Unmissable Glacier Tours in Iceland: Top Picks for 2025

Dressing appropriately is essential for a successful and comfortable glacier hike. Here are some suggestions:

Layer Up: Weather in Iceland can be highly changeable, so wearing layers is key. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer (think thermal underwear), add an insulating middle layer like a fleece or a light down jacket, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer.

Trousers: Opt for waterproof hiking trousers. Jeans are not recommended as they can get cold and uncomfortable when wet.

Footwear: Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots that provide good ankle support. Ensure they're comfortable for long periods of walking and are compatible with crampons. Some tour operators might offer rental boots.

Accessories: Don't forget a warm hat, gloves, and sunglasses - the glare off the ice on a sunny day can be intense.

Backpack and Hydration: Bring a small backpack with water and some snacks. Even if the weather is cold, glacier hiking can be strenuous and hydration is important.

Extra Change of Clothes: Finally, it's a good idea to have a change of clothes waiting for you back at your accommodation. After a day on the glacier, you'll appreciate getting into something dry and warm.

Remember, it's always better to over-prepare for the conditions than to find yourself cold, wet, or uncomfortable during your hike. The better prepared you are, the more you'll enjoy this incredible experience.

Sólheimajökull and Skaftafell are two different locations in Iceland, each having its unique characteristics and attractions.

Sólheimajökull is a glacier tongue that extends from the mighty Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Iceland's 4th largest ice cap. It is located on the south coast of Iceland between the volcanoes Katla and Eyjafjallajökull.

The area is renowned for its beauty and is perfect destination for glacier hiking and ice climbing due to its easily accessible location and terrain. We offer a variety of tours at Sólheimajökull, which are especially suited for families and those seeking a more relaxed experience.

Skaftafell is a nature reserve located in the Vatnajökull National Park in the south-east of Iceland. It is a green oasis nestled under the white expanse of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. Skaftafell is a hiker's paradise, with trails leading to stunning attractions and picturesque glacial tongues.

Skaftafell's glaciers are known for their rugged terrain and fantastic views. The tours we operate here are particularly designed for those with an adventurous spirit. If you're a keen hiker or climber, you'll find the challenging landscapes of Skaftafell incredibly rewarding.

While it may be physically possible to walk on a glacier in Iceland without a guide, it is strongly discouraged due to safety reasons.

Glaciers are complex and potentially dangerous environments, with risks such as hidden crevasses, unstable ice, and rapidly changing weather conditions topped with Iceland's constant earthquakes - often unnoticeable for humans but very much affecting the movement of the glaciers.

Guides for glacier tours are highly trained professionals who understand the glacier's current conditions, know how to navigate safely on the ice, and are equipped to respond to emergencies. They also provide the necessary equipment, such as crampons, ice axes, and safety ropes, which are vital for safe glacier exploration.

In the interest of your own safety and the preservation of these extraordinary but fragile environments, always go with a guide when venturing onto a glacier. The experience and knowledge the guides share will also likely enrich your understanding and appreciation of these amazing landscapes.

The size of Iceland's glaciers varies significantly, with the larger ones being among the most massive in Europe.

• Vatnajökull: The largest glacier in Iceland, and indeed in all of Europe, Vatnajökull stretches over 8,100 square kilometres — about 8% of the country's total land area. It's an ice-covered wonderland, with thickness reaching up to 1,000 metres in some areas.
• Langjökull: The second-largest glacier, Langjökull, covers approximately 953 square kilometres, with its ice up to 580 metres deep.
• Hofsjökull: This is Iceland's third-largest glacier, covering an area of about 925 square kilometres with its ice reaching 600 metres in thickness.

These glaciers and the country's other ice bodies are constantly evolving due to climate factors, so their exact size can change over time.

Absolutely! Glacier hiking is an incredible way to explore the beauty and raw power of Iceland's natural landscape. The unique experience of walking on centuries-old ice, seeing the magnificent ice formations, deep crevasses, and in some cases, brilliantly blue ice caves, is definitely a memory to cherish. The views from the glaciers are also typically spectacular, adding another dimension to the adventure.

