Things To Do at Sólheimajökull: Iceland’s Glacier That’s Always Up To Something
Tucked between fire-breathing volcanoes and frozen giants, Sólheimajökull is the kind of place where Iceland shows off its split personality—volcanic heat below, icy wilderness above. Just off Route 1 and a short drive from Vík, this glacier tongue stretches down from the mighty Mýrdalsjökull, offering up a surreal playground for ice climbers, glacier hikers, and curious travelers who want to step onto ancient ice without needing to summit Everest.
This isn’t a look-but-don’t-touch kind of destination. At Sólheimajökull, you strap on crampons, grab a guide, and literally walk on a moving river of frozen time. Every crevasse and blue ice ridge tells a story—some epic, some slippery, all unforgettable.
Top Rated Activities
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.
Glacier Hikes & Ice Climbing
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.
Tie your hiking boots and put on your adventure hat because Sólheimajökull glacier will blow your mind. You'll feel like you have landed on the moon walking on ice and volcanic ash. We'll provide you with ice axes and basic ice climbing techniques for you to climb up as you rise from the ice wall of a glacier crevasse.
Spend your afternoon hiking & ice climbing on one of Iceland’s most iconic glaciers!
This unforgettable adventure will test your strength skills, as you’ll be climbing an ice wall on the 4th largest glacier in Iceland. This activity is for enthusiasts, who would like to explore the Icelandic glaciers to the fullest.
Overview
Sólheimajökull is one of the most visited glaciers in Iceland by ice climbing enthusiasts & professionals, as it offers spectacular ice walls, in a super location – just a few hours away from Reykjavík.
This fun activity will definitely leave you with tons of adrenaline & unforgettable experiences.
Get a chance to experience a world completely covered with ice.
Join this unforgettable tour to see and experience the world’s rarest natural wonder - Iceland’s majestic glacier.
Glaciers formed during our previous ice ages, when temperatures dropped worldwide. Nowadays only a few countries in the world can enjoy the stunning glaciers - including Iceland.
Sólheimajökull is a beautiful outlet, which is the most accessible glacier from Reykjavík.
It is also known for being the Glacier of Fire & Ice, because of all the ashes covering and mixing up with ice from the previous volcanic eruptions. Underneath the glacier lies an active volcano Katla, which erupted last time in 1918.
It is believed that Katla should erupt within the next few decades, therefore completely melting the ice. However volcanoes are highly monitored in Iceland, making it absolutely safe to travel in the area, hike on a glacier, and explore the wild ice caves.
Join this spectacular tour, and get a chance to hike on a real glacier!
This is a comprehensive glacier tour, where you’ll learn about these massive natural phenomena from your guide and be provided with all the necessary equipment to get some exercise in full comfort and safety.
This tour is for anyone looking to experience one of the natural wonders of the earth.
Tie your hiking boots and put on your adventure hat because Sólheimajökull glacier will blow your mind. You'll feel like you have landed on the moon walking on ice and volcanic ash. We'll provide you with ice axes and basic ice climbing techniques for you to climb up as you rise from the ice wall of a glacier crevasse.
Spend your afternoon hiking & ice climbing on one of Iceland’s most iconic glaciers on this private tour!
This unforgettable adventure will test your strength skills, as you’ll climb an ice wall on the 4th largest glacier in Iceland. This activity is for enthusiasts who would like to explore the Icelandic glaciers to the fullest.
Overview
Sólheimajökull is one of the most visited glaciers in Iceland by ice climbing enthusiasts & professionals, as it offers spectacular ice walls, in a super location – just a few hours away from Reykjavík.
This fun activity will leave you with tons of adrenaline & unforgettable experiences.
Nearby Adventure: Katla Ice Cave Tours
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
Are you ready to turn into an adventurous "Ice-cave Explorer Troll" 🧌 ?
Come join our Tröll Expeditions team on an extraordinary journey to the majestic Katla Ice Cave.
This unique experience is perfect for those who are seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure away from the crowds and looking forward to being lost in the wild, breathtaking landscapes of Icelandic nature.
Our experienced glacier guides will lead you through the mysterious wilderness in a Super-jeep from Vik, sharing fascinating tales about the area, interesting facts related to the Katla volcano, and geological insights along the way. Safety is always our priority: our guides will provide you with helmets, headlamps, and crampons to ensure a smooth journey.
Witness the awe-inspiring combination of fire and ice as you explore the volcanic glacier outlets of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, a remote location inaccessible to most. With panoramic views, stunning ice formations and tunnels, and the chance to see real Game of Thrones Dragon-Glass, this tour is one of Iceland's best-kept secrets.
Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience at the foot of the powerful Katla Volcano.
Book your once-in-a-lifetime adventure: book the Katla Volcano Ice Cave Tour today!
Join us for an incredible adventure by taking a 4x4 Super jeep up to the Glacier, where you will see the beautiful Crystal Ice Cave also known as Blue Ice Cave.
