Sources and method

The facts and their sources

1. 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. safetravel.is, read 6 Nov
2. Safetravel warns that crevasses can open with little warning. safetravel.is, read 6 Nov
3. Safetravel says Icelandic glaciers are always moving, and that the weather on them can be harsher than elsewhere. safetravel.is, read 6 Nov
4. Safetravel says wind, rain and cold are often underestimated, and that hypothermia is a real risk even in summer. safetravel.is, read 6 Nov
5. Safetravel recommends a waterproof outer layer, an insulating layer and a thin base layer, in wool or synthetics rather than cotton. safetravel.is, read 6 Nov
6. Safetravel calls warm gloves and something on your head essential, and asks for warm, waterproof shoes and socks that are not cotton. safetravel.is, read 6 Nov
7. On 22 July 2026 the Icelandic Meteorological Office said that reaching Sólheimajökull had become harder and more dangerous. en.vedur.is, read 6 Nov
8. It said that a new lagoon had formed east of the glacier tongue, and that the ice ridge between the two lagoons had thinned and become unstable. en.vedur.is, read 6 Nov
9. It said that tour operators had cancelled trips as a precaution while they looked for safer routes. en.vedur.is, read 6 Nov
10. It warned of rockfall from Jökulhaus, the mountain above the access route, along most of the trail. en.vedur.is, read 6 Nov
11. It said rockfall can't be predicted, and that it is more likely in heavy rain and sudden changes of temperature. en.vedur.is, read 6 Nov
12. It tells visitors to watch steep slopes for recently fallen rocks and for rumbling sounds. en.vedur.is, read 6 Nov
13. Iceland Review reported on 27 July 2026 that public authorities and most operators had agreed to keep access to Sólheimajökull open. www.icelandreview.com, read 6 Nov
14. It reported that some companies had paused their guided tours, on the strength of daily risk assessments. www.icelandreview.com, read 6 Nov
15. It reported that the agreed message to visitors is to walk on the glacier only with certified guides. www.icelandreview.com, read 6 Nov
16. Safetravel recommends going to Sólheimajökull with a guide who knows the area well. safetravel.is, read 6 Nov
17. Safetravel's page on Sólheimajökull, as we read it on 6 November 2026, still said that operators had cancelled trips while safer routes were assessed. safetravel.is, read 6 Nov
18. Safetravel tells visitors to keep off the unstable ridge and the other ice formations, and away from the lagoons. safetravel.is, read 6 Nov
19. Safetravel tells visitors to spend as little time as they can under steep slopes. safetravel.is, read 6 Nov
20. Safetravel tells visitors to check conditions before they go and to follow the signs, because conditions can change from day to day. safetravel.is, read 6 Nov
21. South.is, the regional tourism site, says the distance to reach the glacier trail has grown. www.south.is, read 6 Nov
22. South.is describes Sólheimajökull as an outlet of Mýrdalsjökull that responds quickly to climate change. www.south.is, read 6 Nov
23. Troll's page for this hike gives a new approach of 2.3 km each way, against 1 km before. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
24. It says most of the path is fairly even, and that the last section before the glacier is steeper and harder. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
25. It says rain can make the new route more demanding. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
26. Its itinerary gives 30 minutes on foot each way. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
27. Troll puts Sólheimajökull about 2.5 hours by car from Reykjavík. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
28. Troll asks for good ankle-supporting hiking shoes, which you can rent. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
29. Glaciers and Waterfalls gives about 6 km in all and about 230 m of climb. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
30. It says the time at the glacier takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, with the preparation, the walk there and the walk back. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
31. It says you need no glacier experience, but that the approach climbs over uneven mountain ground. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
32. It says routes and distances can change with the state of the glacier. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
33. The itinerary of Glaciers and Waterfalls' meet-on-site hike gives 35 minutes' walk each way, 20 minutes for the safety briefing and 1 hour of hiking. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
34. That hike is not suitable for people over 95 kg, says its page. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
35. Arctic Adventures now describes a hike through a moss-covered valley before the glacier, about 6 km in all. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
36. It says the hike needs no experience, and suits beginners with a reasonable level of fitness. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
37. Arctic's climbing tour reaches the glacier from above, by way of a moss-covered valley. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
38. On its day tour from Reykjavik, Arctic Adventures gives about 1 to 1.5 hours on the glacier. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
39. It says to be ready for up to 6 km over uneven ground, with a moderate climb. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