The difficulty of a glacier hike in Iceland can vary significantly depending on the specific trek and the weather conditions on the day of your hike.

Some hikes are quite gentle, requiring only a basic level of fitness and agility, while others can be quite strenuous, involving steep climbs and more challenging terrain.

Even on the less demanding hikes, keep in mind that you'll be walking on an uneven, icy surface, often with inclines. The use of crampons and ice axes (which are provided as part of a guided tour) can also take a bit of getting used to.

Before booking a glacier hike, it's a good idea to consider your own physical condition, stamina, and any pre-existing health conditions. If you are in good general health and lead an active lifestyle, you should be well-suited to most glacier hikes. But if you're unsure, check with the tour provider – they will be able to advise you on the best option for your fitness level.

Regardless of the level of difficulty, glacier hikes should always be undertaken with a guide for safety reasons. A guide will be able to ensure you're equipped with the correct gear and that you understand how to use it correctly. They'll also be familiar with the current glacier conditions and can adjust the route or pace as necessary.

If you're based in Reykjavik and looking for a convenient glacier to visit, Sólheimajökull would be a prime choice. It's an outlet glacier of the larger Mýrdalsjökull, and it's about a two-hour drive from the capital.

Sólheimajökull is a favourite among both locals and visitors for its accessibility and beautiful ice formations. It offers a variety of guided tours that range from basic glacier walks to more advanced ice climbing.

Vatnajökull is a great option for those who'd like to immerse themselves in a slightly more challenging experience and are willing to walk further to leave the crowds behind and enjoy the fantastic scenery.

The age of ice in Iceland's glaciers can vary greatly, depending on a number of factors such as the specific glacier, the location of the ice within the glacier, and the rate of ice flow. However, generally speaking, the ice in the deepest parts of the larger glaciers like Vatnajökull can be hundreds to thousands of years old.

Vatnajökull, for instance, has an average ice thickness of about 400 metres and a maximum thickness of around 1,000 metres. Given typical compaction rates and accumulation of snow, the ice at the bottom of this glacier could be over a thousand years old. However, dating glacier ice precisely can be complex due to the dynamic movement and continuous melting and freezing within the glacier.

For smaller glaciers or the younger, upper layers of larger glaciers, the ice may only be a few decades to a few hundred years old.

These are rough estimates and the exact age of the ice can vary. Scientists use various methods such as ice core drilling and radiocarbon dating to determine the age of glacier ice more accurately.

Expect a journey into an ethereal world of ice with unique formations and sometimes stunning blue hues.

A typical glacier hike will start with a safety briefing and gear check. Your guide will then lead you onto the glacier, using crampons for traction. You'll likely walk past — and sometimes over — beautiful ice formations and deep crevasses, and if you're lucky, you might get to explore an ice cave.

Keep in mind that the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, so conditions might change during your hike, adding to the adventure!

The depth of ice in Iceland's glaciers varies substantially depending on the specific glacier in question.

• Vatnajökull: As the largest glacier in Iceland, Vatnajökull also boasts some of the thickest ice. The depth varies across different parts of the glacier, but it can reach up to 1,000 metres at its thickest point.
• Langjökull: The second-largest glacier, Langjökull, has ice that can be up to 580 metres deep.
• Hofsjökull: For Hofsjökull, the third largest glacier, its ice can reach 600 metres in thickness.

Iceland, aptly nicknamed 'The Land of Ice and Fire', is renowned for its impressive glaciers. About 11% of Iceland's total land area is covered by these vast sheets of ice.

Besides dressing appropriately, make sure to stay hydrated and bring high-energy snacks. Before your hike, get a good night's sleep and eat a hearty breakfast. If you're new to hiking, it might be beneficial to do some light cardio training in the weeks leading up to your trip.

Walking on a glacier is different from regular walking and can be demanding due to the use of crampons, which can limit movement and be exhausting for some.

If you have heart conditions, diabetes, high blood pressure, or asthma, please notify your guide during check-in.

