The Best Glacier Hike in Iceland? Here are Our Top 5 Picks
Iceland is a playground for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. While volcanoes and hot springs showcase the country's fiery side, the glaciers embody the 'ice' in Iceland's name.
When you're searching for unique Iceland vacation ideas, glacier hiking is one we'd highly recommend at Skyhook. It's simply a must-do experience, the way to go if you want to get up close and personal with ancient ice formations.
Why Go Glacier Hiking in Iceland?
Glacier hiking lets you stand and walk on a vast expanse of ice. You'll find yourself surrounded by crevasses that glow with an otherworldly blue hue. And the ice beneath your feet will creak and groan, a reminder that you're exploring a living, moving entity that has been sculpting the landscape for thousands of years.
If you go glacier hiking in Iceland, you'll enjoy ice sculptures carved by wind and water and observe layers of volcanic ash from ancient eruptions. If you're fortunate, you might even glimpse a moulin - a deep, vertical shaft formed by meltwater. It's a chance to explore a frozen world that feels like another planet.
And let's not forget the bragging rights! Walking on a glacier is an adventure that transforms a memorable vacation into an unforgettable experience. It's an epic story to share with friends and family back home.
Top Glacier Hikes in Iceland
Here are some of the best glacier hikes Iceland has to offer:
1. Sólheimajökull Glacier
If you're in Reykjavík and want to dip your toes (figuratively) into glacier hiking, Sólheimajökull is one of the best Iceland hikes. It's part of the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap and sits conveniently on Iceland's South Coast, just a few hours' drive from the capital.
The Sólheimajökull glacier hike isn't too strenuous, and you can still see impressive ice formations and vivid colours. You'll see everything from pristine white snow to electric blue ice, with veins of black ash adding dramatic contrast.
There are also opportunities in Sólheimajökull to try your hand at ice climbing. There's nothing quite like the rush of scaling an ice wall, especially when surrounded by such breathtaking scenery.
2. Svínafellsjökull in Skaftafell
Next is Svínafellsjökull, an outlet glacier of the massive Vatnajökull ice cap. Located in Skaftafell Nature Reserve, this glacier hike offers a little of everything that makes Iceland special.
The trek to Svínafellsjökull is a feast for the eyes. You'll pass through forests (yes, Iceland has those!), see stunning waterfalls, and get amazing views of surrounding mountain peaks. And that's all before you even step foot on the ice!
Once you're on the glacier, Svínafellsjökull exposes dramatic ridges and crevasses, which make for some truly epic photos. On a clear day, the views from the top of the glacier are out of this world. You can see for miles across the rugged Icelandic landscape.
Fun fact: Svínafellsjökull has had its 15 minutes of fame. It's been featured in Hollywood movies and TV shows, including "Game of Thrones." So, don't be surprised if parts of it look familiar!
3. Falljökull - The Falling Glacier
If you're up for a more challenging hike, Falljökull might be right up your alley. Its name means "Falling Glacier" in Icelandic, and when you see it, you'll understand why. The glacier resembles tumbling down the mountainside, creating a dramatic landscape of ice falls and crevasses.
Falljökull is another outlet of Vatnajökull, located near Skaftafell. The hike here is more strenuous than others, but the payoff is worth it. If you're feeling adventurous, you'll get to explore some truly unique ice formations and maybe even do some ice climbing.
One of the most incredible things about Falljökull is how much it changes. The glacier is constantly moving and reshaping itself, so even if you've been before, you're likely to see something new each time.
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4. Snæfellsjökull - Journey to the Center of the Earth
Literature buffs, this one's for you.
Snæfellsjökull, located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, is the glacier featured in Jules Verne's classic novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth". The book describes it as the entrance to a passage leading to the planet's core.
While you probably won't find any secret passages to the Earth's centre, you will find an incredible hiking experience. Snæfellsjökull is a glacier-capped volcano, making for some unique and beautiful landscapes.
This hike is more challenging than others, but the views from the top are unparalleled. On a clear day, you can see across the ocean to the Westfjords and Reykjanes Peninsula. It's the kind of view that makes you feel like you're on top of the world.
