Sólheimajökull: Glacier Hike and Ice Climbing Tour

If you’re dreaming of experiencing Iceland’s icy wilderness firsthand, the Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike and Ice Climbing Tour offers an adventurous way to get up close and personal with this magnificent glacier. While I haven’t taken this exact tour myself, I’ve seen enough reviews and details to give you a pretty good sense of what to expect.

What really catches our eye about this experience are the stunning vistas of glacial ice—blue, white, and smoky hues intertwined in fascinating shapes—and the fact that you’ll get to try ice climbing with a qualified guide. That sense of power and raw beauty, combined with the safety and guidance provided, makes this tour a standout for those wanting a hands-on taste of Iceland’s icy terrain.

A potential consideration is that the tour lasts only four hours—which is enough time for a solid adventure, but might feel a bit rushed if you’re looking for a more leisurely experience. Also, keep in mind that this tour is not suitable for children under 14, pregnant women, or anyone with heart problems, due to the physical nature of ice climbing and the cold environment.

This experience is well-suited for adventure-minded travelers who want a mix of scenic beauty and a little adrenaline. If you’re comfortable with the cold, enjoy outdoor activities, and crave a memorable story to tell, this glacier tour could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery with glaciers, deep crevasses, and water cauldrons
• Hands-on ice climbing experience with an expert guide
• Guided safety briefings and gear provided, ensuring a secure adventure
• Small group setting for more personalized attention and fewer crowds
• Includes access to restrooms, hot drinks, and water at base camp
• Not suitable for children under 14 or pregnant women—due to physical and environmental demands

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

The journey begins at the Sólheimajökull parking lot, where you’ll arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled start. Once there, a knowledgeable guide will equip you with the necessary gear, including crampons, an ice axe, and a harness. You’ll receive a safety briefing, which is crucial given the icy terrain and whipping winds that can make the environment feel both exhilarating and unpredictable.

Stepping onto the glacier, you’ll feel transported to another planet—a vast icy landscape of sculptures, ridges, and deep crevasses. The landscape is a photographer’s dream, with blue and smoky hues highlighting the compression of the ice into stunning shapes. The vastness and openness of the glacier mean you’ll have plenty of space to explore, and you’ll notice the glacier’s position atop active volcanoes, adding an extra layer of intrigue.

The main highlight is the ice climbing segment. Your guide will choose a suitable spot and give you a quick tutorial—then you’ll get to try working an ice axe into the deep ice, feeling the power of the glacier with each pull. From the reviews, it’s clear that many find this part both challenging and exciting—a chance to push yourself while supported by a trained professional.

After some time spent climbing, you’ll be led back to the base camp, where you can relax with hot drinks or use the restroom facilities. Expect to be on the glacier for about 2 to 3 hours, with the rest of the time spent traveling to and from the site.

The Value of the Experience

At $196 per person, this tour offers a pretty good balance of adventure, scenery, and expert guidance. The inclusion of all necessary gear and safety equipment makes it straightforward—no need to worry about packing your own crampons or harnesses. Plus, the small group size—limited to 6 participants—means you’ll get more personalized attention and a less crowded experience.

Many participants comment on the stunning views and how surreal the glacier looks up close. One reviewer mentioned, “The glacier features kilometers of white, pure ice intertwined with blue and smoky hues in interesting shapes formed by compression.” This kind of scenery is what makes Iceland’s icy landscapes so captivating.

The tour’s emphasis on safety, with a trained guide explaining glacier features and keeping everyone secure, reassures many travelers. The fact that you are led through a “sea of glacial ice sculptures” while learning about the glacier’s formation makes it an educational as well as a visually striking experience.

However, some reviews note that the moderately difficult ice climbing might be a challenge for complete beginners, but most find it manageable with guidance. If you’re comfortable with outdoor physical activities and cold temperatures, you’ll likely find this thrill just right.

Practical Details

Getting to the site from Reykjavík takes around 2.5 hours, making it a feasible day trip if you’re based in the capital. From Vík, it’s closer—around 45 minutes—so this could be a good option if you’re already exploring the south coast.

Wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes (though hiking boots aren’t included, so you’ll need to bring your own). The environment can be windy and cold, especially at higher elevations, so layering is advised. The tour does not include lunch, but you can bring snacks or plan to eat afterward.

The tour runs in small groups of up to 6 people, which helps keep the experience intimate and allows your guide to focus on your safety and questions. Cancellation is flexible—full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurers and outdoor lovers who are comfortable with cold weather and physical activity. It’s not designed for families with very young children, pregnant women, or those with heart conditions due to the physical nature of ice climbing and glacier exploration.

If you’re someone who enjoys learning about geological formations and doesn’t mind a bit of physical exertion, you’ll probably find this tour both thrilling and rewarding. It’s also a fantastic choice for those wanting a memorable story—imagine telling friends about your ice climb on a real glacier.

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FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 14 due to the physical demands and safety considerations involved in ice climbing and glacier exploration.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery. The tour provides gear and safety equipment, so you don’t need to bring your own crampons or harness.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 4 hours, including transportation, gear-up, glacier exploration, and ice climbing.

Is there an age limit?
Yes, participants should be at least 14 years old. The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women or people with heart problems.

Do I need to know how to climb?
Not at all. The guide provides a quick introduction, and everyone will be given a chance to try ice climbing. It’s accessible for beginners with some physical fitness.

What do I do if I don’t want to try ice climbing?
You can still enjoy the guided glacier hike and observe others climbing. The experience is flexible depending on your comfort level.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It’s moderately difficult, especially during the ice climbing segment. Be prepared for some exertion, especially if you’re not used to outdoor cold-weather activities.

Is the glacier visit safe?
Yes, with a trained guide leading the way, safety is a priority. They will explain safety procedures and keep everyone secure throughout the excursion.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The base camp is located at the Sólheimajökull parking lot, with easy directions from Reykjavík or Vík. Expect around 2.5 hours from Reykjavík and about 45 minutes from Vík.

In Closing

This glacier tour offers a rare peek into Iceland’s icy heart, combining stunning scenery with a dash of adventure. The chance to ice climb under expert supervision makes it stand out as a memorable, hands-on experience. While it’s not a relaxing walk, if you’re craving something more active and unique, this could be perfect.

It’s best suited for active travelers ready to embrace the cold and physical challenge, and for those eager to learn about glaciers while experiencing their raw power firsthand. The views alone make it worth considering—even if you’re not planning to climb. Just remember to dress warmly, be prepared for the weather, and bring your sense of adventure.

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You can check availability for your dates here: