Sólheimajökull
The one you can do on a day trip from Reykjavik. The walk to the ice has grown longer since summer 2026.
- From
- €93
- Hikes compared
- 5
- Drive from Reykjavik
- About 2.5 hours
Glacier hiking in Iceland
On Sólheimajökull or in Skaftafell, with a guide: 32 tours compared from €87, with the age limits, the boots, and the new route on Sólheimajökull.
- From
- €87
- Best season
- All year
- Time on the ice
- 1 to 4 hours
- Tours compared
- 32
What is a glacier hike in Iceland?
A guided walk on the ice, with crampons, a helmet and an ice axe.
You meet a guide, put on the gear the tour provides, and walk on the ice for one to four hours, depending on the tour. Operators say you need no experience on their standard hikes, though the walk to the ice can be demanding.
It isn't something to try alone. Safetravel says a glacier is no place to go without experience and the right gear, and highly recommends a certified guide who knows the area. It adds that crevasses can open with little warning. Vatnajökull National Park gives the same advice for Falljökull.
Where can you hike a glacier in Iceland?
Mostly on Sólheimajökull or in Skaftafell.
Sólheimajökull is nearer Reykjavik. Skaftafell is further east, on Vatnajökull. A few more tours leave from Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón.
Skaftafell
For a stay on the south-east coast. Most tours take you towards Falljökull by 4x4 or bus, so you walk less to reach the ice.
- From
- €87
- Tours compared
- 16
- Drive from Reykjavik
- About 4.5 hours
Is the Sólheimajökull hike still running?
Operators still sell it and describe a longer route, but Safetravel still mentions cancelled trips: check before you travel.
On 22 July 2026 the Icelandic Meteorological Office said that reaching the glacier had become harder and more dangerous, and that operators had cancelled trips while they looked for safer routes. Iceland Review reported on 27 July that public authorities and most operators had agreed to keep access open.
Safetravel's page still said on 6 November that trips were cancelled. The operators' current pages describe the longer route, but no source we read says that tours have resumed, and pauses are decided day by day.
Which glacier hike should you book?
For a first hike, the most reviewed one on your route.
We earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
On Sólheimajökull
5 hikes from €93. Here are two, the others are on the Sólheimajökull page.
Most reviewed here
Meets at the glacier
A half day on Sólheimajökull, 15 people at most
For a first hike: by far the most reviews on this glacier, and the operator says you need no experience.
Lowest price here
Base camp with restrooms
3.5 hours from a base camp, with hot drinks
For the lowest price on this glacier, with hot drinks at a base camp and 12 people at most.
In Skaftafell
16 tours from €87. Here are three, the others are on the Skaftafell page.
Most reviewed hike here
Meeting point depends on the option
Three hours on Falljökull, with coffee afterwards
For a first hike here: the most reviews of any plain hike in Skaftafell, free parking, and about 1.5 hours on the ice.
Park fee included
Base camp in Skaftafell
Four hours on Falljökull, with the park fee included
For a 4x4 bus and the park fee included, with 1.5 hours on the ice in its itinerary.
Lowest price
Skaftafell airport
Three hours from Skaftafell airfield
For the lowest price on this site.
From Reykjavik
3 day tours from €170, all to Sólheimajökull. See the three compared.
Most reviewed
Pickup in Reykjavik
A day with the hike, Reynisfjara and Seljalandsfoss
For the shortest day and the most reviews of the three, with an hour at Reynisfjara.
Both waterfalls
Pickup in central Reykjavik
A day with the hike, two waterfalls and Reynisfjara
For stops at both Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, then 3 hours at the glacier and Reynisfjara.
With ice climbing
From €166 on Sólheimajökull, from €210 in Skaftafell.
Most reviewed climb here
On site or from Reykjavik
A hike and an intro to ice climbing, on site or from Reykjavik
For a first climb: the most reviews on this glacier, no experience needed, it says, and transport from Reykjavik if you want it.
Most reviewed climb here
Base camp in Skaftafell
A hike and ice climbing, 7.5 hours, 6 people at most
For a full day on the ice: 7.5 hours, with climbing boots included for EU sizes 36 to 50.
