Sólheimajökull Ice Climbing Tour

The Sólheimajökull Ice Climbing Tour offers an exciting 4-hour adventure from Reykjavík that introduces beginners to the thrill of ice climbing. For $251 per person, participants get the chance to learn essential ice climbing skills, explore the Sólheimajökull glacier, and enjoy breathtaking views of Iceland’s south coast. The tour is designed as an introductory experience, making it accessible even to those with no prior climbing experience, and it consistently earns high praise, reflected in a 4.8/5 rating from 45 reviews.

The tour begins at the Sólheimajökull parking lot, where all necessary glacier gear—including harness, crampons, helmet, and ice axe—is provided. After a brief 15-minute walk on a gravel road to the glacier’s base, guides demonstrate how to properly put on and use the equipment. The core of the experience is climbing easy ice walls and exploring the glacier landscape, with multiple climbing spots that include walls and mulian holes. This variation keeps the activity engaging without overwhelming participants.

While the experience is suitable for most, it’s worth noting that no special skills or high fitness levels are required. The guides are experienced professionals who tailor the activity to each group’s abilities, ensuring safety and fun. Small groups of up to five participants mean everyone receives personalized attention, and guides like Bergur and others are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to make the activity accessible and enjoyable.

Key Points

• Beginners welcome: No prior ice climbing experience needed; the tour is designed as an introduction.
• Professional guides: All guides are experienced mountain guides and ice climbers, ensuring safety and expert instruction.
• Small group size: Limited to 5 participants for a more personalized experience.
• Stunning glacier exploration: Climb in multiple locations on Sólheimajökull, including walls and ice holes.
• All gear included: Participants receive harnesses, crampons, helmets, and ice axes.
• Flexible booking: Reserve now and pay later, with full refund available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering the Sólheimajökull Glacier

The Sólheimajökull glacier is a small outlet glacier stemming from the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, which is known for its active volcano, Katla. This glacier is one of the closest to Reykjavík, located about 2 hours and 20 minutes away by car. The glacier’s dynamic landscape features stunning ice formations, crevices, and walls that make it an ideal spot for beginner ice climbing.

The location is particularly appealing due to its accessibility and dramatic scenery. The glacier’s ice varies from softer, easier ice to more solid, challenging sections, providing an authentic ice climbing experience suited for novices. The guides expertly select climbing spots tailored to the group’s comfort and skill level, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey through this icy wonderland.

The Route: From Parking to Climbing

The tour starts at the Sólheimajökull parking lot, where all gear is handed out. After a 15-minute hike on a gravel path, climbers arrive at the glacier’s edge. The guides then give a safety briefing and demonstrate how to use the ice axes and crampons. The actual climbing involves easy ice walls, allowing participants to get a feel for the activity without difficulty.

Climbers have the opportunity to try two to three different locations on the glacier, including walls and holes called mulian, for varied experiences. Between climbs, the group walks across the glacier, taking in the majestic landscape and observing the changing ice formations. This movement between climbing spots adds to the adventure and allows for continuous exploration.

The Experience of Ice Climbing on Sólheimajökull

This tour emphasizes learning the basics of ice climbing in a safe setting. The guide leads the group through each step of climbing, ensuring everyone understands proper techniques. Because of the small group size, each climber gets multiple attempts, often doing six climbs across different spots.

Participants spend about 4 hours on the glacier, which includes gear fitting, hiking, climbing, and exploring. The activity is designed to be accessible for all, with no requirement for high fitness or prior experience. Many reviews highlight how guides like Bergur are both knowledgeable and patient, creating a relaxed environment where even complete beginners can succeed.

The Scenic South Coast and Waterfalls

Along With ice climbing, the tour also offers brief stops at some of Iceland’s famous waterfalls. Skógarfoss and Seljalandsfoss are visible along the route, providing photo opportunities and scenic views. These waterfalls are notable for their height and beauty, offering a contrast to the icy landscape of the glacier.

