
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.
Join this easy-to-moderate, 3-hour guided hike on Sólheimajökull glacier, an accessible destination located on the South Coast (approx. 2.5 hours driving time from Reykjavík). This tour is ideal for travelers who want a hands-on glacier experience without high difficulty, with a minimum age of 8 years.
You will meet your certified English-speaking guide at the Sólheimajökull parking lot. All essential safety equipment is provided and mandatory, including a harness, helmet, crampons, and ice axe. Guests must wear good, ankle-supporting shoes (available for rent).
The hike begins with a walk toward the glacier's edge, passing a small glacier lagoon where icebergs often float. Once on the ice, your guide will secure your crampons, making walking safe and stable. You will then hike onto the ice cap, where you will encounter stunning natural features like deep cracks (crevasses) and dramatic ice sculptures. From the glacier's higher points, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the South Coast and the North Atlantic Ocean. Your guide will provide insights into the glacier’s geology, its formation over the active Katla volcano underneath, and the visible effects of climate change. The duration provides ample time for exploration and photos before concluding back at the meeting point with complimentary coffee and chocolates.
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.
Join this medium-difficulty adventure designed for enthusiasts looking for a full exploration of one of Iceland's most active glaciers, Sólheimajökull. Located a few hours drive from Reykjavík, this tour is suitable for anyone in good physical condition, with no prior ice climbing experience required.
The tour begins at the Sólheimajökull parking lot, where you will meet your guide and be equipped with all necessary safety gear, including specialized stiff climbing boots, a harness, helmet, crampons (for walking on ice), and ice axes.
The adventure starts with a hike onto the ice, passing a glacier lagoon where icebergs are often visible. You will navigate large crevasses and reach high points offering phenomenal panoramic views of the South Coast. The focus then shifts to the main activity: ice climbing. Ropes are set up on an ice wall within a crevasse, allowing you to use two ice axes to scale the vertical ice safely while secured by your harness. Afterward, the hike continues to explore features like glacial tunnels (moulins) and areas covered with volcanic ash from the Katla volcano (which lies safely dormant beneath the ice). This unforgettable experience provides a close look at the immense, dynamic forces that shape Iceland's glaciers.
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 tour is designed for anyone seeking a deep understanding and direct experience with one of Iceland’s magnificent glaciers. You will meet your certified guide at the Sólheimajökull parking lot on the South Coast (approximately 2.5 hours drive from Reykjavík). The tour is categorized as easy and focuses on observation and education, making it suitable for beginners.
The adventure begins with a 30-minute walk to the edge of the ice, noting the distance the glacier has receded. Once there, you will be fitted with all required safety equipment, including crampons for walking stability and a harness. On the glacier, your guide will lead you through the otherworldly landscape, sharing insights into its formation. You will see blue ice, which gains its color from compressed snow, and be able to look down into moulins, which are vertical ice shafts that can reach the base of the glacier. The glacier sits on top of the mighty Katla volcano, and your guide will point out the visible volcanic ash layers. On clear days, views may extend to the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. This experience provides an immersive and safe encounter with the immense, receding forces of Iceland’s glaciers.
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.
This is a private, medium-difficulty adventure designed for enthusiasts seeking a focused and immersive exploration of Sólheimajökull glacier, an accessible outlet of Mýrdalsjökull, located a few hours drive from Reykjavík. The tour is suitable for anyone in good physical condition, and no prior ice climbing experience is required.
The tour begins at the Sólheimajökull parking lot, where you will meet your guide and be equipped with all necessary safety and climbing gear: specialized stiff climbing boots, harness, helmet, crampons (for walking), and ice axes.
The adventure starts with a hike onto the ice, passing a small glacier lagoon where icebergs are often visible. After navigating the initial crevasses (large cracks in the ice), the focus shifts to the main activity: ice climbing. Ropes are set up on a chosen ice wall, allowing you to safely use two ice axes to scale the vertical ice while secured by your harness. The remaining hike explores features like glacial tunnels (moulins) and areas covered with volcanic ash from the Katla volcano (which lies safely dormant beneath the ice). This experience provides a close look at the immense, dynamic forces that shape Iceland's glaciers.
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.
