ON FOOT · GLACIER HIKES IN ICELAND
This is the shortlist you would send a walking friend: 15 glacier hikes in Iceland that justify the airfare, each with its price, its distance and the one thing to know before you commit.
Join a small group of up to 12 for a four-hour glacier hike and natural ice cave visit near Skaftafell. Guides such as Camino, Maria, Elena, and Fabian lead you across Falljökull, explain crevasses and moulins, and help with photos. Gear, parking, coffee, and hot chocolate are included.
“Really cool experience! Our guide Stella was really sweet and did explain everything in a way you could understand.”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Tröll Expeditions Skaftafell for a three-hour beginner-friendly glacier walk. Ride the Tröll Bus, hike to Falljökull, then use crampons, a helmet, harness, and ice axe to explore crevasses, moulins, ice falls, and possible ice caverns. Groups are limited to 14, with coffee and Icelandic chocolate afterward.
“It’s totally devastating what’s going on with our plant. Go in tours, would be happier if there would be a little bit harder climbing.”
You’ll ride from Reykjavik in a Wi-Fi-equipped minibus, visit two major waterfalls and Reynisfjara, then hike Sólheimajökull with guides such as Sara, Al, Bessi, or Thomas. Expect about 2.5 hours outdoors at the glacier, including roughly one hour on the ice, with crampons, helmet, harness, and ice axe supplied.
“Great. Swen is a great guide, showed us great places on the glacier and took us to see a waterfall during sunset. Great views.”
Walk on ancient Sólheimajökull ice with a certified guide such as Lucy, Daniela, or Daniel, using crampons and an ice axe to reach blue crevasses, moulins, and ash-covered ridges. The hike suits beginners age 8 and up, though steep sections can feel moderate. Reykjavík departures add Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Reynisfjara.
“the tour was great, our guide was very nice and informative. highly recommend 👌”
Spend five hours exploring Falljökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, with a certified English-speaking guide and a group of no more than 10. You will learn to use crampons, helmets, harnesses, and ice axes, then climb through crevasses, moulins, ice tunnels, and steep icefall terrain. Guides such as Anna, Filip, Paula, and Marc are praised for clear safety instruction and good pacing.
“We had the most incredible glacier tour with Sterre, our Dutch guide. She was amazing. Super friendly, knowledgeable, and full of positive energy throughout the entire tour.”
Join Arctic Adventures for a four-hour walk on Falljökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull. Your certified guide fits crampons, teaches safe ice walking, and leads you past blue ice, crevasses, and the glacier’s falling ice. The hike covers about 3 km and suits beginners age 8 and up, though sturdy ankle-support boots are required.
“We had an amazing day on the glacier. James our guide was super knowledgeable and ensured all of us were safe and enjoying ourselves and that we weren’t struggling in any way. We had a small group of about 9 people as well. Some short uphill walks (you’re going up a glacier) but slow and steady enough that this can definitely be classified as easy. We were shown through crevasses which were amazing and had plenty of time on the ice with stunning views. Would recommend to anyone!”
You’ll ride a super jeep from Jökulsárlón to Breiðamerkurjökull, then spend about two hours walking 4 to 6 km on Vatnajökull’s ice. Guides such as Iga, Guillermo, Javier, and Suzie explain crevasses, moulins, blue ice, and glacier change. Crampons, helmet, and harness are provided, but you need ankle-supporting hiking boots and good fitness.
“It was so so stunning! We were lucky that the sun was out and the weather was nice, but i think even with a bit of rain this experience is amazing. Starting with driving in this huge truck towards the glacier and then walking inbetween the mountains was an experience in itself. And of course then walking up to the glacier and learning some background knowledge of glaciers and how they behave was breathtakingly stunning. You could tell that our tour guide loved and lived his job. You felt super safe and he knew some really really cool spots! He made the experience 10x better!”
Spend about 12 hours exploring Iceland’s South Coast with a guide, including a 1.5-hour hike on Sólheimajökull. See Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Seljalandsfoss, and possibly Gljúfrabúi. Crampons, helmet, ice axe, Wi-Fi, pickup, and drop-off are included. Bring hiking boots, warm clothing, snacks, and water.
