This is a guest post from Mary Rowland of Wandering Michigan Wisconsin.
If you’re gearing up for a journey to the Land of Fire and Ice, there’s one spot you simply can’t miss, the Sólheimajökull Glacier. Glacier hiking is like an epic version of any of the winter activities in North America – in fact anything else pales in comparison! It’s a long journey, but the two and a half hour drive from Reykjavík to Sólheimajökull is really scenic. And it’s worth it when you get there: this magnificent glacier stretches an impressive 8 km long and 2 km wide.
Earlier this year, I spent two unforgettable weeks in Iceland and, let me tell you, exploring Sólheimajökull was a highlight of my trip! Iceland’s raw, cinematic landscapes made me feel like I was stepping into a movie scene – vast, untouched, and overwhelmingly beautiful.
Contents
Why Tackle The Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike?
Not only is Sólheimajökull one of the most accessible places for glacier hiking from the capital, but it’s also a front-row seat to some of the most dramatic landscapes that Iceland has to offer. Trekking across the icy expanse makes you feel like you’re walking over a sleeping giant!
The glacier is perched right above the mighty Katla volcano, one of the largest active volcanoes in Iceland. Don’t worry though, Iceland’s volcanic activity is closely monitored, making it perfectly safe for you to explore the icecap above.
That being said, Sólheimajökull is also a stark reminder of our changing world. Due to climate change the glacier is rapidly shrinking, and a lagoon has started to form at its base. Each year, the glacier retreats a little more, creating a new landscape and beauty that’s both inspiring and a bit melancholy.
If hiking Sólheimajökull is something you want to experience, you should do it sooner rather than later since this ice cap won’t be the same in the coming years. Read on for more on the best way to tackle the hike.
Where Is Sólheimajökull Located?
You’ll find Sólheimajökull in the breathtaking landscapes of south Iceland. It is an outlet glacier that’s part of the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. The glacier is located about 160 km southeast of Reykjavík, making it a perfect addition to any south coast adventure.
It is easy to get to via Iceland’s main Ring Road (Route 1), followed by a short detour that leads directly to the glacier’s edge at the parking lot. I loved the incredible beauty of the sharp contrasts in the scenery as we approached. The lush green fields suddenly give way to the stark, dramatic ice formations of Sólheimajökull.
How To Get To Sólheimajökull
Ready to tackle the icy expanses of Sólheimajökull Glacier? Getting there is simpler than you might think! You can choose to take a guided tour from Reykjavík like we did, or drive a rental car for the 2.5 hours along route 1 to Mýrdalsjökulsvegur.
Sólheimajökull is just off the Ring Road near Vík, making it one of Iceland’s easiest glaciers to get to. From Reykjavík, it’s very well signposted and takes you along the south coast directly to the glacier’s parking lot. Access from here is straightforward.
The Sólheimajökull parking lot is free. You’ll find that it’s just a short stroll from here to the glacier lagoon, and then a 10-minute walk will get you to the glacier wall itself.
How To Dress For Sólheimajökull Weather
When dressing for a glacier hike, layers are your best friend. You’ll want to dress just as you would for a spring or winter adventure in North America. The weather at Sólheimajökull can be unpredictable, swinging from sunny spells to chilly winds quite rapidly.
Make sure you’re wearing sunscreen, as well as waterproof and windproof outerwear, sturdy ankle-high hiking boots, and thermal layers that you can adjust throughout your adventure. Don’t forget a thin hat to wear under your helmet, and gloves too – keeping warm is key to enjoying your glacier experience!
How Long Does It Take To Hike The Sólheimajökull Glacier?
Depending on the specific tour you choose you might go straight to the glacier for the hike, or have the hike as part of your tour. The typical hike on Sólheimajökull Glacier takes about 3 hours. This includes time for gearing up, safety briefings, and the actual walking on the ice.
Can You Hike Sólheimajökull Glacier Without A Guide?
Hiking without a certified glacier guide is strongly discouraged. Glaciers are a dynamic environment where the ice is constantly shifting. This can cause crevasses and other dangerous openings in the ice, which can be difficult to spot and navigate safely.
We really enjoyed having a professional guide, not only for safety but also for the educational aspect of the hike. Our guide pointed out features of the glacier that I would never have known, and I particularly enjoyed hearing about the impact of environmental changes on the glacier’s structure.
The guide also provides all the necessary safety equipment to handle the terrain and makes sure you have a fabulous time and a safe experience without having to worry about the risks.
How Difficult Is The Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike?
The difficulty level depends on the weather conditions on the day you choose to go. Generally, the hike is considered to be moderately difficult, which means you’re good to go if you are in good health and have a reasonable level of fitness.
It’s important to be prepared for variable weather conditions since this significantly influences the difficulty of the hike. You could come across rain and strong winds, which make the glacier’s surface slippery and the hike a lot more challenging. That’s why having waterproof clothing and good hiking boots is very important.
When I was there the glacier’s surface was uneven, with some really rugged spots. I’m no athlete, so I found it to be a fairly challenging hike, but I managed well. We used crampons, helmets and even an ice axe, which were all provided by our guide.
The Best Sólheimajökull Glacier Tours
Here are the most highly recommended day tours of the glacier.
- Troll Expeditions HQ. For an unforgettable adventure on Sólheimajökull Glacier, book with Troll Expeditions. Their tours meet on location so are the best option if you’ll be driving from Reykjavík. They are known for their excellent guides and deep insights into the glacier’s environment. These guys are very well organized and offer great quality for the value of their glacier hikes.
