Venture to the south coast of Iceland and set foot on the magnificent Sólheimajökull Glacier, where you’ll don crampons and traverse the breathtaking terrain under the guidance of an experienced expert. Leave the crowds of sightseeing tourists behind and explore one of Iceland’s most accessible glaciers.
Embark on your glacier adventure with our customizable Glacier Hike Tour, specially crafted for beginners. You’ll set the pace, while we supply the expert guidance. This tour provides an opportunity to absorb the mesmerizing blue ice, deep crevasses, and striking formations of Sólheimajökull without the complexities of ice climbing. Operated year-round, our itineraries adapt to seasonal changes that may affect the distances trekked on the ice.
The walk to Sólheimajökull Glacier. Hidden Iceland | Photo by Norris Niman
Glacier Walls. Hidden Iceland Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull. Photo by Norris Niman.
Sólheimajökull Glacier by Simon Svensson. South Iceland.
Tour Overview
Begin your Private Glacier Hike Tour with a scenic pick-up from Reykjavík, followed by a captivating two-hour drive along the South Coast—passing by volcanoes and waterfalls. A brief pit stop allows for snack replenishment before we head straight to the Sólheimajökull glacier.
Upon arrival, your guide will equip you with all the necessary hiking gear, including crampons, a helmet, and an ice axe. You will learn the ins and outs of maneuvering on ice with crampons before setting out on your hike. Your guide will lead you through the spectacular frozen landscape, pointing out safe crevasses, magnificent moulins, and extraordinary ice sculptures.
Unlike climbing tours, **this hike does not involve ropes or any climbing skills,** unless you specifically seek a small taste of that experience. The emphasis here is on the journey and the breathtaking scenery. Expect to spend around **2.5 hours on the ice**, which allows ample time to explore without overwhelming fatigue.
The structured day lasts approximately **10 to 11 hours** in total, though this may vary based on weather conditions and the time spent on the glacier. After our glacial adventure, we’ll begin our return trip to **Reykjavík**. Depending on our timing and your preferences, we might pause at the iconic **Skógafoss** and **Seljalandsfoss** waterfalls, but rest assured, today is all about the ice—additional stops will be made only if time permits.
FAQ
What if you have no experience? This tour welcomes first-timers and is the perfect introduction to glacier exploration. Take a look at our Glacier & Ice Cave Guide for more on what glacier hikes entail.
What are the physical requirements? While this tour is beginner-friendly, hiking on uneven ice requires full mobility of your knees and ankles and a basic level of fitness. You should feel comfortable walking for 2-3 hours on rough terrain.
Do I need to worry about ropes or climbing? No, this tour focuses on hiking. Ropes are not used, and climbing is not required. If you’re feeling adventurous and interested in a small climbing experience, you can certainly request it; however, the standard tour is strictly a hike.
What should I wear? Dress in warm, waterproof layers. Solid, sturdy hiking boots are crucial. If you don’t have your own, don’t worry—we can provide boots and waterproof clothing at no extra charge, upon request.
Will we see waterfalls? The glacier is the focal point of the day. However, since we’ll be traversing the South Coast, there’s a chance we may stop at **Skógafoss** and **Seljalandsfoss** waterfalls on our return, depending on the group’s pace and the day’s timeline.
Glacier Hike. Hidden Iceland. Photo by Emily Sillet / EJS Creative.
Tour Highlights
*This tour is rated as moderate difficulty—though some may find it easy depending on their fitness levels. No prior experience is needed, but participants should have full mobility of knees and ankles and be capable of navigating stairs or slopes unassisted.
| Inclusions: • Activities as listed in the proposed itinerary • All glacier gear: helmet, harness, crampons & ice axe • Hiking boots and waterproof clothing, available upon request • Private transportation in our luxurious vehicle • Guided by one of our knowledgeable experts throughout the tour |
Exclusions: • International flights • Meals unless stated otherwise • Accommodation |