Your adventure begins at our Troll base, offering free parking and only a short drive from the glacier. Please arrive 20 minutes before departure to meet your certified English-speaking glacier guide. All essential safety equipment, helmet, crampons, harness, and ice axe, is provided.
After gearing up, we take a 15-minute ride to the glacier car park, followed by a 15-minute walk to the edge of the ice. Along the way, your guide will show how the glacier has retreated over time, pointing out exposed bedrock and the nearby meltwater lagoon. Once on the ice, your guide will teach you how to walk safely using your equipment.
You’ll spend 1 to 1.5 hours exploring Falljökull. What you see varies with the season, but every tour offers a chance to experience the glacier’s scale and the unique formations created by its movement. Throughout the hike, your guide will share insights into how the glacier forms, shifts, and affects the surrounding environment.
After returning to the meeting point, enjoy a complimentary hot drink and a candy bar
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.
Join this full-day, all-year-round small group excursion departing from Reykjavík. This 12-hour tour efficiently covers Iceland’s famous South Coast landmarks and includes a specialized ice cave activity.
The journey begins with pick-up from Reykjavík and heads east along the scenic South Coast. The itinerary includes two of Iceland’s most magnificent waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss, where a path allows visitors to walk safely behind the cascade, and Skógafoss, known for its immense power and height (60 meters).
The tour continues to the village of Vík, where the day’s main adventure begins. Guests transfer to a powerful Super Jeep for an off-road ride across the wild, volcanic landscape to reach the Katla Ice Cave, located beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Once there, certified guides provide all necessary safety equipment and lead the group inside the cave. This is a unique opportunity to see the ice blended with layers of volcanic ash from the Katla volcano. The tour also visits the coastline at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, famous for its striking hexagonal basalt columns and dramatic Atlantic waves.
This tour is rated easy to moderate and offers a stress-free way to cover major sightseeing locations alongside a technical adventure activity, with transport and guidance provided throughout.
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.
Why choose this 5-hour tour? This experience is perfect for guests who want to spend more time on the glacier, see a wider variety of features, and explore areas that shorter tours don’t reach.
Your adventure begins at our Troll base, located just minutes from the glacier with free parking available. Please arrive 20 minutes before departure to meet your certified English-speaking glacier guide. All essential safety equipment, helmet, crampons, harness, and ice axe, is provided.
Once the group is ready, we take a 15-minute ride to the glacier car park, followed by a 15-minute walk to the glacier’s edge. During this walk and the safety briefing, your guide will explain how to use the equipment and what to expect on the ice.
From there, you will spend 3.5 to 4 hours exploring Falljökull. Depending on the season, you may walk through deep crevasses, look into moulins, see sculpted ice formations, or view features from above when the surface is smoother in summer. As you climb higher, wide views over Skaftafell open up, showcasing the dramatic landscapes shaped by the glacier. Your guide will also share insights into how Falljökull forms, moves, and changes over time. After returning to the meeting point, enjoy a complimentary hot drink and a candy bar.
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.
Why choose this 6-hour tour? This is the ideal option for guests wanting a longer and more technical glacier experience. With rope-assisted sections set up by your guide, you’ll reach areas of the glacier that are otherwise inaccessible on standard tours.
Your adventure begins at our Troll base in Hof, just minutes from the glacier and offering free parking. Please arrive 20 minutes early to meet your certified English-speaking glacier guide and gear up with a helmet, crampons, harness, and ice axe.
Once the group is ready, we take a 15-minute ride to the glacier car park, followed by a 15-minute walk to the edge of the ice. During this walk and the safety briefing, your guide will show you how to use your equipment and move safely on the glacier.
From there, you’ll spend 4.5 to 5 hours on the ice, exploring the glacier’s upper areas and wilder terrain. Depending on conditions, you may travel through deep crevasses, pass moulins, see cool formations, and in winter, look into small ice tunnels. Where needed, your guide will set up secure anchors and ropes to help the group access steeper or more technical sections safely.
Throughout the tour, your guide will explain how the glacier forms, moves, and constantly changes. After returning to the meeting point, enjoy a complimentary hot drink and a candy bar
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.
Join this adventure tour for anyone seeking an added thrill on a glacier, suitable for travelers in good physical health. The tour targets Falljökull, a magnificent outlet glacier located in the beautiful Skaftafell area of Southeast Iceland.
