Iceland · GLACIER HIKES

The 15 Best Glacier Hikes in Iceland

84 tours  ·  from $94

Sólheimajökull is the short one near the road; Skaftafell means a longer approach and better ice. These 15 compare them on time actually spent on the glacier, fitness needed and whether crampons, axe and harness are included.

Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike - Meeting at Tröll Expeditions in Hof
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Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike

1.Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,746 reviews · 4 hours · from $165Our pick

Meet at Tröll Expeditions in Hof for a four-hour small-group trip onto Falljökull. Your English-speaking guide provides crampons, helmet, harness, ice axe, and glacier lessons before leading you to a changing natural ice cave. Expect a long, active walk and excellent photo stops.

“Walking on the glacier is an exceptional experience. One of the things that you must do if you are around. And our guide Anna was very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly.”

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Reykjavik: Glacier Hike, Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach - Leaving Reykjavik through Iceland’s changing scenery
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Reykjavik: Glacier Hike, Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach

2.Glacier Hike, Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,285 reviews · 11 hours · from $186

Travel Iceland’s south coast by minibus with an English-speaking guide such as Sarah, Al, Thomas, or Bessi. You’ll walk about 4 km on and around Sólheimajökull, using crampons and an ice axe, then visit two waterfalls and Reynisfjara beach.

“A fantastic day! Our guide was very kind and helpful, we managed to see some great sights and had a lovely comfortable journey :)”

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Sólheimajökull: Guided Glacier Hike - Blue crevasses, moulins, and ice holes
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Sólheimajökull: Guided Glacier Hike

3.Guided Glacier Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,123 reviews · from $116

You’ll hike across Sólheimajökull with a certified English-speaking guide such as Daniel, Steve, Tomas, or Daniela. Expect crampon practice, glacier formations, crevasses, moulins, possible ice tunnels, and time for photos. The route suits children 8 and older but can feel moderate in places.

“Excellent tour my Steve! He was kind, funny, informative and patient! The views were marvellous in its true sense, definitely one of a kind and once in a lifetime experience.”

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Skaftafell: Blue Ice Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull - From Skaftafell Base Camp to the glacier edge
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Skaftafell: Blue Ice Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull

4.Blue Ice Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,045 reviews · 4 hours · from $116

Join Arctic Adventures for a four-hour walk on Falljökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull. Your guide fits crampons, leads you across blue ice and past crevasses, and explains the glacier as you go. No experience is needed, but ankle-support hiking boots and reasonable fitness are essential.

“this was our first experience on a glacier and it was extraordinary!! many thanks to our super guide, Lucy! she was fantastic! she is very kind, professional and really enganged on her job showing us the best parts of the glacier.”

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From Reykjavik: Glacier Hike, South Coast and Waterfalls Day Trip - Walking on Sólheimajökull with crampons
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From Reykjavik: Glacier Hike, South Coast and Waterfalls Day Trip

5.Glacier Hike, South Coast and Waterfalls Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 915 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) Top rated

Spend about 12 hours exploring Iceland’s South Coast with a guide such as Michal, Svenni, Roberto, or Christopher. You’ll hike Sólheimajökull with crampons, helmet, and ice axe, then visit Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, and Seljalandsfoss. Bring hiking boots, warm clothing, snacks, and patience for Icelandic weather.

“Best expierence in Iceland. Get to see so much and have an amazing time. Driver and glacier tour guide was amazing”

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Glacier Hike and South Coast Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik - Seljalandsfoss: the waterfall with a rear view
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Glacier Hike and South Coast Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik

6.Glacier Hike and South Coast Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 827 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $205

Join Troll Expeditions for a 12-hour minibus trip from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, and Sólheimajökull. You’ll hike the glacier with crampons, helmet, harness, and ice axe, guided in English. Small groups cap at 18 people, with gear rentals available.

“Go! Its an amazing trip I loved every sexond of it You see black sand, walking on Glaicier is rather easy”

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Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike – Adventure in a Small Group - Walking Through Blue Ice and Crevasses
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Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike – Adventure in a Small Group

7.Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike – Adventure in a Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 799 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $115Best value

Walk across Sólheimajökull with a certified English-speaking guide in a group of up to 14. You’ll use crampons, an ice axe, harness, and helmet while exploring blue ice, crevasses, and small ice tunnels. Guides such as Sam, Sophia, Oskar, and Heini are praised for safety and clear instruction.

“We loved this! Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. We felt safe the entire time. The crampons worked magic on the ice. We got to walk into a small ice tunnel/hole, which was definitely a highlight. Glad we went early in the morning - we were the only group out there for a bit, which was super nice. Definitely recommend!”

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Skaftafell: Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull - From Skaftafell Base Camp to the glacier
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Skaftafell: Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull

8.Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 643 reviews · 4 hours · from $163

Walk across Falljökull with crampons, helmet, harness, and ice axe, then enter a natural blue ice cave selected for current conditions. A 20-minute 4x4 ride and small groups of up to 12 keep this four-hour Arctic Adventures outing focused and personal.

“Amazing tour! James was the best guide — friendly, funny and very professional. The glacier hike and ice cave were out of this world. 100% recommend!”

