
Glacier Hikes & Treks in Iceland
Glacier hiking is one of the most popular outdoor adventures in Iceland, offering a rare chance to walk on ancient ice shaped by volcanoes, time, and weather. These hikes are typically done on the country’s many outlet glaciers—especially Sólheimajökull in the south and Falljökull near Skaftafell—where guided tours make it safe and accessible for most fitness levels.
All necessary gear like crampons and helmets is provided, and no prior experience is needed. Just wear warm, waterproof layers and sturdy hiking boots, and prepare to explore a surreal landscape of crevasses, ice ridges, and deep blue formations you won’t see anywhere else.
Top Rated Glacier Hikes in Iceland
Vatnajökull is Iceland's largest glacier and frankly, it acts like it. With sprawling ice tongues, jagged crevasses, and blue ice caves that look Photoshopped, it's the ultimate destination for glacier treks and guided glacier excursions.
Whether you're aiming for an easy-going glacier walk or an adrenaline-pumping climb, Vatnajökull has a route for every comfort level. Bonus: it's about a 5-hour drive from Reykjavík along the South Coast, with scenery so absurdly beautiful, you won't even notice your legs going numb.
For an option with a shorter drive from Reykjavík, a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull is only a 2.5 hour drive from the capital.
Sólheimajökull Hiking Tours
(Approx. 2.5 hours from Reykjavík)
Sólheimajökull is the rock 'n roll glacier of the South Coast—volcanic, dramatic, and constantly changing. Just west of Vík, this glacier hike hot spot is a favorite for short but surreal glacier excursions, offering everything from beginner-friendly walks to more technical treks.
Perfect if you're short on time, long on curiosity, and up for trading paved roads for ice ridges. Many tours leave right from the glacier parking area, so you can be on the ice faster than you can say "crevasse."
This 3-hour tour focuses on an easy, guided hike onto the Sólheimajökull glacier, an outlet of the mighty Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. Highlights include traversing scenic crevasses and viewing vast ice formations, volcanic remains, and glacial tunnels (moulins). Participants receive comprehensive safety gear (crampons, ice axe) and guidance from a certified expert, allowing for an intimate, safe, and visually rewarding experience on one of Iceland's most panoramic glaciers.
This tour is a medium-difficulty adventure combining a guided hike with the specialized activity of ice climbing on the Sólheimajökull glacier. Highlights include climbing a crevasse ice wall using safety ropes and twin ice axes, witnessing the dramatic crevasses and volcanic ash remnants on the ice, and exploring glacial features like moulins (ice tunnels). All technical gear, including stiff climbing boots, harness, crampons, and ice axes, is provided by certified guides.
This tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the Sólheimajökull glacier, an accessible outlet of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. Highlights include viewing millennia-old blue ice, safely gazing into glacier moulins (vertical ice shafts), and witnessing the contrast of ice against volcanic ash from the underlying Katla volcano. All necessary equipment, including crampons and safety gear, is provided by certified guides, ensuring a safe and informative encounter with this massive natural phenomenon.
This private tour combines a guided hike with the specialized activity of ice climbing on the Sólheimajökull glacier. Highlights include climbing a crevasse ice wall using safety ropes and twin ice axes, witnessing the dramatic crevasses and volcanic ash remnants on the ice, and exploring glacial features like moulins (ice tunnels). All technical gear, including stiff climbing boots, harness, crampons, and ice axes, is provided by certified guides.
Skaftafell (Falljökull & Virkisjökull) Glacier Hikes
(Approx. 4.5 hours from Reykjavík)
Tucked inside Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell serves up prime glacier hiking real estate. Falljökull is the "falling glacier," known for its dynamic formations and epic icefalls, while Virkisjökull delivers sweeping views and quieter trails.
Most hikes here are moderate and accessible, but don't mistake that for boring. These glaciers are pure theater—cracking ice, sculpted seracs, and a front-row seat to climate change in real time (yay?).
Explore the ever-changing ice formations of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, on a guided walk. This tour gives you a close look at a landscape shaped by ice, where conditions shift from season to season. Depending on the time of year, you may walk into crevasses,or see ice features from above as the surface changes in summer. Your guide may also point out interesting details like glacier-shaped formations or patches of “glacier mice,” small moss balls found on the ice.
This 12-hour day tour combines the major attractions of the South Coast with an adventurous excursion to the Katla Ice Cave. Highlights include visiting the iconic waterfalls Seljalandsfoss (walk-behind) and Skógafoss, exploring the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (basalt columns), and an included journey via Super Jeep to the Katla Ice Cave. This unique activity allows travelers to witness the stunning blue ice and volcanic ash layers inside a naturally formed glacier tunnel, offering an efficient blend of sightseeing and high-adventure activity.