You will meet your guide at the dedicated Troll base minutes from the glacier with free parking available, where you must arrive 20 minutes prior to departure to meet your certified English-speaking guide and get equipped. All essential gear is provided, including a helmet, harness, crampons (for walking on ice), and an ice axe.
After a short 15-minute ride and a 15-minute walk, you will arrive at the ice edge. Your guide will provide a crucial safety briefing and demonstration of how to walk on the ice. The adventure includes approximately 3 hours actively spent on the glacier. Your guide will select the safest and best feature available on the day—often a vertical ice wall or a crevasse edge—and set up a secure climbing anchor. You will then have the chance to climb the ice wall using the provided ice axes, supported by a rope and your guide. Additionally, the tour includes hiking to explore other dramatic features like deep crevasses, vertical moulins (ice tunnels), and unique sculpted ice formations, immersing you fully in this dramatic, film-featured landscape.
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.
Your adventure begins at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most iconic natural landmarks. From here, you’ll board a specially designed 4x4 Super Jeep for an exciting ride across the rugged landscape leading to Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull National Park. Along the way, your experienced guide will share insights about the area’s unique geology and glacial history, making the journey as fascinating as the destination.
Upon arrival, your guide will provide all the necessary glacier gear, including crampons, helmets, ice axes, and harnesses. After a detailed safety briefing, you’ll step onto the glacier and feel the crunch of centuries-old ice beneath your feet. As you hike, your guide will point out incredible natural features like moulins (vertical ice shafts), dramatic crevasses, and ice canyons carved by meltwater. Each step offers a closer look at the raw and ever-changing power of Iceland’s glaciers.
This tour is an ideal summer adventure since the famous winter ice caves are closed during this season. Instead, you’ll explore stunning open glacial landscapes and hidden formations. The hike is moderately challenging but suitable for beginners with a reasonable level of fitness. Remember to wear warm, layered clothing and sturdy hiking boots. With morning and afternoon departures available, this compact yet immersive tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the beauty and majesty of Iceland’s frozen wilderness.
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
If our own Crystal Ice Cave tour is fully booked, don’t worry! we’ve partnered with a top-rated local operator to bring you the exact same experience, guided by highly skilled English glacier experts. We have carefully selected and vetted this partner tour to ensure it meets our strict standards for safety, quality, and unforgettable experiences. You will still get to explore one of Iceland’s most famous winter attractions: the stunning Crystal Blue Ice Cave inside the mighty Vatnajökull glacier.
Your adventure begins with a Super Jeep ride, designed to handle Iceland’s rough terrain. This thrilling drive takes you from the meeting point to the edge of the glacier while your guide shares insights about the area’s geology and history. Once there, you’ll be equipped with all the necessary safety gear, including crampons and helmets. After a short walk, you’ll step inside the Crystal Blue Ice Cave, where the walls of ancient blue ice surround you in a magical, shimmering world. These caves naturally change and reshape constantly, as Mother Nature designs.
This tour is available only during the winter months, when the ice caves are stable and safe to explore. It is suitable for most travelers with a good fitness level able to hike on gravel path for about 20 minutes, and on an icy and even surface (on crampons) for about 15 minutes. Also, requires warm clothing, waterproof layers, and sturdy boots. Don’t miss this chance to witness the raw beauty of Iceland’s glaciers up close. Even if our original tour is sold out, this exceptional partner tour guarantees you won’t miss one of Iceland’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Book your spot today and make memories that will last a lifetime!
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 this full-day excursion from Reykjavík to the famous South Coast of Iceland. The tour starts with pickup at your chosen location in the capital area. The first geological stops are two of Iceland's most recognized waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss, which allows visitors to walk safely behind the cascade, and Skógafoss, known for its powerful 60-meter drop and surrounding stairs that offer a top-down view. Both are approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of driving from the city.
The main adventure is the Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull, an outlet of the larger Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Once at the glacier base, professional guides will provide essential equipment, including crampons and ice axes. Participants should be prepared for an easy to moderate physical activity level. The hike offers a direct experience with the ice, where you can observe crevasses and the unique textures of the glacier ice.
