Sólheimajökull Ice Climbing and Glacier Walk: Learn to Climb

Climb vertical ice walls on Sólheimajökull, then walk the glacier itself

Sólheimajökull ice climbing and glacier walk in Southern Iceland combines a guided hike across the glacier with instruction in ice climbing basics and a climb up the vertical crevasse walls. Your guide teaches you about glaciers while you move, provides all safety equipment and climbing gear, and keeps the group to six people maximum. The tour takes about four hours and requires moderate fitness. Participants must be at least 12 years old.

The experience

You meet your guide in the Sólheimajökull parking lot, where the real work begins: getting fitted with crampons, ice axes, harnesses, helmets and climbing boots. The guide checks every attachment and explains what each piece does. Then you walk about 15 minutes across the approach to reach the glacier itself. This is the warm-up, the chance to get your legs moving and your breathing steady before the climbing starts. The guide talks about what you're walking on, how glaciers form and change, and what the crevasses mean for how you'll move once you're on the ice.

The climbing happens on the vertical crevasse walls of the glacier. Your guide teaches you the basics of ice climbing: how to plant an ice axe, where to trust your crampons, how to move your body so your arms don't exhaust before your legs do. You're roped in, belayed by your guide, and moving one person at a time. The ice is real; the angle is real; the equipment keeps you safe. This is not a demonstration you watch. You do the climbing yourself, learning by doing it, with your guide managing the rope and the safety system and telling you what to adjust.

The group stays small by design: no more than six people per guide, which means you get actual instruction instead of being herded. Coffee and chocolates come partway through, a small break on the ice. Dress for cold and wind. The tour runs in good weather, and Southern Iceland's weather changes fast. You need moderate fitness to do this. The climbing is real work, and the altitude and the cold compound it. Bring or rent a waterproof jacket and pants if you don't have them. The glacier doesn't care what you wore yesterday.

What’s included

• Ice climbing instruction and glacier walk on Sólheimajökull.
• certified English-speaking guide.
• all necessary glacier and safety gear including crampons, ice axes, harnesses, helmets and climbing boots.
• coffee and chocolates during the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 14:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

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 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by Troll Expeditions

Is this one for you?You're climbing the ice yourself with a guide managing the rope and teaching you as you go, not watching a demonstration or being led on a walk. This suits anyone who wants to learn ice climbing by doing it, has moderate fitness and doesn't mind cold and real physical work. If you want to experience a glacier without climbing vertical walls, look for a glacier walk without the climbing component instead.

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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 24 h before the start.

What equipment do I need to bring for the Sólheimajökull ice climbing tour?

Hiking boots are the only piece of gear you provide. The tour supplies crampons, ice axes, harnesses, helmets and climbing boots. Dress in warm layers and bring a waterproof jacket and pants. If you don't have waterproof gear, you can rent it separately from the operator.

How long is the hike before the climbing starts on Sólheimajökull?

The hike from the parking lot to the glacier itself takes about 15 minutes and serves as your warm-up before the climbing begins on the vertical crevasse walls.

What does ice climbing instruction actually cover on this tour?

Your guide teaches you the basics of ice climbing: how to plant an ice axe, where to trust your crampons, and how to move your body efficiently so you don't exhaust yourself. You practice these skills by climbing the vertical crevasse walls with your guide managing the rope and safety system.

How many people climb together on the Sólheimajökull glacier?

Each guide takes a maximum of six participants, which keeps the group small enough that everyone gets real instruction instead of being rushed through the experience.

What is the minimum age to climb Sólheimajökull glacier?

Participants must be at least 12 years old and have moderate physical fitness to handle the climbing and the cold.

Does the tour run if the weather is bad?

The tour operates in all good weather conditions, so you should dress appropriately for cold and wind. Southern Iceland's weather can change quickly, so check conditions the day before and bring layers.