Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike: Crampons and ice formations

Glacial formations shift and crack constantly, so no two hikes cross the same terrain.

A three-hour glacier hike on Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier of Iceland's 4th largest glacier system, where you meet at the parking lot, don crampons and an ice pick, and walk across the ice with a certified English-speaking guide. The guide is included. All safety equipment is provided. The hike is suitable for most fitness levels, though it is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with cardiovascular concerns.

The experience

You meet at the Sólheimajökull parking lot, where the guide outfits you with crampons, an ice pick and a helmet before stepping onto the glacier. The three-hour window on the ice takes you across a dynamic landscape of crevasses and seracs (the jagged formations that break as the glacier moves), and past a glacier lagoon. The guide explains how these shapes form and what they reveal about how the glacier flows and changes. Sólheimajökull sits surrounded by volcanoes on Iceland's South Coast, and the scale of the ice against those peaks is the backdrop for the whole experience.

The hike itself is the activity: you are walking on ice, using the crampons to grip and the ice pick to steady yourself on steeper sections. This is not a guided tour of the glacier viewed from a distance. You are on it, moving across it, feeling how the surface changes underfoot. The guide handles the route decisions based on conditions that day, so the exact path shifts with the season and the glacier's state. Bring warm layers and waterproof outerwear. The wind on the ice is direct and the temperature drops fast.

What’s included

• English-speaking certified glacier guide.
• crampons, ice pick and safety helmet.
• instruction on how to use the equipment and move safely on the ice.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:45

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “You meet us at the car park at Sólheimajökull. There is only one car park there so it’s quite easy. Just look for the car/mini bus marked by our company name.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Glaciers and Waterfalls

Is this one for you?Small groups work best on the ice. You move as one unit with the guide, so the experience stays personal and the guide can watch each person's footing. This hike suits anyone with a rental car on the South Coast who wants to walk on a glacier itself rather than view it from a distance or a tour bus.

Traveler reviews

4.89★★★★★★★★★★

9 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

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 24h before the start.

What do I need to bring for the Sólheimajökull glacier hike?

Warm, waterproof clothing in layers is essential. The ice is exposed and wind chill is significant. Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support work best under the crampons. The guide provides crampons, ice pick and helmet, so you do not need to bring those.

How do I get to the Sólheimajökull parking lot where we meet?

You drive to the parking lot on your own. This hike is designed for people with rental cars on the South Coast. The parking area is at the base of the glacier, and that is where the guide meets you to begin the hike.

What makes the glacier formations change from one hike to the next?

Sólheimajökull moves constantly, and crevasses open and close with the flow of the ice. Meltwater carves new channels, and the surface shifts seasonally, so the terrain you cross on one day may look different weeks later. The guide reads the conditions and chooses a safe route each time.

Is this hike suitable if I am not an experienced hiker?

The hike is suitable for most fitness levels, though it does require balance and the ability to walk on uneven, slippery ground for three hours. The crampons grip the ice, and the guide sets the pace and helps you navigate steep sections with the ice pick.