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.

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 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 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.

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!

Prepare for an epic journey through Iceland's breathtaking landscapes! You will ride in a powerful 4x4 Super Jeep, conquering pristine wilderness, venture into the heart of a glacier, and explore the stunning Blue Ice Cave, renowned as the "Crystal Palace." Before your eyes, shimmering shades of blue ice, millennia-old crystalline domes, and ever-changing glacial crevasses and tunnels will create a once-in-a-lifetime moment frozen in time.

Our adventure begins at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon parking lot, where our expert guides will join you on this expedition. Aboard a specialized Super Jeep designed for Iceland's extreme terrain, you'll journey toward the glacier summit while listening to tales of this land's ancient icy legends.

The moment you step into the heart of the glacier, you'll be immersed in a dreamlike world: sapphire-blue ice walls envelop you gently, crystalline light refracts in mesmerizing patterns, and winding ice tunnels lead you deep into the earth—this naturally sculpted crystal palace reshapes its beauty each year, and the art of ice you encounter will be a unique masterpiece presented just for you.

Please equip yourself with warm clothing and a waterproof jacket, as this expedition into the very soul of Iceland's winter deserves your full preparation. This is more than a tour—it's an Icelandic tribute blending ultimate adventure, natural wonders, and lifelong memories. Book now, and let us write your exclusive legend with the glacier!

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.

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.