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Hiking on a real glacier – that sounds as adventurous as it is. For a good reason, this activity is one of the most popular ones for tourists coming to Iceland. But where can you do it? And do you need a guide to hike on a glacier or can you just go on your own? What gear do you need and where can you get it? Find the answers to all these questions below:

Where?

There are two main locations at which you can hike on a glacier in Iceland. The first one is in the very South of Iceland, not far from the small but famous village Vík. When driving the ring road counter-clockwise, just about 20 minutes or 25 kilometers (15 miles) before getting to Vík, take a left turn into road number 221 and follow that road for about 5-7 minutes. You will arrive at a large gravel parking lot, with a small café and restrooms next to it. Here, at the glacier “Sólheimajökull”, is where you can start your glacier hiking adventure.
 
The other possibility to go glacier hiking in Iceland is further east along the ring road. About an hour and a half after passing Vík, you will arrive at the beautiful Skaftafell National Park. Follow the signs to the tourist information and parking lot, where you can leave your car during your glacier hike. Skaftafell is a great place for glacier hiking, especially because you can spend more time there after your hike, to explore the beautiful national park and for example hike up to Svartifoss – the black waterfall.
 
You can see both locations on the map below:

Do I need a guide?

By law, it is not forbidden to go on a glacier by yourself. However, we and everyone you will meet in Iceland will highly advise against heading on a glacier on your own. The expertise, guidance and knowledge of a professional guide can save your life. Even though a glacier might look easy to hike and safe, the ice overall is constantly moving and there can always be crevasses and holes hidden underneath a layer of snow. There have been quite a few cases of people going missing after hiking on a glacier on their own, and some of them have not been found until today.
 
If you are experienced and against all recommendations plan to hike on a glacier by your own, please make sure to do so with the appropriate gear!

What gear do I need and where can I get it?

The single most important piece of gear that you need to hike a glacier are crampons. It doesn’t matter how good you think the grip of your shoes is, on a glacier, you will have massive problems without those spikes under your shoes. Keep in mind that those crampons are designed to fit under hiking shoes, not regular sneakers etc. Crampons will prevent you from slipping and falling on the glacier. The second item you should bring is an ice axe. On steeper parts of the glacier tongue, this can help you climb, and while hiking back down, you can lean on it to prevent from falling. Other than these two items, make sure to always be dressed properly, according to the temperatures. Keep in mind that it is cold, but that the hike is also strenuous and you might get warm.

 
If you don’t happen to own crampons and ice axe, there are two options: You can either go on a guided tour, as recommended before, which will provide you with all the equipment needed. Or you can rent the equipment in a store in Reykjavik. But as I said before, better rely on a guide than risking your own safety.

Now you should be well prepared for your glacier hiking adventure in Iceland. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions remaining.