Hiking and Ice Climbing on Sólheimajökull Glacier in Iceland

Things to know

• What’s included?

  Included:

  • • An experienced, certified local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • A guided ice climbing session with a certified glacier guide
    • A full day of Sólheimajökull glacier hike in Iceland
    • Equipment: climbing boots, crampons, helmet, ice axe, and harness
    • Safety briefing and instructions on glacier travel techniques

  Add-ons

  • • Transfer to and from the glacier
    • Photo session

  Not included:

  • • Flights to and from Iceland
    • Transportation to the meeting point
    • Accommodations
    • Food and drinks
    • Parking fees
    • Technical clothing
    • Guide gratuities — optional
    • Travel and medical insurance — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  A moderate level of fitness is required for this Sólheimajökull glacier hike. You should be comfortable with hiking up to 10 km / 6.2 mi on uneven terrain, with a total elevation gain of up to 300 m / 984 ft. To prepare, it’s recommended that participants engage in regular cardiovascular exercise such as walking, jogging, or hiking on varied terrain.

  Familiarity with being repelled and climbing on any kind of terrain would be a plus. Strengthening exercises focusing on forearms (important for ice climbing), legs, core, and balance will also be beneficial. Clients are encouraged to maintain a good hydration and nutrition regimen to stay energized during the tour.

  For more hiking adventures in Iceland, click here!

• What do I need to bring?

  Your guide will provide you with climbing boots, crampons, helmet, ice axe, and harness. Feel free to bring your own if you have it—just leave us a note upon checkout.

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • • Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag)
    • Hiking poles — optional
    • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
    • Gloves
    • Warm, waterproof hiking clothes
    • Spare clothes for layering (fleece or thermal)
    • Waterproof rain jacket
    • Sunhat
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, lip balm, etc.)
    • Sunglasses
    • Camera — optional (but recommended)

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and pricing

  • • For this Sólheimajökull glacier hike, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1.
    • It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 15 participants.
    • Hiking in Iceland can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors older than 12 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
    • If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
• Getting there and meeting location

  The starting point of your Sólheimajökull glacier hike is Sólheimajökull glacier parking lot. To get there, most people fly into Keflavik International Airport (KEF). From there, you can rent a car or pay for a private transfer to reach Sólheimajökull glacier parking lot (3-hour drive).

  Once you’re there, you will meet your guide. Your guide will provide more information before the adventure begins.

• Safety measures and insurance

  We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

  Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  To book this adventure, please pay the full amount upon checkout.

  • • Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
    • Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
    • Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.

  Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.