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Reykjavík: Iconic Glacier Hike, South Coast & Waterfalls - From Reykjavík to the volcanic South Coast
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Reykjavík: Iconic Glacier Hike, South Coast & Waterfalls

9.Iconic Glacier Hike, South Coast & Waterfalls

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 605 reviews · from $195

Join a small group of up to 15 people for an 11-hour South Coast trip from Reykjavík. Your English-speaking guide, such as Michal, Adonis, Roberto, Klaus, or Chris, leads you to waterfalls, Reynisfjara, and a 1.5-hour glacier hike with safety gear included.

“Had an amazing day! Our guide, Chris, was fantastic—informative and very helpful. The glacier hike offered breathtaking views, and the waterfalls were stunning. Everything was well-organized. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Iceland!”

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Skaftafell Glacier Hike 3-Hour Small Group Tour - Learning the crampon steps before moving higher
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Skaftafell Glacier Hike 3-Hour Small Group Tour

10.Skaftafell Glacier Hike 3-Hour Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 580 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $117

Walk across Vatnajökull from Skaftafell with a certified guide, crampons, helmet, harness, and ice axe. Expect a short transfer, a walk to the glacier, ice formations and moulins, and coffee with chocolate. Guides such as Maria, Martin, Atilla, and Anna have earned strong praise.

“We loved our time on the glacier. Our guide, Martin, was knowledgable and also took care to ensure we were safe while also seeing as much as possible. His passion for hiking, nature, and immense care for his guests shined through. His knowledge and joy for learning made this such a memorable and exceptional experience. Thank you Martin!”

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Blue Ice Discovery – Guided Glacier Hike from Skaftafell - What the 3.5-hour schedule really includes
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Blue Ice Discovery – Guided Glacier Hike from Skaftafell

11.Blue Ice Discovery – Guided Glacier Hike from Skaftafell

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 532 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $116

Meet guides such as Rob, Emilia, Przemyslav, or Angelika at Skaftafell, then ride to Falljökull for a beginner-friendly glacier walk. Practice with crampons, explore crevasses and blue ice, and hear how Vatnajökull changes. Expect about two hours on the ice within a 3.5-hour tour.

“Amazing experience. Norin was awesome and a very elite guide. Walked us through a lot of cool structures and views.”

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Skaftafell: Extra-Small Group Glacier Hike - Meeting Melrakki Adventures in Skaftafell
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Skaftafell: Extra-Small Group Glacier Hike

12.Extra-Small Group Glacier Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 501 reviews · 3 hours · from $162

Meet Melrakki Adventures in Skaftafell for a three-hour glacier hike on Falljökull. A modified 4x4 takes you to the ice, where an English-speaking guide fits your crampons and leads a group of no more than eight through blue pools, moulins, crevasses, and striking ice formations.

“This Glacier hike was amazing ! We were in a small group of 4 and our guide (Kathi?) was very nice and so interesting, she explained a lot of things to us ! We got to see a small ice cave and then walked on the glacier for about 1,5 - 2 hours I think. It was really fun, thank you so much !”

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Solheimajokull Glacier 3-Hour Small-Group Hike - Walking on the glacier tongue
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Solheimajokull Glacier 3-Hour Small-Group Hike

13.Solheimajokull Glacier 3-Hour Small-Group Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 501 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $125

Walk across Sólheimajökull with a certified guide such as Edgar, Anna, Eli, or Lilly, using crampons, a helmet, harness, and ice axe. Expect about three hours, a short approach walk, blue ice, volcanic ash, glacier science, and views toward Eyjafjallajökull when skies are clear.

“Had a fantastic hike with Edgar! He was so kind and shared his deep knowledge with us about the glacier with his great humor and our whole group ended the hike with chocolate in hand and high spirits! 10/10 would recommend to anyone. Hike difficulty was moderate for someone who doesn’t hike much, but was definitely worth it. Edgar was sure to keep our group together and kept us at a comfortable pace for everyone. Be sure to bring warm clothes and comfortable hiking shoes with ankle support (or rent them at the tour).”

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Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike - Small Group Blue Ice Adventure - From the parking lot to the glacier lagoon
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Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike – Small Group Blue Ice Adventure

14.Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike – Small Group Blue Ice Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 497 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $117

Meet your certified Arctic Adventures guide at Sólheimajökull’s parking lot near Vík. After a safety briefing, walk beside the glacier lagoon, fit crampons, and spend about two hours on the ice among blue formations, ridges, crevasses, and moulins.

“Such a fun experience. Our tour guide, Mickell, was wonderful. He took the time to ensure we all were familiar with the equipment. He provided great information about the glacier, how they are formed, what happens when they recede, melt, etc. and a general overview of glacier hiking. He hiked at a very good pace for everyone in the group and took plenty of breaks. He was charming and knowledgeable. Highly, highly recommend this adventure.”

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From Reykjavik: South Coast & Glacier Hike - Seljalandsfoss: a waterfall you can walk behind
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From Reykjavik: South Coast & Glacier Hike

15.South Coast & Glacier Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 490 reviews · 12 hours · from $200

Spend 12 hours exploring Iceland’s South Coast from Reykjavik, with stops at two major waterfalls, Reynisfjara’s black sand beach, and a guided three-hour hike on Sólheimajökull. Your driver-guide handles the road and local stories, while glacier guides fit your crampons, helmet, harness, and ice ax.

“The guide provided was excellent, she showed consideration for everyone in our group and gave a great insight into how the Glacier was formed and how global warming is affecting its future existence. If and improvement is needed it would probably be beneficial if a warm changing area was provided along with a complimentary hot drink after th walk, but this is a minor issue, all in all a great experience.”

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