Private Glacier Hiking Experience in Iceland

Head to Sólheimajökull Glacier on Iceland’s south coast, strap on crampons, and walk out across the ice with an experienced guide keeping you safe the whole way. No crowds, no rush — just you and one of Iceland’s most accessible glaciers.

This customizable Glacier Hike Tour works well as a first glacier experience. You set the pace, and the guide handles everything else. The tour takes in all the things that make Sólheimajökull glacier worth visiting — vivid blue ice, deep crevasses, and strange ice formations — without requiring any technical climbing skills. It runs year-round, and how far you travel on the ice depends on the season.

Tour Overview

The Private Glacier Hike Tour picks you up in Reykjavík and takes you on a two-hour drive down the South Coast — volcanoes on one side, waterfalls on the other. There’s a brief stop for snacks along the way before you arrive at Sólheimajökull glacier.

At the glacier, your guide fits you out with everything you need: crampons, helmet, and ice axe. Before you set foot on the ice, they’ll run through how to walk on it confidently. Out on the glacier itself, the guide leads the way, pointing out safe crevasses to peer into, moulins, and the kind of ice sculptures that are hard to describe until you’re standing in front of them.

This isn’t a climbing expedition — no ropes, no technical skills required. If you want a quick taste of ice climbing, you can ask for it, but the standard tour is focused entirely on hiking. You’ll have roughly 2.5 hours on the ice, which is enough time to look around properly without feeling like you’re being hurried along.

The full day typically runs 11 to 12 hours, though weather and how long you spend exploring can shift that. After the glacier, you head back to Reykjavík. If time allows on the return, there’s often a chance to stop at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss — but the glacier is the main event, so treat any waterfall stops as a bonus.

FAQ

What if I have no experience? This tour is put together with beginners in mind. It’s a solid first step into glacier hiking for anyone who’s never done it before. For more background, check our Glacier & Ice Cave Guide.

What are the physical requirements? The tour is aimed at beginners, but walking on uneven ice does ask something of your body. You’ll need full mobility of your knees and ankles and a general level of fitness — comfortable walking for 2-3 hours on uneven terrain is the benchmark.

Do I need to worry about ropes or climbing? No. This is a hiking tour, and ropes don’t come into it. If you’re curious about climbing and want a brief go at it, just ask — but the standard experience is hiking only.

What should I wear? Warm, waterproof layers and sturdy hiking boots. If you don’t have suitable boots, boots and waterproof clothing can be provided free of charge — just request them when you book.

Will we see waterfalls? The glacier comes first on this tour. That said, the route runs along the South Coast, so stops at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss on the way back are often possible, depending on time.

Can I meet directly at the glacier? Yes. If you have your own transport, you can meet your Hidden Iceland guide at the glacier’s entrance — just let us know in advance so we can arrange it.

Tour Highlights

*The difficulty level is considered moderate, though many might find it easy based on personal fitness. No prior experience is required, but participants should possess full mobility of knees and ankles and the ability to navigate slope-like stairs unassisted.

**This tour can be altered for a Meet on Location option.

Ready to make this your dream trip?