The tour concludes with a visit to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, famous for its black sand and unique hexagonal basalt columns. The beach is exposed to strong waves, which should be respected at all times.
The entire trip is led by an English-speaking guide and includes round-trip transportation by minibus with Wi-Fi. The total duration is approximately 12 hours.
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.
Book now and experience two of Iceland’s most breathtaking activities in one epic journey!
Spend a full day immersed in the raw beauty of Southeast Iceland with this unique combo tour that combines kayaking on Heinaberg Lagoon with a guided glacier hike on Breiðamerkurjökull. Both tours depart from the same convenient meeting point at Tröll.is – Glacier Lagoon, Jökulsárlón, making your transition between adventures seamless and easy.
We begin by kayaking on the secluded Heinaberg Lagoon, a hidden gem surrounded by dramatic mountains and remote glacier tongues. This lesser-known glacial lagoon offers an incredibly peaceful paddling experience as you weave between icebergs, soak in panoramic views, and explore ice formations up close — all under the guidance of experienced kayaking instructors.
After a short break and time to switch gear, we lace up our hiking boots for the second part of your adventure: a glacier hike on Breiðamerkurjökull. This majestic outlet glacier stretches from the mighty Vatnajökull and invites you to explore a world of deep crevasses, blue ice formations, and stunning frozen landscapes. With crampons, helmets, and harnesses provided, you’ll walk safely across the glacier alongside expert guides who share insights into the glacier’s formation, features, and future.
This is a combo of two separate guided tours, both approximately 3.5 hours long. The transition between activities is coordinated and smooth — and since both start from the same meeting location, there’s no need for additional travel between sites.
All necessary glacier and kayaking equipment is provided, including drysuits for kayaking, safety gear, crampons, helmets, and ice axes. Participants must be at least 14 years old and comfortable with moderate physical activity.
Ready for the ultimate dual-glacier experience? Kayak a peaceful lagoon, then hike ancient blue ice — this is Southeast Iceland at its most magical. Book this adventure today!
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.
Join this active, full-day combo tour designed for travelers who want to maximize their experience of Iceland's icy wilderness. This adventure efficiently pairs a kayaking excursion with a glacier hike, all departing directly from the Troll.is Glacier Lagoon base camp in Jökulsárlón.
The tour operates with two schedule options, allowing you to choose whether to begin with the Kayak (09:30 AM) or the Glacier Hike (10:00 AM). Both segments are led by separate certified guides (glacier and kayaking specialists).
The kayaking segment offers a serene experience, paddling across the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon for close-up views of the floating icebergs and towering glacier cliffs. For the glacier hike, you will be fitted with all necessary equipment (crampons, ice axe, helmet) and led onto the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. The hike explores the challenging frozen terrain, allowing you to safely view natural features like blue ice formations and crevasses.
Practical Logistics:
- Meeting Point: Both activities start and end at the same location (Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon), eliminating the need for self-driving between segments.
- Requirements: Participants must be in good physical condition for a full day of active exploration on both water and ice.
- Timing: Guests must arrive at least 20 minutes before their scheduled departure time for gearing up and check-in.
This seamless combo tour is the optimal way to experience two unique aspects of Vatnajökull National Park in one unforgettable day.
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.
This unique, self-drive combo tour is designed for active travelers wanting to experience the immense natural beauty of Southeast Iceland in a single day. The adventure is split into two separate guided tours: a morning and an afternoon activity.
You have the flexibility to choose your starting point: either the Glacier Hike in Skaftafell Nature Reserve or the Kayaking session at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Certified guides lead both segments, ensuring safety and providing all technical equipment, including kayaks, dry gear, crampons, and ice axes. The hiking portion explores the frozen terrain of an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap. The kayaking session allows you to glide silently past breathtaking ice formations in the lagoon.
Practical Logistics:
- Transportation: Travel between Jökulsárlón and Skaftafell is self-drive, requiring participants to use their own vehicle to move between the two base camps.
- Meeting Points: You must meet the guides at the designated Troll.is base camps in Jökulsárlón and Skaftafell.
- Timing: Strict adherence to the schedule is required; you must arrive 20 minutes before each scheduled departure time (morning and afternoon) to gear up.
This tour is ideal for maximizing adventure time while efficiently exploring the glacier region with professional guidance.
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.