Glaciers cover about 11% of Iceland’s landmass. These enormous ice caps cover mountains, valleys, and even active volcanoes. Glacier Tours allow you to explore these ice giants by way of snowmobiling, ice caving, glacier hiking, or boat tours.
In the company of a trained glacier guide, you’ll navigate these icy landscapes, be it on foot, a snowmobile, or a boat. The guides will also tell you fascinating facts about Iceland’s glaciers, from how they are formed to the dangers they face.
The most popular glaciers for these excursions are Mýrdalsjökull, Langjökull, and Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull.
Glacier hiking in Iceland is an unforgettable way to connect with nature in its purest form. Experienced guides will lead the way, making sure you’re equipped with everything you need, such as crampons, ice axes, and harnesses.
As you step onto the glacier, you’ll feel the crunch of ancient ice beneath your feet. As you explore, you’ll see ice formations, hidden crevasses, and striking shades of blue. The professional guide will show you how to use the equipment, share fascinating facts about the glaciers, and ensure you feel confident throughout the journey.
Glacier walks are available in South Iceland on Mýrdalsjökull’s outlet glacier, Sólheimajökull, and the glacier tongues of Vatnajökull in Skaftafell Nature Reserve.
We offer a wide range of glacier hikes suited for everyone, from beginners to more experienced adventurers. You don’t need any special skills—just a sense of adventure.
Ice climbing is an exhilarating way to experience the beauty of Icelandic glaciers while simultaneously challenging your physical limits. Our ice climbing tours are designed for adventurers of all skill levels, from beginners eager to try their hand at this thrilling sport to seasoned climbers looking to refine their techniques on the icy surface.
During your ice climbing adventure, you’ll be equipped with high-quality gear, including crampons and ice axes, ensuring both safety and performance as you ascend the frozen blue walls. Expert guides familiar with the glacier’s rugged terrain will provide comprehensive instruction in climbing techniques and safety protocols, so you can confidently tackle the vertical ice walls.
Tours are available on Iceland’s South Coast at Sólheimajökull Glacier and within Skaftafell Nature Reserve. They typically last around 4 to 5 hours, allowing ample time to explore various climbing routes and develop your skills with personalized guidance. With small group sizes, participants receive focused attention, making it an ideal experience for those looking to improve their ice-climbing skills while taking in some of the most picturesque views imaginable.
Whether you’re looking for a thrilling addition to your Icelandic adventure or a unique way to connect with the country’s dramatic landscapes, our ice climbing tours promise not just a physical challenge but also a captivating encounter with the natural wonders of Iceland.
Ice caving tours in Iceland offer a unique opportunity to explore the breathtaking beauty of glacial formations. Nestled within the icy embrace of the country’s glaciers, winter visitors can venture into mesmerizing ice caves that showcase a stunning array of colors, textures, and natural sculptures.
Guided by expert local guides, you’ll navigate these icy wonders while learning about glaciers’ geology and environmental significance. The tours usually involve a short hike or drive to the cave entry point, where guides will provide all necessary equipment, such as helmets and crampons, ensuring safety as well as comfort.
Natural ice cave tours include trips to the Blue Ice Caves in Vatnajökull National Park, the Katla Ice Cave in Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, and the Crystal Ice Caves in Langjökull Glacier. Summer visitors can also check out the man-made ice cave tunnels in Langjökull.
This amazing experience not only inspires awe but also fosters a deeper appreciation for Iceland’s incredible landscape, making it a must-do for anyone visiting this icy paradise.
Snowmobiling tours in Iceland are an exhilarating way to explore the country’s vast, icy wilderness.
Available year-round on both Langjökull and Mýrdalsjökull Glaciers, these tours offer a perfect blend of adventure and stunning scenery. With meeting points on both the Golden Circle and the South Coast, they are the ideal adventurous twists to your sightseeing tour.
On a tour, you’ll speed across the icy terrain on a snowmobile, guided by experts who ensure your safety while introducing you to the rugged beauty of the glaciers.