Remember that hikes on Snæfellsjökull are typically only available in the summer months, so plan your trip accordingly.
5. Vatnajökull - The Giant of Europe
Last but certainly not least, we have Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. This behemoth covers about 8% of Iceland's entire landmass, making it a true titan of ice.
Hiking on Vatnajökull is like exploring a whole frozen world. The glacier is so massive that it has a weather system covering several active volcanoes. Yeah, you read that right - volcanoes under the ice. How's that for fire and ice?
You can hike on Vatnajökull in several spots, each offering a unique experience. Some tours will take you to less-visited areas, allowing you to explore pristine ice away from the crowds.
One of the coolest things about the Vatnajökull glacier hike in Iceland is the opportunity to explore ice caves in the winter months. These natural caverns form as meltwater carve channels through the glacier. Stepping inside is like entering a blue crystal palace - an experience you won't soon forget.
When to Go Glacier Hiking in Iceland
Now that we've covered where to go, let's talk about the best time to travel to Iceland.
The good news is that glacier hiking is possible year-round in Iceland, but the experience can be quite different depending on the season.
Here's how to plan a trip to Iceland and do glacier hiking.
Summer Glacier Hiking (May to September)
Summer is the peak tourist season in Iceland, and for good reason. The weather is milder, the days are long (we're talking about 20+ hours of daylight in June!), and most hiking trails are open.
Pros of Summer Glacier Hiking in Iceland:
More comfortable temperatures
Better weather conditions (generally)
Longer daylight hours for extended hikes
More glaciers accessible
Cons:
More crowded
The ice isn't as vividly blue (more on that in a moment)
Winter Glacier Hiking (October to April)
Winter in Iceland is a whole different ball game. It's darker, colder, and wilder - but that's part of the appeal for many visitors.
Pros of Winter Glacier Hiking in Iceland:
The ice is a more vivid blue colour
Opportunity to see the Northern Lights
Ice caves are accessible
Fewer crowds
Cons:
Colder temperatures
Shorter daylight hours
Some glaciers may be inaccessible
Higher chance of tours being cancelled due to weather
A quick note on that vivid blue ice: In the summer, the outer layer of the glacier melts, revealing layers of volcanic ash trapped in the ice. This creates those incredible black streaks you see in summer photos. In winter, fresh snow and ice freeze over this layer, creating that electric blue colour that looks almost unreal.
Staying Safe on the Ice
Let's talk safety before you strap on your crampons and head out. Glaciers are beautiful but can also be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Always go with a guide: Glaciers are constantly changing, with hidden crevasses and unstable areas. Professional guides know how to navigate these dangers and will keep you safe.
Wear proper gear: Your guide will provide crampons (spikes for your boots) and an ice axe. Make sure to wear sturdy hiking boots that the crampons can attach to securely.
Dress in layers: Iceland's weather is notoriously changeable, so dress in warm, waterproof layers that you can add or remove.
Stay with your group: Don't wander alone - the ice can be disorienting, and it's easy to get lost.
Be prepared for a workout: Glacier hiking is more strenuous than regular hiking. You'll be using different muscles to navigate the ice. Take it slow and steady.
What to Bring on Your Glacier Hike
While your tour company will provide the specialised gear (crampons, ice axe, helmet), there are some things you should bring yourself:
Warm, waterproof jacket.
Waterproof pants.
Warm layers (think wool or fleece, not cotton).
Sturdy hiking boots.
Warm socks.
Hat and gloves.
Sunglasses and sunscreen (the sun reflects off the ice and can be intense).
Water and snacks.
Camera (trust us, you'll want it).
Wrapping Up
Glacier hiking in Iceland is a chance to connect with nature profoundly, challenge yourself, and see some of our planet's most stunning landscapes.
Whether you're scaling the dramatic ridges of Svínafellsjökull, exploring the ever-changing formations of Falljökull, or standing atop the mighty Vatnajökull, you're in for an experience you'll never forget.
These frozen giants have shaped Iceland's landscape for thousands of years, and now you get to be a part of their story. Happy hiking!
