Southern Iceland is a haven for outdoors lovers. Its dramatic landscapes—glaciers, volcanic ash layers, geothermal areas, and highland valleys—make it a top destination for hiking and trekking. Among the many options, we particularly love the Sólheimajökull glacier experiences, especially those that combine surface hikes with inside ice caves, thanks to their incredible scenery and the chance to see Iceland’s icy world from different angles. The Thórsmörk private tour stands out for its mix of rugged jeep crossings and mountain hikes, offering a personalized peek into the highlands. For a multi-day challenge, the Laugavegur Trail delivers dramatic scenery, and the Hengill hot spring trek combines hiking with a soothing soak.
In this list, you’ll find a variety of tours—from short glacier walks to full-scale multi-day hikes—which showcase Iceland’s unique landscapes. Each offers something special: intimate glacier explorations, highland mountain adventures, or challenging high-altitude treks. Whether you’re after a quick adrenaline shot or a comprehensive trek, these options are among the best Southern Iceland has to offer. Let’s dig into the details.
1. Sólheimajökull: Glacier Hike and Ice Cave Tour
At number 1 on our list, the Sólheimajökull: Glacier Hike and Ice Cave Tour combines a surface glacier trek with inside an ice cave, making it a truly mesmerizing experience. This tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive glacier adventure in a manageable time frame—just 3.5 hours for a deep dive into Iceland’s icy heart. The guide leads you across crevasses and ice ridges on Sólheimajökull, a glacier known for its vivid blue ice caves that form naturally during winter and early spring.
What makes this tour stand out? The chance to step inside a crystal-clear blue ice cave is rare and unforgettable. You’ll see volcanic ash layers embedded in the ice—evidence of past eruptions—adding a geological layer of interest. The guide emphasizes safety and sharing knowledge, making it suitable even for those new to glacier hiking. The scenery is dramatic—ridges, deep crevasses, and shimmering ice formations—offering photo opportunities at every turn.
Given the high rating of 5/5 from 12 reviews, this tour offers great value at $165 per person. It’s perfect for travelers who want a guided, small-group experience with a blend of surface exploration and inside ice caves.
Bottom line: This tour offers a balanced mix of adventure and education, ideal for travelers wanting a memorable glacier experience without a full-day commitment.
2. Sólheimajökull Glacier: Guided Hike with Equipment
For those seeking a more hands-on adventure, the Sólheimajökull Glacier: Guided Hike with Equipment offers a 2.5-hour trek equipped with crampons, an ice axe, and a helmet. Costing around $101, it’s a great option for travelers looking for a guided glacier walk that emphasizes exploration of the glacier’s deep crevasses and distinctive formations.
This tour is particularly appealing because it provides all necessary gear and safety briefings—no need to bring your own equipment. The guide will help you understand the glacier’s geology and formation processes, making it both educational and exciting. The starting point is at the glacier parking lot, ensuring easy access.
This tour has a strong reputation with a 4.8/5 rating from 13 reviews, emphasizing its quality. It’s best suited for those wanting an active experience but with a shorter duration and a focus on safety and learning. The small group setting allows for personalized attention, and the inclusion of glacier water tasting adds a refreshing touch.
Bottom line: This is an excellent choice for travelers who want a guided, equipment-included glacier adventure with a focus on safety and detailed learning.
3. From Reykjavik: Private Day-Tour to Thorsmork with Mountain Hike
At number 3, the Private Day-Tour to Thorsmork with Mountain Hike offers a full day immersed in Iceland’s highlands, starting from Reykjavik. This 10-hour trip is perfect for those seeking a personalized, flexible experience. A modified jeep takes you through raging rivers and rugged terrain to reach Thórsmörk, a lush valley amid volcanic landscapes.
Once there, a scenic hike on Mount Valahnúkur rewards you with panoramic views of the Gígjökull glacier and surrounding fjords. The tour showcases Iceland’s pristine natural beauty, with opportunities for photography and quiet reflection. The guide, Jonas, is praised for his knowledge and willingness to tailor the experience, making it suitable for varied fitness levels.
Rated 4.8/5 from 8 reviews, this tour is highly recommended for travelers wanting a private, comprehensive look at the southern highlands. The cost of $1,930 for up to five people reflects its personalized approach and includes transportation, guiding, and hiking.
Bottom line: Perfect for those with a full day to dedicate, who want a tailored, scenic adventure with mountain hiking and highland exploration.
4. 3-Day Laugavegur Trail Guided Hike
Number 4 on our list, the 3-Day Laugavegur Trail Guided Hike is Iceland’s most famous multi-day trek. Traversing colorful geothermal landscapes, glacial rivers, and striking valleys, it’s suited for active travelers ready to commit. The route highlights include Landmannalaugar’s geothermal wonders, the high-altitude lake Álfvatn, and the dramatic Emstrur desert.
This trek combines challenging terrain with breathtaking scenery, and staying overnight in mountain huts makes logistics easier. The route is well-loved for its variety—hot springs, volcanic ash fields, and lush valleys—each day offering a new surprise. The guides handle logistics, so you can focus on the scenery and your footing.
