Blue Ice: Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing

Vik , Iceland

Blue Ice: Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing

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(145 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Hands-On Ice Climbing: Unlike standard glacier hikes, this tour includes actual ice climbing! An exciting opportunity for beginners and adventurers alike to scale an ice wall with expert guidance.

Small Group Size: The tour is intentionally kept small, ensuring personalized attention, better safety, and a more intimate connection with the glacier and your guide.

Certified Glacier Guides: Your guides are not only experienced but specially certified to lead glacier and climbing tours, providing both safety and deep geological insights.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Location: Sólheimajökull is less crowded than Iceland’s more tourist-heavy spots, offering an authentic and immersive glacier experience.

All Skill Levels Welcome: With an emphasis on safety and education, this tour is designed to be accessible even to those with no climbing or glacier experience.

Available options

From Sólheimajökull

Meet on location (no transfer)

From Reykjavík

Transfer + waterfalls included: Convenient Reyljavík pickup & dropoff with stops at the iconic Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls

What's included

All necessary glacier safety gear (harness, helmet, glacier crampons, ice axe)

Certified glacier guide

Guided glacier adventure on Solheimajokull glacier

What's not included

Food and drinks

Hiking shoes (can be rented for a small fee)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

11 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

134 reviews

5★

121

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

This tour is a small group adventure, limited to 8 participants per glacier guide, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Minimum age is 14 years and minimum shoe size is 35 EU

Hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory

Sturdy hiking shoes, waterproof jacket and pants can be rented

Guests must be comfortable walking 3-4 km on uneven terrain

Please note that our specialized glacier crampons are only available for shoe sizes 35-50 EU. Those with a shoe size beyond these are unfortunately unable to participate.

Meeting point

Meet us at the Sólheimajökull Parking Lot - look for the yellow Arctic Adventures school bus! Sólheimajökull is ~2 hour drive from Reykjavík in good conditions (165 km / 103 miles)

Important notes

What to Bring:
- Warm, waterproof clothing. We recommend dressing in layers.
- Hiking boots with ankle support (available to rent if needed)
- Gloves, hat
- Refillable water bottle & snacks

Please Note:
- Sturdy shoes with ankle support are required for this tour. If you don’t have your own, you can rent a pair before the glacier hike for a small fee. We provide ice climbing gear, crampons, an ice axe, and helmet.
- No prior climbing experience is needed, but this tour is rated as moderate. Guests should expect to walk 3–4 km on uneven terrain.

Meeting Point
FROM REYKJAVÍK: If you have selected the tour From Reykjavík, please be ready at your selected pickup location at 8:00am. The pickup process can take up to 30 minutes, so please accept our gratitude in advance for your patience.

FROM SÓLHEIMAJÖKULL: If you have selected the meet-on-location option, the meeting point is at Sólheimajökull Car Park. Look for the yellow Arctic Adventures school bus! Please give yourself plenty of time to drive from Reykjavík. In good conditions, the journey takes just over two hours without stops. It is always worth allowing the extra time so you can relax. With poor weather or road conditions, the journey can take longer. The distance from Reykjavík is 158 km (98 mi).

About Vik

Vik is a charming coastal village in South Iceland, known for its stunning black sand beaches, dramatic basalt columns, and picturesque landscapes. It's a gateway to some of Iceland's most iconic natural wonders, including Reynisfjara Beach and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.

Top Attractions

Reynisfjara Beach

One of Iceland's most famous black sand beaches, known for its basalt columns, powerful waves, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Reynisfjall Mountain

A striking mountain with dramatic cliffs and views over Reynisfjara Beach and the surrounding area.

Nature 1-3 hours depending on hike length Free

Dyrhólaey Arch

A dramatic rock arch formation with panoramic views of the coast and Reynisfjara Beach.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Vík í Mýrdal Church

A historic wooden church with a rich history and beautiful views over the village and coast.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (donations appreciated)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Lamb Soup

A hearty soup made with Icelandic lamb, root vegetables, and herbs.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat, gluten (from bread served with it)

Fish and Chips

Freshly caught fish, typically cod or haddock, battered and fried, served with chips (fries).

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish, gluten (from batter and chips)

Skyr

A thick, protein-rich Icelandic yogurt-like dairy product, often served with berries or fruit.

Breakfast/Snack Dairy product, can be sweetened or plain

Popular Activities

Hiking Ice caving Photography Beach walks Coffee breaks with a view Stargazing Visiting local churches and museums Exploring Icelandic crafts and history

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer offers the best weather for outdoor activities, with long daylight hours and milder temperatures. However, it's also the busiest time of year.

8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F) 46°F to 59°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Icelandic
Widely spoken: English, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish
English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas

Currency

Icelandic Krona (ISK)

Time Zone

GMT+0 (Western European Time)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Vik is generally safe, but visitors should be cautious of natural hazards like powerful waves and unpredictable weather.

Important Precautions:

• Stay away from the water's edge at Reynisfjara Beach due to powerful waves
• Be cautious of weather changes and dress appropriately
• Follow safety guidelines for all activities, especially hiking and ice caving

Getting there

By air

Keflavík International Airport • 130 km (80 miles) northeast of Vik

By bus

Reykjavík Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are available but infrequent. Check schedules in advance.

Taxis

Available • Apps: None widely available, call local taxi services

Rentals

Car

Neighborhoods

Vik Village Center

Day trips

Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls

30 km (18 miles) northeast of Vik • Half day

Two stunning waterfalls where you can walk behind the cascading water. Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls, while Gljúfrabúi is a hidden gem tucked into a canyon.

Katla Ice Cave

60 km (37 miles) northeast of Vik • Full day

A breathtaking ice cave formed within the Katla volcano. Guided tours are required to enter the cave.

Thakgil (Þakgil)

40 km (25 miles) northeast of Vik • Half day to full day

A stunning glacial valley with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It's a popular spot for camping and outdoor activities.

Festivals

Vík í Mýrdal Music Festival • Late June to early July

Pro tips

Visit Reynisfjara Beach at different times of day for varying light and wave conditions
Dress in layers and be prepared for rapid weather changes, especially near the coast
Book tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season
Try local Icelandic cuisine, including lamb soup and fresh seafood
Be cautious of the powerful waves at Reynisfjara Beach and stay away from the water's edge