Glacier Discovery is our most popular glacier hike for a reason—it offers an unforgettable chance to explore the spectacular Sólheimajökull Glacier safely and up close, even for first-timers. Led by certified guides, you'll walk on ice with crampons, peer into deep crevasses, and witness stunning features like ice ridges, sinkholes, and moulins that constantly change with the glacier’s movement.
What sets this tour apart is its perfect balance: it's adventurous yet accessible, educational yet thrilling. You’ll spend real time on the glacier—not just observing from a distance—gaining a deep understanding of how Iceland’s glaciers shape the landscape. With high-quality gear, small group sizes, and passionate guides, this tour provides an authentic and immersive glacier experience unlike any other.
Duration: 3 hours
Great for active beginners: Our most popular option! A moderate hike that takes you deeper onto the glacier to explore crevasses and ice formations.
Begin your adventure at Sólheimajökull Base Camp, where your certified glacier guide will outfit you with crampons, helmet, harness, and an ice axe. After a full safety briefing, you’ll take a short walk to the glacier and step onto this spectacular frozen world. During the guided hike, you’ll explore dramatic ice formations, deep crevasses, and vibrant shades of glacier ice — from crystal clear to deep blue. Your guide will share fascinating stories about how glaciers form, move, and interact with Iceland’s volcanic landscape, as well as the effects of climate change on these icy giants. This easy and short glacier walk is designed for beginners — no technical skills needed. With plenty of photo stops and a relaxed pace, it’s the perfect way to safely experience one of Iceland’s most beautiful and accessible glaciers up close.
You will make your own way to the meeting points
• Meeting time is 20 min. prior to departure. • Please bring, warm clothing, rain gear and hiking boots • Please note that the meeting point for your Glacier Discovery tour on Sólheimajökull Glacier is at at the parking lot in front of Sólheimajökull Café. The Drive from Reykjavík is approximately 2,5 hours Directions to Sólheimajökull glacier: • Driving time: From Reykjavík: 2h30. From Vík: 45 min. From the West (Reykjavík): 6 km after Skógar you turn left (just after the bridge) onto road 221 (gravel road) and then follow road 221 for about 5 km to the Sólheimajökull Café parking area. (Expected 20 - 30 min. for this part). Driving from the East (Vík): 3 km after you pass road 222, you turn right (just before the one way bridge) onto road 221 (gravel road) and then follow road 221 for about 5 km to the Sólheimajökull Café parking area. (Expected 20 - 30 min. for this part).