
Glaciers in Iceland
Iceland is a land of glaciers! If you're looking for a scenic, adventurous destination with plenty of nature to explore, look no further than Iceland. Located in the middle of the North Atlantic, Iceland is a volcanic island covered in rugged terrain - perfect for hiking and exploration. One particularly special area to visit is the glacial landscape - a beautiful landscape made up of hundreds of beautiful blue lagoons, waterfalls, and mountains that are covered in ice and snow year-round.
At Troll Expeditions, we offer a variety of tours that depart from Reykjavik that allow you to explore the beautiful Icelandic countryside at your leisure.
There are 269 named glaciers in Iceland. The biggest glacier in Iceland is Vatnajökull - it covers over 8,100 square meters! It's the largest glacier in Europe and it forms over two-thirds of the country's ice caps. Under the glacier there are seven volcanoes, including 4 of the most known and active volcanoes in Iceland: Grimsvotn, Bardarbunga, Kverkfjoll, and Oraefajokull. It's an impressive sight standing over 2000 meters tall in some places. Hiking around the icebergs of this beautiful icy landscape is a must-do activity for visitors to Iceland. If you're looking for an adventure like no other, a trip on the Vatnajökull glacier is definitely for you!
One of the most famous and accessible glaciers in Iceland is Sólheimajökull. From the glacier you can see the most known volcano in Iceland, Hekla. Some people describe the feeling when they arrive at the glacier like they have landed on the moon, walking on ice and volcanic ash. It's also a part of the largest national park in Iceland - the Vatnajökull National Park. The park covers over 14% of the entire country and includes numerous hiking paths, campgrounds, and beautiful lakes. Sólheimajökull is one of the most visited glaciers in Iceland, thanks to its convenient location.
Iceland has often been named ''The Land of Ice and Fire'' because of the volcanic activity on the island and its incredibly varied landscape. Iceland is a land of ice and fire with the irony being its reality. More than 125 volcanic mountains out of which a handful are still very active. Most being the land of volcanoes and draped in the glaciers is everything else that isn’t shaped by magma and earthquakes. The harsh weather on the island means that the country is home to plenty of amazing landscapes and impressive natural formations such as glaciers and volcanoes.
If glaciers are your thing, there are many tours you could book that let you explore the beauty of Iceland’s glaciers up close with a highly professional guide. We offer a variety of tours that depart from Reykjavik that allow you to explore the beautiful Icelandic countryside at your leisure. If you have a car, we also have tours that start in Sólheimajökull or Skaftafell. Hiking, climbing, visiting an Ice Cave or even going snowmobiling is an option to experience the glaciers and its amazing landscape. Depending on the tour you choose you will be able to experience Iceland in an adventurous way while also discovering its beauty at the same time. One thing is for sure: you will have a great time and a memorable experience!
Why should I book a Glacier Tour?
Are you passionate about hiking in nature but have never been on a glacier before? Are you an experienced hiker and want to sense the adrenaline of discovering Iceland's most remote landscapes in an adventurous walk on a glacier? Glacier hikes & activities will make your trip to Iceland unforgettable, no matter your level of experience!
Join us to experience the feeling of stomping your feet on thousand-year-old ice, enjoy the "crunchy" sound of each step you take, and make the most out of your adventure in Iceland! WHICH GLACIER TOUR SHOULD I CHOOSE? We run glacier tours at two different locations:
The Skaftafell nature reserve glacier area:
4 hours and 30-minute drive from Reykjavik.
It is part of the majestic Vatnajokull National Park, named after the largest glacier in Europe: The Vatnajökull. Joining a glacier activity here will give you the extraordinary opportunity to hike on Falljökull (the falling glacier): a stunning outlet glacier that expands out of the Vatnajökull ice cap. Falljökull is a giant frozen waterfall whose dramatic landscape has been naturally carved over thousands of years: it offers unique views over the glacier falls, spectacular moulins, and beautiful crevasses.
Sólheimajökull glacier:
2 hours and 15- minute drive from Reykjavík.
The closest glacier tour we offer from Reykjavik, with its stunning views, crevasses, and ice walls, Sólheimajökull is one of the most hiked glaciers in Iceland; it offers terrain for every level of difficulty: beginners and professionals. Its strategic location makes it easy to drive round-trip from Reykjavik to this destination on the same day.
Breiðamerkurjökull:
5 hours drive from Reykjavik.
Located in the southeastern region of Iceland, Breiðamerkurjökull is a breathtaking outlet glacier flowing from the Vatnajökull ice cap—Europe’s largest glacier. This glacier is best known for feeding the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where massive icebergs break away and drift serenely toward the Atlantic. A glacier tour here provides access to surreal ice formations, dramatic crevasses, and panoramic views of the surrounding black sand landscapes. The striking contrasts between the brilliant blue ice and volcanic terrain make this one of the most photogenic and awe-inspiring glacier experiences in the country.
Skaftafell Glacier Tours
4 Hours & 30 Minutes Drive From Reykjavik
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.
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.
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.
Join an unforgettable adventure on Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, located in the beautiful Skaftafell area. The highlight of this tour is the chance to step inside a naturally formed blue ice cave, an experience very few people ever get to have.
This tour offers a chance to explore Falljökull, a dramatically carved outlet of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. Highlights include a guided 3-hour hike on the ice, witnessing spectacular features like deep crevasses, vertical moulins (ice tunnels), and massive ice falls. Guests will see evidence of the glacier's recession and deformation of the bedrock, along with a glimpse of ancient blue ice. All necessary safety gear, including crampons and ice axe, is provided by a qualified glacier guide.
