5.0 (898) · Vik · By Icelandic Mountain Guides Free cancellation Likely to sell out
Glacier Discovery is our most popular glacier hike for a reason—it offers an unforgettable chance to explore the spectacular Sólheimajökull Glacier safely and up close, even for first-timers.
Led by certified guides, you'll walk on ice with crampons, peer into deep crevasses, and witness stunning features like ice ridges, sinkholes, and moulins that constantly change with the glacier’s movement.
What sets this tour apart is its perfect balance: it's adventurous yet accessible, educational yet thrilling.
You’ll spend real time on the glacier—not just observing from a distance—gaining a deep understanding of how Iceland’s glaciers shape the landscape.
With high-quality gear, small group sizes, and passionate guides, this tour provides an authentic and immersive glacier experience unlike any other.
✓ Coffee & Tea at Basecamp✓ Certified glacier guide✓ Use of glacier equipment - Harness, crampons, ice axe and a helmet✓ Use of toilet facility at Basecamp✕ Hiking boots✕ Rain gear✕ SnacksActivity Flow
3 h 30
Begin your adventure at Sólheimajökull Base Camp, where your certified glacier guide will outfit you with crampons, helmet, harness, and an ice axe. After a full safety briefing, you’ll take a short walk to the glacier and step onto this spectacular frozen world.
During the guided hike, you’ll explore dramatic ice formations, deep crevasses, and vibrant shades of glacier ice — from crystal clear to deep blue. Your guide will share fascinating stories about how glaciers form, move, and interact with Iceland’s volcanic landscape, as well as the effects of climate change on these icy giants.
This moderate glacier walk is designed for beginners — no technical skills needed. With plenty of photo stops and a relaxed pace, it’s the perfect way to safely experience one of Iceland’s most beautiful and accessible glaciers up close.
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
Please be at location 20 minutes before departure.
Meet us at our base at Sólheimajökull Parking Lot. Driving time from Reykjavík is 2.5 hours. Drive along Road 1 on the South Coast, then take a left turn on Road 221. After ca. 5 minute drive, you will reach the starting point.
Please be at location 20 minutes before departure.
Meet us at our base at Sólheimajökull Parking Lot. Driving time from Reykjavík is 2.5 hours. Drive along Road 1 on the South Coast, then take a left turn on Road 221. After ca. 5 minute drive, you will reach the starting point.
Meeting time is 20 min. prior to departure.
Each adult may accompany only one child.
Please bring, warm clothing, rain gear and hiking boots
Please note that the meeting point for your Glacier Discovery tour on Sólheimajökull Glacier is at the Basecamp in the parking lot.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness Please bring good, hiking shoes (high on the ankle), warm and waterproof clothing, hat and gloves. A small amount of walking is involved (about an hour on the glacier itself, with multiple stops) Children must be accompanied by an adult Glacier Discovery – Bestseller Duration: 3 hours Great for active beginners: Our most popular option! A moderate hike that takes you deeper onto the glacier to explore crevasses and ice formations. Wear warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots. Arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure. Bring snacks and drinks for the duration of the tour. Listen carefully to your guide's safety instructions. Be prepared for changing weather conditions in Iceland. Take advantage of photo opportunities to capture the glacier's beauty. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 23924P32
Activity offered by Icelandic Mountain Guides via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Active travelers Beginners Families with children (one child per adult) Nature enthusiasts Adventure seekers Explore the stunning Sólheimajökull Glacier Walk on ice with crampons and use an ice axe Witness unique ice formations like crevasses and moulins Led by certified and experienced glacier guides Small group sizes for a personalized experience Suitable for beginners with no prior experience
Population 639 (2024)
Currency Icelandic króna
Official language Icelandic
Driving on the right
Power plugs C, F · 230 V
Emergency number 112
Capital city Reykjavík Average temperatures 1° Jan 1° Feb 1° Mar 3° Apr 5° May 8° Jun 10° Jul 10° Aug 8° Sept 4° Oct 2° Nov 1° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the Glacier Discovery hike? + The Glacier Discovery hike lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes.
What equipment is provided for the glacier hike? + You will be provided with crampons, a helmet, a harness, and an ice axe. Coffee, tea, and toilet facilities are also available at the Basecamp.
What should I bring for the glacier hike? + You should bring your own hiking boots, rain gear, and snacks. Warm clothing, a hat, and gloves are also recommended.
Is this tour suitable for children? + Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, with a maximum of one child per adult.
What is the meeting point for the tour? + The meeting point is at our base at Sólheimajökull Parking Lot. Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
What is the cancellation policy? + For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
One of a kind experience
pvdtraveller, October 2026
Excellent tour of the glacier today, including expert and clear explanation of the geologic and environmental conditions and a short rappel into one of the crevasses. Moderate level hike but the guide was fantastic and the experience one of a kind.
★★★★★ Viator review
Truly exhilarating experience!
Lando_M, October 2026
We had a great time on the hike and thoroughly enjoyed the experience from start to finish. Our guide was very knowledgeable and showed genuine concern for our safety and well-being throughout the hike. She was passionate about teaching us about the glacier and its history. We highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Iceland who is looking for a unique and breathtaking way to experience one of Iceland’s wonders.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Recommended excursion.
C8408ZPcarlam, October 2026
Andrea is super attentive. The excursion is amazing and the part where you go down into the cave, not all excursions do it and I loved it.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Absolutely recommended!
65evangelosa, October 2026
The glacier tour was a complete success! Denis, our guide, told us many interesting things about the glacier and guided us safely across the glacier. It was super cool and the group size was perfect for this all-around great experience! Many thanks to Denis! We would recommend it to everyone!
Response from the operator · Reykjavík Excursions Dear Evangelosa,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted that you enjoyed the glacier tour, found the group size just right, and felt safe and well looked after by Denis. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to her! 😊
Warm regards,
Patricia
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Unforgettable
HannahP1002, October 2026
Loved the experience. Our guide Denis Rosa did a fantastic job of making it fun, unforgettable and kept everyone safe. He went above and beyond to make the experience special for our group.
Response from the operator · Reykjavík Excursions Dear Hannah,
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled that Denis made your glacier hike such a fun and unforgettable experience while keeping everyone safe. It’s wonderful to hear that she went above and beyond to make your group’s adventure so special. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to her! 😊
Warm regards,
Patricia
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