While the main focus is on ice climbing, these stops are perfect for sightseeing and appreciating the diverse Icelandic landscapes. The tour’s itinerary balances action with moments of scenic appreciation, making it well-rounded for outdoor enthusiasts.

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Logistics: Meeting Point and Group Size

The tour departs from the Sólheimajökull parking lot, accessible via a drive along road number 1 passing through towns like Hveragerði, Selfoss, Hella, and Hvolsvöllur. The route includes crossing a long single-file bridge before turning onto road 221, where the parking lot is located.

The activity ends back at the same meeting point, with no additional transport included. The small group size of up to 5 participants means everyone receives more personal attention, and guides can focus on safety and instruction.

What is Included and What to Bring

All necessary glacier gear—harness, crampons, helmet, and ice axe—is included in the price of $251. Guides are local professionals who prioritize safety and proper technique.

Participants are encouraged to bring waterproof clothing, hats, gloves, lunch, or snacks. Since the glacier environment can be cold and unpredictable, dressing warmly and in waterproof layers increases comfort and safety. The tour does not include food or drink, so packing a small meal or snacks is recommended.

Physical Requirements and Suitability

This tour is not suitable for pregnant women and is generally accessible to anyone in reasonable health. The activity is classified as beginner/interdiction level, meaning no advanced skills are required. The focus is on learning and fun, rather than strenuous physical effort, making it perfect for those new to ice climbing or outdoor adventure activities.

Safety and Professional Guidance

All guides are experienced mountain guides and ice climbers, dedicated to making the activity safe and enjoyable. They tailor the climbs to the group’s abilities, and safety gear is provided for each participant. Multiple reviews point out the guides’ patience, knowledge, and friendly attitude, which enhances the experience regardless of skill level.

Customer Feedback and Highlights

The tour consistently receives high praise for its well-organized structure, safety, and the expertise of guides like Bergur. Many highlight the stunning scenery and the opportunity to climb multiple times as major highlights. Reviewers appreciate how guides make the activity accessible, even for complete beginners, and note the value for money.

The experience is described as surreal and challenging but fun, with many stating it became a favorite activity during their Iceland trip. The small group size ensures plenty of climbing time, which travelers find particularly rewarding.

Sólheimajökull Ice Climbing Tour: Final Thoughts

The Sólheimajökull Ice Climbing Tour offers an authentic, safe, and enjoyable introduction to ice climbing in Iceland. Its small group size and professional guides create a focused and personalized experience. The inclusion of all gear, scenic stops, and multiple climbing spots makes this tour stand out.

Ideal for beginners and those curious about ice climbing, it balances instruction with adventure, all set in a spectacular glacier landscape. While not suited for pregnant women or those with special needs, the activity is accessible to most healthy individuals. It’s an excellent choice for travelers looking to try something new, challenge themselves, and see Iceland’s icy wilderness up close.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior experience needed for this ice climbing tour? No, this tour is designed as an introductory experience suitable for beginners.

What is included in the price? The glacier gear, including harness, crampons, helmet, and ice axe, as well as a local guide are included.

Are there any physical requirements? The tour is suitable for most people in reasonable health and does not demand high fitness levels. However, it is not suitable for pregnant women.

How long is the tour? The activity lasts approximately 4 hours, including hiking, climbing, and exploring.

Where does the tour meet? It begins at the Sólheimajökull parking lot, accessible via a drive along road 1 and then onto road 221.

Do I need to bring my own clothing? Participants should bring waterproof clothing, hats, gloves, and snacks, as these are not included.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Is the tour suitable for children? It’s best suited for adults and teenagers due to safety and physical considerations; specific age restrictions are not mentioned.

What makes this tour stand out? The small group size, professional guides, and opportunity to climb multiple spots make this experience particularly engaging and personalized.

How many climbs can I expect? Many reviews mention up to six climbs, providing ample opportunity to practice and enjoy the activity.

Will I get wet or cold? Given the glacier environment, warm, waterproof clothing is recommended to stay comfortable during the excursion.

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