Glacier climbing in Iceland is among the actually distinctive issues to do in Iceland. If you’re visiting the land of ice and hearth, it is very important rise up near the “ice” portion of this lovely nation. There are practically 300 named glaciers in Iceland and 11 p.c of the nation is roofed by glacial ice (though sadly I’ve seen that lower over the current years since I’ve began visiting.)
If the climate cooperates, you may go glacier climbing in Iceland year-round, though should you go to from November by way of March additionally, you will have a possibility to go to ice caves.
There are two essential spots to take a glacier hike in Iceland, the Sólheimajökull glacier and the Vatnajökull glacier. Sólheimajökull is in South Iceland, and may simply be completed as a day journey from Reykjavik or as a part of a South Coast itinerary. The Vatnajökull glacier is in South East Iceland, between Vík and the Jökulsarlon glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach.
In this text, I’ll share what to anticipate once you take a glacier hike, ideas for being ready, and what to put on in your hike.
What to Expect on a Glacier Hike in Iceland
Note: This submit accommodates affiliate hyperlinks. If you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I could obtain a small fee. Our household acquired a complimentary tour with Arcanum Tours. All opinions are my very own.
On our current journey to Iceland, we weren’t up for multi-day hikes or formidable mountaineering however we nonetheless didn’t wish to go away Iceland with out not less than some delicate adventures — so a glacier hike was proper up our alley. Glacier climbing in Iceland is probably not as strenuous as scaling Mt. Everest, nevertheless it was excellent for our adventurous tween (the minimal age is 10 — see our information to what to do in Iceland with youngsters age-by-age information.) Plus, if you find yourself carrying a helmet and wielding an ice axe, you may’t assist however really feel like a mountaineer, which was fairly cool
There are many various methods you may go glacier climbing in Iceland, however lots of them are a part of longer day journeys from Reykjavik or a portion of an costly super-jeep or snowmobiling tour. And, when touring with youngsters, a few of these excursions have restrictions on the subject of age or shoe dimension, so you really want to buy round.
Just no matter you do, don’t suppose you may exit on a glacier alone! Only an skilled information will know the place it’s secure to discover. We discovered simply what we have been in search of with Arcanum’s three-hour glacier stroll on the Sólheimajökull glacier (part of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap) on the south coast of Iceland.
Book a guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull!
We have been on a five-day self-driving journey and had already gone to see the waterfalls alongside the South Coast and traveled up towards Vatnajökull, the biggest glacier in Iceland, the place we did our boat tour of the glacial lagoon. Not eager to make that drive once more, Arcanum’s base at Sólheimajökull close to Skógar and Vík was excellent. Plus, the minimal age was 10 (Hannah had simply turned 11) and so they had crampons that might accommodate even her small ft.
The assembly level was nonetheless a superb two-hour drive from our cabin in Geysir so we stopped in Selfoss to select up some lunch alongside the best way. What we must always have completed is cease on the Eyjafjallajökull Visitor Center simply a few miles away. There we may have realized extra in regards to the current volcanic eruption.
After checking in, we have been rapidly geared up with harnesses, helmets, ice axes, and crampons to go over our climbing footwear. Then, as soon as our group of about 10-12 individuals was assembled, we headed out with our information by way of the valley and out to the glacier.
It was a superb 30-minute stroll by way of a stupendous panorama on the best way out to the glacier. Sadly, this stroll will get longer annually because the glacier continues to recede.
The stroll strikes alongside at a fast tempo with out relaxation stops over rocky and typically hilly terrain so you could be regular in your ft and match sufficient to maintain up whereas carrying your ice axe and no matter pack you’ll have introduced alongside.
When we approached the glacier, we stopped to get our crampons on, and right here our information gave us a brief security briefing and a lesson on ice strolling. At this level, the glacier nonetheless appears to be like so far-off it’s arduous to think about how you’ll ever get on the market. Somehow, distances are deceiving although as a result of after following a steep, slim footpath right into a ravine you’re abruptly on the glacier’s edge.
If the phrases “glacier hike” make you consider strolling on pristine white snow and ice, suppose once more if you’re visiting in the summertime! Due to Eyjafjallajökull’s current eruption, the ice on Sólheimajökull is laced with black volcanic ash and the slanting slope of the glacier dotted with conical mounds of ash appears to be like like one thing out of the guts of Mordor. If you’re visiting Iceland within the winter, it will possible be lined by a contemporary layer of snow and far of the ash will probably be lined.
On Sólheimajökull, the ice is as much as about 200 meters thick and the full dimension with the ice cap of Mýrdalsjökull is about 600 km², which covers the caldera of the volcano Katla, certainly one of Iceland’s greatest volcanoes. Throughout our stroll on the glacier, we handed crevasses, sinkholes with waterfalls, and ice ridges.