Compare in detail
Prices and ratings are read from GetYourGuide. Prices are rounded up. Last checked on 4 Nov.
Every tour here is free to cancel up to 24 hours before it starts.
| Tour | Duration | Starts | Min. age | Rating | From | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Sólheimajökull | ||||||
Most reviewed hereA half day on Sólheimajökull, 15 people at mostArctic AdventuresReaching the ice: Through a moss-covered valley, about 6 km for the whole hikeGroup size: Up to 15 peopleBoots: To rent, 1,500 ISKSeason: All year, says Arctic AdventuresKeep in mind: About 6 km for the whole hike. Boots cost 1,500 ISK to rent. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 4 h | The yellow Arctic Adventures bus, Sólheimajökull parking lot | 8 years | €96 | See dates: A half day on Sólheimajökull, 15 people at most | |
Lowest price here3.5 hours from a base camp, with hot drinksIcelandia (Icelandic Mountain Guides)Reaching the ice: Its page still says “a short walk”Group size: Up to 12 peopleBoots: Boots and rain gear to rent on siteKeep in mind: Each adult may bring only one young person. Its page still speaks of a short walk: ask how far it is now. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
| 3 h 30 | Icelandic Mountain Guides base camp, Sólheimajökull | €93 | See dates: 3.5 hours from a base camp, with hot drinks | ||
| In Skaftafell | ||||||
Most reviewed hike hereThree hours on Falljökull, with coffee afterwardsTroll ExpeditionsTime on the ice: About 1.5 hours, says its pageReaching the ice: Bus, then about 15 minutes on foot in its itineraryGroup size: Up to 14 peopleBoots: To rent on siteKeep in mind: Boots are extra, to rent on site. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
| 3 h | Depends on the option you choose | 8 years | €92 | See dates: Three hours on Falljökull, with coffee afterwards | |
Four hours on Falljökull, with the park fee includedArctic AdventuresTime on the ice: 1.5 hours in its itineraryReaching the ice: 4x4 bus, then about 30 minutes on foot in its itineraryGroup size: Up to 15 peopleBoots: To rent, 1,500 ISKSeason: All year, says Arctic AdventuresKeep in mind: Boots cost 1,500 ISK to rent. It runs all year, it says. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
| 4 h | Arctic Adventures base camp, Skaftafell | 8 years | €92 | See dates: Four hours on Falljökull, with the park fee included | |
Lowest priceThree hours from Skaftafell airfieldGuide to IcelandReaching the ice: “A short scenic walk” to the glacier's edge, says its pageKeep in mind: Its rating is below most others here. Transport to Skaftafell isn't included. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 3 h | Skaftafell airport, Flugvallarvegur 3 | €87 | See dates: Three hours from Skaftafell airfield | ||
| From Reykjavik | ||||||
Most reviewed from ReykjavikA day with the hike, Reynisfjara and SeljalandsfossGlaciers and WaterfallsTime on the ice: 3.5 to 4 hours in all at the glacier, the walk includedReaching the ice: About 6 km in all, 230 m of climb, uphill on uneven groundGroup size: Up to 18 peopleKeep in mind: From age 10. About 6 km and 230 m of climb at the glacier. It drives past Skógafoss without a stop, says its itinerary. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 11 h | Pickup in Reykjavik, 17 points | 10 years | €170 | See dates: A day with the hike, Reynisfjara and Seljalandsfoss | |
A day with the hike, two waterfalls and ReynisfjaraTroll ExpeditionsTime on the ice: 3 hours in all at the glacier in its itineraryKeep in mind: 12 hours in all. Its page asks you to bring boots, rain gear and gloves. What's includedIncluded
Bring
| 12 h | Pickup in central Reykjavik | 8 years | €170 | See dates: A day with the hike, two waterfalls and Reynisfjara | |
| With ice climbing | ||||||
A hike and an intro to ice climbing, on site or from ReykjavikArctic AdventuresReaching the ice: Up a moss-covered valley, to reach the glacier from aboveGroup size: Up to 8 or 19 people, depending on the optionKeep in mind: From age 14. You reach the glacier from above, up a moss-covered valley. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 5 h 30 | The yellow Arctic Adventures bus, Sólheimajökull parking lot, or Reykjavik | 14 years | €188 | See dates: A hike and an intro to ice climbing, on site or from Reykjavik | |
A hike and ice climbing, 7.5 hours, 6 people at mostArctic AdventuresGroup size: 6 people at mostBoots: Climbing boots included, EU sizes 36 to 50Keep in mind: From age 14. Waterproofs are extra, to rent. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 7 h 30 | Arctic Adventures base camp, Skaftafell | 14 years | €210 | See dates: A hike and ice climbing, 7.5 hours, 6 people at most | |
Where do glacier tours start?
