ON FOOT · ICELAND HIKING TOURS
Almost everything worth walking here is on or beside ice. These 15 cover the glacier tongues, the winter caves and the coast paths, with the season each one runs in and the kit provided.
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.”
Spend nine hours exploring Reykjanes with an English-speaking BusTravel Iceland guide. Hike roughly two hours each way toward the recent eruption areas near Meradalir, Fagradalsfjall, and Litli-Hrutur, then visit steaming Gunnuhver, Reykjanes Lighthouse, Lake Kleifarvatn, and the Bridge Between Continents. Guides such as Omar, Ottar, James, and HBO are praised for safety, geology, humor, and local stories.
“Our Icelandic guide on 29 July is very welcoming, helpful and knowledgeable. He not only shared information about the sights we were visiting but also his experience growing up in Iceland which is very interesting for me to learn about. We were really lucky to see the volcano still erupting albeit in the pouring rain and high winds (low visibility and pretty cold). It was such an awe-inspiring experience.”
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!”
Travel from Reykjavík to Seltún and the Geldingadalur Valley with an English-speaking guide such as Tom, Dave, Alain, or Elias. Expect a moderate-to-hard hike of around two hours each way, fresh and hardened lava, steaming ground, and changing routes if volcanic conditions or weather require it.
“"Becky" was an amazing guide. Thank you very much.”
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.”
Travel from Reykjavík to Fagradalsfjall with a small group of up to six and hike roughly 1 to 1.5 hours each way. Your geologist guide, such as France, Giuseppe, Jasmin, or Joseph, explains lava, fissures, gases, and recent eruptions. Bring sturdy boots, warm layers, rain gear, lunch, and water. Hot lava is never guaranteed.
“We loved this activity, made special by our Australian tour guide. Would recommend to everyone! We didn't feel rushed, we're able to enjoy the eruption and the lava field. The geologist was friendly and answered all of our questions. Bring waterproof hiking boots, sunglasses, small lunch and jacket!!”
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!!!”
Join Arctic Adventures for a full-day trip from Reykjavík to Landmannalaugar, hiking across Laugahraun, Vondugil Canyon, Brennisteinsalda, and possibly Bláhnúkur. Guides such as Matt, Enrique, Kira, and Olga lead groups through volcanic terrain before a soak in the natural hot pool. Expect a long ride, steep sections, and superb Highland scenery.
“Had a great time. Our guide Matt was a knowledgable guy who tells you about Landmannalaugar and everything else you'd like to know about Iceland with great passion. Also shoutout to the driver Christophe for getting us there safely, since the F-road's condition was horrible due to the ending of the season.”
Other ways to spend the day on foot
Rock, ice, forest or crater rim.
