Travel along the south coast to the Sólheimajökull Glacier, where you will strap on crampons and walk with a trusted guide across an ever-changing landscape. Skip past the sightseeing tourists, and get up and onto one of Iceland’s most accessible glaciers.
Take your first steps onto a glacier with our customizable Glacier Hike Tour, designed specifically for first-timers. You set the pace, and we provide the expertise. This tour is perfect for those who want to witness the blue ice, deep crevasses, and stunning formations of Sólheimajökull glacier without the technical difficulty of ice climbing. Available all year round, with seasonal changes dictating the distances we travel on the ice.
Tour Overview
We start the Private Glacier Hike Tour by picking you up in Reykjavík and travelling along the scenic South Coast. The drive takes around 2 hours, passing volcanoes and waterfalls, with a quick stop to grab snacks before heading straight to the Sólheimajökull glacier.
It is here that your guide will prep you and provide you with all the necessary gear required for the hike (crampons, helmet, and ice axe). You will start your hike by learning about the glacier and how to walk competently on the ice with crampons. Once on the ice, your guide will lead you through the frozen landscape, searching for safe crevasses, moulins, and unique ice sculptures.
Unlike our climbing tours, no ropes are needed for exploration and there is no climbing involved, unless you specifically request a small taste of it. The focus here is on the journey and the scenery. You will spend approximately 2.5 hours on the ice, allowing ample time to explore without exhaustion.
The day is expected to last 11–12 hours in total, but is quite changeable depending on weather and time spent on the glacier. After our time on the glacier, we will head back towards Reykjavík. Depending on the timing of the day and your preferences, we may make additional stops at the iconic Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls to complete your South Coast experience. But bear in mind today is all about the ice, so additional stops will only be included if time allows it.
FAQ
- What if I have no experience? This trip is designed for first-timers with no prior experience on glaciers. It is the perfect introduction to glacier exploration. Check out our Glacier & Ice Cave Guide to learn more about what glacier hikes entail.
- What is the physical requirement? Although this is a beginner-friendly tour, hiking on uneven ice requires full mobility of your knees and ankles and a general fitness level. You should be comfortable walking for 2–3 hours on uneven terrain.
- Do I need to worry about ropes or climbing? No. This is a hiking-focused tour. No ropes are used, and no climbing is required. If you are feeling adventurous and want to try a small step of climbing, you can request this, but the standard tour is strictly hiking.
- What should I wear? Dress in warm, waterproof layers. Good sturdy hiking boots are essential (we can provide boots and waterproof clothing free of charge, upon request, if you do not have them).
- Will we see waterfalls? The glacier is the main focus of the day. However, since we are travelling the South Coast, we often have time to stop at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls on the way back, depending on the group’s pace and the timing of the day.
- Can I meet directly at the glacier? Yes, if you have your transport, you can arrange to meet your experience Hidden Iceland guide directly at the glacier entrance. Simply mention it to us when inquiring.
Highlights of the Private Glacier Hike
|
 DURATION 11–12 hours (2.5+ hours on the ice) |
 MINIMUM AGE 10 years old* (variable based on conditions and group size) |
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY |
CLIENT:GUIDE RATIO |
START & END |
*Difficulty level is set as moderate, though some may consider it easy depending on fitness levels. No prior experience is needed, but full mobility of knees and ankles and an ability to go up and down stair like slopes unassisted is required.
**This tour can be amended to be a Meet on Location.
| Inclusions • Activities as listed in the proposed itinerary • All glacier gear: helmet, harness, crampons & ice axe • Hiking boots and waterproof clothing, upon request • Private transportation in our luxurious vehicle • Led by one of our guides for the duration of the tour |
Exclusions • International flights • Meals unless otherwise specified • Accommodation |
Ready to make this your dream trip?
