Glacier Hikes in Iceland | Epic Glacier Treks, Walks & Ice Climbing Tours
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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."

Solheimajokull 3h Easy Level Glacier Hike
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5.0
location Sólheimajökull
transportation Meet on location
difficulty Easy to moderate
duration 3 Hours
From
$120
/traveler
Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing
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5.0
location Sólheimajökull
transportation Meet on location
difficulty Medium
duration 4 Hours
From
$250
/traveler
Private
Sólheimajökull 3h Glacier Hike- Private Group
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5.0
location Sólheimajökull
transportation Meet on location
difficulty Easy to moderate
duration 3 Hours
From
$1,325
/group 14
Private
Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing- Private Group
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5.0
location Sólheimajökull
transportation Meet on location
difficulty Medium
duration 4 Hours
From
$1,290
/group 6

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?).

Skaftafell Glacier Hike – Easy & Stunning 3-Hour Adventure
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5.0
location Skaftafell
transportation Meet on location
difficulty Easy to moderate
duration 3 Hours
From
$90
/traveler
Skaftafell 3 hours Easy Level Glacier Hike
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5.0
location Skaftafell
transportation Meet on location
difficulty Easy to moderate
duration 3 Hours
From
$87
/traveler
Katla Ice Cave Day Tour from Reykjavik
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5.0
location From Reykjavík
duration 12 hours
transportation Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included
difficulty Easy to moderate
From
$269
/traveler
Skaftafell 5 hours Adventure Glacier Hike
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5.0
location Skaftafell
transportation Meet on location
difficulty Medium
duration 5 Hours
From
$142
/traveler
Skaftafell 6 hour Adventure Hike
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5.0
location Skaftafell
transportation Meet on location
difficulty Challenging
duration 6 hours
From
$199
/traveler
Skaftafell Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike
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5.0
location Skaftafell
transportation Meet on location
difficulty Medium
duration 4 Hours
From
$186
/traveler

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.

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.

Heinaberg Glacier Lagoon Kayaking & Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier Hike
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4.8
location Heinabergslón & Breiðamerkurjökull
duration 7 hours
transportation Not Included
season Summer
From
$270
/traveler
Jökulsárlón Kayak & Vatnajökull Glacier Hike Combo Tour
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4.8
location Jökulsárlón & Breiðamerkurjökull
duration 3 Hours + 1.5 Hours
transportation Not Included
season Summer
From
$225
/traveler
Jökulsárlón Glacier Kayaking and Skaftafell Glacier Hike Combo Tour
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4.8
location Skaftafell & Jökulsárlón
duration 3 Hours + 1.5 Hours
transportation Not Included
season Summer
From
$225
/traveler

Troll.is Glacier Hike Meeting Points

We keep things simple: meet, gear up, hike out, and get wowed. Here's where the adventure begins:

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.

Two persons walking up on the Glacier.

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.

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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.

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 [email protected] or call us at +354 519 4455 and our dedicated team will help you out.


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