Embarking on an Iceland glacier hike tour is an opportunity to step into a world of frozen wonders. These guided adventures invite you to traverse ancient ice, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Iceland’s glacier landscapes. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through some of the most captivating views that only an Icelandic glacier can offer.
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Iceland’s Glacial Landscapes
Iceland, a land of otherworldly landscapes and natural wonders, is synonymous with glaciers. These majestic icy giants have left an indelible mark on the country’s geography and culture, earning it the nickname “The Land of Fire and Ice.”
The country is home to an impressive collection of glaciers, which cover approximately 11% of the country’s land area. These glaciers are the result of millennia of snow accumulation and compaction, gradually transforming into ice masses of extraordinary beauty and power. They play a vital role in the nation’s climate, hydrology, and natural heritage.
– Vatnajökull Glacier
Vatnajökull is the crown jewel of Iceland’s glaciers. It is not only the largest glacier in Iceland but also the largest ice cap in all of Europe. Covering an area of over 8,100 square kilometers, Vatnajökull is a magnificent ice giant, with its own unique ecosystem and a diverse range of ice formations.
– Langjökull Glacier
Langjökull, situated in the Icelandic highlands, is the second-largest glacier in the country. What makes Langjökull particularly fascinating is that it’s relatively accessible, offering visitors the chance to explore its icy depths through man-made ice tunnels. These tunnels provide a rare opportunity to venture inside a glacier and witness its inner beauty.
– Hofsjökull Glacier
Hofsjökull, another significant glacier in Iceland, is known for its central location in the highlands. Its slow meltwater runoff feeds into multiple rivers, nourishing fertile valleys and creating a unique hydrological system in the region. Hofsjökull exemplifies the critical role glaciers play in maintaining Iceland’s freshwater resources.
Most Iceland glacier hike tours, as you will see later in this post, will focus on two specific glaciers: Skaftafell and Sólheimajökull.
– Skaftafell Glacier (Svínafellsjökull)
Skaftafell glacier, part of Vatnajökull, is a popular destination for glacier hiking and exploration. Its proximity to the Skaftafell Nature Reserve makes it an accessible and captivating location for visitors looking to experience the magic of Icelandic glaciers up close.
– Sólheimajökull Glacier
Sólheimajökull is one of Iceland’s most accessible glaciers, located on the southern coast of the country. It is part of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, and its proximity to the popular tourist destinations of Vik and Skogafoss waterfall makes it a well-visited glacier.
What is a Glacier Hike Tour
A glacier hike tour in Iceland offers a thrilling and unique opportunity to explore the country’s stunning glaciers up close. Participants are guided across the icy landscapes of Iceland’s glaciers, typically wearing specialized gear like crampons and accompanied by experienced guides who ensure safety and provide insights about the glacier’s formation and natural features.
These tours allow you to witness breathtaking ice formations, crevasses, and the incredible beauty of Iceland’s frozen wilderness. It’s an adventure that combines both natural wonder and outdoor activity, making it a must-do experience for those visiting Iceland.
Typically, when exploring Iceland’s glaciers, you can choose from ice cave tours, ice climbing tours, glacier hike tours, and combined tours:
- Ice Cave Tours: These tours focus mainly on the exploration of ice caves. Some sections might include walking on a glacier in order to reach the cave.
- Ice Climbing Tours: depending on the tour, these can be more advanced tours which require specific preparation. Others are accessible to anyone, so make sure to read the specifications of the tour.
- Glacier Hike Tours (discussed in this post): This is a type of tour in which you are taken on a hike over a glacier. The duration and difficulty level of the hike depends on the specifications of the tour you choose. Most of them are open to anyone.
- Combined Tours (discussed in this post): This type of tour is very similar to the previous one, with the addition of one or more ice caves. The ice caves you’ll visit might not be as impressive as the ones offered by specific ice cave tours, but it’s cool to have a bit of everything if you only have time to do one tour.
In this blog post, we’ll concentrate on the latter two, often also referred to as “glacier walks.” During these tours, the primary emphasis is on the hiking experience, where you’ll acquire the skills to traverse the icy terrains and immerse yourself in the surreal beauty of these glacial landscapes.