40. Arctic Adventures' general glacier page still says the walk from the parking lot takes 15 minutes. adventures.is, read 6 Nov
41. It puts the drive from Reykjavík at over 2 hours and about 158 km. adventures.is, read 6 Nov
42. Arctic Adventures says glacier hiking and ice climbing run all year. adventures.is, read 6 Nov
43. It says fewer natural ice caves can be visited in summer. adventures.is, read 6 Nov
44. It says harsh winter weather can limit what visitors can do. adventures.is, read 6 Nov
45. It says the ice is softer in summer, which gives a better grip. adventures.is, read 6 Nov
46. It calls walking on a glacier without a guide a very unsafe choice. adventures.is, read 6 Nov
47. Troll's guide page to Sólheimajökull still speaks of a free parking lot and a walk of 10 to 15 minutes. troll.is, read 6 Nov
48. Icelandia's page for this hike still speaks of a short walk to the glacier's edge. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
49. It says each adult may bring only one young person. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
50. It puts its meeting point 25 minutes' drive from Vík. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
51. David The Guide's page speaks of a walk around the lagoon. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
52. It requires hiking boots, and warns that sports shoes may not fit the crampons. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
53. Arctic Adventures' page for its walk to the glacier's edge says that parking at Sólheimajökull is paid separately. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
54. It gives 2.5 to 3 km, on mostly flat but partly uneven paths. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
55. It says there is no minimum age, and that children need an adult with them. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
56. It gives the lagoon below the glacier a depth of about 60 m. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
57. It says the icebergs on the lagoon come and go, so nobody can promise them. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
58. It says infants are welcome, but that the path doesn't suit strollers. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
59. Icelandic Mountain Guides gives the way: road 221 leaves Route 1 about 6 km after Skógar, and runs about 5 km to the parking area. www.mountainguides.is, read 6 Nov
60. It describes road 221 as a gravel road. www.mountainguides.is, read 6 Nov
61. Glacier Guides warns that the road towards Sólheimajökull can be very difficult in winter, and strongly recommends taking a pickup then. www.glacierguides.is, read 6 Nov
62. Glacier Guides advises against running shoes and anything below the ankle bone, because the crampon straps can hurt. www.glacierguides.is, read 6 Nov
63. It says to avoid jeans on longer trips, because they get wet and cold quickly and dry slowly. www.glacierguides.is, read 6 Nov
64. north ice calls Sólheimajökull one of the closest glaciers to Reykjavík, about 2 hours and 20 minutes' drive. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
65. It rates its climbing tour at beginner or introduction level, and needs at least two participants to run it. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
66. Icelandia calls the ice climbing on its tour moderately difficult. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
67. Arctic Adventures says its climbing tour on Sólheimajökull needs no prior experience. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
68. Troll's day tour itinerary stops at Seljalandsfoss for 30 minutes and Skógafoss for 40, then 3 hours at the glacier and 40 minutes at Reynisfjara. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
69. The itinerary of Glaciers and Waterfalls gives 3 hours at the glacier, 1 hour at Reynisfjara and 30 minutes at Seljalandsfoss, and only drives past Skógafoss. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
70. Arctic's itinerary gives 30 minutes at Skógafoss, 1 hour at Reynisfjara, 3 hours at the glacier and 30 minutes at Seljalandsfoss. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
71. Vatnajökull National Park tells visitors to use safety gear on Falljökull and go with a guide experienced in glacier walks. www.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is, read 6 Nov
72. The park describes Falljökull as a creeping glacier that comes down from the caldera of Öræfajökull. www.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is, read 6 Nov
73. It says Falljökull splits in two around Rauðikambur, and that the northern tongue is called Virkisjökull. www.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is, read 6 Nov
74. It says many companies arrange hikes on Falljökull. www.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is, read 6 Nov
75. The park says Skaftafell is on Route 1, 70 km from Kirkjubæjarklaustur and 130 km from Höfn. www.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is, read 6 Nov
76. It says the area can be reached all year when the weather and the roads allow, and that conditions outside summer can change fast. www.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is, read 6 Nov
77. It says short, easy trails lead to Svartifoss and to Skaftafellsjökull. www.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is, read 6 Nov
78. The park rates trail S1 as easy: a 4.1 km loop from the visitor centre, 80 m of climb, 1 to 1.5 hours, ending close to Skaftafellsjökull. www.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is, read 6 Nov
79. Troll puts the drive from Reykjavík to Skaftafell at about 4.5 hours. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
