Sólheimajökull Glacier hike from Reykjavik: 3-hour guided trek

Walk onto the ice and navigate crevasses on a working glacier

A 3-hour guided hike on Sólheimajökull Glacier, one of Iceland's most accessible outlet glaciers, starting from the glacier parking lot near Reykjavik. You'll gear up with crampons, helmet and harness, then traverse the ice with a certified guide who explains glacier formation and the landscape's ongoing changes. The small group size keeps the experience personal, and children from age 8 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided glacier hike at Sólheimajökull

• Meet glacier guide at parking lot
• Gear up with crampons, helmet, harness
• Walk to glacier edge
• Begin guided hike on glacier
• Explore crevasses and ice formations
• Learn about glacier formation and changes

The experience

You meet your guide at the Sólheimajökull parking lot and gear up on-site with crampons, a helmet and a harness before stepping onto the ice. The walk to the glacier's edge is short, and once you're on the surface, the hike covers the glacier's striking features: deep crevasses, moulins (ice holes that plunge into the glacier), ridges and dramatic ice formations shaped by the forces that continue to reshape them. Your guide shares how glaciers form and how this one is changing, turning the three hours into a blend of hands-on adventure and education about Iceland's frozen landscape.

The route stays on Sólheimajökull itself, so there's no long travel from Reykjavik once you reach the parking lot. The small group format means you're not moving as a crowd, and the guide can adjust the pace and stops to match the group's comfort on the ice. Children from age 8 can join, though the hike does demand moderate physical fitness and a reasonable comfort with steep terrain and exposure.

What’s included

• Your certified glacier guide leads the entire hike and explains glacier formation and environmental change as you walk.
• crampons, helmet and harness are fitted and included.
• the small group keeps the experience personal.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 27 Jun 2027

Book up to18h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

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 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 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Gravel Travel

Is this one for you?Book this hike if you have a free afternoon near Reykjavik and want to walk on actual glacier ice without committing a full day to travel and logistics. The three-hour window fits between other activities, and the guide handles all safety decisions on the ice, so you just need to show up fit and ready to walk.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 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 do I actually do on a glacier hike at Sólheimajökull?

You walk across the glacier's surface in crampons, navigating crevasses, ice ridges and moulins while your guide explains how the ice formed and why it's changing. The hike stays on the glacier itself for the full three hours, so you're on the ice the whole time, not just viewing it from a distance.

Do I need climbing experience or special fitness to do this?

No climbing experience is required, but you do need moderate physical fitness and comfort walking on steep, uneven ice terrain. The guide handles all technical decisions about route and safety. Your job is to keep up the pace and follow instructions on the ice.

What gear does the tour provide, and what do I bring?

Crampons, helmet and harness are all included and fitted on-site at the parking lot. Bring warm, waterproof layers, sturdy hiking boots, and a backpack with snacks. Water is not provided, so bring your own.

How far is Sólheimajökull from Reykjavik, and how do I get there?

Sólheimajökull is in South Iceland, roughly two hours' drive from Reykjavik. You arrange your own transport to the glacier parking lot, where you'll meet your guide. The tour itself begins and ends at that parking lot.

What makes Sólheimajökull different from other glaciers in Iceland?

Sólheimajökull is one of Iceland's most accessible outlet glaciers, meaning you can reach it without a long trek to get to the ice. It's also visibly active, with striking crevasses and ice formations that change seasonally, so the landscape your guide shows you is never quite the same twice.