Experience the ultimate Glacier Walk & Ice Climb. Conquer the ice and conquer Yourself.
Experience an easy glacier walk with an introduction to ice climbing on this small group day tour. You will explore the majestic landscapes of Sólheimajökull glacier, including water cauldrons, ridges, and deep crevasses, followed by a quick search for a suitable spot to rig up our gear for a short, moderately difficult introduction to ice climbing. You can expect about 3 hours on the ice with a professionally trained glacier guide.
Arrive at base camp in Skaftafell at least 20 minutes before the time of tour departure at the National Park Visitor’s Centre. The tour starts with your experienced and qualified glacier guide providing safety information and outfitting you with the gear for the glacier, including an ice axe, crampons and a harness. Then, a glacier bus will transport you to the starting point.
Once you step onto the glacier will feel as if you have been transported to another planet. As your guide leads you through a sea of glacial ice sculptures, ice ridges and deep crevasses, you will see stunning scenery as far as the eye can see. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the power of a glacier in person.
The glacier features kilometres of white, pure ice intertwined with blue and smoky hues in interesting shapes formed by compression. It’s a wide-open space, sitting on top of active volcanoes. You will experience whipping winds, sky-high elevations, and cold temperatures; it’s exhilarating. Your trained guide will explain aspects of the glacier and keep you safe along the way.
Everyone will get a chance to have a fun, moderately difficult ice-climbing experience. Feel the power of the glacier as your ice axe works to penetrate the deep ice. Don’t forget your camera; you will want to share this experience with your friends and family!
After some time ice climbing, you will be led back to base camp.
- Availability
- All year
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Minimum age
- 14
- Meeting Point
- Sólheimajökull Base Camp
TourID: AG106
Activity provider: Icelandic Mountain Guides by Icelandia
Sólheimajökull Base Camp
Need to know
Accessible to all those in good health, who are doing some sport regularly, and who are used to all-terrain walks. 4-6 hours walk per day, without much carrying.
Please note: Activity is subject to availability and weather conditions.
- Flexible Cancellation
- No Booking Fees
Tour itinerary
What’s included and what to bring on this tour
It’s important to always be prepared for your next adventure in Iceland. See our list of what’s included, and what you should bring or add to your trip
Included
- Experienced and qualified guide
- Glacier gear
- Safety equipment
- Tea, coffee, water and access to restrooms at Sólheimajökull
Not included
- Rain gear
- Hiking boots
- Warm clothing
- Lunch
Tour highlights
Are you wondering about something?
If you're planning a trip to Iceland, it's important to be prepared with the right information. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you plan your trip
Some meeting points don't have traditional addresses as they are parking lots or or mountain base camps in remote areas or, but you can always find these locations on Google Maps and see directions on the map above.
Before we head to the glacier for the tour, we need to get everyone fitted with the equipment (protective overalls, helmets and goggles for snowmobile tours, crampons and harnesses for glacier hikes, dry suit for kayak touts, etc.). Some equipment needs to be adjusted to each person's, so people must arrive 30 minutes before so everyone is ready at the departure time.
We always recommend booking as soon as you are ready, especially if you have a strict travel schedule or a large group. Changing or cancelling your tour is easy and free of charge until 24 hours before departure by emailing us (info@mountainguides.is). Tours can also be purchased on the day of as long as spaces are available.
Yes, certainly. We start from the basics and adjust the difficulty based on the group's skills. We keep groups small to cater to the specific challenges and needs of our guests.
Nothing in particular, except hiking boots and gloves. If you don’t have boots, you can rent them from us. Remember to bring a small backpack with an extra layer, especially for times when you're waiting for other members to climb.
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