We suggest that individuals with any injuries or medical conditions that might affect their glacier experience book a private tour.

The glacier is not accessible for those with limited mobility or using wheelchairs or crutches.

Additionally, strollers and baby carriers cannot be used on our tours. Pregnant women over 12 weeks are not permitted unless it's a private booking.

Selecting the perfect glacier hike in Iceland can indeed be an adventure in itself, given the wealth of magnificent choices on offer. Here are some tips:

Fitness Level and Experience: Consider your physical fitness and hiking experience. Glacier hikes can range from easy to strenuous. If you're a novice hiker or are looking for a relatively gentle experience, a shorter tour on Sólheimajökull could be ideal.

For those seeking a more challenging trek, a full-day hike on Vatnajökull might be just the ticket.

Proximity to Reykjavik: If you're based in Reykjavik and are looking to minimise travel time, Sólheimajökull, an outlet of the larger Mýrdalsjökull glacier, is about two hours drive away and is popular for hiking and ice climbing.

Iceland is home to about 269 named glaciers. These icy spectacles come in all shapes and sizes, including larger ice caps, outlet and valley glaciers, and smaller mountain and cirque glaciers.

The exact number might vary due to the dynamic nature of glaciers, particularly in the face of ongoing climate change.

In summer, you’ll see the most crowds in Vatnajökull National Park, but this is the best time of year to visit. Some activities, such as hiking Iceland’s tallest peak, are limited to summer only and glacier hikes operate year-round with clearer days for a better view in summer. However, if visiting a natural ice cave is the one thing on your bucket list, it is best to visit in winter as ice caves are often inaccessible due to meltwater in summer. The shoulder months of May or September are a good option if you still want to take advantage of the long hours of daylight but avoid the biggest crowds.

Vatnajökull ice cap is one of the most popular spots in Iceland for glacier hikes. Guided walks run from several different places and take place on a few different glacial outlets, so you can choose a tour depending on what you want to see – ice caves, chasms, or a view from the top. As the frozen surface of Iceland’s glaciers can hide ravines and sinkholes, the only way to experience hiking on an ice cap is by joining an organised, guided tour. Equipment such as helmets, ice picks and crampons are provided for you.

Vatnajökull is a huge ice cap that covers a vast area of Iceland’s mainland. It is mainly in the southeast of the island, but the boundaries of the national park stretch as far as the centre of Iceland. Its southern border sits just off the Route One ring road that loops around the island.

If you’re taking a glacier hike on Vatnajökull, you’ll want to bring layers no matter the time of year. The beginning of the hike can be cold with a chill wind whipping off the ice, so you’ll want a fleece or woolly jumper to keep warm. As you walk upwards, it can get a lot warmer. Sturdy walking boots that can fit crampons are essential and a woolly hat that can fit under a helmet is a good idea – especially in winter – along with insulated gloves. A waterproof jacket can keep the biting wind at bay, but once you’ve started the hike, you’ll soon warm up, especially if the sun is shining. You’ll be peeling off layers as you climb, which is why layering up at the bottom is essential.

There are a number of points along the southern coast Route One road where you can turn off to access Vatnajökull. The most popular point to enter the national park from is Skaftafell, which lies 230 kilometres (around 143 miles) from Reykjavík – around a four-and-a-half-hour drive. Some visitors access Vatnajökull glacier from Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, which sits along the south coast, 380 kilometres (around 236 miles) from Reykjavík – approximately five hour’s drive.

Since it is so far from Reykjavík and takes nearly a full day of driving to reach Vatnajökull, most people opt to stay the night in the area. There are several family-run guesthouses on farms along the Route One road that offer accommodation near Vatnajökull. In peak season, it is essential to book in advance as the area is very sparse. There are a few options, including hostels and campsites, around Skaftafell and the biggest selection of accommodation can be found in the small village of Höfn.

While some Icelandic words are difficult to pronounce, Vatnajökull is one of the easier ones. “Vatna” is pronounced just as you read it. And “jökull” has a soft j, like a ‘y’ sound. The ö is probably the most difficult for a non-Icelandic tongue – it sounds somewhere between o and e. It mimics the sound of yeux (eyes) and oeuff (egg) in French.

