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Hiking and Ice Climbing on Sólheimajökull Glacier in Iceland

Some people see ice and think “slippery.” We see it and think “let’s climb that.” Sólheimajökull in Iceland isn’t just any glacier—it’s a living, shifting world of jagged ridges, deep crevasses, and towering ice walls waiting to be climbed. On this day trip, we’ll hike for a few hours, harness up, and get vertical with an ice axe in hand. It’s part adventure, part workout, all kinds of awesome. No crowds, no touristy gimmicks—just pure, unfiltered Iceland. Bonus: the bragging rights are next level. (And yeah, your photos will be unreal.) Never climbed before? We got you. Just bring your sense of adventure—we’ll handle the rest.

Valerio Papetti
Valerio Papetti

Adventure highlights

  • Walk on the wild side
    Hike through towering ice formations and deep crevasses
  • Ice, ice baby
    Learn how to climb an icy wall with expert guidance
  • Glacier 101
    Discover the science behind these icy giants from a pro guide

Itinerary

Glacier hiking? Check. Ice climbing? Absolutely. Unbelievable views? You got it. This one-day adventure on Sólheimajökull takes you deep into an ever-changing world of ice, where towering formations and winding crevasses create the ultimate frozen playground. We’ll hike in, strap on crampons, and learn how to navigate this icy giant before taking on a vertical challenge—an exhilarating ice climb with expert instruction. No experience? No problem. We’ll show you how to move like a pro. If you’re up for an adventure that’s equal parts thrilling, stunning, and unforgettable, this is the one.

Adventure brochure
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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

Valerio Papetti
5.00
Valerio Papetti
Valerio Papetti is a passionate outdoor enthusiast and founder of Iceland Adventures, a travel agency specializing in glacier tours and tailored adventures in Iceland. With over six years of experience living and exploring the land of fire and ice, Valerio combines his deep knowledge of Icelandic nature—including its remote Highlands—with a commitment to delivering exceptional, personalized experiences for his guests.
Iceland Adventures
5.00
Iceland Adventures
Iceland Adventures is a travel agency specializing in glacier tours and tailored adventures in Iceland. It was founded by Valerio Papetti. With over six years of experience living and exploring the land of fire and ice, Valerio combines his deep knowledge of Icelandic nature—including its remote Highlands—with a commitment to delivering exceptional, personalized experiences for his guests.
5.00 (4 reviews)
Luca Q (source: Trip Advisor)

One of the most spectacular experiences you can have in Iceland! Valerio is professional, friendly, and incredibly patient. This tour is suitable for all skill levels—even if you’ve never climbed an ice wall before, his clear instructions and expertise will help you succeed. I highly recommend the afternoon or evening tour for a more serene glacier experience with fewer people around. Thank you!

Michele B (source: Trip Advisor)

Valerio took care of me and my safety from the beginning. His experience made me think more about the trip rather then the danger. I enjoyed fully the walk, the panorama, drinking pure water, visiting secret caves and waterfalls. He is fun and funny. It feel you are going on a stroll with a longtime friend.

Devid r (source: Trip Advisor)

Amazing experience! Even if it is your first time Valerio will make you feel ready to reach the top and he gives you a feeling of safety incredible. Strongly suggest it to whoever likes outdoor and adventure!

Atli Arason (source: Trip Advisor)

Special thanks to our tour guide Valerio! We all had an amazing experience hiking and climbing the Sólheimajökull glacier accompanied by great stories, historical facts and hilarious jokes from our guide. As a highly demanding local, I would recommend this tour to everyone. We all experienced an eventful day that none of us will forget!

Things to know

  • 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
  • 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!

  • 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 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.
  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
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