Iceland Glacier Hike Tour Companies
When selecting the ideal Glacier Hike Tours in Iceland, the options are plentiful. However, it’s important to mention that the distinctions between the tours offered by the different companies tend to be relatively subtle in the grand scheme of things.
Here are some of the best tour companies available in Iceland:
- Arctic Adventures (Price: 100-220€): Arctic Adventures is a popular tour company that offers glacier hiking tours in multiple locations, including Skaftafell and Solheimajokull.
- Troll Expeditions (Price: 100-200€): If you’re looking for something unique, Troll Tours is a tour operator that specializes in a range of adventure activities, including glacier hikes. They might offer a distinctive experience compared to more traditional tours.
- Icelandic Mountain Guides (Price: 75-175€): Icelandic Mountain Guides offer a range of glacier hiking tours in different regions, including Skaftafell and Vatnajokull.
- Glacier Guides (Price: 100-230€): Glacier Guides specialize in glacier-related activities and provide tours in various parts of Iceland, including Skaftafell and Solheimajokull.
- Iceland Travel Guide (Price: from 100€) This company provides glacier hiking tours, including those on Skaftafell and Vatnajokull glaciers.
These are some of the most popular tour companies in Iceland. With the tours offered you’ll be able to hike glaciers like Skaftafell, Sólheimajökull, Vatnajokull and more.
Best Iceland Glacier Hike Tours
Some of the most popular tours include:
1) Solheimajokull Glacier Hike by Iceland Travel Guide
(Price: 14.900ISK / 100€ – Duration: 3h – Difficulty: easy – Availability: all year)
The Solheimajokull Glacier Hike offers an exciting adventure through one of Iceland’s most stunning natural wonders. You’ll explore the unique beauty of the glacier, guided by experts who share insights on its history, geology, and ecology. Suitable for all fitness levels, gear like crampons and ice axes are provided for safety. Plus, it’s a Game of Thrones filming location, where Jon Snow faced the White Walkers. This 3-hour hike is more than just an expedition; it’s a must-do in South Iceland.
2) Skaftafell Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike by Troll Expeditions
(Price: 19.900ISK / 135€ – Duration: 4h – Difficulty: easy – Availability: Nov-Mar)
Embark on an extraordinary glacier adventure in Iceland’s stunning Skaftafell! Hike up an outlet of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, and step into a mesmerizing crystal-blue ice cave. With this combined Iceland glacier hike tour, you’ll be able to discover the secrets of glacier formation and witness their ever-changing nature while marveling at breathtaking ice formations. The highlight? Exploring a naturally formed ice cave with dazzling blue ice. Lace up your hiking boots for an unforgettable journey inside the glacier’s heart.
3) Solheimajokull Blue Ice – Ice Climbing Adventure by Arctic Adventures
(Price: 25.900ISK / 177€ – Duration: 4.5h – Difficulty: moderate – Availability: all year)
This is a small-group glacier hiking adventure with optional ice climbing in Sólheimajökull. Three unforgettable hours on the ice await you. All gear provided, including helmets, crampons, and ice axes, plus safety instructions from your certified guide. Explore a captivating frozen world of crevasses, ridges, and blue ice. Sólheimajökull is an ever-changing outlet of Iceland’s fourth-largest glacier, Mýrdalsjökull. Enjoy scenic countryside sightseeing on your way there and a stop at the magnificent Seljalandsfoss waterfall on your return to Reykjavík.
4) Glacier Xtreme – Glacier Hiking & Ice Climbing Tour by Arctic Adventures
(Price: 30.900ISK / 208€ – Duration: 6.5h – Difficulty: challenging – Availability: all year)
A brief drive takes visitors to the Falljökull glacier car park, where a scenic hike of about 350 meters in elevation begins. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning ice formations and learn about glacier life from knowledgeable guides. Participants can take on ice climbing or explore crevasses (depending on conditions), mastering epic climbing techniques on Europe’s largest glacier. The entire adventure spans 4.5 to 5 hours, covering 8 kilometers (5 miles), allowing ample time to appreciate the breathtaking surroundings and create lasting memories.
