Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing from Reykjavík
You climb an ice wall on your first glacier, with a guide holding the rope.
Hike and ice climb on Sólheimajökull Glacier in a small group of up to 8 with a certified English-speaking guide, all safety gear provided, and optional introductory climbing for beginners. Departing from Reykjavík, the tour includes pickup, sightseeing stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, and a moderate 5.5-hour day on the South Coast. No prior climbing or glacier experience required, though moderate fitness and hiking boots with ankle support are necessary.
Options for this experience
2 optionsWhat’s included
- Introductory ice climbing (optional).
- all necessary glacier safety gear including harness, helmet, crampons and ice axe.
- English-speaking certified glacier guide.
- guided hike across Sólheimajökull Glacier.
- Reykjavík hotel pickup and drop-off (from Reykjavík option only).
- sightseeing stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls (from Reykjavík option only).
Times
- Every day 08:00 11:30 12:30
Before you book
Operated by Arctic Adventures
Prices and times updated today
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The experience
You leave Reykjavík in the morning and spend the drive south taking in two of Iceland's most recognizable waterfalls (Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss) before arriving at Sólheimajökull. The glacier itself sees far fewer visitors than Iceland's better-known ice fields, which means the experience feels less like a queue and more like an actual expedition. Your guide is certified in both glacier travel and ice climbing, and the group stays under 8 people, so instruction is direct and paced to where you actually are.
Once on the ice, you get crampons, an ice axe, helmet and harness. Everything fitted and explained. The hike crosses the glacier's working terrain: crevasses, ridges, sections of vivid blue ice that shift year to year. The optional ice climbing happens after, on a frozen wall where the guide sets up the rope and walks you through the footwork and hand placement. Beginners do this all the time. The guide's job is to make it feel possible, not to perform. You're climbing, not watching someone else climb. Hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory, and the terrain is uneven with moderate elevation. Plan on moving across roughly 8 kilometers over the day.
The tour runs 5.5 hours total. If you're booking from Reykjavík, pickup and drop-off at your hotel are included, so you don't rent a car or navigate to the trailhead yourself. If you're already in the area and want to meet at the glacier parking lot instead, that option exists too. All the safety gear is provided. You bring sturdy clothes, waterproof layers, and the right boots. Minimum age is 14, and crampons come in sizes 35–50 EU shoe size: worth confirming before you book if you're outside that range.
Is this one for you?Book from Reykjavík if you want the full South Coast experience without renting a car: the waterfalls and glacier fit into one morning, and the guide handles all the driving. Meet at the glacier if you're already exploring the area and want to skip the waterfall stops and longer travel time.
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Top questions
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
Can I do the ice climbing part if I've never climbed before?
The ice climbing is introductory and optional, designed for beginners and people with no climbing experience. The guide sets up the rope, shows you the technique, and stays with you on the wall. All skill levels are welcome on this tour.
What's the difference between booking from Reykjavík and meeting at Sólheimajökull?
Booking from Reykjavík includes hotel pickup and drop-off, plus stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls on the drive south. Meeting at the glacier parking lot means you arrange your own transport but skip the drive time and waterfall stops.
How crowded does Sólheimajökull get compared to other Icelandic glaciers?
Sólheimajökull sees significantly fewer visitors than Iceland's more famous glaciers, offering a more authentic experience with less congestion on the ice and more personalized attention from your guide in the small group.
What happens if I'm not fit enough for an 8-kilometer hike?
The tour is rated moderate and requires at least moderate physical fitness to hike across uneven glacier terrain with elevation changes. If you have concerns about your fitness level or any health conditions affecting your cardiovascular system or spine, discuss them with the operator before booking.
Is food included, and should I bring water?
Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. Bring water and snacks for the 5.5-hour day. The operator does not provide them.
Do I need to bring my own hiking boots, or can I rent them?
Hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory and must be your own. If you don't have them, sturdy hiking shoes, waterproof jackets and pants can be rented separately before the tour.
Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing from Reykjavík
5h 30m · EN
from US$ 217 per person
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