The best glacier hikes in Iceland are on two glaciers in the south: Sólheimajökull, about two and a half hours from Reykjavík, and Falljökull in Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park. Both run all year with a certified guide, crampons and an ice axe, and the easiest walks take children from 8 years old. Below are our 10 favourite tours, from a short first walk to ice climbing, ice caves and a glacier-and-kayak combination.
Sólheimajökull or Skaftafell: which should you choose?
Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, which sits on top of the Katla volcano. It is about 165 km from Reykjavík, near Vík, so it fits easily into a day on the South Coast. The ice is streaked with black volcanic ash, which makes it look quite different from other glaciers.
Skaftafell is further east, about 330 km and close to five hours' drive from Reykjavík. Hikes here go onto Falljökull, a steep outlet glacier of Vatnajökull with a lot of blue ice and deep crevasses. It suits travellers who are already in the south-east, for example on the way to Jökulsárlón or on a Ring Road trip. Tours used to go onto Svínafellsjökull, but they moved to Falljökull in 2018.
Short version: if you are based in Reykjavík or only have a day, choose Sólheimajökull. If you are staying near Skaftafell or want longer, more varied hikes, choose Skaftafell.
1. Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike (about 4 hours)
The classic first glacier walk and the easiest to reach. You meet at the base camp by the Sólheimajökull car park, get fitted with crampons, harness, helmet and ice axe, then walk to the ice with your guide. The walk in now follows a new, longer route of about 2.3 km each way. Expect about 1 to 1.5 hours on the glacier itself, among ridges, crevasses and meltwater channels. On the way your guide explains how the glacier formed, how it is tied to the Katla volcano under the ice cap, and how quickly it is shrinking as the climate warms. No experience is needed. Book it as our Sólheimajökull glacier hike.
Duration: about 4 hours | Season: all year | Minimum age: 8 | From: 14,500 ISK
2. Private Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike (3 hours)
The same glacier with a guide for your group only. It is a good choice for families with younger children, for photographers who want to take their time, and for anyone who prefers a slower or faster pace. You can book the private Sólheimajökull glacier hike directly, and see our private tours for other options.
Duration: about 3 hours | Season: all year | Minimum age: 8 | From: 29,900 ISK
3. Skaftafell Glacier Hike (3 hours)
The easiest way onto Vatnajökull's outlet glaciers. The tour starts at Skaftafell with a safety briefing and a short lesson in using the gear. A short drive takes you to the edge of Falljökull, and you spend around an hour and a half on the ice. Falljökull is known for its blue ice, ice sculptures and views up the icefall. It is a good fit for beginners and families.
Duration: about 3 hours | Season: all year | Minimum age: 8 | From: 14,000 ISK
4. Skaftafell Glacier Hike (5 hours)
The longer hike goes further up the glacier, where there are fewer people and the ice is more broken up. You have more time to explore crevasses, moulins (deep holes where meltwater drains into the glacier), icefalls, ice ridges and seracs (blocks and towers of ice left standing where crevasses cross). You need normal fitness and should be happy walking for several hours in crampons.
Duration: about 5 hours | Season: all year | Minimum age: 12 | From: 19,900 ISK
5. Skaftafell Ice Cave and Glacier Hike (4 hours)
In the colder months you can combine a glacier walk with a visit to a natural ice cave. The caves are carved by summer meltwater, freeze in autumn and change shape every year, so no two seasons look the same. Natural ice caves in Vatnajökull are usually safe from about November to March, depending on the weather, and must only be entered with a glacier guide. This is our Skaftafell ice cave and glacier hike.
Duration: about 4 hours | Season: October to April, conditions allowing | Minimum age: 8 | From: 20,000 ISK
For more ice cave choices, see our ice cave tours and Skaftafell ice cave tours.
6. Sólheimajökull Ice Cave and Glacier Hike (4.5 hours)
A shorter ice cave option that is much closer to Reykjavík. After the glacier walk your guide takes you into a meltwater tunnel with blue ice walls, when it is safe to enter. Like all ice caves, it changes every year and may not be accessible in warm or wet spells.
Duration: about 4.5 hours | Season: October to April, conditions allowing | Minimum age: 10 | From: 22,999 ISK
See all Sólheimajökull tours. If you want an ice cave in summer, read about the Katla ice cave, which is visited all year.
7. Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike and Ice Climbing (4 hours)
Start with a glacier walk, then use two ice axes and front-point crampons to climb a wall of ice while roped to your guide from above. The guide teaches the technique on the spot, so you do not need climbing experience, but strong arms and a head for heights help.
Duration: about 4 hours | Season: all year | Minimum age: 12 | From: 30,600 ISK
8. Skaftafell Glacier Hike and Ice Climbing (4 hours)
The same idea on Falljökull, with the blue ice of Vatnajökull around you. It is a good choice if you are already staying in the south-east. Both climbing tours are listed on our ice climbing page.