Are you ready to turn into an adventurous "Ice-cave-Explorer Troll" 🧌 ?
Come join our Tröll Expeditions team on an extraordinary full day journey to the majestic Katla Ice Cave and the most iconic locations along the South Coast of Iceland!
The Katla Ice Cave Day Tour from Reykjavik is a 12-hour excursion available throughout the whole year, perfect for those who are looking forward to exploring a stunning ice-cave, asides from visiting the South Coast most popular sightseeing locations; this is also a great opportunity to take a seat on a super-jeep and experience a fun ride towards the ice cave, by crossing unique moony landscapes through the wild Icelandic nature.
This tour includes the comfort of being picked up from Reykjavik from an experienced driver guide in a minibus, which not only prevents you from the hassle of driving yourself towards the unknown, but also assures you a small group excursion for a more intimate and unforgettable experience.
Our knowledgeable Troll-guides will pick you up from your selected pick up location in Reykjavik capital area, and will share with you interesting stories, while leading you towards the highlight of this full day adventure: the magnificent Katla ice cave, located near the town of Vik. Along the way to Vik, you will stop at the most popular must-see places on the South Coast of Iceland: the fabulous Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, the magnificent Skogafoss waterfall, and the remarkably beautiful Black Sand Beach. Once in Vik, you will meet our professional glacier guides and join them on a super-jeep ride to reach the Katla ice cave. They will make sure you get the most out of this once-in-lifetime ice cave exploration: first, they will take care of your safety by providing you with all the necessary glacier equipment to access the cave; second, they will share with you engaging stories regarding the Katla ice cave formation and its surroundings; last, they will ensure the most genuine and memorable time of your vacation in Iceland!
Your journey will end in the evening: our driver guide will drop you off at your preferred drop off location in Reykjavik capital area.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to turn into a Troll and witness this wonder of our Icelandic Nature: book the Katla Volcano Ice Cave Day Tour with Troll Expeditions now!
Indoor Heat: The Vík Lava Show
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.
Join us on an exhilarating and educational experience to the Icelandic Lava Show.
You will experience the heat of molten lava first hand, in the only place in the world where this can be done safely.
If you're eager to explore Iceland's volcanoes and learn more about the country's natural wonders, this tour is tailored for you.
Hop aboard a Super Jeep for an unforgettable journey to the stunning Katla Volcano Ice Cave. Then, delve into the captivating LAVA SHOW, renowned worldwide as the sole live lava presentation. Celebrated for its educational and cultural significance, this attraction has earned widespread acclaim and numerous honors, making it a highlight among Iceland's premier destinations.
Top Rated Sólheimajökull Attractions
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).
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You’ve Wondered (and a Few Things You Haven’t)
All essential gear—crampons, helmets, harnesses—is provided by tour operators. Bring warm layers, waterproofs, and a sense of balance.
Yes, you can walk to the glacier’s edge on your own. But stepping onto the ice without a guide is dangerous (and honestly, a bit daft). Always book a proper tour for safety and access.
Most glacier hikes run year-round. Some ice features are more dramatic in winter, but summer brings better weather and longer days. Always check with local tour providers.
Roughly 160 km (about 2.5 hours by car) via Route 1. It’s often combined with other South Coast stops like Skógafoss or Reynisfjara in day tours.
There’s a free parking lot at the trailhead, with a short walk (approx. 10–15 min) to the glacier. No 4x4 needed.
Unlikely. But that’s Iceland—drama is part of the experience. Local agencies monitor Katla 24/7, and any risk is taken very seriously.
Got More Questions?
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.
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Sólheimajökull's Wild Beauty: Video Gallery
Multi-day trips
Book this 6-day guided trip to discover Iceland’s wide variety of natural wonders between the capital Reykjavík and the ‘Capital of the North’ Akureyri. Along the way, your expert guide will introduce you to some of the country's highlights, including the Golden Circle, South Coast, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Whale Watching Boat tour, Ice Cave tour and the Mývatn Region.
Hop on board this unique minibus journey around Iceland, exploring for eight full days the country's most popular destinations from Reykjavík and visit Iceland's most beautiful sites all around the Ring Road, including the Golden Circle, South Coast, East of Iceland as well as a few hidden gems in the North and the West.
Come along on a fantastic summer adventure with this 8 Day Tour around the Ring Road and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. See for yourself the country's most beautiful spots including Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Dettifoss Waterfall as they are bathed in everlasting summer light.
Hop on board this unique minibus journey around Iceland for six full days and explore the country's most popular destinations. Visit Iceland's most beautiful sites all around the Ring Road including the Golden Circle, South Coast, and the most beautiful hidden gems in the North of Iceland. Included in this tour is a Glacier Hike, Whale Watching Boat tour and an Ice Cave tour. Depending on weather, you might see the beautiful Northern Lights.
Tour departing each day from Reykjavík.