Solheimajokull Glacier Hike with Gear & Local Guide

Summary

Guided glacier hike on solheimajokull with safety gear included

You’ll step right onto Sólheimajökull’s gritty glacier surface with a local guide who knows every crack and story. Expect real Icelandic weather, gear provided, and time to pause at crevasses or try out your best Icelandic pronunciation. It’s challenging but worth it — you’ll remember that strange quiet long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We were already lacing up our boots in the Sólheimajökull parking lot when I realized how much darker the glacier looked up close — streaks of ash tangled into the ice, almost like someone had painted it in charcoal. Our guide, Einar, handed out helmets and crampons while joking about Icelandic weather (he said if you don’t like it, just wait five minutes). I fumbled with my harness a bit; Einar just grinned and tightened it for me. The wind carried this sharp, mineral smell off the ice that I still can’t quite describe.

Setting foot on the glacier felt weirdly crunchy — not slippery like I’d expected, but gritty where the volcanic ash mixed in. We stopped at a crevasse that looked bottomless; Einar tapped his ice axe against the edge and told us about how these cracks shift every season. Someone asked if he ever gets tired of this view and he shrugged, said every day is different out here. There was a moment where we just stood there listening to nothing but our own boots squeaking and some distant meltwater trickling somewhere below. Kind of eerie, honestly.

I tried to say “Sólheimajökull” properly and got it totally wrong — Einar laughed and gave me a slower version to practice (I’m still not sure I’ve got it). The hike itself was steady but not easy; you need to watch your step and trust those spikes on your feet. At one point my glove slipped off and my hand hit the ice — colder than I expected, almost sticky. We took a group photo near this blue patch where sunlight cut through the clouds for maybe two minutes before everything went gray again. That little flash of color stuck with me more than any postcard shot.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Glacier hike at Sólheimajökull

• Meet guide at parking lot
• Gear up with harness and crampons
• Receive safety briefing
• Begin glacier hike
• Explore crevasses and formations
• Ask guide questions about glacier
• Take photos at scenic spots

Top questions

How difficult is the Solheimajokull glacier hike?

The hike is moderately challenging; it's not recommended for children under 12 or travelers with physical limitations.

Is equipment provided for the glacier hike?

Yes, crampons, helmets, harnesses, and an ice axe are included for all participants.

Where does the Solheimajokull tour start?

You meet your guide directly at the Sólheimajökull parking lot for gearing up and briefing.

Can children join this glacier hiking tour?

No, it's not suggested for children under 12 years old due to safety reasons.

Is lunch included in this day trip?

No meals are included; only safety equipment and guiding are provided.

Are guides certified for glacier hiking?

Yes, all guides are certified and experienced in leading glacier hikes safely.

What should I bring for the Solheimajokull hike?

You should arrive with hiking boots and gloves; other gear is provided on site.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your certified local guide at Sólheimajökull parking lot, getting fitted with crampons, helmet, harness, and an ice axe before heading onto the glacier together—no extra gear needed except your own boots and gloves.