Duration: about 4 hours | Season: all year | Minimum age: 12 | From: 31,000 ISK
9. Glacier Walk and Glacier Lagoon Kayak (8 hours)
A summer day at Sólheimajökull that pairs kayaking on the glacier lagoon, among small icebergs and close to the glacier front, with a guided walk on the ice. Drysuits, stable sit-on-top kayaks and all glacier gear are included, and no kayaking experience is needed. Book it as our glacier walk and glacier kayak tour.
Duration: about 8 hours | Season: summer, see the booking calendar for dates | Minimum age: 14 | From: 32,499 ISK
If you only want the paddle, see our kayaking tours.
10. South Coast and Glacier Hike from Reykjavík (12 hours)
The best option if you do not have a car. A small-group minibus picks you up in Reykjavík and stops at Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Skógafoss and Reynisfjara black sand beach, with a 1 to 1.5 hour guided hike on Sólheimajökull in the middle of the day.
Duration: about 12 hours | Season: all year | Minimum age: 8 | From: 21,500 ISK
More day trips are on our South Coast tours page. In winter, many travellers go aurora hunting on another evening; see our Northern Lights tours.
Other ways to experience a glacier
- Glacier zip line and glacier hike near Sólheimajökull, on our zip line tours page.
- Snowmobiling on top of an ice cap, such as Langjökull. See our snowmobile tours.
- The man-made ice tunnel in Langjökull, open all year. See Into the Glacier tours.
- Boat tours among icebergs at Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón. Read our guide to the glacier lagoons in Iceland.
- Multi-day trips with time on the ice, such as our 2- and 3-day tours. Our 2 Day South Coast Tour includes an ice cave with a glacier guide, Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón.
When to go glacier hiking
Glacier hikes run all year. In summer (May to September) you get long days, more tour times and the option of kayaking, but the surface is wetter and the ice near the edge can be grey with ash and grit. In winter the ice is often cleaner and bluer and you can add an ice cave, but days are short and storms cancel more tours.
Glaciers are changing fast. Sólheimajökull has been retreating by roughly 60 metres a year, and in July 2026 the Icelandic Met Office warned of unstable ice and rockfall at the glacier's edge, and tours paused while guides worked out a safer way in. Guides check the ice daily and change routes when needed, which is one more reason never to walk onto a glacier on your own.
Tips for glacier hikes: what to wear and bring
Tours provide crampons, a helmet, a harness and an ice axe. You provide the clothing. Most operators rent boots and waterproofs if you do not have them.
Two more tips. Stay with your guide and walk where they walk, as the safe line across the ice is not obvious. And book ahead: the popular departures sell out in summer and around Christmas and New Year.
- Stiff hiking boots with ankle support, so crampons fit well (trainers are not allowed)
- Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers
- Warm base layer and a fleece or wool mid-layer; no jeans or cotton
- Hat and gloves, even in summer
- Sunglasses and sun cream, as the ice reflects a lot of light
- A small backpack with water and a snack
Is glacier hiking safe?
Yes, with a certified guide. Glaciers have hidden crevasses, moulins and unstable edges, and new crevasses can open without warning. Iceland's safety advice is simple: never go onto a glacier without the right experience and equipment, and hire a glacier guide.
The easy tours are a steady walk on uneven ice, not a climb. If you can walk for two or three hours on a rough path, you can do a beginner glacier hike. Tell the operator in advance about any knee, back or heart problems.
Tours to book
If you are ready to choose, these are the tours we suggest most often.
- Private Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike: your own guide on the glacier closest to Reykjavík, at the pace that suits your group.
- Skaftafell Ice Cave & Glacier Hike: the blue ice of Falljökull and a natural ice cave in one trip in the colder months.
- 2 Day South Coast Tour: waterfalls, Skaftafell, an ice cave and Jökulsárlón with a night in the countryside.
Questions people ask
What is the best glacier hike in Iceland?
For most people, a 3 to 4-hour walk on Sólheimajökull is the best start because it is close to Reykjavík and runs all year. If you are in the south-east, the Skaftafell hikes on Falljökull have more blue ice and longer options.
Can I hike a glacier in Iceland without a guide?
You should not. Crevasses and moulins can be hidden under snow, and the ice changes every day. Always go with a certified glacier guide and the right equipment.
How old do you have to be for a glacier hike in Iceland?
The easiest glacier walks take children from 8 years old. Longer hikes and ice climbing usually start at 12, and some ice cave tours have higher limits.
Can you go glacier hiking in Iceland in summer?
Yes. Glacier hikes run all year, and summer adds long daylight and glacier lagoon kayaking. Natural ice caves are usually only open in the colder months.
How much does a glacier hike in Iceland cost?
A 3 to 4-hour group glacier walk starts at about 14,000–14,500 ISK. Longer hikes, ice caves, ice climbing and day trips from Reykjavík cost more, roughly 20,000–32,500 ISK.