At the glacier itself on most tours, or in Reykjavik on a day tour.
The prices are the lowest we read on GetYourGuide for each starting point.
Sólheimajökull
8 tours from €93
You meet at the car park at the end of road 221, and walk to the ice.
Hikes on SólheimajökullSkaftafell
16 tours from €87
On Route 1, 130 km from Höfn. Operators meet at several places nearby, and most drive you towards the ice.
Hikes in SkaftafellReykjavik
3 day tours from €170
Pickup in the city, 11 to 13.5 hours in all, with waterfalls and Reynisfjara on the way.
Day tours from ReykjavikJökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón
5 tours from €115
Further east, from the lagoons, by jeep or by boat.
Tours from the lagoons
Who can go on a glacier hike in Iceland?
From age 8 on most short hikes, 12 to 14 on longer ones, with proper boots.
Age
Eight is the usual minimum on short hikes, 10 on a few, 12 to 14 on longer hikes and ice climbing. Each tour's age is on its card.
Fitness
Arctic Adventures asks for a reasonable level of fitness on its Sólheimajökull hike. Melrakki asks for 6 km on uneven ground with 250 m of climb on its longer tour.
Boots
They should cover the ankle. Glacier Guides advises against running shoes, David The Guide says sports shoes may not fit the crampons, and Local Guide may turn you away without suitable boots.
Health
Some tours rule out pregnancy, heart problems or limited mobility, and the lists differ: open “What's included” under each tour. One hike we read gives a weight limit, 95 kg.
Too young for the ice
Arctic Adventures' walk to the edge of Sólheimajökull, from €67, has no minimum age and doesn't go on the ice.
How does a glacier hike work?
You gear up, reach the ice, and follow your guide in crampons.
Times and rules vary by operator: here is what a few of them say.
Meet and gear up
Arctic Adventures asks you to arrive 10 minutes early, Troll 20 minutes in Skaftafell.
Reach the ice
On Sólheimajökull you walk, 30 to 35 minutes each way in two itineraries. In Skaftafell a bus or 4x4 does most of it.
Walk on the glacier
Your guide fits your crampons and shows you how to walk safely, then leads you among crevasses and moulins.
Walk back
The way back is part of the tour: 35 minutes on foot in one itinerary, 30 in another.
When can you hike a glacier in Iceland?
All year, Arctic Adventures says, with limits in summer and in winter.
Summer
The ice is softer and grips better, according to Arctic Adventures. Local Guide of Vatnajökull gives April to September for its hikes.
Winter
Harsh weather can limit what you can do. Glacier Guides says the road to Sólheimajökull can be very difficult, and strongly recommends a pickup.
Ice caves
Fewer can be visited in summer, and some cave tours run in winter only.
Bad weather
Melrakki says dangerous weather can cancel a tour, with a full refund. Ice Explorers says it runs in any weather.
Can you go ice climbing in Iceland?
Yes, on a hike with an introduction to climbing, usually from age 14.
Five tours we compare add ice climbing: three on Sólheimajökull, from €166, and two in Skaftafell, from €210. Arctic Adventures says its Sólheimajökull tour needs no prior experience, and north ice rates its own at beginner level. Icelandia calls the climbing moderately difficult.