Typically, two people share a snowmobile, but if you’d like to ride solo, you can do so for an extra fee. If both participants want to drive, there’s an option to switch halfway through the journey. Just remember, all drivers must hold a valid driving license.
All necessary gear, including helmets and overalls, is provided so you can focus entirely on the thrill of the ride and the breathtaking Icelandic landscape.
Glacier lagoon boat tours are a fantastic way to experience Iceland’s floating icebergs up close. We offer two types of tours: the amphibious boat tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which is great for families and photographers, and the more adventurous Zodiac boat tours on either Jökulsárlón Lagoon or Fjallsárlón, a quieter but equally beautiful lagoon.
The amphibious tour is perfect for a relaxed cruise across the lagoon, offering magnificent views of the icebergs and surrounding landscapes. For those looking to get closer to the towering icebergs, the Zodiac boat trips on either Jökulsárlón or Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon is an exhilarating experience. These smaller, faster boats can navigate deeper into the glacial lagoon, allowing you to see the ice formations up close.
Whichever you choose, keep an eye out for seals lounging on the ice!
All glacier adventures include the use of the safety equipment needed for the excursions. For glacier hikes, ice climbing tours, and ice caving tours, this means crampons and helmets, as well as harnesses and ice axes if needed. For snowmobiling tours, it means warm overalls, helmets, and gloves, and for boat tours, it means life jackets.
For snowmobiling tours, ice climbing, and ice cave excursions, transfer up the glacier in a super jeep from a designated meeting point is usually also included. If transfer from Reykjavík is included, it will be stated in the individual tour description under the “Included” section.
No. Glaciers can be very dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Going on a glacier requires proper safety equipment and knowing the safest routes. Every glacier is different, and they are continually changing. The glacier guides on these tours examine the glacier daily and look for new cracks, fissures, or anything that might make them alter their route. If being alone is what you want, we can organize private tours or recommend excursions in very small groups.
Yes! Not all activities are available year-round, but glacier hiking, snowmobiling, and some ice caves are open in both summer and winter.
That all depends on what activity you plan to do and how much time you have. Langjökull and Mýrdalsjökull are best for snowmobiling tours, Mýrdalsjökull and Vatnajökull Glacier offer Glacier Hikes, and all three have ice caves (although Langjökull’s caves are man-made). Vatnajökull Glacier is the furthest from Reykjavík, and it will take you around two days to get there, perfect for those on multi-day tours. However, Mýrdalsjökull and Langjökull can both be accessible on a day tour from Reykjavík.
Yes, all glacier activities have an age limit, but it is different for each tour. So check the age limit in the tour description before booking.
As you prepare to explore a frosty, icy landscape, it’s crucial to dress warmly in layers so you can adjust if you get too hot. Opt for hiking boots that cover your ankles, as they provide comfort and ensure crampons fit securely, with soles that offer good grip for walking on ice. Don’t forget a thin hat to wear under your helmet, gloves, scarves, and thick socks. Additionally, bring sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s reflection off the ice, which can be harsh despite the low winter sunlight.
Glacier hikes range from easy walks to more challenging climbs, but most are designed to be accessible for all who can walk on uneven surfaces. Most are rated as “easy,” though longer, more challenging ones are also available.
At Traveo, we understand that you are not just another customer, but a unique individual with specific tastes and ambitions. As an agency, we distinguish ourselves by catering to personal criteria, guaranteeing that each of our travellers experiences Iceland in their own way, and at their own pace.
With easy on-site tour comparison and flexible payment options, booking a tour in Iceland has never been more straightforward. Once your tour with us is confirmed, we will provide you with a personalised itinerary that lays out each step of your vacation—with room for exploration, of course. 24/7 customer service is available to those with queries, both before and during your trip.
Here at Traveo, we believe that your time on holiday in Iceland is valuable. Thankfully, all the exciting tours and excursions listed on our site are handpicked by local Iceland experts, ensuring one’s time here is maximised with only the very best experiences.
