Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike – Adventure in a Small Group
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Glacier Discovery is our most popular glacier hike for a reason—it offers an unforgettable chance to explore the spectacular Sólheimajökull Glacier safely and up close, even for first-timers. Led by certified guides, you'll walk on ice with crampons, peer into deep crevasses, and witness stunning features like ice ridges, sinkholes, and moulins that constantly change with the glacier’s movement.
What sets this tour apart is its perfect balance: it's adventurous yet accessible, educational yet thrilling. You’ll spend real time on the glacier—not just observing from a distance—gaining a deep understanding of how Iceland’s glaciers shape the landscape. With high-quality gear, small group sizes, and passionate guides, this tour provides an authentic and immersive glacier experience unlike any other.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please bring good, hiking shoes (high on the ankle), warm and waterproof clothing, hat and gloves.
A small amount of walking is involved (about an hour on the glacier itself, with multiple stops)
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Coffee & Tea at Basecamp
Certified glacier guide
Use of glacier equipment - Harness, crampons, ice axe and a helmet
Use of toilet facility at Basecamp
Hiking boots
Rain gear
Snacks
What To Expect
Begin your adventure at Sólheimajökull Base Camp, where your certified glacier guide will outfit you with crampons, helmet, harness, and an ice axe. After a full safety briefing, you’ll take a short walk to the glacier and step onto this spectacular frozen world. During the guided hike, you’ll explore dramatic ice formations, deep crevasses, and vibrant shades of glacier ice — from crystal clear to deep blue. Your guide will share fascinating stories about how glaciers form, move, and interact with Iceland’s volcanic landscape, as well as the effects of climate change on these icy giants. This easy and short glacier walk is designed for beginners — no technical skills needed. With plenty of photo stops and a relaxed pace, it’s the perfect way to safely experience one of Iceland’s most beautiful and accessible glaciers up close.
Options
Glacier Discovery – Bestseller
Duration: 3 hours
Great for active beginners: Our most popular option! A moderate hike that takes you deeper onto the glacier to explore crevasses and ice formations.
Reviews
668 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The hike was difficult...
Nazneen S,
Aug 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00The hike was difficult for me, as I have a desk job and not much physical activity. But my husband was having no issues. Nonetheless it was amazing and totally worth the hike. The guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Helped take pictures. Showed us cool stuff. Would recommend. No regrets.
Beautiful and unforgettable experience
Rutayisire C,
Aug 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00We did this 3h hike on the glacier EN family 2 adults and 2 teenagers. We did not have time to go to the most famous glacier Jökulsárlón but frankly we do not regret. The site is exceptional, DE hiking on the ice is also a magical experience and DE Elli's mistletoe was keen DE explain the origin of the site, its evolution and to share photos with the family. We were a small group DE 10 so perfect to evolve on the site without being too numerous. I recommend this experience.
Great!!
Sophie S,
Jul 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a super professional & friendly escort who could bring us closer to the glacier and its diversity. A great experience that you don't do every day!
Highly recommend!
Shannon E,
Jul 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00Sophia, our guide, was great! I felt safe and taken care of. Miraculously, we had beautiful sunny, clear weather and also only our family in our group! We are not sure how that happened, as other groups looked full. Either way, we learned a lot and saw a lot! Really cool to be on the glacier. Tip: Bring sunglasses that wrap around because the wind will blow black dust/ash into your eyes on the walk there. Once you get to the glacier, there is nothing blowing like that but the walk to/from can be dusty!
Hiking on a glacier!
Andrew M,
Jul 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was one of my favorite activities in Iceland. Our guide, Haynee, was terrific and taught us so much about the glacier. It’s incredible how much the glacier moves, many meters each year.
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Operated by Icelandic Mountain Guides