Private Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull: Blue Ice Expedition

Walk onto the ice cap, rope-secured, and trace crevasses and blue moulins at your own speed.

A private three-hour hike onto Sólheimajökull glacier near Vik, where you walk directly onto the ice cap with crampons, ice axe and harness, guided by someone who adjusts the route to match your interests, whether that's the technical work of ice walking, the volcanic ash layers, or simply the quiet of the frozen landscape. Your guide speaks English, Czech or Slovak. Hiking boots and waterproof clothes are not included.

The experience

This is a strictly private ascent, which means the route and pace are yours alone. Unlike group tours that move in convoys, your guide curates the day around what you want to focus on: the mechanics of cramponing and ice climbing, the geology visible in the ash bands, or the silence itself. You walk directly onto the ice cap instead of viewing it from a distant overlook, moving across ridges and into crevasses with the rope and harness keeping you secure.

The three-hour expedition takes you onto the frozen surface where moulins (deep blue holes where meltwater drains into the glacier), and the texture of the ice itself become the landscape. Your guide provides crampons, helmet, ice axe and harness. You bring hiking boots and waterproof clothes. The guide speaks English, Czech or Slovak and adjusts the technical difficulty and the route based on your fitness and what draws you to the glacier.

What’s included

• Crampons, helmet, ice axe and harness.
• a live guide who adjusts the route to your pace and interests.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 13:00

Book up to2d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Czech and Slovak

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “We meet all travellers at the entrance of the car park, the car is a grey modified Toyota Land Cruiser.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditions

Operated by Icy Peaks

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to set the rhythm and the focus of your time on the ice. The guide follows your lead rather than moving a group through a fixed itinerary.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

9 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Czech and Slovak.

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 24h before the start.

What does a private glacier hike on Sólheimajökull actually involve?

You walk directly onto the ice cap with crampons and an ice axe, secured by a rope and harness. The guide leads you across ridges, into crevasses and past deep blue moulins: the holes where meltwater drains through the glacier. The route and pace are set by you, not by a group schedule.

How long does the hike take and what's the physical demand?

The expedition runs three hours on the ice. It's suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. The guide adjusts the technical difficulty and the terrain to match your fitness.

What gear is provided and what do I need to bring?

Crampons, helmet, ice axe and harness are all included. You need to bring your own hiking boots and waterproof clothes. The guide does not provide those.

Can I choose what we focus on during the hike?

Yes. Your guide curates the route based on your interests, whether you want to focus on the technical aspects of ice walking, the volcanic ash layers visible in the ice, or simply the quiet of the glacier itself.