Solheimajokull Glacier Hike | 3-Hour Expedition

Take a breathtaking 3-hour guided glacier hike on the impressive Sólheimajökull glacier in South Iceland!

This small group tour will have you discovering the natural beauty of Sólheimajökull glacial outlet, which extends forth from the mighty Mýrdalsjökull ice cap – the fourth largest in all of Iceland. Extraordinarily stunning in its own right, Sólheimajökull measures in at 8 kilometres across and 2 kilometres wide. It descends from Mýrdalsjökull and discharges its meltwater into the glacial river Jökulsá á Sólheimasand, nearby to the famous crashed DC 3 plane on the South Coast of Iceland.

This expedition begins at the car park of Sólheimajökull, where you’ll follow your experienced and knowledgeable glacier guide on a brisk 15 minute walk to the base of the glacier. Once there, your guide will equip you with the necessary equipment for glacier hiking, including a helmet, crampons and an ice axe. If you don’t have good hiking boots with ankle support, then be sure to hire these at the time of booking so that you’ll be well-prepared for the glacier walk ahead. As you look up in awe at the glacial tongue, your guide will take you through a number of safety procedures and give you some advice as to how to use your equipment to assist you during the hike, before you begin the ascent onto the spectacular ice cap.

Be prepared to witness astonishing glacial features on this once-in-a-lifetime journey upon the Sólheimajökull glacier. You’ll pass by giant boulders that have been lifted by the glacier across the icy landscape over many thousands of years, as well as exposed moraine and visible striations on the rocks which are evidence of the glacier’s slow retreat.

As you set foot upon the glacier, you’ll notice its enchanting colours, ranging from white to different shades of blue, grey and black – the result of eruptions from Eyjafjallajökull and Katla volcanoes which loom upon the horizon. Large amounts of volcanic ash have been frozen solid into the ice, making for a truly eerie scene.

You’ll have plenty of time to wander through the maze of deep, glacial moulins, marvel at the fantastic ice sculptures coloured blue by the shifting light of the sun, examine the oxygen bubbles that are trapped inside the ice and to learn all about the history of Sólheimajökull from your guide as you explore this dramatic environment with breathtaking views of the glacial carved valley below.

With the combination of jaw-dropping scenery, pristine landscapes and exhilarating adventure, this guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull glacier is not to be missed. It is suitable for people aged 8 and upwards, of all levels of fitness and ability. No previous glacier hiking experience is required.

Witnessing the sheer scale of the Sólheimajökull glacier is bound to be one of the highlights of your visit to Iceland! Do not miss out on this 3-hour expedition. Check availability by choosing a date.