Glacier Hiking on Solheimajokull
Walk on an ancient glacier just two hours from Reykjavik. Solheimajokull's dramatic blue ice, deep crevasses, and volcanic ash layers make this the most accessible glacier hike in Iceland.
Solheimajokull is the glacier that made glacier hiking famous in Iceland. An outlet glacier of the massive Myrdalsjokull ice cap, it reaches down from the highlands to within a short walk of a roadside parking lot on the south coast — making it the most accessible glacier in the country and the one that most first-time visitors experience.
Arriving at the Glacier
The meeting point is a small parking area at the end of a gravel road, about two hours east of Reykjavik and 30 minutes past the town of Vik. You can drive yourself or join a tour that includes transport from the capital. The first sight of Solheimajokull from the parking lot is arresting: a river of ice streaked with black volcanic ash, hemmed in by dark mountain ridges, looking like something from another planet.
After a safety briefing and equipment fitting — crampons strapped to boots, ice axes handed out, helmets adjusted — the guide leads you across the glacial outwash plain and onto the ice itself. The transition from rock to glacier is abrupt and thrilling.
On the Ice
Walking on a glacier is unlike any other hiking experience. The crampons bite into the ice with a satisfying crunch, and within minutes you develop a rhythm: flat-footed, deliberate, surprisingly stable. The guide leads you past crevasses of startling depth, ice ridges sculpted by wind and meltwater, and layers of volcanic ash deposited by eruptions centuries ago.
The colours are what stay with you. The ice ranges from pure white to deep blue, the shade intensifying in areas where the ice is oldest and most compressed. Meltwater channels glow an almost electric turquoise. Against the black ash and grey sky, the palette is otherworldly.
What the Guide Adds
A good glacier guide does more than keep you safe. They explain how the glacier moves, how it has retreated dramatically over the past decades, and what the layers of ash reveal about Iceland's volcanic history. The guides from Arctic Adventures are certified by the Icelandic Mountain Guides association and know Solheimajokull intimately, having walked it hundreds of times in all conditions.
The route varies with the season and ice conditions. Winter hikes may encounter ice caves or tunnels formed by meltwater. Summer hikes benefit from longer daylight and more visible blue ice. Both seasons offer a compelling experience.
Practical Advice
The single most important thing to get right is footwear. You need sturdy, ankle-supporting hiking boots with a rigid sole that crampons can grip. Sneakers, trail runners, and fashion boots will not work and may result in being turned away at the briefing point. If you do not have suitable boots, rental is available on site.
Dress in layers and bring a waterproof outer shell. Conditions on the glacier can change rapidly, and wind chill is always a factor. Bring water and a snack — the three-hour tour duration means you will appreciate both by the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need previous glacier hiking experience?
- No experience is required. The guide provides a thorough safety briefing and teaches you how to walk with crampons and use an ice axe before you step onto the ice. The route is carefully chosen to be accessible for beginners while still showcasing the most impressive features of the glacier.
- What equipment is provided?
- The tour provides crampons, an ice axe, a helmet, and a safety harness. You need to bring your own sturdy hiking boots (no sneakers or sandals), waterproof outer layers, warm clothing, and gloves. Hiking boots can be rented at the meeting point if needed.
- Is the glacier hike safe?
- Glacier hiking with a certified guide is very safe. Guides are trained in glacier rescue and carry full safety equipment. They assess ice conditions daily and adjust the route to avoid unstable areas. Never attempt to walk on a glacier without a guide — crevasses and unstable ice make unguided glacier travel extremely dangerous.
- How physically demanding is the hike?
- The hike is rated moderate. You walk on ice for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, ascending gradually across the glacier's surface. A reasonable level of fitness is required — you should be comfortable walking for an hour on uneven terrain. The crampons provide excellent grip, so the ice itself is less slippery than you might expect.
- Can I do this tour on the same day as a south coast day trip?
- Yes, many travellers combine this glacier hike with a south coast tour that includes stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls and the black sand beach at Reynisfjara. Several operators offer combo packages, or you can drive yourself and book the glacier hike independently.
- What happens if the weather is bad?
- Glacier hikes operate in most weather conditions, including rain, snow, and wind. Tours are only cancelled in genuinely dangerous conditions such as severe storms. Iceland's weather changes rapidly, so even a grey morning can turn into a clear afternoon. Dress for the worst and hope for the best.
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