Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Guided Ice Hike & Super-Jeep Tour

Summary

Hiking Breiðamerkurjökull’s wild ice with real guides and crampons

You’ll cross shifting blue-and-ash ice on Breiðamerkurjökull with a local guide who actually knows every crack and story in the glacier. Expect a bumpy super-jeep ride from Jökulsárlón Lagoon, gear up with crampons and helmet (included), then hike 4–6 km across wild terrain—sometimes peering into moulins or crevasses if conditions allow. It’s cold, raw, and strangely peaceful—something you might remember longer than you expect.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the light bounced off Breiðamerkurjökull — not white, but streaked with gray and blue, almost bruised-looking in places. We’d met our guide by the Glacier Lagoon (Jökulsárlón), where the air smelled like wet stone and something colder. He handed out helmets and harnesses, checked our boots (mine barely made the cut), and then we piled into this huge super-jeep that looked like it could drive up a wall. The drive took maybe forty minutes, tires humming over gravel while everyone tried to act cool about what we were about to do.

Once we got out, the wind hit hard — sharper than I expected, even through my layers. Our guide, Jónas, showed us how to strap on crampons without stabbing ourselves or each other (I nearly failed that part). He explained how glaciers move and change, pointing out ash lines from old eruptions trapped deep inside the ice. Sometimes he’d stop midsentence just to listen for cracks or running water underfoot — apparently moulins can open up anywhere. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so aware of every step before. The glacier hike itself was about two hours, maybe 4 or 5 kilometers? Hard to say with all the zigzagging around crevasses and weird blue pools that looked almost fake.

I kept touching my glove to the surface — it’s rougher than you’d guess, almost gritty from volcanic ash. At one point Jónas let us peer down into a narrow crevasse; someone joked about dropping their phone in there and nobody laughed too hard because honestly, it could happen. The quiet up there is strange — just boots crunching and wind whistling past your ears. I still think about that silence sometimes.

The walk back felt different — legs tired but lighter somehow. When we reached the jeep again, everyone was grinning in that “did we really just do that?” way. My socks were damp but my head felt clear for the first time in ages. If you’re looking at a day trip from Jökulsárlón for an ice exploration tour with a local guide, just bring good boots and don’t overthink it too much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Glacier hiking and exploration

• Meet and gear up
• Drive 40 minutes in super-jeep
• Hike 4-6 km on Breiðamerkurjökull glacier
• Explore glacier features and formations
• Walk back to jeep
• Drive back to Glacier Lagoon

Top questions

How long is the glacier hike from Jökulsárlón?

The guided hike on Breiðamerkurjökull lasts about 2 hours covering 4–6 km on foot.

Is prior glacier experience required for this tour?

No previous glacier experience is needed; guides provide instructions and all safety gear.

What equipment is included on the ice exploration tour?

Crampons, helmet, and safety harness are included for all participants.

How do I get to the glacier from Jökulsárlón?

You’ll take a 40-minute super-jeep ride from the Glacier Lagoon meeting point to reach Breiðamerkurjökull.

What should I wear for hiking on Icelandic glaciers?

Wear warm, breathable waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots that cover your ankles for support.

Are rain jackets or hiking boots available if I forget mine?

Yes—rain pants, jackets, and hiking boots are available for rental at the meeting point if needed.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or kids?

The tour requires moderate fitness but no prior glacier experience; not recommended for young children or those with health issues.

What’s included

Your day includes a super-jeep transfer from Jökulsárlón Lagoon to Breiðamerkurjökull glacier plus all necessary safety gear—crampons, helmet, harness—and guidance throughout from an experienced local guide before returning to your starting point at the lagoon.