Quite simply, Vatnajökull means water glacier. Vatn is water and jökull means glacier. It is rumoured to be named after the sub-glacial lakes that exist beneath the surface.

Vatnajökull covers so much land that how long you spend here depends on the activities you have planned. If you’re embarking on a guided glacier hike, you should allow up to four hours for the experience. Skaftafell has hiking trails that range from an hour and a half to five hours. If you’re taking a boat trip on Jökulsárlón glacier lake, allow between two and three hours here. And if you’re looking to hike up Hvannadalshnjúkur, you’ll need to dedicate the entire day to the activity – it takes around fifteen hours.

Within the vast expanse of Vatnajökull National Park, you can choose from many outdoor activities. Hikers can hit the numerous trails past Skaftafell’s rugged scenery, while those that like to experience Iceland’s unique landscape at a more leisurely pace can take a boat trip onto Jökulsárlón glacier lake to spot icebergs floating in the water. Guided glacier walks take place on Vatnajökull’s many subsidiary glaciers, some even including ice cave exploration. Then there are the pretty waterfalls within the national park – Svartifoss and Aldeyjarfoss being the highlights. For the absolute hiking challenge, you can climb Iceland’s highest peak in a single day and get an unparalleled view of the entire national park.

Between 1000 and 1500 years ago, Vatnajökull as we know it now was formed by several glaciers combining together to make Iceland’s largest ice cap. It plugs one of the island’s most active volcano systems. Vatnajökull has around 30 outlet glaciers that flow slowly through ravines and valleys and the shape of the outlet glaciers is constantly changing as they creep forward by around one metre a day in summer.

To reach the Skaftafell or Jökulsárlón access points to Vatnajökull National Park, all you need to do is follow the Route One main road from Reykjavík, taking you along the south coast of the island. 230 kilometres later, you’ll find the turn-off for Skaftafell, or carry on driving for a further 57 kilometres to reach Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. As the drive is so long, many people choose to join an organised tour from Reykjavík to experience the highlights of Vatnajökull National Park. It takes the hassle out of navigating, driving for long stretches and choosing where to stop and stretch your legs along the way. With a professional guide and driver, all you have to do is look out the window and watch the beautiful scenery go by.

Sólheimajökull Glacier walking is possible all year round, so you can visit when the sun shines in summer or in deepest, coldest winter. The benefit of visiting Sólheimajökull in summer is that the long hours of daylight allow for longer adventures on the frozen surface of the glacier. The clearer, sunnier weather in summer also means road closures are less likely. Occasionally, when there is a snowstorm or wild weather in winter, glacier hikes will be cancelled as conditions are too dangerous. However, there is a benefit to visiting Sólheimajökull glacier in winter. It is only during the colder months that you can visit the Blue Ice Cave – one of Iceland’s most beautiful natural frozen caves. During the warmer months, the entranceway melts making it too dangerous to access so you need to visit Sólheimajökull glacier between the beginning of November and the end of March if you want to check out the ice cave.

In terms of finding the way, a Sólheimajökull glacier self-drive adventure is very easy. Simply follow the Route One main road out of Reykjavík and drive for around two hours before turning onto Route 221 gravel road for 4 kilometres. This takes you right to Sólheimajökull car park. However, as it is only possible to walk on Sólheimajökull glacier with a trained, professional guide, it is usually easier to join an organised Sólheimajökull Glacier hike tour from Reykjavík which includes transfers.

For a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull, you need to bring a pair of high-ankled walking boots, rather than walking shoes, as you’ll need to fit a set of crampons onto them. Crampons, helmets and ice axes will be supplied by your glacier guide, so there’s no need to bring this equipment with you. Your walking boots should be waterproof too, as the surface of the glacier is snowy and icy. Sólheimajökull Glacier weather can be unpredictable, especially in the winter months, so layers are essential. A sports t-shirt, fleece and waterproof jacket are a good combination as it is cold at the bottom of the glacier, but you soon warm up hiking uphill, especially when the sun shines overhead. You’ll want to de-layer as you go.

