Combo Trip: Glacier Hiking & Ice Climbing Day Tour from Reykjavík to Sólheimajökull Glacier.
Trip difficulty 2 out of 5 possible. Rated: Easy
Here is your chance to visit a glacier and not just any glacier. This trip will take you to the frozen glacial tongue that is Sólheimajökull. It is a magnificent phenomenon, a rugged, raw and ever changing hub of ancient frozen water. We will explore the crevasse riddled outlet glacier with its amazing ice formations, sinkholes and jagged ridges. Along the way we will find an ice wall on the glacier and try our hand at ice climbing. We will provide you with all the tools you need: ice axes, crampons and safety lines. A packed lunch will be served on the glacier. On our return journey to Reykjavik, we will stop at the beautiful waterfall Skógafoss.
On this trip you get to see and do what most of the population will only dream about and very few ever try. Why not be adventurous and explore the amazing crawling glacier?
The Blue Ice day trip is included on the following multi day adventure vacations:
Disclaimer:
All adventure trips are undertaken on the responsibility of its
participants. Arctic Adventures does not assume any responsibility for
accidents that are caused by its customers or can be traced to there own
actions. Participants have to sign a waiver before undertaking all
trips stating that they realize that all outdoor activities carry an
inherit risk.
Add 1.000 ISK to rent hiking shoes.
Add 2.000 ISK to rent glacier shoes.
Guaranteed departures:
Everyday from the 16th of September to the 14th of May for a minimum of 2 persons.
Please note: for Christmas and New Years we have different availability for the 24th-26th of December and 31st of December - 1st of January. Please contact our office for further information or click
here for our holiday schedule.
Pick-up from Reykjavík, glacier hike on Sólheimajökull glacier, an introduction to ice climbing, glacier gear and packed lunch.
Warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves.
Good hiking shoes are recommended (note: hiking shoes, waterproof
jacket and pants can be rented at our office).
4 hours, 9-10 hours with pick-up.
14 years or shoe size 35 EUR (for crampons).
2 persons.
8 persons per guide.
164 km / 101 miles.
Disclaimer:
All adventure trips are undertaken on the responsibility of its
participants. Arctic Adventures does not assume any responsibility for
accidents that are caused by its customers or can be traced to there own
actions. Participants have to sign a waiver before undertaking all
trips stating that they realize that all outdoor activities carry an
inherit risk.
What kind of clothing is needed for glacier hikes?
Warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, warm head wear and good water proof winter gloves.
Good hiking shoes are strongly recommended, if you do not have hiking shoes then you can rent them from us. Just remember to book you shoes before hand so you can be sure we will bring them along for you.
What is the minimum age of participants on the Blue Ice tour?
There is actually no minimum age for the Blue Ice, but there is a minimum shoe size. Our crampons can only fit shoe sizes from 35 EURO and upwards. So the minimum shoe size of participants on the Blue Ice is 35 EURO.
Where does the Blue Ice tour stop?
The Blue Ice tour stops at Hvollsvöllur town (final chance to use the toilet), it then goes directly to the Sólheimajökull Glacier, after the glacier trip we stop at the Skógafoss Waterfall before driving directly back to Reykjavík.
What equipment do you provide?
We provide crampons, ice axes, helmet and climbing harness, all included in the tour price.
What are crampons?
Crampons are metal spikes that we attach to the soles of your hiking shoes, these enable you to walk on the glacier ice with out slipping.
Is there a guide on each trip?
Yes there is a specially trained and certified glacier guide on each trip.
How many participants are there for each guide?
We have a low guide to client ratio, for every 8 participants there is one guide. This makes the tour a much more intimate experience and your guide is always close at hand to answer questions.
I am traveling alone, can I still book the tour?
Sure, just send us a email to check on the availability and we add you to a group that is already booked, the Blue Ice is almost always available.
Info@adventures.is
How long time does the tour Blue Ice take?
The tour takes around 9 hours with transfer from Reykjavík. If you meet us at the glacier the tour takes around 4 hours.
When is the pick up from Reykjavík for the Blue Ice tour?
We start our pick up from the Arctic Adventures main office at Laugavegur 11 in Reykjavík and we pick up from other hotels and guesthouses between 8:30 and 9:00. So you have to be ready to leave at 8:30 and wait for your pick up in the lobby of your accommodation, we will be there to pick you up anytime from 8:30 to 9:00.
How much time do we spent on the glacier on the Blue Ice tour?
You are around 3 hours on the Sólheimajökull glacier.
Do I have to bring some food on the Blue Ice tour?
No, the Blue Ice tour includes a packed lunch. If you have some special requirements about food make sure you let us know when you book the tour, since the lunch is brought from Reykjavík and can not be changed on the day of the tour.
Where is the meeting point for the tour Blue Ice?
If you don´t want to take the pick up from Reykjavík you meet us at the glacier Sólheimajökull. If you are driving from Reykjavík then you follow the signs for Selfoss on road no. 1, you drive road no. 1 south for around 2 hours, passing the following towns with out making any turns: Hveragerði, Selfoss, Hella and Hvollsvöllur. Keep driving until you see the Skógarfoss waterfall on your left hand side. After you pass Skógarfoss you drive for around 5 minutes, you pass a bridge over the Jökulsá river, then you take the first turn to left towards the glacier and you stop at the parking lot by the glacier.
Check map:
View Blue Ice - Ice Climbing meeting point in a larger map
Please Note: In the winter the roads in Iceland can be very difficult and especially the road in towards the Sólheimajökull glacier. During this time we strongly recommend you buy a pick up and transfer from Reykjavík with our vehicles, it is actually included in the price of the winter tour.
At what time should I meet you at the glacier for the Blue Ice tour?
We are usually at the glacier around 11:30, so you should be there at 11:20. If the guides are not there just wait a little since their arrival time can vary.
Do I need any experience of glacier hiking or climbing to join the Blue Ice tour?
No, it is an easy hike on the glacier and the climbing is an introduction on ice climbing, the guides will teach you how to climb. The Blue Ice tour is designed for first time glacier explorers.
When is the Blue Ice tour available?
The Blue Ice, Sólheimajökull Glacier Trip is available all year round, with a pick up from Reykjavík between 9:00 and 9:30.
What is the minimum number of participants on the Blue Ice tour?
The minimum number is 2 persons for the tour to start.