Iceland: Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike Small Group & Gear

Summary

Solheimajokull glacier hike easy small group with gear and guide

You’ll walk across Sólheimajökull Glacier with a small group and certified guide, learning about ancient ice and Icelandic geology as you go. Hear local stories, see moulins up close, and feel the strange quiet of this frozen world under your boots. All safety gear is included—just bring sturdy boots and curiosity.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out at Sólheimajökull was the crunch — that weirdly satisfying sound of crampons biting into old blue ice. Our guide, Ása, handed me an axe (lighter than it looks) and grinned like she’d seen a thousand nervous faces before. The wind carried this salty chill off the nearby sea, sharp enough to wake you up if you weren’t already buzzing from the view. There were seven of us, all shuffling around trying to figure out our harnesses; someone’s helmet kept sliding sideways and we all laughed, which helped.

Walking on the glacier felt both simple and surreal. You’re just… walking, but also not — every step is over ripples and cracks that look like something from another planet. Ása pointed out a moulin (I had to ask her twice how to say it), this deep hole where meltwater vanished into blue-black nothingness. She told us about how fast Sólheimajökull is shrinking — “losing 50 meters a year,” she said, tapping her boot for emphasis. For a second I just stood there breathing in cold air that smelled faintly metallic, listening to little trickles under the surface. Didn’t expect to feel so small or quieted by a place.

About halfway through the hike my left boot lace came undone (typical), so I had to kneel awkwardly on the ice while everyone waited. Nobody seemed bothered though — one of the guys from Berlin made some joke about “glacier fashion.” We stopped for photos near these jagged ridges where sunlight caught in the ice like glass shards. Honestly, I still think about that light sometimes when I’m stuck on the subway back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided hike on Sólheimajökull Glacier

• Meet expert glacier guide
• Receive crampons and ice pick
• Hike on ancient glacier ice
• Explore ice formations and crevasses
• Learn about glacier formation and nature

Top questions

How long is the Sólheimajökull glacier hike?

The guided glacier hike lasts about 1.5 hours walking on the ice.

Is previous experience needed for this glacier tour?

No experience is required; it's rated as easy but you should be able to walk about 3km over uneven terrain.

What equipment is provided for the glacier hike?

The tour includes helmet, harness, walking ice axe, and glacier crampons.

What’s the minimum age for joining this Sólheimajökull tour?

The minimum age is 8 years old.

Are hiking boots provided?

You need sturdy hiking boots with ankle support; rentals are available for a fee if needed.

How big are the groups on this glacier hike?

This is a small group tour; exact size may vary but groups are kept limited for safety and experience.

Can everyone join regardless of shoe size?

Crampons fit EU sizes 35-50; those outside this range unfortunately cannot participate.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary glacier safety gear—helmet, harness, walking ice axe, and crampons—plus guidance from a certified glacier expert throughout your small-group hike on Sólheimajökull Glacier. Just make sure you bring sturdy hiking boots or rent them onsite if you need to.