The age is 14 on most of them, 12 on Troll's. Climbing boots are included on the two Skaftafell tours.
What should you wear on a glacier hike in Iceland?
Warm layers, waterproofs, gloves, and boots that cover your ankles.
The clothing is Safetravel's advice for Iceland. Glacier Guides adds: no jeans on longer trips. The other two lists come from the tours' pages.
What to wear
- A wind- and waterproof outer layer
- An insulating layer: wool, fleece, synthetic or down
- A thin base layer in wool or synthetics, no cotton
- Warm gloves and a hat
- Warm, waterproof shoes, and socks in wool or synthetics
Usually provided
- Crampons
- A helmet
- A harness on most tours
- An ice axe on most tours
Often extra
- Hiking boots, often to rent
- Waterproofs, to rent on some tours
- Food and drinks
- Transport to the meeting point
What should you settle before booking?
Your boots, how you get there, the parking, and the terms.
Boots
Arctic Adventures rents them for 1,500 ISK. Check your tour's page: boots aren't included on most hikes.
Getting there
Most tours meet near the glacier. Only the day tours and some options pick you up in Reykjavik.
Parking
Paid separately at Sólheimajökull, says Arctic Adventures. In Skaftafell it depends on the operator: free with Troll and Melrakki, 1,000 ISK at the Icelandic Mountain Guides' meeting point.
Cancelling
Every tour here can be cancelled free up to 24 hours before. Ice Explorers adds that there is no refund on the day itself.
Is a glacier hike in Iceland worth it?
From €87 you get one to four hours on the ice.
The tours here have about 17,000 GetYourGuide reviews between them. That shows how many people go.
How much does a glacier hike cost in Iceland?
From €87 in Skaftafell and €93 on Sólheimajökull. A day tour from Reykjavik starts at €170, and a tour with ice climbing at €166. Prices are per person.
How long is a glacier hike in Iceland?
From 2.5 to 7.5 hours at the glacier, and 11 to 13.5 hours from Reykjavik. On the ice itself, about 1 hour on the shortest hike and roughly 3.5 to 4 hours on the longest.
What is the best glacier hike in Iceland?
It depends on your route. Sólheimajökull if you are based in Reykjavik, Skaftafell if you are driving the south coast and want more time on the ice.
How to chooseIs a glacier hike in Iceland easy?
Operators don't all say the same. Arctic Adventures says its Sólheimajökull hike suits adventurous beginners with a reasonable level of fitness, and Glaciers and Waterfalls warns of uphill walking on uneven ground. Melrakki rates its longer tour moderate, Glacier Trips its cave tour moderate to hard.
Can children go on a glacier hike in Iceland?
From age 8 on several short hikes. Icelandia says each adult may bring only one young person. For younger children, Arctic Adventures' walk to the edge of Sólheimajökull has no minimum age.
Ages on SólheimajökullIs a glacier hike in Iceland dangerous?
Safetravel says glacier trips carry real risks: the ice is always moving, the weather on it can be harsher than elsewhere, and crevasses can open with little warning. It highly recommends a certified guide. We have found no accident figures we can stand behind.
The warnings on SólheimajökullHow cold is it on a glacier?
Ice Explorers says it is usually no colder up there than at its meeting point by the lagoon. Safetravel warns that wind, rain and cold are often underestimated, and that hypothermia is a real risk even in summer.
Do you need special shoes to walk on a glacier?
Hiking boots that cover the ankle. Glacier Guides advises against running shoes, and most tours rent boots on site. The crampons have minimum sizes: EU 34 with Melrakki.
Can you hike a glacier in Iceland without a guide?
Safetravel says not without experience and the right gear, and highly recommends a certified guide. Arctic Adventures, which sells guided tours, calls going without one a very unsafe choice.
Sólheimajökull without a tourWhat is the closest glacier to Reykjavik for a hike?
Among the tours we compare, Sólheimajökull: north ice calls it one of the closest, about 2 hours and 20 minutes' drive. Troll says about 2.5 hours.
Day tours from ReykjavikWhere to start?
Pick your glacier, then your tour.