The walk up to the base of Iceland’s Sólheimajökull glacier tongue is not easy. Even if you are not hiking up to the surface of the glacier, you still need to cross rocky paths with uneven footing. Although the walk is not very long, you will need to wear some sturdy walking boots just to reach the base of the glacial tongue.

Sólheimajökull glacier is found along the Route One ring road – the main road that runs around the entire island of Iceland. It is on the south coast of Iceland and is an outlet of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap which plugs the famous Katla volcano system.

Sólheimajökull glacier walking is generally considered easy to modarate. These are family friendly tours and generally less challenging than the Skaftafell glacier hikes. You need to be fit enough to walk on uneven terrain, uphill and comfortable going up crudely hacked ice stairs in crampons. Glacier hikes tend to take around an hour and a half, so you need to be comfortable walking for this length of time across some icy surface and sometimes snow. For those that really want a challenge, there is the opportunity to try ice climbing on Sólheimajökull glacier.

Around Sólheimajökull glacier, you’ll find a scattering of family-run guesthouses and B&Bs on farmsteads. Accommodation in this remote area often comes in the form of wooden cabins on farmland and has the bonus of waking to views of waterfalls, rugged hills and even glaciers. For a wider array of accommodation, the charming coastal village of Vík is a half-hour drive away where you’ll find hotels, hostels and B&Bs for all budgets and a selection of restaurants for evening meals.

From the car park, it is only a 15 to 20-minute walk to the base of Sólheimajökull glacier. The walk to the base is actually getting longer every year as Sólheimajökull glacier is shrinking. Guided walks on the glacier’s surface take around an hour and a half with the most strenuous activity on the way up.

Sólheimajökull glacier is one of the most popular places to take a glacier walk in Iceland. You can walk on the frozen surface of the glacier as long as you join an organised, guided tour with a professional glacier hiker leading the way. The surface hides sinkholes and ravines in the ice, so walking on Sólheimajökull glacier by yourself is not allowed as it is too dangerous. It is also one of the few places in Iceland where you can try ice climbing – using ropes and pickaxes to scale a wall of crystalline ice.

The most popular activity around Mýrdalsjökull is embarking on a glacier hike. Guided hikes onto the frozen surface of the ice cap take place at two of the glacial tongues: Sólheimajökull and Kötlujökull. Due to its close proximity to the Route One road along the south coast, Sólheimajökull is one of the most popular spots in Iceland for glacier walking. Here, you can trek across the frozen landscape with a guide helping you avoid hidden sinkholes and ravines in the ice. You can explore glowing blue ice caves beneath the surface and even try your hand at ice climbing. Those that prefer their hikes a little less frozen underfoot can simply admire the beauty of Mýrdalsjökull from the nearby popular walking trail – Fimmvörðuháls.

Basic safety equipment is provided on guided tours of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, so you don’t have to worry about bringing ice axes, crampons and helmets. As it is an active experience, it’s a good idea to bring some snacks for the bus or drive from Reykjavik – cereal bars, nuts or even chocolate for a little post or pre-hike boost. There are places to stop for meals on the way to Mýrdalsjökull, so you don’t have to bring a packed lunch. Glacier hiking is a bucket-list experience and the pristine white surface or glowing blue walls of an ice cave make for endless pictures. It’s a good idea to bring a power pack with you to make sure your camera or phone doesn’t run out of battery. It’s also very easy to stay hydrated in Iceland because glacial outlets have water so pure and cold you can fill up your bottle from nearly any stream or river. Make sure to bring a refillable water bottle with you.

As Mýrdalsjökull sits just off the main route of Iceland’s south coast, there are loads of natural wonders and attractions to see on the way from Reykjavík. Most south coast itineraries include a stop at Reynisfjara black-sand beach where the wild North Atlantic laps at the jet-black shore and an ethereal cave is formed from twisting basalt columns. The nearby village of Vík is home to a pretty, red-roofed church perched on a hilltop which inspires visitors to snap a few photos. Then there are the beguiling waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.

