Skip to Content

Glacier Hiking in Iceland (2024): Best Tours, Useful Tips & Map of Best Locations

Glacier Hiking in Iceland (2024): Best Tours, Useful Tips & Map of Best Locations

Thinking of going glacier hiking in Iceland and wondering what to expect, where you can walk on the glacier, what are the best glacier hiking tours in Iceland, and can you go without a tour? This guide should answer all your questions and help you choose the best glacier hike in Iceland. Find out!

Iceland glacier hike is one of the must-do, bucket-list activities in Iceland. Summer or winter, a walk on the ice is an unforgettable experience!

In this guide, we answer all the frequently asked questions about glacier hiking in Iceland: when and where to go, what to expect, what to wear, and where to book the best glacier hike at any time of the year.

At the bottom of this article, you can also find a map indicating all the best locations where you can do a glacier hike in Iceland at any time of the year, as well as our hand-picked selection of the best glacier hikes in Iceland. Take a look!

 

TIP: If you have no time to read the entire article, you should know that if you want to walk on a glacier, you will need to go with a guide. Here are the best glacier hiking tours in Iceland:

If you want to visit a natural ice cave in Iceland, here are the best options:

Iceland glacier hike - best tours and practical info
 

Glacier Hike in Iceland – Our Experience

First, let me start by sharing a short review of our experience of the glacier walk we did on the Solheimajokull glacier in winter. Solheimajokull Glacier is only 2 hours drive from Reykjavik and can easily be visited as a day trip from Reykjavik (check availability for this tour including a transfer here).

Alternatively, if you are self-driving, you can book a tour that starts at the glacier itself. This is what we did – the glacier hike was a part of our 7-day winter road trip in Iceland.

Further below, you can find more information about the best glacier hikes in Iceland. But first, read a bit about our personal experience so that you know what to expect.

We started our glacier hiking tour by meeting our guides at Sólheimajökull Café.

Two certified guides accompanied us on the hike. They helped us to fit the crampons and the helmets and explained what to expect on the glacier and how to stay safe.

Good to know: Glacier hiking in Iceland is not something to be attempted on your own! Not only do you need special equipment to walk on the ice, but you should also only go on the glacier with people who are familiar with the area and have the necessary training to deal with any unexpected situations that may occur.

Glacier hiking guides in Iceland
Our glacier hike guides
 

Glacier hiking is a group activity. So unless you are lucky enough to book a tour on a very quiet day you will not be hiking on your own. Not that it matters much, there is plenty of ice for everyone ;).

After everyone in the group received the right equipment we started our hike towards the glacier. A few years ago the glacier used to be close to the café, now it’s a 30-40 minute walk before you even reach the ice.

Once you get to the glacier you have to put on the crampons and then the actual glacier hiking starts. But not before you take an obligatory picture with an ice ax of course ;).

Glacier hike tour in Iceland - review and practical tips
Ready for the adventure
 

The first part of the hike is a bit steep as you have to climb onto the glacier. You definitely need those crampons and ice axes here! In general, the glacier hike is really not strenuous and once you understand how to use the equipment it’s really fun.

The first thing that strikes you is that the glacier is covered in black ash – this is a result of various volcano eruptions.

Hiking on the Solheimajokull glacier in Iceland
Landscape at Solheimajokull glacier
 

The guides told us more about the glaciers and showed us some deep crevasses where you could also do some ice climbing. They also took us to some beautiful glacier formations – I had never seen so many shades of blue!

TIP: If you are interested in ice climbing, you should consider this popular tour. It departs from Reykjavik and includes glacier hiking and ice climbing.

We spent about an hour – an hour and a half on the ice. After the glacier hike, we took off the crampons and walked back to the car parking. The whole experience from the start to the end took us about 3 hours. Most glacier hiking tours in Iceland take about 3 hours; about 1 hour is spent actually walking on the ice.

Hiking on Solheimajokull glacier in Iceland
Hiking on Solheimajokull glacier
 

Practical Information for Glacier Hiking in Iceland

Below, you can find some practical information and useful tips you should know when thinking of hiking on a glacier in Iceland. Read on!

Who can do a glacier hike in Iceland?

A regular glacier hike that doesn’t involve any ice climbing is a relatively easy family-friendly activity. Everyone in reasonable physical condition can do a glacier hike. We had a couple of 70-year-olds in our group and they managed just fine.

Children have to be at least 8 years old to participate. I think it has more to do with the minimum shoe size for the crampons than with their actual age. Just a few years ago, this age limit was 10 years, so maybe they all acquired some smaller crampons in the meantime…

When is the best time to do a glacier walk in Iceland?