This private, extended 5-hour tour offers an in-depth hike on Falljökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Highlights include spending 3.5 to 4 hours on the ice to explore deeper into the glacier, witnessing a wider variety of features like deep crevasses and moulins (vertical shafts), and gaining wide panoramic views over Skaftafell National Park. This tour is perfect for guests seeking more time and immersion on the ice, with all essential safety gear (crampons, harness, ice axe) provided by your certified guide.
This private, comprehensive tour offers an intensive 3-hour experience on Falljökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Highlights include a dedicated ice climbing session, where you use twin ice axes to scale an ice wall or crevasse face after a guide sets up a safety rope. You will also hike to explore major glacial features like deep crevasses and vertical moulins (ice tunnels). The tour provides all required technical gear (climbing boots, crampons, axes, harness) and offers views of the highest, ice-covered peaks in Iceland.
Sólheimajökull Glacier Tours
2 Hours & 15 Minutes Drive From Reykjavik
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.
Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier Tours
5 Hours Drive From Reykjavik
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.
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.
Glacier Tours from Reykjavik
Tours departing from Reykjavik with transportation & glacier hike included!
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.
Experience the top attractions of the Icelandic South Coast on this professional 2-day excursion. Key highlights include the massive Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, the world-famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, and the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This tour features high-adventure activities, including a guided glacier hike on Vatnajökull—Europe’s largest ice cap—and a boat tour activity among floating icebergs.
Experience Iceland’s most iconic landscapes on this 3-day guided minibus tour from Reykjavík. Highlights include the Golden Circle’s erupting Strokkur geyser and Gullfoss waterfall, followed by the dramatic South Coast with its black sand beaches and towering cascades. You will participate in a guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull or Skaftafell and take a boat tour among floating icebergs at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This small-group adventure covers over 800 kilometers of diverse terrain, including a visit to the glittering Diamond Beach and two nights in comfortable countryside hotels.
This multi-day journey covers Iceland’s most significant landmarks across the West, South, and the Golden Circle. Key highlights include the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called "Iceland in a Miniature," the erupting Geysir geothermal area, and the massive Gullfoss waterfall. You will walk through Thingvellir National Park, visit the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, and see the Reynisfjara black sand beach. The tour concludes with the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and the vast ice fields of Vatnajökull National Park.
This 6-day guided tour around Iceland’s Ring Road features the Golden Circle, the dramatic South Coast, and the serene East Fjords. You will visit Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. The journey continues to the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and the volcanic landscapes of Lake Mývatn. The tour concludes in Akureyri, the capital of the North, offering a complete overview of Iceland's diverse geology and scenery.
This 8-day guided tour offers a complete circle of Iceland, starting and ending in Reykjavík. Key sights include the Golden Circle (Gullfoss, Geysir, and Þingvellir), the South Coast with its black sand beaches, and the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. You will also explore the remote East Fjords, the volcanic Lake Mývatn area in the North, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in the West. This itinerary ensures you visit all the major regions of the country in one continuous journey.
Join us for a two-day adventure to Iceland’s spectacular South Coast. The journey's highlights include visits to the iconic Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, a guided glacier hike on ancient ice, and the opportunity to enter a natural blue ice cave (Oct-Mar). You will explore the surreal beauty of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach, followed by a stop at the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. In the evenings, you’ll have a prime chance to spot the Northern Lights thanks to a remote countryside hotel stay.
This three-day guided minibus tour focuses on exploring Iceland’s key geological attractions and glacier activities, offering a comprehensive winter experience of the Golden Circle and South Coast. The tour operates from Reykjavík and includes two nights' accommodation. This is the only 3 day minibus tour in Iceland with two glacier activities are included, a glacier hike and an ice cave visit.
This multi-day tour combines some of Iceland’s most popular regions into one practical and scenic journey. Starting in Western Iceland, you’ll explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a region known for its variety of landscapes — from black sand beaches and lava fields to volcanic craters and glacier-covered peaks. Highlights include the Snæfellsjökull Glacier and the dramatic coastal cliffs that inspired Journey to the Center of the Earth.
This fully guided, 6-day minibus tour offers a pragmatic and comprehensive exploration of Iceland, covering all major regions—the Golden Circle, South Coast, East Fjords, and North Iceland—in a single trip.
This 8-day guided tour is the perfect way to discover Iceland’s incredible variety of natural wonders. The comprehensive journey takes you from the capital of Reykjavík all the way to the ‘Capital of the North,’ Akureyri, and beyond. Your adventure begins on the famous Golden Circle, where you'll visit the stunning Gullfoss waterfall, the erupting Geysir geothermal area, and the historic Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Contact us at info@troll.is if you wish to book a Private Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Iceland and the largest in all of Europe. It makes up over two-thirds of the entire country’s ice caps and stands over 2,000 meters tall in certain areas.
Depending on your sense of adventure and fitness level, you can choose from several guided experiences:
- Glacier Hiking: Ranging from easy 3-hour walks to challenging 5-to-6-hour adventure treks.
- Ice Climbing: Guided vertical climbs up sheer ice walls using specialized gear.
- Ice Cave Exploring: Journeying inside naturally formed blue ice caves.
- Kayaking Combo: Kayaking among floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón combined with a glacier hike.
No prior experience is necessary! We offer tours tailored to every skill level. "Easy to Moderate" 3-hour hikes are perfect for beginners who want to experience the "crunch" of thousand-year-old ice beneath their boots. If you are an experienced hiker seeking an adrenaline rush, you can opt for our medium-to-challenging adventure hikes or specialized ice climbing tours.
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.
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