Getting There: Glacier Hike in Iceland
Sólheimajökull is the name of the glacier we hiked and it’s located along Iceland’s Southern Coast. It takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to get there from Reykjavik, if you’re planning a day trip. Since we had a rental car, we were able to make it a stop along our road trip. If driving in Iceland is something you’re not comfortable doing, you could always book a tour that includes transportation. This day trip from Reykjavik includes stops at Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Black Sand Beach and a Guided Glacier Hike.
Glacier Hike Tours
Since we had our own transportation, we booked our tour directly through Arcanum. The total experience is about 3-3.5 hours and includes your gear, such as safety equipment and crampons. It’s best to wear hiking boots so the crampons can securely fasten on.
It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the camp to the base of the glacier. Our guide informed us that 20 years ago, the glacier used to be right next to the camp but it is melting so rapidly it has receded.
The Experience
In order to avoid falling, you need to take very high and strong steps so your crampons latch onto the ice. Our guide was super helpful at demonstrating and giving tips as we went along. Our ice picks also helped us to balance as we navigated steeper portions of the glacier.
We learned a lot while on the tour. One of the most interesting facts for us was that this ice cap sits on top of one of Iceland’s largest volcanos, Katla. It typically erupts every 100 years but is overdue for an eruption. The black mounds of ash seen throughout the hike are from eruptions 1,000’s of years earlier – the melting ice cap slowly revealing them.
At one point in our hike, our guide let us stop to drink some fresh glacial water. He deemed it the best water we’ll ever drink and he was not wrong! It was very cold to scoop in our hands to sip but so refreshing and clean! Talk about a bucket-list moment.
Ticket Information
The cost of the tour was 17,900 ISK (which is roughly $130). We purchased our tickets directly through Arcanum’s website, but like I mentioned earlier you can also book a tour from Reykjavik. This particular day trip includes multiple stops, along with the glacier hike and transportation to/from your hotel.
Review
This was one of the most memorable experiences of our Iceland road trip. It was incredible to be so up close and personal with a glacier and learn about the impacts global warming has had on it. The hike was challenging since you are walking on ice, but the crampons and guide made us feel comfortable throughout. I never once felt unsafe or like it was too difficult.
With how quickly these ice caps are melting, you don’t want to miss out on this opportunity when visiting Iceland. Mother Nature is truly a force and she’s on full display when doing a glacier hike in Iceland.