As with any outdoor activity in Iceland, layers are essential when embarking on a glacier hike on Mýrdalsjökull. While the air temperature might be cold, a glacier hike involves some steep climbing, so you soon warm up and will want to de-layer as you ascend. Wearing a sports t-shirt, a long-sleeve jumper, fleece or woolly jumper, plus a waterproof jacket, is the best option for a glacier hike. You’ll want to wear a pair of trousers that are comfortable for hiking – not jeans as these take a long time to dry and are really uncomfortable when wet. A pair of trousers that are water resistant or even waterproof is a good idea, especially if you are ice climbing or planning on going through an ice cave. In winter, you’ll want to wear a warm hat, scarf and insulated gloves. Crampons and helmets are provided, so just make sure your hat is thin enough to fit under a helmet (bobbles are probably not a good idea!) and that you wear sturdy, waterproof walking boots. Walking shoes are not advisable as you need to fit crampons over the top of your footwear. When the sun reflects off the glacier’s white surface, it can be dazzling so don’t forget to bring sunglasses.

Like all of Iceland’s glaciers, you cannot walk on the icy surface on your own. To get onto the surface of Mýrdalsjökull, you need to join a guided excursion where you’ll be given a safety briefing and receive all the essential equipment to tackle the frozen surface. The natural ice caves of Mýrdalsjökull can also only be visited with a professional guide. You can’t even drive up to the base of the glacier without a specialist vehicle.

Mýrdalsjökull’s weather tends to mirror that of the rest of Iceland’s south coast. In the summer months (June, July and August), you can expect temperatures to remain as low as 4°C and climb as high as 14°C. This is when the glacier experiences the least amount of rain and snow, and you’re most likely to get a sunny day for a hike. The warmer temperatures of summer do mean that the natural ice caves that form within Mýrdalsjökull become inaccessible as their entrances melt. In winter, the temperature lows of -2°C and maximum highs of 4°C keep the ice cave entrances frozen and therefore more stable. In winter, you’ll likely see the glacier covered in a blanket of snow and blizzards are not uncommon. Sometimes glacier hikes can be cancelled at short notice in winter due to the weather.

As the crow flies, there are 146 kilometres (around 90 miles) between Reykjavik and Mýrdalsjökull. Following the road, it’s actually 165 kilometres to drive to Mýrdalsjökull as the closest car park to the glacier is at Ytri-Sólheimar. The drive takes around two and a half hours.

You’ll find Mýrdalsjökull glacier on Iceland’s south coast, just north of the village of Vík. It is close to the famous Eyjafjallajökull glacier and one of Iceland’s most popular hiking routes – Fimmvörðuháls – runs between the two ice caps. Mýrdalsjökull sits just off the Route One ring road. However, you need a 4x4 or super jeep to drive right up to the glacier.

Langjökull sits north-east of the city of Reykjavík. It can be accessed from the city by two main routes.

One option is to take route 1 north from the city centre towards Borgarnes. You can then join route 50 towards Kleppjárnsreykir. From there, take route 518 east. This way, you’ll find the Langjökull glacier ice cave and, a little further on, the Langjökull Klaki base camp.

Alternatively, take route 36 through Þingvellir National Park, before joining route 37 northeast. You’ll join the unpaved road F35 to reach the base of the glacier.

If that sounds complicated, why not let a guide take you there instead? With a guided group tour you won’t have to worry about driving—you’ll simply enjoy the view.

You can walk on Langjökull glacier with a local guide. They’ll provide you with the gear you need, show you how to use it, and ensure that you navigate the ice safely.

We do not recommend that you take a Langjökull glacier walk without a guide. Glaciers are ever-changing and potentially treacherous environments, which you should treat with the utmost respect! If you have never walked or navigated across a glacier before, go with a guide.

You can drive to Langjökull, but it’s not always the easiest way to get there. For example, you will need to drive on unpaved roads. These are quite common in the Icelandic highlands, and you’ll need a vehicle that can handle them. Not all of them can.