- Sólheimajökull Ice Climb and Glacier Hike. If you’re up for a real adventure and an exciting workout, this is a more challenging experience, again offered by Troll Expeditions. This time you’ll learn how to climb ice and climb up the walls of the Sólheimajökull Glacier before hiking for an hour over the ice cap. Not to be missed!
- From Reykjavik: South Coast & Glacier Hike. Another popular option is this full day guided tour from Reykjavík which includes a photo stop at the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, and then a 3 hour hike up Sólheimajökull glacier before visiting Reynisfjara Beach. The whole experience takes 12 hours, but is quite amazing. I think it’s one of the best day trips from Reykjavík.
- Guided Kayaking Tour On The Glacier Lagoon. This tour is a great option if you’d like to check out the lagoon at the foot of the glacier. Here you get a close up view of the glacier, its icebergs and the surrounding landscape as you paddle on the lagoon. You get a drysuit for this 3 hour experience which means that even if you get wet, you won’t freeze!
Where To Eat Before Or After Visiting Sólheimajökull
Check out these great eats if you decide to drive out to the Sólheimajökull Glacier.
- Árhús Restaurant. This riverside restaurant in Hella serves a mix of Italian and European dishes including pizzas and sandwiches. It’s a perfect spot for a casual meal in a scenic location, and a great pit stop on the way to Sólheimajökull.
- Gamla Fjósið (The Old Cowshed). Enjoy local Icelandic dishes in a unique setting at the foot of Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Known for its fresh local beef and fish, this restaurant offers a rustic Icelandic dining experience.
- Black Beach Restaurant. Located near the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach, this spot offers a great selection of grilled dishes and soups, ideal for a meal with a view.
- Suður Vík. In the town of Vík, this restaurant is known for its extensive menu featuring local cuisine and a special pizza selection. It’s a great spot for dinner after a day on the glacier.
Where To Stay Near Sólheimajökull Glacier
If you’ve decided to stick around and check out the area, here are a few options for accommodation.
Budget Options
- Puffin Hostel Vik. This hostel offers a friendly atmosphere and basic but comfortable lodging. It’s very clean and has wonderful staff. It is really great value for money.
- Welcome Edinborg. Located a short drive from Sólheimajökull, this guesthouse provides simple, clean rooms with a peaceful setting. The scenic views are fabulous but it is the quiet location that most attracts visitors. Parking is available.
Medium Priced Options
- Hotel Katla by Keahotels. Situated near Vík, this hotel offers spacious and clean rooms with modern amenities. They have an excellent breakfast buffet included in the stay and the car park is free, making it great value for a comfortable stay.
- Volcano Hotel. This small hotel is known for its personalized service and comfortable rooms. It provides a cozy atmosphere with excellent breakfast and dining options and free parking.
Luxury Options
- Hotel Ranga. A top-rated luxury hotel in a beautiful location which offers exceptional service. It has gorgeous rooms, gourmet dining, and several outdoor hot tubs! They really go the extra mile to provide a memorable experience, including the possibility to view the Northern Lights. Both parking and a luxurious breakfast are included.
- Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. This hotel is actually near the Vatnajökull National Park, and has fabulous modern facilities and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. It offers a high level of comfort and excellent dining options too. The quality of service here is unparalleled and the breakfast is out of this world! Both parking and breakfast are included- if you want to pamper yourself for a few days, this is the place!
Other Glaciers In Iceland
Here are some other Icelandic glaciers that are worth a visit.
- Vatnajökull Glacier. Located in southeast Iceland, Vatnajökull is Europe’s largest glacier and covers about 8% of Iceland’s surface. It’s known for the stunning Crystal Cave and offers activities like glacier hiking and ice caving. Since the glacier is a 4 hour drive from Reykjavík, it’s a little too far for a day trip, but the Vatnajökull National Park is a great area to visit for a few days.
- Langjokull Glacier. This glacier is known for its accessibility and the unique “Into the Glacier” experience, where you can walk through man-made ice tunnels. It’s about 2 hours northeast of Reykjavík and offers snowmobile tours and visits to the ice caves. This is a great option as a day trip from Reykjavík.
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Part of Vatnajökull National Park, this glacier lagoon is famous for its floating icebergs and proximity to Diamond Beach, where ice chunks are scattered over black sand. It’s roughly 5 hours from Reykjavík and is known for its stunning beauty and boat tours that bring you close to the icebergs. This lagoon is too far for a day trip from Reykjavík, but could be visited if you decided to stay near the Vatnajökull National Park.
The Ultimate Guide To Hiking On Sólheimajökull Glacier: The Wrap-Up
Sólheimajökull Glacier combines adventure with natural beauty, offering a stunning glimpse of Iceland’s majestic landscapes. This hike promises an unforgettable experience just two hours from Reykjavík. Don’t miss your chance to witness the icy wonders of Sólheimajökull before they are forever reshaped by climate change.
Author bio: Mary Rowland is a Detroit native who found a new home in Central Wisconsin. With a rich background in the hospitality industry and a well-scratched itch to travel, ranging from waterfall hunting in Upper Peninsula Michigan to feasting at supper clubs in Wisconsin, she has gathered a treasure trove of expertise to share on these two charming and unique states.
