Things To Do at Sólheimajökull: Iceland’s Glacier That’s Always Up To Something

Discover the magic of Iceland’s glaciers on the brand-new Sólheimajökull Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike Tour. Starting at the Sólheimajökull parking lot, just a couple of hours’ drive from Reykjavík, you’ll meet your expert guide and gear up with crampons, helmets, harnesses, and ice axes before making your way to the glacier.

After a short hike, you’ll step onto the ice and learn how to move safely across this constantly changing frozen landscape. Your guide will lead you past dramatic crevasses, sculpted ice ridges, and deep moulins while sharing fascinating insights into the glacier’s history and how these frozen giants shape Iceland’s nature.

The highlight of the adventure is exploring a stunning new blue ice cave, the closest one to Reykjavík. Inside, you’ll witness centuries of compressed ice glowing in vivid shades of blue — a rare and unforgettable experience that makes this tour one of the most accessible ways to explore Iceland’s glacial wonders.

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.

We will meet near our meeting point in Sólheimajökull parking lot, where we will hand you all essential glacier gear – a harness, a helmet, an ice axe, & crampons (which are special equipment that go on your boots to prevent you from slipping on ice). During this tour we will also give you some extremely stiff climbing boots, which are necessary for ice climbing. 

Once everyone is geared up and ready to go, we will start our unforgettable adventure towards the mighty glacier. We will instantly be greeted by a large glacier lagoon, which has formed due to melting ice; together with some large icebergs, which can frequently be seen in the lagoon.

At the edge of the glacier, we will secure our gear, have a quick safety talk, and make our first steps on the ice. The first part of the hike on the glacier will be the most difficult yet exciting one, as we make our way through the large crevasses. After crevasses, we will be welcomed by absolutely phenomenal views from the top of the glacier.

Once we get used to using crampons, we will continue our hike to an ice wall, where we will set up the climbing ropes. We will attach the ropes to your harness, which will guarantee your safety at all times. With two climbing ice axes in your hands, you will be able to beat gravity & climb the greatest ice wall of all.

After climbing, we will go for a short hike around the glacier to explore:

• Moulins – the glacial tunnels
• Crevasses – chunks of splitting ice
• Volcanic ash from a volcano under the glacier and the beautiful sceneries from the top of the glacier, into the wild Iceland.

This fun & thrilling activity is suitable for everybody, however it is recommended to be in good shape. There is no need to have any previous experience in ice climbing –  we will take care of you, and give each individual on this tour a chance to shine.

A volcano under the glacier

An active Katla volcano can be found under the glacier, which has been sleeping since 1918. It is expected that the volcano will erupt within the next few decades, however it is completely safe to be in the area, as volcanoes in Iceland are closely monitored at all times.

We will meet at Sólheimajökull parking lot, where you will find our bus. On the location we will handle all the necessary glacier equipment – such as a harness, helmet, crampons & ice axes. It is important to bring good ankle support shoes with you (which are also possible to rent  for a good price). Once everyone is ready to go, we will start our unforgettable hike to the glacier!

On the way to the glacier we will see a glacier lagoon – a lagoon formed from the melting ice. It is also pretty common to see huge chunks of icebergs floating in the lagoon, if winds do not push them into the Atlantic Ocean.

Once we reach the glacier, we will stop to secure our crampons & other glacier gear. We will then start our hike onto one of Iceland’s most panoramic glaciers. We will be greeted by scenic crevasses, which are huge cracks on a glacier caused by movement of different blocks of ice.

On the top of the glacier we will be able to experience the world like never before:

• Moulins – the glacial tunnels
• Crevasses – chucks of splitting ice
• Volcanic remains from a volcano under the glacier
• And so much more.

Unfortunately, like all other glaciers in Iceland, Sólheimajökull is melting at a rapid pace. It is believed that the glacier will completely disappear within the next few decades.

The top of the glacier offers extremely beautiful views, and if the weather is nice, we will be able to see Iceland’s beautiful South Coast, fading away into the North Atlantic Ocean.

This unforgettable glacier hike is relatively easy and can be done by almost anybody. It is also possible to go ice climbing during the tour, however this must be booked on Sólheimajökull Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike tour.

It is important to know that glaciers change constantly as huge amounts of ice melt each day. Therefore some new ice formations might appear, and some may disappear within hours.

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.

You’ll meet your guide in the Sólheimajökull parking lot and then make your way to the ice itself, a brisk 30-minute walk to get the blood flowing. (The glacier was once closer to the lot, but warming weather and the glacier’s own movement has caused it to recede into the distance.)

Sólheimajökull is a part of Mýrdalsjökull, one of the biggest glaciers in Europe. Once you reach the ice, you’ll be given plenty of time to marvel at the eerie silence and feeling of isolation, as if you and your fellow hikers are alone in a vast, empty world of ice and snow. You’ll view millennia-old blue ice, created when oxygen bubbles are trapped in the snow and compressed into ice by the enormous weight of the glacier pressing down upon it. You’ll be able to gaze deep into a glacier moulin, a vertical shaft like a well, which can go all the way to the bottom of the glacier. What’s down there? The ice cap sits on top of the mighty Katla volcano, one of the largest and most active volcanoes in Iceland. On a clear day, you may also be able to see Eyjafjallajökull, another glacier to the east which famously brought European air traffic to a halt in 2010 when its eruption filled the sky with fire and ash.

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.

