This glacier is the northernmost of the country.  Because of its retreat during the 20^th century, its area is now about 200 square kilometres, making it the country's fifth largest.  During the latter part of the 20th century, and the beginning of the 21st, it advanced and its area grew larger again.  It was the only glacier in Iceland to do that at the time.  Two of its snouts extend almost as close to the sea as one of the Vatnajökull Glacier’s in the Southeast.

Its highest point is Jokulbunga (925m) and other prominent landmarks are Hljodabunga (825m) and Hrolleifsbunga (851m).  When the now abandoned Hornstrandir Area was populated and The Strandir District was more densely populated, several routes across the glacier were frequented.  Nowadays they are a part of the popular Hornstrandir hiking routes.