Ziplining Sólheimajökull Glacier: Guided hike and ice crossing

Hike onto an active glacier, then soar across it by zipline

Ziplining on Sólheimajökull Glacier pairs a guided hike across the ice with a harness flight over the glacial landscape. A certified guide leads the walk, points out moulins and crevasses, and manages the zipline crossing. The full experience takes four hours. You can also opt to skip the zipline and stay on the glacier for the hike alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Glacier hike and zipline adventure

• Guided hike on Sólheimajökull Glacier
• Learn about glacier geology
• Observe moulins and crevasses
• Zipline over the glacier
• Option to watch from glacier (no-fly ticket)

The experience

The activity starts with a walk onto Sólheimajökull Glacier itself. Crampons strap to your boots and grip the ice as you move across the surface with your guide, who explains the geology of the glacier and shows you the formations (moulins, crevasses, the raw structure of the ice) that make each glacier unique. This is not a passive viewing. You're walking the glacier, feeling the terrain shift under your feet, and learning what you're standing on.

After the hike, you move toward the zipline. Strapped into a harness, you glide across the glacier, suspended above the ice and the landscape beyond. The crossing gives you a view of the glacier from a perspective the walk alone cannot reach. If you'd rather not fly, a no-fly ticket lets you complete the full hike and stay on the glacier while others take the line. You're still on the ice, still with the guide, just without the flight.

The whole outing runs four hours. A certified glacier guide manages both the hike and the zipline, so the logistics and safety are handled by someone who knows the terrain. Ice climbing can be added to the booking if you want to extend the day.

What’s included

• Certified glacier guide.
• crampons for the glacier walk.
• harness and safety equipment for the zipline crossing.
• instruction on glacier geology and formations.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (10 to 80 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Meet your guide on the parking lot of Sólheimajökull.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Ice Pic Journeys

Is this one for you?The four-hour pace means a full morning or afternoon commitment on the glacier itself, so plan for a day when you can dedicate the time to both the walk and the flight without rushing. The no-fly option lets you stay on the ice if the zipline doesn't appeal, so the glacier experience itself doesn't depend on taking the flight.

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Top questions

What's the physical demand of walking on Sólheimajökull Glacier with crampons?

The hike requires at least a moderate level of fitness. You're walking on ice with crampons for the duration of the glacier portion, which involves uneven terrain and sustained movement. The guide sets the pace and manages the route, but you need to be comfortable with the effort of walking on a glacier surface.

Can I do the glacier hike without the zipline?

Yes. A no-fly ticket lets you complete the full glacier hike and stay on the ice while others take the zipline crossing. You get the same guide, the same time on the glacier, and the same geological explanation. Just without the harness flight.

What does the certified guide do during the activity?

The guide leads the hike onto the glacier, explains the geology and points out features like moulins and crevasses, manages the crampons and safety equipment, and oversees the zipline crossing. The guide's role covers both the walking and the flight portions of the four hours.

Is ice climbing included, or is it an add-on?

Ice climbing is available as an add-on upon request. It's not part of the standard four-hour activity but can be arranged when you book.