Glaciers and their surroundings can offer some of the most beautiful sights in Iceland. We are lucky then that around 10% of the country is covered by glaciers! Hiking and walking on a glacier is a wonderful experience well suited for most people to take part in. The glacier hikes are guided at a slow and relaxing pace that give you ample time to both take photos and enjoy the view.
Glacier hikes can either be "meet on location" which requires you to have your own car so you could drive to the pre designated meeting point by the glacier. You can also be picked from your accommodation or a designated pick up point in Reykjavik with tours that include a pick up service.
Average time for a tour is 3 hours but actual hiking time may be closer to 2 hours as it takes time to prepare the gear and ascend on the glacier. Many guides will also offer a safety talk discussing best practices prior to the tour beginning
Hiking on a glacier is not as tricky as it might sound on paper, some even prefer to call it a glacier walk. Traversing the icy terrain is made simple thanks to the use of crampons, a special type of footwear accessory that you put on your boot. The crampon basically allows you to get around on the ice without slipping. A helmet, harness and and an ice axe are also required for your safety.
You won't be going at it alone though as will be accompanied by a certified glacier guide. These guides are the people who know the ins and outs of the glacier like the backs of their hand. Your guide will take you along a known path on the ice, which they will have already checked out to make sure its safe and easy.
You’ll learn all sorts of fun facts and information about the glaciers from your guides. Things like how they are formed, how they constantly change and what effect climate change has on these delicate eco systems. Many of the glaciers disappearing and significant changes can be seen over the years. If you are lucky you may stumble upon some interesting geology such as large crevasses, deep ridges or water cauldrons and glacier cavities large enough to resemble an ice cave.
Sturdy boots that are waterproof are recommended, so is wearing multiple layers such as gloves and hats as it can get quite cold. A small back pack with bottled water and some light snacks can also be helpful.
The Sólheimajökull glacier is located just a little over two hours from the city of Reykjavik. This glacier tongue extends outward from the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier that is located almost directly above the fishing town of Vík. The surroundings of the glacier are marked by rugged rock formations that have been shaped by the glacier over the course of centuries.
Sólheimajökull is a popular destination for glacier walks and hikes as well as ice climbing. At the base camp you will find a small coffee shop where you can use the facilities. The Sólheimajökull glacier is a popular stop on the south coast as it's one of the most accessible glaciers in Iceland.
Snowmobiling on Sólheimajökull can also be done and just like the glacier hike can be a popular inclusion on the South Coast tours.
Skaftafell national park is located in the south east region of Iceland and is about 5 hours from Reykjavik. Skaftafell is located between glacier outlets that originate from the great Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in all of Iceland.
Another highly popular glacier for hiking is Svínafellsjökull which is easy to access when you get to Skaftafell. During your hike you will have a great view of Hvannadalshnjúkur, Icelands highest mountain and some small glacier lagoons. Speaking of glacier lagoons, the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is also not far away!
Breiðdalsjökull is another great option for hiking however reaching this glacier requires crossing a small lagoon with a boat and making use of a super jeep or other such similar modified vehicle. Not for the faint of heart but a true adventure for anyone looking to dive headfirst into the Icelandic nature.
Heading over to the west of the country now we have the Snæfellsnes peninsula where you will find the famous Snæfellsjökull. This glacier was made famous by the novelist Jules Verne in his "Journey to the center of the earth" and the various cinematic adaptations. While sadly it is highly unlikely you will see any dinosaurs or hidden underground Jurassic worlds there is still plenty to explore. A trek on this glacier is for the more adventurous types who are looking for a proper long hike to sink their teeth into.
The view from this glacier over the Snæfellsnes national park and the Breiðafjörður and Faxaflói fjords is nothing short from magnificent. On a particularly clear day you can even see the top of this glacier peaking over the horizon from Reykjavik!
Some glacier hikes offer the opportunity to extend the tour with a an ice climbing experience. Ice climbing (not to be confused with the popular Nintendo game 'Ice climbers') is a little bit more hardcore than a hike but is still very accessible. Your professional glacier guide will make sure to cover all the basics surrounding safety and best practices before letting you loose to ascend up a wall made of ice. For the adventurous at heart this is a fantastic addition to any glacier based activity.
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