Booking a tour
It is recommended to book your tour a couple of days in advance, especially during high season. To reserve a spot for an Iceland glacier hike tour, all you need to do is book it online following their simple booking process. Some tour companies don’t even accept payments on the spot, and online booking is the only option to get on a tour.
Duration of the tour
When planning your glacier tour, consider that the total duration usually includes transfer time to reach the glacier. For a more accurate assessment, seek details on the actual time spent on the ice. Opting for small groups often maximizes your glacier experience, as they typically make more efficient use of time, allowing for extended ice exploration.
Preparing for the Hike: Gear and Equipment
To join an Iceland glacier hiking tour, you’ll need to bring a few items. Tour companies typically provide crampons, a helmet, an ice axe, and a safety harness. All of this is usually included in the price of the hike, but make sure to double check before booking.
Some companies may offer the option to rent hiking boots, which is crucial if your own boots aren’t suitable for attaching crampons. Additionally, you’ll generally need waterproof overpants and a jacket, warm clothing, gloves, and a hat to stay warm.
It’s possible to bring a backpack to carry a camera, a water bottle, or other personal items, as it doesn’t impede any phase of the glacier walk.
Our Experience Hiking Skaftafell Glacier
During our visit to Iceland, we chose the second tour offered by Troll Expeditions. This particular tour stood out because it combined a small ice cave exploration with a glacier hike, aligning perfectly with our desired experience.
So, what should one expect from a tour like this?
The tour began early in the morning, a great way to avoid the crowds. Even during the off-peak season in fact, glaciers can get quite busy as many tour companies visit the same spots. That was the first thing we noticed as we hiked up the Skaftafell Glacier: different tour groups from different companies were all arriving at the same glacier.
The meeting point varies depending on your choice of tour company, but it’s typically just a few kilometers away from the glacier. When you meet up, the tour guides provide all the necessary equipment for the hike. In our case, we received a helmet, crampons, an ice axe, and a climbing harness for safety.
To be honest, the ice axe is largely unnecessary for a glacier hike unless you’re on an advanced climbing tour. It’s used more for educational purposes than practical ones, so don’t worry if you’re not familiar with it.
Once we were all set and ready, we hopped into a van, and after a short drive, we started our journey towards the glacier on foot.
It didn’t take long before we arrived at the glacial lake, marking the starting point of our hike. The initial few hundred meters led us across gravel terrain. Upon reaching the ice, we took a moment to learn how to attach crampons. Putting on crampons is a straightforward process, taking just a few minutes to prepare for the most enjoyable part of the hike.
Walking on the ice turned out to be easier than expected. The crampons offered excellent grip on the glacier surface, and the path was straightforward to follow. Within just a few minutes, we reached one of the tour’s highlights—a recently formed ice cave concealed beneath the Skaftafell glacier.
Our guide gave us headlamps, and we immediately started exploring this fantastic natural wonder. Although this ice cave was small, its colors were breathtaking, and we enjoyed this short side trip.
Typically, ice cave tours are dedicated excursions where the ice caves take center stage. However, since we joined a combined tour we managed to visit one while still being on a glacier hike type of your.
ABOUT ICE CAVES: It’s important to note that most ice caves are only accessible during the winter months, so such tours may not be available if you’re visiting in the summer.
The hike continued on the glacier’s surface, going uphill. There are no marked trails here, so following your guide is essential to stay safe on the glacier. In fact, walking on a glacier can pose several dangers, including crevasses, which are hidden cracks or crevices that can be concealed by snow and ice, and falling into one can be perilous.
Sudden weather changes, such as storms, with factors like whiteouts, extreme cold, and high winds, can also create treacherous conditions for glacier hikers. Lastly, inexperience can be a significant risk, as glacier hiking demands specific skills and knowledge to navigate safely. Therefore, it’s crucial to stick to your group and adhere to your guide’s instructions.
In total, we spent about 2 hours on the ice, exploring the different ice formations and crevasses of the Skaftafell Glacier. The extent of your exploration may vary depending on your group’s abilities. In our case, with a very small group, we had the opportunity to cover a decent portion of the glacier, although it still only scratched the surface of its immense expanse.