“Incredible experience and so glad I was with a small group for this one. The glacier hike is truly special and incredible and this experience was worth every penny. The guide makes sure that you have everything you need and that the experience is amazing. The best part of my Iceland trip!”
Spend about 12 hours with Troll Expeditions visiting Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, and Sólheimajökull. Your English-speaking driver handles the route, while a glacier guide such as Philip or Malek fits crampons, helmet, harness, and ice axe. The minibus holds no more than 18 people, with WiFi and Reykjavik pickup included.
“A good way to get a quick look at the South Coast. The tour moves along quickly...not a lot of extra time at any one place, though in fairness enough to see and enjoy. Our tour guide shared history of Iceland and his only personal history. The glacier hike a definite workout, though great experience!”
Walk onto Sólheimajökull with a certified Icelandic Mountain Guides leader, using crampons and an ice axe to explore blue ice, crevasses, and small ice tunnels. The three-hour outing includes equipment, basecamp coffee, and several daily departure times. Guides such as Sam, Sofia, Oskar, and Heini are praised for clear safety briefings and friendly instruction.
“Everything was amazing. our guide was very kind and professional. We full y recomend this experience.”
Spend a full day on Iceland’s South Coast with guides such as Sara, Tomasz, Ignacio, or Einar. Walk on Sólheimajökull with supplied glacier gear, visit two major waterfalls, and explore Reynisfjara’s black sand and basalt columns. Pickup, WiFi, and round-trip transport from Reykjavík are included.
“It can get very windy on the glacier. Dress in waterproof clothing and layers. Our guide Ignacio was awesome!!! He made it fun, but also safe. We had the next experience!!!”
Walk across Falljökull Glacier with an English-speaking guide, using crampons, a helmet, harness, and ice axe. A 20-minute 4x4 ride from Skaftafell reaches the ice, where you explore a natural cave, crevasses, moulins, and blue ice. Guides such as Ola, James, and Albin are known for clear safety advice and good photos.
“Perfect experience! Everything was well-balanced in terms of pace, the "hike" is easy and leaves time to take plenty of pictures, the landscape is breathtaking, the guide gave us a lot of interesting facts about glaciers. Everything felt very safe and the ice cave was beautiful! We really loved this and I couldn't recommend more!”
Travel by minibus from Reykjavík with an English-speaking guide to Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Seljalandsfoss, and Gljúfrabúi. The main event is a guided 1.5-hour walk on Sólheimajökull, with crampons, helmet, and ice axe provided. Guides such as Michal, Adonis, Roberto, Klaus, and Chris have led past tours.
“our guide was excellent. really knowledgeable skilled and fun. safety was foremost. we couldnt have had a better experience with anyone else but Adonis!!”
Walk on Vatnajökull with a certified guide from Troll Expeditions. Expect a short transfer, equipment fitting, a walk to the glacier, and time among ice formations and moulins. Guides such as Maria, Martin, Paula, and Atilla have led highly praised outings. The full activity takes about three hours, but only part of that time is spent on the ice.
“Our guide was Anna and she was amazing! This is probably the coolest and most adventurous tour we have ever been on as a couple. Highly recommend this tour to anyone! The views up on the glacier are absolutely breathtaking.”
Meet Icelandic Mountain Guides at Skaftafell for a 3.5-hour beginner-friendly glacier walk on Falljökull. Your guide fits crampons and gear, leads you across blue ice, crevasses, ice arches, and glacier mills, and explains how the glacier changes. Guides such as Rob, Emilia, Przemyslav, and Naren have earned special praise for their care and humor.
“Bartholome (sorry I forgot to ask for spelling) was a great guide for our small group of 3 blue ice discovery tour. He was very patient and informative as we put on all the proper gears and hiked up to explore the glacier. He also took amazing photos and videos of me which I really appreciated as a solo traveler.”
Other ways to spend the day on foot
Rock, ice, forest or crater rim.
