Breiðamerkurjökull

Breiðamerkurjökull is a glacier located in Iceland, specifically in the Vatnajökull National Park. It is a tongue of the larger Vatnajökull ice cap, covering an area of approximately 290 square kilometers. The glacier is situated in the southeastern part of Iceland, near the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Breiðamerkurjökull is the largest glacier that extends down to the sea at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The glacier covers a wide area and flows down to the Atlantic Ocean in a series of glacial outlet streams. The glacier lagoon is known for its floating icebergs, which are broken off from the glacier's surface. These icebergs eventually become stranded on the black volcanic sand beach of the nearby Diamond Beach.

Breiðamerkurjökull has been actively retreating in recent years, a process that has been accelerated by the rising temperatures and melting of the surrounding ice. The glacier's retreat has led to the formation of new glacial outlet streams, which are rapidly changing the landscape.

Visitor access to Breiðamerkurjökull is restricted due to the unstable terrain and ongoing glacial activity. However, the surrounding Vatnajökull National Park offers guided tours and hikes to the glacier lagoon and surrounding areas, allowing visitors to observe and experience the glacier's majesty. Despite the restricted access, the glacier remains an important natural feature, attracting tourists and scientists alike.