Drangajökull

Drangajökull

Location of Drangajökull within the Westfjords

Drangajökull (pronounced [ˈtrauŋkaˌjœːkʏtl̥] , regionally also [ˈtraŋk-]) is the northernmost glacier of Iceland. It is situated southwest of the Hornstrandir peninsula in the Westfjords region. The glacier covers an area of 160–200 km² (62–77 sq mi), at an altitude of up to 925 m (3,035 ft). It is the only Icelandic glacier which lies entirely below an altitude of 1,000 metres and also the only one that has not shrunk in recent years.

The name is composed of dranga & jökull. "Jökull" means an icefield and the word was found in old German & English (ichil & gicil) but fell out of use. "Dranga" is genetive plural of "drangur" or "drangi" which means a - natural pillar of rock, as such forms are found on the coast northeast from the glacier. In fact Erik the red lived at Drangar.

See also

• Fjords of Iceland
• Glaciers of Iceland

External Link

• Photograph of Drangar;