When you go glacier hiking, don’t expect to go very high up. Most tours in Skaftafell focus on giving people a chance to step onto the glacier and take shorter walks on the lower part. These walks let you explore the glacier’s lower areas, so you can enjoy the amazing glacier surroundings without having to climb steep slopes.
Glacier hikes are an exciting adventure, but they’re designed to be doable for a wide range of people, even if you’re not a seasoned hiker or don’t want to tackle tough uphill climbs.
When our guide said it was time to return, we hiked down to the glacial lake. What makes a glacier hike tour in Iceland truly remarkable is the breathtaking beauty that surrounds you in every direction. The incredible views of the Icelandic landscape are truly something to behold, making the experience all the more special.
Best Time to Go on a Iceland Glacier Hike Tour
The best time of the year to go on an Iceland glacier hike tour is during the summer months, which typically run from June to August. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, making it more comfortable and safer for glacier exploration.
While the summer months are generally the best time for glacier hiking in Iceland due to the ideal weather conditions, it’s worth noting that some glacier tours are available year-round. These tours often provide the opportunity to explore Iceland’s glaciers in different seasons, allowing visitors to experience the unique beauty of the icy landscapes during the winter as well. During winter months, the cold temperatures make the glacier’s surface harder and tougher to walk on.
At the same time, winter is the best time for ice cave tours. During the colder months, typically from November to March, the freezing temperatures create ideal conditions for the formation and stability of these mesmerizing ice caves. Exploring these crystalline wonders is a unique and magical experience, showcasing the stunning natural beauty that Iceland has to offer in the winter season.
Would we Recommend the Experience?
Overall, embarking on an Iceland glacier hike tour is a highly recommended experience for anyone visiting the “land of ice and fire.” Here, we highlight some of the things we liked and didn’t like, as well as the pros and cons:
THINGS WE LIKED:
- A unique experience: Participating in an Iceland glacier hike tour offers a truly distinctive perspective on the country’s glaciers. The opportunity to explore them on foot is an experience that should not be missed by anyone.
- Great first approach: If you’ve never hiked on a glacier before, any Iceland glacier hike tour is a great way to get familiar with this type of place.
- Make new friends: sharing this experience with other people is a great opportunity to make new friends.
THINGS WE DIDN’T LIKE:
- Adventure: Some of the tours aren’t as exciting or physically demanding as we expected. Many tours, in fact, only involve brief walks at the base of the glacier. Even our small group, which walked at a good speed, didn’t explore very deep into the glacier. If you find yourself in a large group with slower participants, anticipate a less thrilling hike.
- Duration: The tours are typically short in comparison to the adventure one might envision.
- Cost: Any Iceland glacier hike tour, much like many other things in the country, can be quite expensive.
DIY: Can you Hike Glaciers Without a Tour?
Hiking solo in Iceland, including on glaciers, is generally not explicitly prohibited by law. However, there are some important legal and safety considerations to keep in mind.
Before embarking on a glacier hike in Iceland, it’s crucial to ensure you are well-equipped with essential hiking gear. This includes items such as crampons for traction on icy terrain, a helmet to protect against falling debris, and a safety harness for potential rescue situations.
Furthermore, here is a list of things you should take into account before attempting a solo hike on a glacier in Iceland:
- Search and Rescue Services: Iceland has an extensive and well-respected search and rescue (SAR) system. If you are hiking solo and encounter an emergency or become lost, you can call 112 (the emergency number in Iceland) for assistance. It’s important to note that SAR services are available to all hikers, whether they are in a group or hiking solo.
- Personal Responsibility: While you can legally hike solo in Iceland, you assume a higher level of personal responsibility for your safety. It’s crucial to be well-prepared, including having the necessary equipment, warm clothing, and adequate food and water. Additionally, you should inform someone of your plans, including your expected return time and your intended route.
- Risks and Safety: Hiking solo in Iceland, especially on glaciers, carries higher risks due to the dynamic nature of these environments. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and there may be hidden crevasses. It is strongly recommended that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to navigate glaciers safely. In many cases, having a professional guide is the safest choice.
- Weather and Communication: Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable. Hiking solo, you must monitor weather conditions closely and be prepared for sudden changes. Having a reliable means of communication, such as a satellite phone or emergency beacon, can be a valuable safety measure.
