Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike and Kayak Tour

8 hoursGroup: Small groupModerateMeet on locationAge 14+June–October

Kayaks in front of Sólheimajökull glacier

The lagoon and glacier front from the air

A glacier hike and kayak tour that combines both ways of experiencing Sólheimajökull in one day. You paddle among icebergs on the glacier lagoon, then walk on the ice itself with crampons and an ice axe.

Base camp near SólheimajökullKayaking on the lagoonLunch breakGlacier hike

Two activities in one day: kayaking and a guided glacier hike
Paddle among icebergs on the small lagoon at Sólheimajökull's edge
Walk on the glacier itself with crampons, ice axe and harness
See crevasses and ice formations up close with a certified guide
All technical gear for both activities included

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.

1Meet at base campCheck in near the Sólheimajökull car park, get fitted for kayak gear.

Kayaking on the lagoonPaddle among icebergs at the glacier's edge.

From the base camp it is a five minute walk to the water. You spend about an hour paddling a stable sit-on-top kayak among the icebergs at the edge of Sólheimajökull, in a single or double kayak, with a guide leading the group.

Paddling · about 1 hour

Lunch breakReturn to base camp to rest and eat before the hike.

You return to base camp to rest and eat before the hike. There is no food for sale by the glacier, so bring your own lunch from Reykjavík, Vík or Hvolsvöllur.

Food · bring your own lunch; none for sale by the glacier

Glacier hikeWalk on Sólheimajökull with crampons, ice axe and harness.

You walk on Sólheimajökull for about 3.5 hours, in crampons with ice axe and harness, past crevasses, moulins and the dark ash layers left by past eruptions. The ice is uneven, and the day is more physical than either activity alone.

Time here · about 3.5 hoursWalking · on uneven ice, crampons provided

Kayaks on the glacier lagoon from the air

Back at base campReturn gear at the end of the day.

At the end of the day you hand back the gear at the base camp. After kayaking and a glacier hike, a change into dry clothes before the drive is welcome.

About the glacier hike and kayak tour

This tour pairs the two classic ways of getting close to Sólheimajökull. You start at the base camp a short walk from the glacier car park, where your guides fit you out for kayaking first: a drysuit, paddle and either a single or double kayak, depending on your group.

After roughly two and a half hours on the water among the icebergs, you head back to base camp for a lunch break of about two hours (bring your own food, or buy it at the base camp). The afternoon is a guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull itself, with crampons, ice axe and harness, covering crevasses, moulins and the dark ash layers left by past eruptions.

Because it combines two activities, this is a full day out and more physical than either tour on its own. It suits people who want to do both rather than choose, and who are reasonably fit for a few hours of paddling plus a few hours of hiking on uneven ice. Sólheimajökull's surface and the lagoon both change through the season, so exact conditions vary.

Make it your own

Optional extras, at extra cost

Hiking boot rental
Waterproof jacket and trousers rental

Included

Certified kayak and glacier guides
Kayak, paddle and drysuit
Crampons, ice axe and harness for the hike

Not included

Transport to the base camp
Lunch (bring your own; no food for sale by the glacier)
Hiking boots (rentable on location)

What to bring

Packed lunch, as you can't buy food by the glacier
Hiking boots, or rent them on location
Warm clothing and an extra pair of socks
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Waterproof case for your phone or camera

Good to know

Duration is about 8 hours in total
Minimum age is 14
Meet at the Sólheimajökull Base Camp by the car park, 30 minutes before the 9:30 start
A full day combining kayaking and a glacier hike, so it is more physical than either alone
Runs June to October

Questions people ask

Do I need to be an experienced hiker or kayaker?

No, both parts are guided and suit beginners, but you should be reasonably fit for a full day of activity.

Is lunch included?

No, and you can't buy food by the glacier, so bring a packed lunch. You eat it at base camp between the two activities.

Do I need my own hiking boots?

You can bring your own or rent a pair at the base camp.

What if I only want to do one activity?

This tour is sold as a combined day; separate glacier hike or kayaking tours are also available if you prefer just one.

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From33,999 ISKPer person