Description
Meet at Sólheimajökull Base Camp and prepare for an active out-and-back route of approximately seven kilometres with around 350 metres of elevation gain. The approach leads through the changing glacier foreland before the group reaches the ice.
With crampons fitted and safety guidance complete, spend approximately 2–2.5 hours on Sólheimajökull. White, blue and crystal-clear ice, ash bands, crevasses and sculpted formations can all appear along the safe route selected for the day.
The complete experience takes about four hours and suits travellers aged ten and over who have reasonable fitness and want a more substantial glacier walk rather than a brief introductory stop.
Why choose Glacier Discovery?
Choose this tour for its balance of meaningful glacier time and an active approach. The approximately seven-kilometre route and 2–2.5 hours on the ice make it a stronger fit for energetic first-time glacier hikers than a short, easy taster.
What is included
- Qualified glacier guide
- Crampons and glacier equipment
- Necessary safety equipment
What do I need to bring
- Warm layered clothing
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Warm hat and gloves
- Water and energy-rich snacks
Good to know
Meeting point: Meet at Sólheimajökull Base Camp / Sales House beside the glacier access road and arrive 20 minutes before departure.
- Minimum age: 10 years.
- Total duration: approximately 4 hours.
- Expected glacier time: approximately 2–2.5 hours.
- The route is approximately 7 km with about 350 m of elevation gain.
- Hiking boots and rainwear can be rented while booking, subject to availability.
- The exact glacier route changes with weather and ice conditions.
Highlights
- Approximately 2–2.5 hours on Sólheimajökull
- Active four-hour experience
- Approximately 7 km and 350 m of elevation gain
- Qualified guide and glacier equipment
- White, blue and ash-layered ice scenery
Sólheimajökull Glacier Discovery – Frequently Asked Questions
It combines a substantial approach with approximately 2–2.5 hours on the ice, giving energetic first-time hikers a fuller glacier experience than a short introductory walk.
The complete out-and-back route is approximately seven kilometres with around 350 metres of elevation gain, so reasonable fitness is important.
Approximately 2–2.5 hours are normally spent on the ice. The rest covers check-in, equipment fitting, safety instruction and the approach and return walk.
Depending on conditions, the route can show white, blue and crystal-clear ice, dark ash layers, crevasses and changing sculpted formations.
It is at the glacier access area on Sólheimajökulsvegur. Use the map coordinates and voucher instructions, and arrive 20 minutes before departure.
Warm clothing, rainwear and hiking boots are not included. Boots and rainwear may be rented during booking, subject to availability.
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