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.
Glacier hike from Reykjavik
Three day tours with pickup, from €170: 11 to 13.5 hours, all to Sólheimajökull, with very different time at the glacier and on the way.
- From
- €170
- Duration
- 11 to 13 h 30
- Best season
- All year
- Tours compared
- 3
Can you hike a glacier on a day trip from Reykjavik?
Yes, on Sólheimajökull: count on 11 to 13.5 hours, with about 3 hours at the glacier.
All three tours we compare give about 3 hours at the glacier in their itineraries, walk included. Glaciers and Waterfalls says 3.5 to 4 hours, with the preparation and the walk both ways. Arctic Adventures gives about 1 to 1.5 hours on the ice itself, after a route of up to 6 km.
north ice calls Sólheimajökull one of the closest glaciers to Reykjavík, about 2 hours and 20 minutes' drive. Skaftafell is about 4.5 hours away, and none of the day tours we compare goes there.
What is the difference between the three day tours?
The length of the day and the stops, more than the glacier.
Glaciers and Waterfalls
The shortest day
11 h, from €170
3 hours at the glacier, 1 hour at Reynisfjara, 30 minutes at Seljalandsfoss, and only a drive past Skógafoss. From age 10, up to 18 people.
Troll Expeditions
Both waterfalls
12 h, from €170
30 minutes at Seljalandsfoss, 40 at Skógafoss, 3 hours at the glacier, 40 minutes at Reynisfjara. From age 8.
Arctic Adventures
The longest day
13 h 30, from €184
30 minutes at Skógafoss, 1 hour at Reynisfjara, 3 hours at the glacier, 30 minutes at Seljalandsfoss. From age 8, 15 people at most on the glacier.
Which day tour from Reykjavik should you book?
The shortest day has the most reviews, and it costs about the same as Troll's.
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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.
Longest day
Pickup in Reykjavik
A long day with the hike, two waterfalls and Reynisfjara
For the fullest day: 13.5 hours, three stops, and 15 people at most on the glacier.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | |
A long day with the hike, two waterfalls and ReynisfjaraArctic AdventuresTime on the ice: 1 to 1.5 hoursReaching the ice: Up to 6 km over uneven ground, moderate climbGroup size: 15 people at most on the glacierKeep in mind: About 1 to 1.5 hours on the ice. Boots are extra. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
| 13 h 30 | Pickup in Reykjavik, 22 points | 8 years | €184 | See dates: A long day with the hike, two waterfalls and Reynisfjara |
Arctic's climbing tour also leaves from ReykjavikEvery glacier tour in Iceland on GetYourGuide
A day tour, or drive yourself?
A day tour if you don't want the road, your own car if you want a shorter hike at the glacier.
| Day tour | Your own car | |
|---|---|---|
| Hike from | €170 | €93, plus car and parking |
| Length | 11 to 13 h 30 in all | 2 h 30 to 4 h at the glacier, plus about 5 hours' driving |
| Stops | Included in the itinerary | As you like |
| In winter | Someone else drives | Road 221 can be very difficult |
What does the day look like?
Early pickup, the south coast, 3 hours at the glacier, and a long drive back.
Here is Troll's itinerary. The order changes from one operator to another.
Drive out
2 hours to Hvolsvöllur for a break, then 40 minutes more.
Waterfalls
30 minutes at Seljalandsfoss and 40 at Skógafoss, a short drive apart.
The glacier
About 3 hours at Sólheimajökull, with the walk to the ice and back.
Reynisfjara and home
40 minutes on the beach, then nearly 3 hours on the road.
What should you check before a day tour?
Your boots, your food, and the limits of your tour.
Boots
Arctic Adventures doesn't include them, and rents them for a small fee. Troll asks you to bring hiking shoes. Glaciers and Waterfalls recommends sturdy hiking boots.
Food
Not included on the tours of Arctic Adventures and Glaciers and Waterfalls. Both stop for an hour at Reynisfjara, with time for lunch in their itineraries.
Clothes
Glaciers and Waterfalls recommends warm, waterproof clothes, a hat, gloves, and a spare set of dry clothes.
Age and health
From age 8 with Troll and Arctic Adventures, 10 with Glaciers and Waterfalls, which also rules out heart problems and limited mobility.
The route
It says routes and distances can change with the glacier. Weather and roads can change the order of the stops, says Arctic Adventures.
What is the closest glacier to Reykjavik for a hike?
Among the tours we compare, Sólheimajökull.
north ice calls it one of the closest glaciers to Reykjavík, about 2 hours and 20 minutes' drive.
How much does a glacier hike from Reykjavik cost?
From €170 with Glaciers and Waterfalls, €170 with Troll, and €184 with Arctic Adventures, per person.
How long is a glacier day tour from Reykjavik?
11 h, 12 h or 13 h 30, depending on the operator.
Is pickup included?
Yes, on all three: Glaciers and Waterfalls lists 17 pickup points, Arctic Adventures 22, and Troll picks up in central Reykjavik.
Do these tours stop at waterfalls?
All three stop at Seljalandsfoss or Skógafoss or both, and at Reynisfjara. Glaciers and Waterfalls only drives past Skógafoss.
Can you do a Skaftafell hike from Reykjavik?
Not as a day tour among those we compare: Troll puts the drive at about 4.5 hours.
Hikes in SkaftafellAre the tours running since the 2026 warning?
The page of Glaciers and Waterfalls' day tour now gives about 6 km in all, on the longer route, but no source we read says that tours have resumed, and pauses are decided day by day.
What the authorities sayRather have your own car?
Meet at the glacier, or stay near Skaftafell.
