Iceland · Land Adventure

Ice Climbing on Sólheimajökull Glacier

4 Hours Round trip from IS Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Ice climbing adventure on Sólheimajökull Glacier
  • 02 Small-group experience with a maximum of 6 people
  • 03 Guided glacier hike through crevasses, ridges, and blue ice
  • 04 Step-by-step instruction suitable for beginners
  • 05 Climbing routes matched to your ability and comfort level
  • 06 All essential glacier and climbing equipment included
  • 07 5-shot photo package included per person

Experience the thrill of ice climbing on Sólheimajökull Glacier on this small-group adventure in Iceland. Over four hours, you’ll combine a guided glacier hike with hands-on climbing instruction, making this an exciting choice for both first-timers and adventurous travellers looking to build their skills on the ice.

After gearing up and learning the basics from an expert glacier guide, you’ll trek across dramatic glacier scenery shaped by crevasses, ridges, and striking blue ice formations. As your confidence grows, you’ll have the chance to tackle climbing walls suited to your ability, all while enjoying a personal experience in a group of no more than six participants.

This 4-hour adventure is designed for small groups (max 6 people) and includes a guided glacier hike and personalized ice climbing instruction.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Exclusive Ice Climbing Adventure on Sólheimajökull Glacier

ITINERARYOverview

Embark on an ice climbing experience on Sólheimajökull Glacier, available daily at 13:00 throughout the summer. This 4-hour adventure is designed for small groups (max 6 people) and includes a guided glacier hike and personalized ice climbing instruction. No prior climbing experience is required—just a spirit for adventure!

Meet Your Guide

Meeting Point: Sólheimajökull Glacier Parking Lot.
You will meet your expert glacier guide at the Sólheimajökull Glacier parking lot, located just 2.5 hours from Reykjavík on the South Coast. Exact location details will be provided upon booking.

✔️ Meeting Time: 12:45 (Tour starts at 13:00)
✔️ Important: Restrooms are available at the parking lot—please use them before the tour starts!

Your guide will be waiting near our 4×4 vehicle marked with the logo. Departure is precisely at 13:00, so arriving on time is essential to avoid missing the tour.

Hike to the Glacier

After a short safety briefing, you’ll gear up with:
✔️ Crampons
✔️ Ice Axe
✔️ Harness
✔️ Helmet with Headlamp
✔️ Hiking Boots (if rented)

Once suited up, we’ll begin a 20-30 minute scenic hike toward the glacier. The terrain is mostly flat with some rocky sections, and we’ll adjust the pace to ensure comfort for all participants.

Glacier Hike to the Ice Climbing Area

Upon reaching the edge of Sólheimajökull Glacier, your guide will instruct you on how to properly wear crampons and review essential glacier safety tips.

We will then embark on a short glacier trek through breathtaking ice formations, including:
✔️ Deep glacial crevasses
✔️ Towering ice ridges
✔️ Stunning blue ice formations

This hike will lead us to the best ice climbing walls, where the real adventure begins!

Intro to Ice Climbing

If you’re new to ice climbing, don’t worry—your guide will provide a step-by-step introduction, including:
✔️ Basic climbing techniques
✔️ How to use ice axes and crampons efficiently
✔️ Safety instructions & climbing commands

We will start with an easier climb to help you gain confidence and get comfortable with the technique before progressing to steeper sections.

Challenge Yourself on Vertical Ice Walls

For those looking for a bigger challenge, we will move on to more technical climbing routes, which may include:
✔️ Towering vertical ice walls
✔️ Overhanging ice formations
✔️ Deep moulins and glacial crevasses

Your guide will assess your skill level and select climbs that match your ability and comfort zone. Whether you're looking to test your limits or simply enjoy the experience, we will ensure you have an incredible adventure—with epic photos captured along the way!

Return to the Base

After an unforgettable ice climbing session, we will hike back across the glacier and return to the Sólheimajökull parking lot, where we’ll say our goodbyes—leaving you with memories of an incredible adventure on Iceland’s frozen landscapes.

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

What's Included?

  • Certified Glacier Guide and Professional Photographer
  • Small Group
  • Glacier & Climbing Equipment: helmet, harness, crampons, and ice axe (hiking boots upon prior request)

5 Shot Photo Package included (Per Person)

Package includes action, portraits, groups, landscapes, and ice cave shots

All photos will be edited and sent to clients within 14 days and sent to you via a downloadable drive.

What's Not Included

Glacier Parking Fees

Know before you go

  • Glacier crevasses are dynamic, ever-changing natural features. Each year, some crevasses shift or transform, while new ones emerge, offering different challenges. The photos you see of crevasses on our website or social media may not exactly represent what you'll encounter during your tour, as the landscape can vary from visit to visit. This ever-evolving environment ensures that every ice climbing experience is unique and special for our guests.
  • This tour involves roughly 1-1.5 hours of total hiking. The terrain is very flat yet rocky and is relatively easy for a person of average fitness.
  • Photo packages may sometimes take more or less than 14 days to edit. This is just our average turnaround time.
  • Our Cancellation Policy can be found here. Also, check out our FAQ page if you have further questions!
  • We need a minimum of 4 climbers to run the tour.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
IS
Tour start
IS
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 4 hours finish where they began, in IS.

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