Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike: Small Group Ice Walk & Gear

Summary

Walk on ancient blue ice, hear stories from glacier guides, feel the chill

You’ll step onto Sólheimajökull Glacier with crampons and helmet, guided by locals who know every crack and shimmer in the ice. Feel the crunch underfoot, peer into crevasses, and listen to stories about Iceland’s wild landscape while sipping coffee at basecamp. It’s not just a hike — it’s standing inside something ancient and alive.

What’s the experience like?

We crunched over black gravel toward Sólheimajökull, boots already dusted with volcanic ash. Our guide, Ása, handed out crampons and helmets at basecamp — she grinned when I fumbled with the straps (“Don’t worry, everyone does the first time”). The air smelled like wet stone and cold metal. Someone’s thermos hissed open; coffee steam curled up into the morning drizzle. I was nervous about slipping but mostly just excited to finally be here.

Stepping onto the glacier felt weirdly quiet — like the world muffled itself under all that ice. The crampons bit in with a satisfying crunch. Ása pointed out a deep crevasse and told us how these cracks shift every year; I peered in and felt my stomach drop a little (in a good way). She showed us where the blue ice glows under thin snow, and I tried to take a photo but it never looked quite right. We stopped often so she could explain how glaciers move — her hands tracing invisible rivers through the air.

There was this moment when we all just stood still, listening to meltwater trickling somewhere below our feet. No one spoke for maybe half a minute — even the wind seemed to pause. I didn’t expect to feel so small or so curious at the same time. After an hour or so we headed back down, legs wobbly but kind of proud (I only slipped once, which Ása said barely counts). I still think about that blue light in the ice sometimes — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Glacier hike at Sólheimajökull

• Arrive at Sólheimajökull Base Camp
• Get fitted with crampons, helmet, harness, ice axe
• Attend full safety briefing
• Walk to the glacier
• Explore ice formations and crevasses
• Learn about glacier formation and climate impact
• Take photo stops at glacier

Top questions

How long is the Sólheimajökull glacier hike?

The hike includes about one hour on the glacier itself, plus time for gearing up and walking from basecamp.

Is this glacier walk suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s designed for first-timers with no technical skills needed.

What equipment is provided for the glacier hike?

Crampons, helmet, harness, ice axe are included in your tour.

Are children allowed on this glacier tour?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Do I need special shoes for Sólheimajökull?

You should bring sturdy hiking boots that are high on the ankle.

Is there food or drink included?

Coffee and tea are served at basecamp before or after your hike.

How big are the groups on this glacier walk?

The tour runs in small groups for safety and better experience.

Where does the Sólheimajökull tour start?

The meeting point is at Sólheimajökull Base Camp in southern Iceland.

What’s included

Your day includes coffee or tea at basecamp before heading out with your certified glacier guide. All necessary equipment—crampons, helmet, harness, and ice axe—is provided for your walk on Sólheimajökull Glacier. There’s also access to toilets at basecamp before you set off on foot across the ice.