Instead, a more convenient way to visit Langjökull is with a guided tour. They’ll provide transport from Reykjavík, so you don’t have to worry about the road.

You can visit the Langjökull base camps by yourself, no problem. However, we wouldn’t recommend you visit the glacier itself without a guide.

That’s because glaciers are complex, challenging, and potentially treacherous landscapes. If you don’t have any experience walking or navigating on glaciers, you definitely shouldn’t visit by yourself.

Instead, organise a guide in Reykjavík. It’ll make getting to Langjökull a lot easier too.

A Langjökull tour is perfectly safe if you’re led by a local guide. They’ll provide all of the gear you need—such as an icepick, a harness, and crampons—and show you how to use them correctly. They’ll also lead you through the safest areas of the ice cap.

That said, if you’re going alone, we can’t guarantee your safety. Glaciers are complex and hazardous environments for the inexperienced.

Glaciers are challenging environments. You’ll be walking on ice at potentially quite a high altitude. That means it’s likely to be cold, even in summer. So, when hiking, it’s best to be prepared for all conditions.

We recommend dressing in layers, so that you can add or take one off if you get too warm or cold. Bring along a hat, gloves, and a waterproof jacket too. And, while your tour will provide the crampons, you need to wear sturdy boots that are adequate for the outdoors.

Langjökull is not typically included in the Golden Circle.

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s best-known visitor itinerary, taking in three of the country’s most spectacular sights: Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Geysir. However, many Golden Circle packages add extra destinations, including the Blue Lagoon and Langjökull.

For example, you can add a monster truck tour of Langjökull, or a glacier hike, to your Golden Circle experience.

Like many other Icelandic place names, Langjökull can seem a little difficult to pronounce. But the truth is that Icelanders will understand you even if you don’t get it exactly right. You can pronounce it how it’s written in English: lang-jo-kull.

But if you want to get it right, Langjökull can be broken down into three parts:

• “Lang” is pronounced a little more like the English “lung”
• “Jö” is a soft “j” sound, more like a “y”, followed by a long vowel similar to that in the French word “coeur”
• “Kull” is pronounced like the English, but watch out for that double L. In Icelandic, it’s more like a “tl” sound, with a very soft T.

We do not recommend that you hike on Langjökull glacier—or indeed any glacier—without a guide. Glaciers are volatile environments that come with multiple hazards. It takes real experience and local knowledge to navigate these places safely.

Much of the ice of Langjökull is thousands of years old. When snow accumulates, it gets compacted into the ice of the glacier, which then flows downhill due to gravity. The very oldest ice will be that at the deepest points of the glacier, which was fresh snow many thousands of years ago.

The Langjökull glacier is an incredible destination at any time of year. In summer, you can enjoy higher temperatures and more stable conditions. But in winter you’ll see the glacier at its snow-covered best. Ultimately, the choice is yours!

Langjökull is the second-largest glacier in Iceland, after Vatnajökull. The glacier is 64 kilometres (40 miles) long and 24 kilometres (15 miles) wide and it covers an area of roughly 1,025 square km (395 square miles).

So, it’s pretty big. In fact, in Icelandic, Langjökull means “long glacier”, thanks to its impressive length.

The quickest route to Langjökull from Reykjavík takes you to the west side of the glacier. You can expect the drive to take about two hours. This is the closest major glacier to Reykjavík.

The Langjökull Ice Cave is the largest ice cave in Iceland. It’s a breathtaking sight, deep beneath the surface of the glacier. And it’s also an impressive feat of engineering, as the whole thing is man-made.

If you want to explore the magical blue world beneath the ice—in any season—the Langjökull glacier ice cave is one of the best places to do it.

There are two volcano systems beneath the Langjökull glacier. East of Langjökull you’ll find Hveravellir, which has hot springs you can visit. To the northwest, there’s Arnarvatnsheiði.

While this is not a particularly volcanically active area of the country, you’re never too far from a volcano in Iceland.