We will meet near our meeting point in Sólheimajökull parking lot, where we will hand you all essential glacier gear – a harness, a helmet, an ice axe, & crampons (which are special equipment that go on your boots to prevent you from slipping on ice). During this tour we will also give you some extremely stiff climbing boots, which are necessary for ice climbing. 

Once everyone is geared up and ready to go, we will start our unforgettable adventure towards the mighty glacier. We will instantly be greeted by a large glacier lagoon, which has formed due to melting ice; together with some large icebergs, which can frequently be seen in the lagoon.

At the edge of the glacier, we will secure our gear, have a quick safety talk, and make our first steps on the ice. The first part of the hike on the glacier will be the most difficult yet exciting one, as we make our way through the large crevasses. After crevasses, we will be welcomed by absolutely phenomenal views from the top of the glacier.

Once we get used to using crampons, we will continue our hike to an ice wall, where we will set up the climbing ropes. We will attach the ropes to your harness, which will guarantee your safety at all times. With two climbing ice axes in your hands, you will be able to beat gravity & climb the greatest ice wall of all.

After climbing, we will go for a short hike around the glacier to explore:

• Moulins – the glacial tunnels
• Crevasses – chunks of splitting ice
• Volcanic ash from a volcano under the glacier and the beautiful sceneries from the top of the glacier, into the wild Iceland.

This fun & thrilling activity is suitable for everybody, however it is recommended to be in good shape. There is no need to have any previous experience in ice climbing –  we will take care of you, and give each individual on this tour a chance to shine.

A volcano under the glacier

An active Katla volcano can be found under the glacier, which has been sleeping since 1918. It is expected that the volcano will erupt within the next few decades, however it is completely safe to be in the area, as volcanoes in Iceland are closely monitored at all times.

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!

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure exploring Iceland’s breathtaking natural wonders! On this tour, you’ll ride in a powerful 4x4 Super Jeep across rugged terrain, venture deep into a glacier, and step inside a stunning Blue Ice Cave — also known as the Crystal Ice Cave. Marvel at the shimmering shades of blue ice, unique formations, and ever-changing tunnels and crevasses that make each visit a one-of-a-kind experience.

Your journey begins at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon parking lot, where you’ll meet your expert guides and hop aboard a specially designed Super Jeep built to tackle Iceland’s challenging landscape. As you make your way up the glacier, prepare for a thrilling, bumpy ride while learning fascinating facts about the region from your friendly and knowledgeable guide.

Once you arrive at the glacier, you’ll step into a magical world of glittering blue ice. The caves are natural formations that shift and change each year, so the exact cave visited will depend on the day’s weather and safety conditions. Inside, you’ll be surrounded by otherworldly ice walls, stunning formations, and possibly even intricate tunnels or crevasses to explore.

To fully enjoy the experience, be sure to dress warmly in layers and bring a waterproof jacket, as this adventure takes place in the heart of winter. This tour offers an authentic Icelandic glacier experience that combines excitement, natural beauty, and unforgettable memories. Book today and step into the magical world beneath Iceland’s glaciers!

Join Troll.is 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!

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.

The Icelandic Lava Show demonstrates how the volcanic eruptions of the famous Eyjafjallajökull and Katla volcanoes work by simulating its own small volcanic eruption.

The molten lava (1100°C / 2000°F) is poured over ice in the exhibition space.

You will witness an epic battle between the elements as the intense heat of the red-hot flowing lava starts sizzling.

It’s a unique opportunity to do that in a safe environment.

​The ICELANDIC LAVA SHOW is located at the Soup Company in the heart of Vík, the same place from where our Katla Volcano Ice Cave Tour starts. We also offer this tour as a combo with Katla! Check out our combo tour here.

See you there!

Experience the powerful forces that shape Iceland with this unique Ice & Fire Combo Tour. Your adventure features a Super-Jeep journey to the stunning, natural Katla Volcano Ice Cave, where you'll explore magnificent formations of ash and ice. Afterward, witness the spectacular, world-renowned LAVA SHOW, the only live demonstration where real, molten lava (heated to 1100∘C) is poured before you. This tour is perfect for anyone eager to explore Iceland's volcanoes and gain a deep, educational understanding of its natural wonders.

This full-day tour is tailored for explorers interested in both the volcanic fire and glacial ice that define Iceland.

Part 1: Katla Volcano Ice Cave Your day begins by boarding a specially equipped 4x4 Super-Jeep for an off-road journey to the base of the mighty Katla Volcano (located beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier). You will ride through the scenic highlands, admiring the landscape of mountains and moss. Your expert guide will lead a short walk to the Katla Ice Cave, a remote and unique feature. Inside this large, captivating cave, you will see beautiful formations and the striking "Dragon Glass" created by layers of ash and ice. Safety is prioritized, and essential gear, including helmets, headlamps, and crampons, will be provided.

Part 2: The LAVA SHOW After the glacier tour, you will have time for lunch before the second activity. The LAVA SHOW offers a singular, globally acclaimed experience by replicating a volcanic eruption. Spectators watch from a safe distance as authentic lava, sourced from the 1918 Katla eruption, is heated to an incredible 1100∘C (2000∘F) and poured into a showroom. You will feel the intense heat and safely perceive the sheer power of molten lava through sight, sound, and sensation. Security goggles are provided for everyone. The show is highly educational, explaining how the lava cools to form volcanic glass and providing factual insights into Iceland's geology.

This tour provides a deep and memorable look at the incredible forces that created the Icelandic landscape.