Skaftafell or Sólheimajökull?
Sólheimajökull if you are based in Reykjavik, Skaftafell if you are driving the south coast.
Skaftafell
What is the difference?
Distance from Reykjavik, the walk to the ice, and the time you get on it.
| Sólheimajökull | Skaftafell | |
|---|---|---|
| Drive from Reykjavik | About 2.5 hours | About 4.5 hours |
| Short hike from | €93 | €87 |
| Reaching the ice | On foot, 30 to 35 minutes each way | By bus or 4x4, then 15 to 30 minutes on foot |
| Time on the ice | About 1 to 1.5 hours | 1.5 to 2 hours, or 3 to 4 on long hikes |
| Usual minimum age | 8 or 10 | 8 or 10, 12 or 14 on long hikes |
| Day tour from Reykjavik | Yes, from €170 | None among those we compare |
| Official warning | Yes, since July 2026 | The park advises a guide, as everywhere |
When is Sólheimajökull the better choice?
When you are based in Reykjavik, or short of days.
It is the only one of the two you can do in a day from the capital on the tours we compare, from €170 with pickup. If you drive, it is just off Route 1, past Skógar.
The price of that convenience is the walk: 2.3 km each way, says Troll, with a steeper end, and about 6 km in all, say others. And authorities warned in 2026 about the way to the glacier, so check your tour is running.
When is Skaftafell the better choice?
When you are already on the south-east coast, and want more time on the ice.
Most tours take you most of the way by bus or 4x4, so a short hike gives 1.5 to 2 hours on the ice. Longer hikes go up to 3 to 4 hours, which Sólheimajökull's hikes don't offer on the pages we read.
You also have more to choose from: 16 tours from €87, with ice caves in season and ice climbing. The park rates a trail close to Skaftafellsjökull as easy, if someone in your group stays off the ice.
What else should decide it?
Your children's ages, the season, and how far you are willing to walk.
Children under 8
The hikes that state an age start at 8. Sólheimajökull has a walk to the edge with no minimum age, and Skaftafell has trail S1.
Winter
Glacier Guides warns that the road to Sólheimajökull can be very difficult. The park says Skaftafell can be reached all year when the weather and the roads allow.
An ice cave
Two tours in Skaftafell include one, from €140. Sólheimajökull's hikes on this site don't.
The operator
We don't rank them. Each card here says what has the most reviews and the lowest price, read on GetYourGuide.
Which tours to look at first?
The most reviewed hike on each glacier.
We earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
On Sólheimajökull
5 hikes from €93.
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
7 short hikes from €87.
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.
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 | |
What is the best glacier hike in Iceland?
There is no single one: it depends on where you are and how long you want on the ice.
Which is closer to Reykjavik?
Sólheimajökull: about 2.5 hours by car, against about 4.5 for Skaftafell, says Troll.
Which is cheaper?
They start at about the same price: €87 in Skaftafell, €93 on Sólheimajökull. Add the cost of getting there.
Which is easier?
On Sólheimajökull the walk to the ice is longer and steeper at the end, says Troll. In Skaftafell, a bus or 4x4 does most of it. Nobody we read compares the walking on the ice itself.
Which company is best for a glacier hike in Iceland?
We don't rank them. On the pages for each glacier you will see the most reviewed tour, the lowest price, and what each one includes, so that you can compare.
Can you do both in one trip?
Yes, if you drive the south coast: they are on the same road, Route 1.
Decided?
Compare the tours on your glacier.