Glacier hiking in Iceland is a year-round activity. You can find a big variety of glacier walking tours in Iceland in summer and in winter. In winter, you can also visit natural ice caves.

 

Best places to go glacier hiking in Iceland + MAP

There are several places where you can go glacier hiking in Iceland. Below are the most popular locations for glacier hiking in Iceland – all of these are located on the popular South Coast of Iceland.

I also included a map to help you plan your trip. You can either book a tour from Reykjavik or directly at one of these locations (see further down for more information).

  • Solheimajokull Glacier is an outlet glacier from Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. This is one of the most popular choices for glacier hiking due to its proximity to Reykjavik. It’s also conveniently located en-route to the most popular landmarks of the South Coast of Iceland (Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, Vik Beach, etc.). You can book a tour on Solheimajokull glacier at any time of the year.
  • Svinafellsjokull Glacier in Skaftafell National Park is another popular choice that is accessible the whole year. Svinafellsjokull is a glacier tongue of the huge Vatnajokull Glacier (with over 8,100 km² it’s more than three times the size of the country of Luxembourg). Here you can find tours that start here.
  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Many ice cave tours start here even though the actual ice cave location is usually in the Skaftafell National Park. Ice caves inside the glacier can be visited in winter only (+- late October to March). Here you can book ice cave tours in this area.
  • Katla (from Vik or Reykjavik). This is the only natural ice cave tour that you can visit the whole year. This is the best price-quality Katla ice cave tour, it runs from Vik. This day tour makes it possible to visit this ice cave on a day trip from Reykjavik (or Vik) and this is the only tour I found that also allows kids from 6 years (instead of 8, as most others).

How to use this map: Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

 

What to wear for a glacier hike in Iceland

You don’t need to bring any special equipment for a glacier hike. The helmets, crampons, ice axes, and all the other necessary equipment is provided by the tour organizers.

No matter when you go walking on the glacier – in summer or in winter – you need to wear warm clothing and sturdy hiking shoes.

  • Make sure to wear sturdy waterproof hiking shoes (something like this). These are a must as it’s very difficult to fit the crampons on sneakers or any other light footwear. You may want to check our recommendations for the best winter shoes for your trip to Iceland.
  • Don’t forget your gloves!
  • Layers of sweaters and a waterproof jacket.
  • Water-resistant comfortable walking pants. In winter you need thermal underpants as well.

Depending on the season, you will need more or fewer layers of clothes for the glacier hike. But the items I listed above are a must in any season.

We did the glacier walk in November and it was freezing cold. In the beginning, it was so cold that some people even wore thin hats under their helmets. I didn’t have one that would fit under the helmet, so I used my polar buff at first. However, you quickly warm up by walking. By the end of the hike, it was even too warm.

Here you can find more information on what to wear in Iceland in winter and what to wear and what to pack for Iceland in summer.

Complete guide to glacier hiking in Iceland including tips on what to wear
You need sturdy hiking shoes to be able to fit the crampons
 

Best glacier hiking tours in Iceland

There are many companies offering glacier tours in Iceland. Glacier hiking is very popular and these tours often sell out. So no matter in which season you go, you best book your Iceland glacier tour in advance.

Below, you can find a selection of some of the best glacier hike tours in Iceland. The prices are the same everywhere, therefore I recommend booking your glacier hike tour through GetYourGuide because of their most flexible cancellation policy. We now book ALL our tours via this website and I can highly recommend it to everyone!

These are the best glacier hike tours in Iceland:

 

Iceland Glacier Hike FAQ

When is the best time to go glacier hiking in Iceland?

Glacier hiking in Iceland is possible at any time of the year. It doesn’t really matter whether you go in summer or in winter, it’s always just as nice and always worth it. If you are looking to visit an ice cave, that is only possible in winter, from around November until the end of March.

Can you walk on glaciers in Iceland?

You can visit certain glaciers in Iceland and walk on them, but you should only do this with an experienced local guide. You also need special equipment, which organized tours always provide.

Which glacier is the best for glacier hike in Iceland?

There are two main glaciers in Iceland where yours take place: Solheimajokull Glacier and Svinafellsjokull Glacier. They are both located along Iceland’s South Coast. There isn’t that much difference scenery-wise, so choose the tour at the location that fits your itinerary best.

Who can go on a glacier hike in Iceland?

Everyone in reasonable physical shape can go on a glacier hiking tour in Iceland, even children from 8-10 years. Walking on a glacier is not very physically challenging, tours provide all necessary equipment, and there is always a qualified guide to help you if needed.

Can you go glacier hiking in Iceland in summer?

Glacier hiking in Iceland is a year-round activity. So yes, you can walk on a glacier in summer. It will likely be colder and windy on the glacier, so be sure to wear layers. Even in summer, gloves are a must!