While the price isn’t listed here, the value is clear: three days of immersive Icelandic nature, with all accommodations and guiding included. This trip is best suited for experienced hikers comfortable with high-altitude and variable weather conditions.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for serious hikers wanting a comprehensive, multi-day experience through Iceland’s iconic landscapes.
5. Day Trek to Hengill and the Hot Spring
Number 5, the Day Trek to Hengill and the Hot Spring offers a 9-hour challenge for outdoor enthusiasts. This trek explores the geothermal area of Hengill Mountain, characterized by bubbling mud pools and steaming vents. After a rigorous hike, you’ll enjoy a hot spring dip—a perfect way to relax muscles after a demanding day.
Led by an experienced International Mountain Leader, the tour emphasizes learning outdoor skills and orienteering, making it suitable for those interested in more than just sightseeing. The scenic vistas include views of the surrounding volcanoes and highlands, with terrain that tests stamina but rewards persistence.
The tour has a high rating of 4.8/5, reflecting its quality and the satisfaction of previous participants. It’s ideal for active travelers seeking a full day of exploration paired with natural relaxation.
Bottom line: This trek is perfect for fit travelers who want a physically demanding hike with the reward of a geothermal soak and scenic views.
6. Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike Adventure
The Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike Adventure offers an intimate experience for small groups, limited to 12 people. At 3 hours, this tour balances guided exploration with personalized interaction. It’s designed for travelers who want a peaceful, eco-conscious adventure, emphasizing safety and family-friendly education.
Guided by experts, you’ll explore blue crevasses and ice formations in a serene setting. The focus on sustainable tourism means less crowded environments and high-quality equipment. The guide shares insights into glacier dynamics and Iceland’s natural environment, making it as educational as it is exciting.
This tour garners a solid 4.4/5 rating, indicating strong satisfaction. It’s suitable for families or those wanting a more relaxed pace while still experiencing significant glacier features firsthand.
Bottom line: Ideal for small groups and eco-conscious travelers who want a gentle, educational glacier walk with a focus on safety and sustainability.
7. Sólheimajökull: Glacier Hike and Blue Ice Cave Tour
The Sólheimajökull: Glacier Hike and Blue Ice Cave Tour combines glacier trekking with exploring a stunning ice cave. Costing $191 and lasting around 3.5 hours, this tour is perfect for those who want a more immersive experience, including the chance to see the famous blue ice caves with professional guidance.
This tour emphasizes safety and knowledge, with guides equipped with ice axes, crampons, harnesses, and helmets. The experience is dynamic, with the guide explaining the glacier’s formations, crevasses, and ridges as you traverse the icy surface. The highlight is discovering the deep blue hues of the ice caves, a photo opportunity not to miss.
Reviews are not specified, but the experience is highly recommended for those wanting a balanced hike plus an inside ice cave exploration. It’s suitable for travelers comfortable with moderate physical activity.
Bottom line: A top pick for adventure seekers eager to combine glacier hiking with the awe of inside an ice cave.
8. Sólheimajökull: Glacier Hike and Ice Climbing Tour
Finally, the Sólheimajökull: Glacier Hike and Ice Climbing Tour is a four-hour adventure for those wanting to push their limits. It combines a guided glacier hike with the thrill of ice climbing on the glacier’s towering ice formations.
Led by experienced guides, you’ll explore water cauldrons, ridges, and deep crevasses before getting harnessed and roped up for ice climbing. This experience is suitable for active travelers seeking a physically demanding, hands-on adventure. The tour emphasizes safety, with professional instruction to help you learn basic ice-climbing techniques.
This tour is ideal for those interested in a full-body experience—balancing hiking with an uncommon challenge. The thrill of ascending an icy wall and the stunning landscape make it memorable.
Bottom line: Best suited for adventurous, physically fit travelers ready for an intense, rewarding ice-climbing experience.
How to Choose Your Perfect Icelandic Trek
Picking the right tour depends on your fitness level, interests, and schedule. Want a quick glacier adventure? The Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike and Ice Cave Tour is perfect. Looking for a multi-day trek? The Laugavegur Trail offers a comprehensive challenge. For a personalized day trip, the Thorsmork private tour provides flexibility and stunning highland scenery.
Consider your budget and physical condition— glacier hikes with equipment are accessible for most, but ice climbing requires a good level of fitness. Book early, especially for multi-day hikes and popular glacier tours, as Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, and spots fill quickly in peak season.
Final Thoughts
Southern Iceland offers a range of hiking and trekking tours that cater to different interests and levels of adventure. Whether you’re drawn to glacier caves, want to climb on ice, or prefer a multi-day trek through volcanic landscapes, you’ll find a tour that fits your style. The Sólheimajökull glacier experiences stand out for their accessibility and awe-inspiring scenery, while the Thorsmork private tour and Laugavegur trail appeal to those seeking more extensive adventures.
For a first-time visitor, a guided glacier hike offers a safe, unforgettable taste of Iceland’s icy side. For seasoned hikers, multi-day routes and ice climbing will provide the challenge you crave. Remember to plan ahead and book early—these tours are popular for good reason. Now, it’s time to lace up those hiking boots and head out into Iceland’s remarkable landscapes.