Embark on a longer and more in-depth glacier hike on Falljökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. This extended tour takes you higher onto the ice, where you can explore more remote terrain and enjoy wide panoramic views over Skaftafell National Park.
Take on our most adventurous glacier tour, a full-day journey that takes you deeper onto the ice than any of our other hikes. This experience gives you access to remote terrain and the dramatic landscapes surrounding Europe’s largest glacier.
This tour offers a thrilling combination of glacier hiking and ice climbing on Falljökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Highlights include using specialized gear (crampons, harness, and twin ice axes) to climb a secure ice wall or crevasse face, spending approximately 3 hours on the ice, and exploring dramatic ice features like moulins and crevasses in the stunning mountain landscape of the Skaftafell area. No previous climbing experience is required, as expert guides teach you the necessary techniques.
Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier Walks
(Approx. 5 hours from Reykjavík)
Not far from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Breiðamerkurjökull is your portal to Iceland's bluer-than-blue ice caves and shimmering glacier hikes.
Glacier walks here often involve a super jeep ride to the base, followed by an easy-to-moderate trek across undulating ice landscapes that belong in a fantasy novel. If you've ever wanted to feel small, powerful, and incredibly photogenic all at once—this is the spot.
Join a thrilling 3-hour guided glacier hike on Breiðamerkurjökull, part of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Ride a powerful Super Jeep across rugged terrain, walk on ancient blue ice, and explore fascinating glacial features such as moulins, crevasses, and deep ice canyons. Perfect for adventure seekers of all levels, this tour combines excitement, education, and unforgettable scenery.
Step into a breathtaking world of ice and wonder on this Crystal Blue Ice Cave Tour. Travel across rugged terrain in a specially designed vehicle, explore the mesmerizing blue ice formations of Europe’s largest glacier Vatnajökull, and capture unforgettable photos inside a natural crystal blue ice cave. Led by trusted expert English guides, this adventure is safe, thrilling, and perfect for experiencing one of Iceland’s most iconic winter wonders
South Coast Glacier Hikes from Reykjavík
(Approx. 5 hours from Reykjavík)
Not far from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Breiðamerkurjökull is your portal to Iceland's bluer-than-blue ice caves and shimmering glacier hikes.
Glacier walks here often involve a super jeep ride to the base, followed by an easy-to-moderate trek across undulating ice landscapes that belong in a fantasy novel. If you've ever wanted to feel small, powerful, and incredibly photogenic all at once—this is the spot.
This 12-hour day trip from Reykjavík provides a focused itinerary covering geological and natural landmarks along the South Coast. Key attractions include a walk-behind experience at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, the majestic Skógafoss Waterfall (where you can climb to the top), a hike on the Sólheimajökull Glacier (with all necessary safety equipment provided), and a visit to the volcanic Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, home to basalt columns and Atlantic waves.
Join an expedition to the South Coast & hike on the Sólheimajökull glacier. You'll visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall, the majestic Skogafoss, the mighty waves of Reynisfjara beach, also known as The Black Sand Beach, and walk on top of Sólheimajökull.
Combo Glacier Tours: Hike + Kayak = One Icy Power Move
Glacier hiking in Iceland is cool. Doing it and kayaking across a glacial lagoon? Now that’s downright legendary.
These combo glacier excursions aren’t for the indecisive—they’re for the wildly ambitious. Perfect for adventurers who want to trek across ancient ice sheets and paddle through iceberg-studded lagoons in a single day. Whether you're slicing through Heinaberg’s serene waters or combining Jökulsárlón kayaking with a dramatic Vatnajökull glacier walk, these tours serve double the frozen spectacle with zero filler.
Each tour blends glacier trekking with kayak adventures, all under the guidance of certified experts and with the surreal landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park as your backdrop.
These aren't just tours—they're ice-cold flexes for your travel journal.
Two thrilling glacier adventures, one unforgettable day. This 6-hour combo tour takes you deep into the wild, icy heart of Iceland’s southeastern coast. Paddle through the serene, iceberg-filled waters of Heinaberg Glacier Lagoon, far from the crowds, and then explore the ever-changing landscapes of Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, an outlet of Europe’s largest ice cap, Vatnajökull. Led by certified guides and packed with breathtaking scenery, this full-day combo tour lets you experience Iceland’s glaciers from both water and ice.