It is straightforward to see how this could possibly be very harmful with out an skilled and skilled information. If you wander within the fallacious course you may simply slip right into a crevasse or lose your manner and find yourself stranded.
One of our favourite elements of the hike was once we had an opportunity to dip our water bottle right into a pool of glacier water. The water was completely clear, chilly, and refreshing.
The climb wasn’t tough, however there have been steep and slim elements, so you could watch your stability and dig in along with your crampons. You positively don’t wish to go sliding off right into a crevasse.
The minimal age for a glacier stroll is 10 years previous for a superb purpose. Participants have to have the stamina to stroll for not less than three hours straight with just one quick break. They also needs to have the ability to observe instructions and never wander away on their very own.
We loved our glacier hike, however because it got here on the finish of our busy 5 days in Iceland, we have been fairly drained proper from the beginning. Our English-speaking information was actually all enterprise. It was a brisk hike out to the glacier and even in the course of the glacier stroll, should you paused too lengthy for footage, you’d be left behind. Don’t anticipate a leisurely stroll and don’t anticipate to be catered to. Their job is to get you on and off the glacier safely whereas declaring some geological options alongside the best way.
Is a Glacier Hike in Iceland Worth It?
Whenever one is evaluating whether or not or not an expertise is “worth it”, you could think about your expectations, price, time concerned, and alternative price (e.g. what else you may be doing.) Given how distinctive this expertise is, we positively discovered glacier climbing value our time and the associated fee.
Even if it was a bit tiring, it was additionally exhilarating. After driving previous glaciers and seeing them from a distance, we might have been sorely upset to depart Iceland with out getting up shut to 1. A glacier hike in Iceland is a worthwhile strategy to spend a day in Iceland.
How Much Does a Glacier Hike in Iceland Cost?
If you’ve seen our Iceland funds, you recognize that Iceland shouldn’t be an affordable nation to go to. Activities could be costly so that you wish to choose and select which of them are value investing in. Since you can not stroll on a glacier by yourself, taking a glacier climbing tour is important if you wish to expertise a glacier up shut.
Prices are topic to alter however glacier hikes are typically about 13,490 ISK (or roughly $94 USD) per grownup. Youths from 10-17 are solely 9,450 ISK (or roughly $66 USD). Tour firms akin to Arcanum Tours additionally present climbing boots, rain pants, and a rain jacket for no additional cost.
What to Wear on a Glacier Hike
Since we visited Iceland in June, the temperatures have been fairly heat and it was in all probability within the 50s (Fahrenheit) throughout our glacier stroll. Here is what you need to put on on a glacier hike (or not less than carry alongside). You may also take a look at my Iceland packing lists for summer season and winter.
- Waterproof climbing boots
- Wool or synthetic-blend climbing socks — cotton will simply make your ft chilly if it will get damp
- Comfortably becoming, quick-dry climbing pants (positively not denims as these can be very uncomfortable in the event that they get moist). Opt for fleece-lined leggings or all-weather pants if climbing in colder climate.
- A sweat-wicking base layer
- A mid-weight fleece layer
- A windproof shell outer layer, and/or skinny down jacket
- Thin microfiber gloves (I purchased an incredible pair at 66°North in Reykjavik)
- Wool or knit-blend hat (it’s possible you’ll have to take this off and it wants to suit below a helmet so keep away from these with pom poms)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen in your face
- Also, deliver alongside a backpack with: a raincoat or waterproof shell, a refillable water bottle, protein bars or energizing snacks (you should definitely go away no hint behind), tissues, and a digital camera with a neck strap
What you Need to Know
- Book your tour prematurely as they do promote out, particularly in the summertime
- Arrive early to have time to pick your gear and have time to attempt it on and ensure it suits correctly as a result of should you wait till you get to the glacier it is going to be too late
- Make certain you employ the restrooms earlier than you depart in your hike — that is important!
- Take time to eat earlier than you go so that you aren’t climbing on an empty abdomen
- You should have the ability to stroll not less than 3 kilometers (2 miles) with out undue fatigue
- Full mobility of your knees and ankles is required as most glacier hikes contain some sloped strolling
- The temperature on the glacier can really feel round 1-2 °C colder than the encircling areas (approx. 2-3 °F). However, since you’ll consistently be shifting, you’ll possible heat up rapidly. That mentioned, at all times deliver gloves and a hat, and waterproof clothes always of the 12 months. In winter, additional thick socks and added heat layers are possible wanted
- You will possible encounter rocks, uneven surfaces, and icy patches
