Sólheimajökull is a year-round hub for ice-based adventure. Whether you're after beginner-friendly glacier walks or high-adrenaline ice climbing, this frozen frontier delivers.

This is Iceland’s ice hiking HQ. Tours range from relaxed 2-3 hour walks for first-timers to more challenging climbs that involve ropes, axes, and real bragging rights. Most tours depart from a nearby base camp and gear you up before you even set foot on the glacier.

Technically part of the same ice system—Mýrdalsjökull is the parent glacier of Sólheimajökull—Katla’s famous black ice caves are just a 25-minute drive east to the village of Vík, where most tours depart. These ash-streaked, year-round caves feel more like a sci-fi set than a real-world location.

(Perfect for anyone who wants to say they've been inside a sleeping volcano. Literally.)

• Driving distance from Sólheimajökull parking lot to Vík: ~26 km / ~25 mins

If crawling around inside an actual volcano wasn’t enough volcanic drama for one day, Vík has a lava encore—this time with seats, safety goggles, and zero chance of slipping on glacial ice.

Just a 25-minute drive from Sólheimajökull, the Lava Show in Vík is the only place on Earth where you can see real, molten lava (yep, 1100°C hot) up close as it flows, crackles, and cools in a controlled indoor setup that mimics a mini-eruption. It’s wildly hot, weirdly mesmerizing, and surprisingly informative.

• Where: Right in the heart of Vík village (aka, civilization!)
• What to expect: Lava pouring like soup, sizzling like steak, and cooling like art
• Duration: Around 45–60 minutes — quick, fiery, and unforgettable
• Bonus: Just in case Iceland throws a horizontal rain tantrum, this one’s indoors and dry
• Coming from Sólheimajökull? This makes for the perfect warm-down after a glacial hike—literally.

While Sólheimajökull itself is the star attraction, the area around it is loaded with dramatic sights that look like they were Photoshopped by nature.

Sólheimajökull Lagoon (Meltwater Pool)

At the base of the glacier is a new(ish) lagoon formed by meltwater—an eerie, steel-grey pool filled with floating chunks of ice. It’s like nature’s version of a farewell party: majestic, melancholy, and very photogenic.

Mýrdalsjökull Glacier Cap

While you’re standing on Sólheimajökull, what’s actually looming above you is Mýrdalsjökull—the fourth largest glacier in Iceland and the icy lid on top of the infamous Katla volcano. That’s right: there’s a volcano under your feet. Sleep tight.

Sólheimajökull Glacier

The main event. This creaking, cracking tongue of ice is easily accessible with a short hike from the parking area, even if you’re not doing a full tour. You’ll be greeted with twisted ice formations, icy-blue ridges, and the ever-present drip-drip of melting glacier. It's a powerful visual reminder of Iceland’s raw, shifting beauty—and, yep, climate change too.

Katla Volcano (Below the Ice)

Most people don’t realize they’re standing right on top of one of Iceland’s most explosive secrets. Katla hasn’t erupted in over 100 years — which, by Icelandic standards, is basically overdue. It’s still active, heavily monitored, and it’s the reason Sólheimajökull is constantly melting and reshaping. No lava views, but knowing what’s below your boots adds serious thrill points.

The Black Sand Plains (Sólheimasandur Edge)

On the drive to the glacier, you’ll pass haunting black sand plains stretching between the sea and the glacier. These plains are remnants of past volcanic floods (jökulhlaups) and eruptions — vast, open, Mars-like terrain that makes everything feel post-apocalyptic in the best way. It’s the same desert that leads to the famous DC-3 Plane Wreck (a bit farther down Route 1).

Everything You’ve Wondered (and a Few Things You Haven’t)

Don’t just wonder—ask us. Whether you’re planning a solo trek, a group tour, or just want to know if your hiking boots are up to the job, our Iceland-savvy team is on standby.

Chat with our local experts or contact our support team and we’ll help you plan the perfect Sólheimajökull adventure.