This full-day combo tour offers two distinct, fully guided adventures in Vatnajökull National Park for maximum immersion. Highlights include an exhilarating kayaking tour among the floating icebergs of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, followed by an adventurous glacier hike on Breiðamerkurjökull (an outlet of Vatnajökull). You will witness dramatic glacier cliffs, explore deep ice formations, and experience two of Iceland’s most iconic activities—on water and on ice—in a single, efficient day. All safety gear is provided, and the entire experience departs from the same convenient location.
This full-day combo package offers two essential glacier experiences in Southeast Iceland for maximum adventure. Highlights include a guided kayaking adventure among the icebergs of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and an exhilarating glacier hike on a Vatnajökull outlet glacier in Skaftafell Nature Reserve. This tour efficiently pairs two distinct, guided activities—on water and on ice—in one day. All necessary safety gear and instructions for both the kayaking and glacier trekking are provided by certified guides.
Troll.is Glacier Hike Meeting Points
We keep things simple: meet, gear up, hike out, and get wowed. Here's where the adventure begins:
- Sólheimajökull Parking Lot – Easy to access, right off Route 1
- Tröll Skaftafell meeting point in Hof – This is the closest meeting point of any operator to the Falljökull glacier.
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Parking – For Breiðamerkurjökull tours.
Always double-check your confirmation email for the precise time and place—glaciers wait for no one.
Must-See Glaciers in Iceland
You came for the cold—stay for the geological melodrama. Iceland’s glaciers aren’t just icy masses; they’re characters in an epic saga written by time, volcanoes, and absurd weather. Here are the frozen giants worth getting to know (preferably with waterproof boots on):
Sólheimajökull (~2.5 hrs from Reykjavík)
The rebellious offspring of volcanoes and glaciers. Sits next to Katla, so you know it's got attitude. Constantly shifting, always photogenic, and an easy detour off Route 1—this one’s as dramatic as it is accessible.

Falljökull - (~4.5 hrs from Reykjavík - Skaftafell area)
The "falling glacier" that lives up to the name with cascading icefalls straight from your most epic National Geographic dreams. It's active, it's loud, and it doesn’t care if you're ready for it.

Virkisjökull (Next door to Falljökull)
More reserved than its flashy sibling, but packs the same glacial charm. Ideal for quieter hikes with fewer crowds and big glacier energy.
Breiðamerkurjökull (~5 hrs from Reykjavík)
The gateway to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and those surreal blue ice caves that look Photoshopped (but aren’t). If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a tiny ant inside a glowing ice cathedral, this is it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? You’re not alone. Glacier hiking in Iceland is epic—but it’s also, well, on a glacier. Here’s everything you need to know before strapping on the crampons and channeling your inner Arctic explorer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes—as long as you're with a certified guide and don’t attempt any solo heroics. The ice may be pretty, but it's also unpredictable. Troll.is tours include all safety gear and seasoned pros.
Nope. Most hikes are beginner-friendly. You bring enthusiasm; we bring crampons.
Layer up! Think thermal base, insulating mid, waterproof outer. Gloves, hat, and sturdy hiking boots are a must. We'll handle the helmets, harnesses, and "don't fall into that" warnings.
Most hikes are rated easy to moderate, but you should be comfortable walking on uneven, icy terrain for 2–3 hours. It’s a trek, not a stroll.
Troll.is provides crampons, helmets, harnesses, and ice axes. You bring your adventurous spirit and decent boots.
Glacier hikes run year-round. Summer brings milder weather and easier conditions; winter adds a layer of drama (and sometimes actual snowfall on your face).
Tours can operate in light snow or rain, but high winds or storms may cause cancellations. Safety first—glacier tantrums are not to be messed with.
Yes, but age limits depend on the tour. Many allow children 8+ with adult supervision.
Sometimes! Some winter glacier walks include access to ice caves, especially near Breiðamerkurjökull. Check the tour details for specifics.
Facilities are usually available at meeting points but not on the glacier. Plan your coffee intake accordingly.
Got More Questions?
Our team of Iceland experts is just a message away. Whether you’re curious about tour details, weather prep, or which adventure suits you best, we’re here to help. Chat with us or Contact our support team and let’s plan your perfect Iceland experience.
Troll.is: 24/7 Service...almost
You can call us just about anytime. Our customer service team works around the clock. You can reach us by phone anytime, except from 10 pm and 6 am on Saturday and Sunday nights, Icelandic time. Contact info@troll.is or call us at +354 519 4455 and our dedicated team will help you out.