacier's base in 1995. This phenomenon illustrates how objects deposited on the glacier's surface will eventually reach its lower reaches within a span of 40 to 50 years. Eyjafjallajökull's abundant precipitation ensures a constant replenishment of snow at its peak, a process that takes approximately half a century for the snow to make its way down to the glacier's terminus.
A beautiful oasis nestled in the heart of nature's wonders
Gígjökull captivates visitors with its serene charm and breathtaking landscapes. In July of 2024, I embarked on a photographic journey to explore the enchanting beauty of Gígjökull and its surrounding area. As I ventured into this picturesque location, I was immediately struck by the fascinating transformation that had taken place over time.
The small valley, once a tranquil lagoon, now teems with life as it is dotted with small ponds and lush vegetation. The remnants of the glacial lagoon have given way to a thriving ecosystem, where delicate creeks and spring water meander through the landscape, creating a sense of tranquility and abundance. The juxtaposition of the glacier's imposing presence against the backdrop of this flourishing oasis is a sight to behold.
As I observed the glacier, I couldn't help but notice the significant changes it had undergone. Its icy facade bore the marks of time and transformation, a testament to the ever-evolving nature of our environment. The interplay between the glacier's stoic beauty and the vibrant life that now thrives in its wake is a poignant reminder of the delicate balance that exists in the natural world.
The phenomenon of glacier retreat reversing into advancement amidst global warming has been observed
In contrast to images captured in 2020, recent observations reveal an advancement of the glacier tongue, marking a notable deviation from the prevalent narrative of glacier retreats serving as evidence of climate change. Notably, Gígjökull, a substantial glacier, has exhibited signs of advancement in 2024. One potential rationale behind this shift could be attributed to the refilling of the crater that had previously depleted of ice in 2010, now poised to supply fresh ice to the glacier tongue. Gígjökull, known for its susceptibility to climatic variations, has historically displayed rapid transitions between advancement and retreat.
How to visit Gígjökull
Finding Gígjökull is easy by taking Road Nr. 1 to Road Nr. 249, which leads to Seljalandsfoss waterfall. The challenging Mountain Road Nr. 249 starts after Seljalandsfoss, becoming rugged after 8 kilometers. Crossing streams and rivers, the route is suitable only for large 4X4 vehicles due to changing conditions. Driving in a small car is dangerous; consider a bus or tour company for a safer journey.
If you're planning to tour Iceland in a rental car, make sure to read this article about the three important things you need to know and the type of car that would be best for your trip!
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