Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike and Ice Climbing: 3 Hours on Ice

Three hours crossing crevasses, climbing ice, learning glacier geology

A small-group glacier hike and ice climbing introduction on Sólheimajökull, near Vik, where you spend around three hours on the ice with crampons and ice axe, exploring crevasses and ice formations before attempting a moderate climb. A certified guide leads the way, sharing insights about glacial geology and safety as you traverse this otherworldly landscape.

The experience

You'll spend about three hours on the ice at Sólheimajökull, starting with a glacier bus ride from the base camp to the ice itself. Once there, the certified guide leads you across a landscape of deep crevasses, ridges and ice sculptures: the kind of formations that only exist on an active glacier. The walk itself is easy, but the scenery is the point: pure white ice and glacial blue hues, the kind of color you don't see anywhere else. Your guide shares how the glacier moves and changes, and what the crevasses tell you about its structure.

After the hike portion, you'll try ice climbing on a moderately difficult section. This is a hands-on introduction, no prior experience needed, where you use the crampons on your boots and the ice axe in your hands to move up the face. The guide sets up the climb and stays with you throughout, teaching the technique as you go. It's the moment most people come for, and it's why the three hours on the ice matter: you get both the walk and the climb in a single outing.

You arrive at Sólheimajökull Base Camp (the National Park Visitor's Centre) at least 20 minutes before departure. The guide fits you with crampons, helmet, harness and ice axe, then runs through a safety briefing. After the climb, you return to base camp with time to catch your breath and photograph the ice before heading back. The whole experience, from arrival to departure, takes about 5.5 hours.

What’s included

• Safety equipment including crampons, helmet, harness and ice axe.
• experienced and qualified glacier guide leading a small group.
• tea, coffee, water and restroom access at Sólheimajökull Base Camp.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 10:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h 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 today

Good to know

Physically demanding

Operated by Icelandic Mountain Guides

Is this one for you?The 5.5-hour commitment (about three of those on the ice itself) fits into a single afternoon or morning, leaving time to explore other South Iceland sites the same day. If you're planning a longer glacier experience or a full-day itinerary, this is the introduction. If your schedule is tight, the concentrated time on the ice means you get both the hike and the climb without padding.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years). Children under 14 can't be included in the booking.

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.

What's the ice climbing part actually like if I've never done it before?

Ice climbing on Sólheimajökull is a moderate introduction where the guide teaches you the technique as you climb. You use crampons on your feet and an ice axe in your hands to move up a section of ice. The guide sets up the climb and stays with you, so there's no guesswork. No prior experience is needed. The whole point is learning the basics in a real glacier environment.

How fit do I need to be for this?

The operator requires a high level of physical fitness for this activity. The glacier hike itself is easy, but the ice climbing portion is moderately difficult, and you're spending three hours on the ice at altitude with full gear on. If you're regularly active and comfortable with physical exertion, you'll be fine.

What exactly happens during the glacier hike part?

The glacier hike takes you across Sólheimajökull's dramatic landscape of crevasses, ridges and ice formations. Your guide shares insights about glacial geology and how the ice moves, pointing out features as you traverse the surreal white and blue terrain. It's the foundation before the climbing section and gives you time to adjust to being on the ice.

Do I need to bring anything, or is all the gear provided?

All glacier gear is provided: crampons, helmet, harness and ice axe. Tea, coffee, water and restroom access are available at the base camp. Bring warm layers, waterproof jacket and pants, and sturdy boots. The guide will advise on what to wear when you book.

How long is the whole experience from start to finish?

The full experience takes about 5.5 hours, including arrival at the base camp, safety briefing and gear fitting, the three hours on the ice, and return to base camp. You'll need to arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.