Glacier mountain climbing in Iceland is likely one of the actually distinctive issues to do in Iceland. If you’re visiting the land of ice and fireplace, it is very important rise up near the “ice” portion of this lovely nation. There are almost 300 named glaciers in Iceland and 11 % 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 mountain climbing in Iceland year-round, though should you go to from November via March additionally, you will have a possibility to go to ice caves.
There are two primary spots to take a glacier hike in Iceland, the Sólheimajökull glacier and the Vatnajökull glacier. Sólheimajökull is in South Iceland, and may simply be achieved 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 if 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 publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks. If you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I’ll obtain a small fee. Our household obtained 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 mountain climbing however we nonetheless didn’t need to go away Iceland with out at the very least some comfortable adventures — so a glacier hike was proper up our alley. Glacier mountain 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 end up sporting a helmet and wielding an ice axe, you may’t assist however really feel like a mountaineer, which was fairly cool
There are many alternative methods you may go glacier mountain 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 in terms of age or shoe dimension, so you actually need to buy round.
Just no matter you do, don’t assume 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 searching for 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) they usually had crampons that might accommodate even her small toes.
The assembly level was nonetheless an excellent two-hour drive from our cabin in Geysir so we stopped in Selfoss to choose up some lunch alongside the best way. What we should always have achieved is cease on the Eyjafjallajökull Visitor Center simply a few miles away. There we might have discovered extra concerning the current volcanic eruption.
After checking in, we have been rapidly outfitted with harnesses, helmets, ice axes, and crampons to go over our mountain climbing footwear. Then, as soon as our group of about 10-12 individuals was assembled, we headed out with our information via the valley and out to the glacier.
It was an excellent 30-minute stroll via a stupendous panorama on the best way out to the glacier. Sadly, this stroll will get longer every year 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 it is advisable to be regular in your toes 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 so far-off it’s onerous to think about how you’ll ever get on the market. Somehow, distances are deceiving although as a result of after following a steep, slender footpath right into a ravine you’re immediately on the glacier’s edge.
If the phrases “glacier hike” make you consider strolling on pristine white snow and ice, assume 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 like one thing out of the center of Mordor. If you’re visiting Iceland within the winter, this can doubtless be lined by a contemporary layer of snow and far of the ash might be lined.
On Sólheimajökull, the ice is as much as about 200 meters thick and the overall dimension with the ice cap of Mýrdalsjökull is about 600 km², which covers the caldera of the volcano Katla, one in all Iceland’s largest 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 would simply slip right into a crevasse or lose your method and find yourself stranded.
One of our favourite components 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 slender components, so it is advisable to watch your stability and dig in along with your crampons. You positively don’t need to go sliding off right into a crevasse.
The minimal age for a glacier stroll is 10 years outdated for an excellent cause. Participants have to have the stamina to stroll for at the very least three hours straight with just one brief break. They also needs to have the ability to observe instructions and never get lost 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 throughout the glacier stroll, should you paused too lengthy for photos, you’ll 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 stating 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”, it is advisable to take into account your expectations, price, time concerned, and alternative price (e.g. what else you would be doing.) Given how distinctive this expertise is, we positively discovered glacier mountain climbing price our time and the price.
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 at least one. A glacier hike in Iceland is a worthwhile option to spend a day in Iceland.
How Much Does a Glacier Hike in Iceland Cost?
If you may have seen our Iceland price range, that Iceland will not be an affordable nation to go to. Activities may be costly so that you need to choose and select which of them are price investing in. Since you can not stroll on a glacier by yourself, taking a glacier mountain climbing tour is crucial if you wish to expertise a glacier up shut.
Prices are topic to alter however glacier hikes are usually about 13,490 ISK (or roughly $94 USD) per grownup. Youths from 10-17 are solely 9,450 ISK (or roughly $66 USD). Tour corporations reminiscent of Arcanum Tours additionally present mountain climbing boots, rain pants, and a rain jacket for no further cost.
What to Wear on a Glacier Hike
Since we visited Iceland in June, the temperatures have been fairly heat and it was most likely within the 50s (Fahrenheit) throughout our glacier stroll. Here is what it’s best to put on on a glacier hike (or at the very least carry alongside). You also can try my Iceland packing lists for summer time and winter.
- Waterproof mountain climbing boots
- Wool or synthetic-blend mountain climbing socks — cotton will simply make your toes chilly if it will get damp
- Comfortably becoming, quick-dry mountain 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 mountain 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 amazing pair at 66°North in Reykjavik)
- Wool or knit-blend hat (chances are 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, convey alongside a backpack with: a raincoat or waterproof shell, a refillable water bottle, protein bars or energizing snacks (remember to go away no hint behind), tissues, and a digital camera with a neck strap
What you Need to Know
- Book your tour upfront 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 mountain climbing on an empty abdomen
- You should have the ability to stroll at the very least 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 continually be shifting, you’ll doubtless heat up rapidly. That mentioned, at all times convey gloves and a hat, and waterproof clothes always of the yr. In winter, further thick socks and added heat layers are doubtless wanted
- You will doubtless encounter rocks, uneven surfaces, and icy patches
