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.
Sólheimajökull parking and access
How to reach the car park, what we could and couldn't confirm about parking, and what Iceland's authorities said about this glacier in 2026. Read on 6 November 2026: check safetravel.is before you go.
- From
- €93
- Best season
- All year, say the operators
- Drive from Reykjavik
- About 2.5 hours
- Walk to the ice
- 2.3 km each way, says Troll
Where do you park for Sólheimajökull?
At the car park at the end of road 221, about 5 km off Route 1.
Road 221 leaves Route 1 about 6 km after Skógar, and runs about 5 km to the parking area. It is a gravel road, and Glacier Guides warns that it can be very difficult in winter. From Reykjavík, Arctic Adventures says the drive takes over 2 hours, Troll about 2.5.
Is parking free? The sources disagree. Arctic Adventures' page for its edge walk says it is paid separately, while Troll's guide page still speaks of a free lot. We found no price we can stand behind, so read the sign when you arrive.
What do Iceland's authorities say about Sólheimajökull?
That the way to the glacier has become more dangerous, and that you should go with a guide.
22 July 2026, the Icelandic Meteorological Office
Reaching the glacier had become harder and more dangerous. An ice ridge between two lagoons had thinned and become unstable, and operators had cancelled trips while looking for safer routes.
27 July 2026, Iceland Review
Public authorities and most operators agreed to keep access open, with the message that the glacier is only for groups with certified guides. Pauses in tours are decided on daily risk assessments.
6 November 2026, Safetravel
Its page recommends a guide who knows the area well, and still says that operators have cancelled trips.
6 November 2026, the operators
Their current pages describe the longer route, and the tours are still listed on GetYourGuide. No source we read says that they have resumed, so confirm with yours before you travel.
How long is the walk from the car park to the glacier?
About 30 to 35 minutes each way, on two operators' itineraries.
South.is says the distance has grown. Older pages haven't all caught up.
Troll
2.3 km each way
Against 1 km before. Mostly even, steeper at the end, and harder in rain.
Glaciers and Waterfalls
About 6 km in all
With about 230 m of climb, uphill on uneven ground. It says routes and distances can change.
Arctic Adventures
A moss-covered valley
On its climbing tour, you come to the glacier from above. Its edge walk covers 2.5 to 3 km without going on the ice.
Older pages
10 to 15 minutes
Arctic Adventures' general page says 15 minutes, Troll's guide 10 to 15. Icelandia's hike still speaks of a short walk.
Can you go to Sólheimajökull without a tour?
The last report we read, from July 2026, says access stays open, but keep off the ice and away from the lagoons.
The message agreed in July 2026 is that the glacier itself is for groups with certified guides. Safetravel tells you to keep off the unstable ridge and the other ice formations, and away from the lagoons. Arctic Adventures gives the lagoon below the glacier a depth of about 60 m.
On the path, spend as little time as you can under steep slopes. Rockfall can happen along most of the trail, and is more likely in heavy rain and sudden changes of temperature. Watch for freshly fallen rocks and rumbling sounds. Check conditions before you go, and follow the signs.
How can you see Sólheimajökull with a guide?
On a hike with crampons, or on a guided walk to the glacier's edge.
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No ice
For every age
A guided walk to the glacier's edge, without the ice
For children under 8, or anyone who prefers to stay off the ice: a guide, hot drinks, and no minimum age.
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.
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 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 | |
A guided walk to the glacier's edge, without the iceArctic AdventuresReaching the ice: 2.5 to 3 km on mostly flat, partly uneven pathsEffort: Rated easy by Arctic Adventures, no minimum ageKeep in mind: You don't step on the glacier. Parking is extra, and the path doesn't suit strollers. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 2 h | The yellow Arctic Adventures bus, Sólheimajökull parking lot | €67 | See dates: A guided walk to the glacier's edge, without the ice | ||
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 |
All the hikes on SólheimajökullEvery glacier tour in Iceland on GetYourGuide
Is parking free at Sólheimajökull?
The sources disagree, and we found no price we can stand behind.
Arctic Adventures says it is paid separately; Troll's guide page still says it is free.
Can you drive to Sólheimajökull glacier?
To the car park, on road 221. Glacier Guides warns that the road can be very difficult in winter, and strongly recommends a pickup then.
How far is the walk from the parking lot to the ice?
Troll gives 2.3 km each way. Two itineraries give 30 and 35 minutes. Some older pages still say 10 to 15 minutes.
Can you walk on Sólheimajökull without a guide?
The agreed message is no: the glacier is for groups with certified guides. Safetravel recommends a guide who knows the area well.
Is Sólheimajökull dangerous?
The Icelandic Meteorological Office warned of an unstable ice ridge and of rockfall along the access route. Conditions can change from day to day, says Safetravel.
Is Sólheimajökull closed?
The last report we read, from Iceland Review on 27 July 2026, says authorities and most operators agreed to keep access open. Tours can still be paused on a given day, so check safetravel.is before you go.
Can children see Sólheimajökull?
Arctic Adventures' walk to the edge has no minimum age. Children need an adult with them, and the path doesn't suit strollers.
Who can do the hikeRather go with a guide?
Compare the hikes, or take a day tour from Reykjavik.