80. It says about 1.5 hours of this three-hour tour are spent hiking on the glacier. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
81. It includes free parking at the meeting point. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
82. Troll's five-hour tour gives roughly 3 hours on the glacier. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
83. Arctic's itinerary for its four-hour hike gives 1.5 hours on the glacier, and 30 minutes on foot each way after the bus. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
84. It includes the national park fee. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
85. It rents boots for 1,500 ISK. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
86. Arctic's crevasse track covers about 4 km and needs no technical experience, it says. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
87. Arctic's two-glacier hike gives roughly 3.5 to 4 hours on the ice, crossing Falljökull to reach Virkisjökull. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
88. Local Guide says its 4x4 ride saves 20 minutes on foot from the main glacier car park. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
89. Its page speaks of 3 hours of hiking on a three-hour tour, while its itinerary gives 2 hours. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
90. Local Guide says on its own site that it guides summer hikes on Falljökull from April to September. localguide.is, read 6 Nov
91. Its longer hike warns that people without suitable boots may be turned away. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
92. Melrakki gives up to 120 minutes on the glacier. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
93. Its crampons fit from EU size 34. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
94. It says dangerous weather can cancel the tour, with a full refund. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
95. It says there is free parking at the meeting point. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
96. Melrakki rates its longer tour moderate: 6 km on uneven ground with 250 m of climb. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
97. Icelandic Mountain Guides says its meeting point is at the Skaftafell service centre, and that the 1,000 ISK parking fee there is not included. www.mountainguides.is, read 6 Nov
98. Arctic's climbing tour in Skaftafell includes climbing boots for EU sizes 36 to 50. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
99. Icelandia says the ice cave option of its Skaftafell hike runs in winter only. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
100. Troll says the hike and cave together last about 1.5 hours. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
101. It says the caves change from year to year as the glacier moves and melts. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
102. Ice Explorers rates its tour medium: about 2 hours and 4 to 6 km on the ice. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
103. It says it is usually no colder up on the glacier than at its meeting point by the lagoon. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
104. It says it runs in any weather, and that there is no refund if you cancel on the day. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
105. Ice Walkers asks for people fit enough to hike 8 km with uphill sections. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
106. It says the blue ice it visits exists only in winter. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
107. Glacier Trips rates its hike moderate to hard. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
108. Troll's header gives 3 hours, and its text speaks of a 4-hour hike. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
109. Troll says your guide fits your crampons at the ice and explains how to walk safely. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
110. It provides a harness, a helmet, crampons and an ice axe. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
111. It lists crevasses, ice formations, volcanic material and moulins among what you see. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
112. Arctic Adventures asks you to arrive 10 minutes before departure. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
113. Its meeting point is its yellow school bus, in the Sólheimajökull car park. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
114. Icelandia asks you to be at its base camp 20 minutes before its climbing tour. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
115. Troll asks you to meet your guide 20 minutes before departure in Skaftafell. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
116. Icelandia calls the easy option of its Skaftafell hike ideal for beginners, with no prior experience needed. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
117. Arctic Adventures' 4x4 bus takes about 15 minutes to the edge of Falljökull, it says. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
118. Melrakki's 4x4 takes 15 minutes to the foot of Falljökull. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
119. Troll's climbing tour says it takes about ten minutes by bus and a fifteen-minute walk to the ice. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
120. Glaciers and Waterfalls recommends warm, waterproof clothes, a hat, gloves, sturdy boots and a spare set of dry clothes. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov
121. Arctic Adventures says the order of its stops can change with the weather and the roads. www.getyourguide.com, read 6 Nov