- Environmental Protection: Regardless of whether you are hiking solo or with a group, you are expected to adhere to environmental protection laws, including Leave No Trace principles. Be mindful of your impact on the environment.
What to pack for Iceland
Are you ready for your Icelandic adventure? Don’t forget any of the following items!
Must-Have Items
A good rain jacket. You want to have a good rain coat with you when visiting Iceland, as the weather can change unpredictably. There’s plenty of shops in Reykjavik that sell – and even rent – rain jackets for your Iceland vacation.
We would recommend a good one like the Marmot Men’s Minimalist Component Jacket or the Columbia Women’s Pouring Adventure II Jacket. Quality jackets can be a bit pricey, but they’re a worthwhile investment, especially for a trip to Iceland.
Waterproof overpants. It somehow seemed an unnecessary item to bring before reaching iceland, but it turned out to be one of those items we used daily. Bring a pair of those, you won’t regret it. Check out Columbia Men’s Rebel Roamer Rain Pant and Columbia Women’s Storm Surge Pant.
Warm Socks: Packing merino wool socks for Iceland is crucial to keep your feet warm and dry in the diverse and often unpredictable weather conditions. For summer, check out DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Hiking Liner Socks, they are great quality and quite thin. If you’re travelling in the coldest months, consider getting knee-high wool socks.
Warm clothing: Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack thermal layers, including merino wool for its excellent insulation, insulated gloves (especially for winter), and a good quality winter hat.
Sturdy Footwear: Waterproof and insulated boots or hiking shoes are essential for exploring Iceland’s varied terrain. For top-notch gear, you can’t go wrong with brands like Scarpa, Salomon, and La Sportiva. If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, Merrell and Altra have got you covered.
Please note: If you’re gearing up for glacier walks or ice caving, make sure to go for rigid boots that can fit crampons. Flexible boots offer greater comfort for hiking, but you might struggle if you need to use ice spikes.
Reusable Water Bottle: Iceland has clean, safe and free drinking water everywhere. Therefore, you don’t need a fancy filtration system like the GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz for Iceland.
Save money and cut down on waste by opting for a reusable water bottle. The ideal solution for Iceland is one that works well for both hot and cold beverages.
Toiletries: Pack travel-sized toiletries, including soap, shampoo, and sunscreen, as these can be expensive in Iceland.
Headlamp/Flashlight: In Iceland’s long winter nights or for exploring caves, for chasing auroras or for walking around your campsite, a reliable light source is crucial. We have this one and simply love it, it’s incredibly cheap, bright plus the battery lasts so long.
Portable Charger: Keep your devices charged during outdoor adventures, especially if you’re planning to camp in Iceland. We recently picked up a fast-charging power bank from INIU that works like a charm. Just be sure to grab one with enough capacity for all your devices.
Additional Items
Swimwear: Don’t forget your swimsuit for relaxing in geothermal pools and hot springs.
Backpack: A sturdy, weather-resistant backpack is useful for carrying your essentials during outdoor excursions. If you plan on doing lots of hiking, we recommend a dedicated backpack. You have countless options on the market, but one like Men’s Osprey Talon 22L or Women’s Osprey Tempest 20L would be perfect.
Camera and Binoculars: Iceland’s landscapes are stunning, so bring a camera and binoculars for wildlife and scenic views.
Local Currency: Have some Icelandic Krona (ISK) on hand for small purchases and in case you visit places that don’t accept cards. We never used cash in Iceland, so it’s not something you must bring around, but in a couple of situations it would have been handful.
Food and Drinks: Due to Iceland’s relatively high prices, especially for alcohol, and limited food options in some areas, consider carrying some essential snacks and beverages.
Hiking Gear: If you plan on hiking, consider bringing trekking poles, a compact first-aid kit, and gaiters.
Wet Wipes: Handy for quick clean-ups, especially when camping or on long road trips. These can easily be bought once you land in Iceland, or packed in your backpack before leaving. Check these flushable ones if you’re looking for some.
Swiss Army Knife or Multi-Tool: Useful for various outdoor tasks, especially when camping or preparing food. Here is a cheap one.
Travel Pillow: For added comfort during long drives, flights or while camping. The provided ones aren’t always the best. Here is a good one.