 

If you are planning a winter trip to Iceland, you may also want to check this article for more unforgettable Iceland winter day trips from Reykjavik and this one for the most amazing winter activities in Iceland.

Below, you can also find some practical information and tips for visiting Iceland. Take a look!

READ ALSO: Best Iceland’s Ring Road Itinerary

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Iceland glacier hike - complete guide and best tours
Glacier hike in Iceland: our experience and practical tips for your trip
 

You can also read this article in German: Gletscherwanerung Island.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Lauren

Thursday 3rd of August 2023

Hi Jurga, What is your opinion of the Katla Ice Cave tour vs. a glacier hike tour in the summer? Is one more impressive than the other? If you could only do one, what would you pick? Thanks!

Jurga

Saturday 5th of August 2023

Hi Lauren, I just answered a similar question to another reader a few days ago - please see the comments under this 4-day Iceland itinerary. It's a tough choice. In the winter, I'd definitely go for the ice caves since it's way more special. In the summer, it depends on how the ice cave looks like by the time you get there. But if in doubt, I think I'd still opt for an ice cave, but if you have never done glacier hiking before, then it's absolutely worth it too. In short, you can't go wrong with either ;). Have a great trip!

Patricia

Tuesday 13th of June 2023

Hi Jurga, I'm going to be in Reykjavik in August and interested in a glacier hike, but I'm nervous that it would be too difficult because I saw a review where someone said they were afraid of heights and found it physically challenging. I'm going to be doing the marathon and didn't know if it is smart to do that 4 days later?

Patricia

Wednesday 14th of June 2023

@Jurga, thank you very much for all the great info! ☺️

Jurga

Wednesday 14th of June 2023

Hi Patricia, if you are fit enough to run a marathon, I can't imagine that you would find a glacier hike difficult at all. Yes, some people will find it challenging, but keep in mind that many people don't have any physical training at all, never do sports, and then even a short hike to a waterfall or a steep staircase can be challenging. Whether it's a good idea to do it after the marathon, only you can tell. But 4 days is a long time to recover. Think of it that way - could you do a medium-difficulty hike with little elevation change of 1-1.5 hours after the marathon? If the answer is yes, then I really don't see why you couldn't do a glacier hike. Just for clarity - I am talking about regular glacier hikes and not ice climbing which can be more challenging, of course. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

Jessie

Sunday 4th of June 2023

Jurga We are looking Kvosin downtown hotel and didn’t know what you think. Is that good location for us to travel as base. Do you recommend staying at another location if we were to do golden circle or can stay in the city. Thanks

Jurga

Wednesday 7th of June 2023

Hi Jessie, this hotel is located in the center, so yes, its location is great for exploring Reykjavik. You may also want to check out our guide on where to stay in Reykjavik for recommendations. Whether Reykjavik is a good place to base yourself for sightseeing outside of the city, that's a totally different story. In the summer, I always recommend renting a car and making a road trip, staying at different places along the Ring Road. In the winter, Reykjavik is a good base since you can take day tours with local guides and don't have to worry about driving in winter conditions. So a lot depends on when you travel and how many days you have. You may want to check our Iceland itinerary suggestions to get a better idea of how to plan your time. Hope this helps.

Priti

Friday 3rd of March 2023

Hello. I am looking for an easy 1.5 hour glacier hike followed by some ice picking/climbing for my 4 teens. Any suggestions?

Jurga

Monday 6th of March 2023

Hi Priti, here are a few tours that include glacier hike and some ice climbing: Tour from Skaftafell. At Sólheimajökull glacier. Please note that these tours take about 4 hours. I don't think I've seen anything that is much shorter. Also, this time includes all the preparation, crampon fitting, hiking to the glacier, etc. So you will probably spend 1.5-2.5 hours on the ice depending on which tour you choose. Even regular glacier hikes usually take about 3 hours, so if you want to add ice climbing to it, it will be longer. Both of these tours allow kids from the age of 12. Hope this helps.

Fernando

Friday 22nd of November 2019

Hi Jurga, amazing article, Just planning a day trip to south coast and glacier hiking. I'm currently looking at dates and based on the weather I have two options, a sunny day and a partly cloudy/cloudy day. Does it matter? The sunny day I need to make a separate booking outside of GYG because it's sold out on the sunny day already (maybe just coincidence?). I'm getting the weather forecast from the Iceland Met Office. Thanks for your help!

Jurga

Friday 22nd of November 2019

Hi Fernando, I really wouldn't book this based on the weather because, well, it's Iceland and in generally, the weather will change at least five times a day anyway. It can change five times while you're walking on the glacier... :) Just book the day that best suits your schedule, dress appropriately for the weather, and enjoy it! Hope this helps.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.