
Glaciers in Iceland
Iceland is a land of glaciers! If you're looking for a scenic, adventurous destination with plenty of nature to explore, look no further than Iceland. Located in the middle of the North Atlantic, Iceland is a volcanic island covered in rugged terrain - perfect for hiking and exploration. One particularly special area to visit is the glacial landscape - a beautiful landscape made up of hundreds of beautiful blue lagoons, waterfalls, and mountains that are covered in ice and snow year-round.
At Troll Expeditions, we offer a variety of tours that depart from Reykjavik that allow you to explore the beautiful Icelandic countryside at your leisure.
There are 269 named glaciers in Iceland. The biggest glacier in Iceland is Vatnajökull - it covers over 8,100 square meters! It's the largest glacier in Europe and it forms over two-thirds of the country's ice caps. Under the glacier there are seven volcanoes, including 4 of the most known and active volcanoes in Iceland: Grimsvotn, Bardarbunga, Kverkfjoll, and Oraefajokull. It's an impressive sight standing over 2000 meters tall in some places. Hiking around the icebergs of this beautiful icy landscape is a must-do activity for visitors to Iceland. If you're looking for an adventure like no other, a trip on the Vatnajökull glacier is definitely for you!
One of the most famous and accessible glaciers in Iceland is Sólheimajökull. From the glacier you can see the most known volcano in Iceland, Hekla. Some people describe the feeling when they arrive at the glacier like they have landed on the moon, walking on ice and volcanic ash. It's also a part of the largest national park in Iceland - the Vatnajökull National Park. The park covers over 14% of the entire country and includes numerous hiking paths, campgrounds, and beautiful lakes. Sólheimajökull is one of the most visited glaciers in Iceland, thanks to its convenient location.
Iceland has often been named ''The Land of Ice and Fire'' because of the volcanic activity on the island and its incredibly varied landscape. Iceland is a land of ice and fire with the irony being its reality. More than 125 volcanic mountains out of which a handful are still very active. Most being the land of volcanoes and draped in the glaciers is everything else that isn’t shaped by magma and earthquakes. The harsh weather on the island means that the country is home to plenty of amazing landscapes and impressive natural formations such as glaciers and volcanoes.
If glaciers are your thing, there are many tours you could book that let you explore the beauty of Iceland’s glaciers up close with a highly professional guide. We offer a variety of tours that depart from Reykjavik that allow you to explore the beautiful Icelandic countryside at your leisure. If you have a car, we also have tours that start in Sólheimajökull or Skaftafell. Hiking, climbing, visiting an Ice Cave or even going snowmobiling is an option to experience the glaciers and its amazing landscape. Depending on the tour you choose you will be able to experience Iceland in an adventurous way while also discovering its beauty at the same time. One thing is for sure: you will have a great time and a memorable experience!
SKAFTAFELL GLACIER TOURS
4 Hours & 30 Minutes Drive From Reykjavik
Explore the unique ice formations of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, on a guided walk. This tour offers a direct experience with a constantly changing landscape. You will see deep crevasses, vertical shafts known as moulins, and potentially an ice cave. Your guide will also point out rare features like glacier mice, a type of moss found on the ice. This hike provides an opportunity to witness the immense scale of the glacier and its uniquely carved landscapes up close.
Join a guided glacier hike on Falljökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull National Park. The tour begins at our comfortable meeting point in Hof, located very close to the glacier. Our indoor facility is cozy and offers free parking, which allows you to avoid the parking fees charged at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre. Please arrive 20 minutes before departure to meet your highly qualified English glacier guide. All essential safety gear is provided, including a helmet, crampons, harness, and ice axe.
After a short ride on the "Tröll Bus," you will walk a short distance to the edge of the glacier. Your guide will demonstrate how to use the equipment and how to safely walk on the ice. During the walk, you'll observe how the receding ice has shaped the surrounding landscape, noting visible marks on the bedrock and a lagoon formed by meltwater.
The tour guarantees 1 hour and 30 minutes on the ice, with an additional 10-minute shuttle ride each way. The remaining time is allocated for a safety briefing and a 20-minute walk on a gravel path to the glacier tongue. Your guide will provide information about the glacier's geology and its impact on the Icelandic environment. This tour is designed to be an educational experience, offering a factual look at a natural phenomenon.
This hike is suitable for most individuals with a reasonable fitness level. Participants should wear warm, layered clothing and sturdy footwear.After returning to the meeting point, enjoy a complimentary hot drink (coffee/hot chocolate) and a candy bar.
Embark on a long hiking adventure on Falljökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. This tour is an opportunity to explore deep into the ice and witness magnificent features. The higher elevation provides panoramic views over Skaftafell National Park, known for its spectacular scenery featured in major movies and TV shows such as such as James Bond, Interstellar, Batman, and Game of Thrones. This extended experience allows you approximately 3 hours on the ice itself for a truly immersive and unforgettable exploration.
Join our advanced guided hike on Falljökull ("The Falling Glacier") in Skaftafell National Park, Southeast Iceland. This 5-hour tour is designed for guests with a good fitness level who want a longer, more detailed, and demanding adventure on the ice.
Why choose this 5-hour tour? This option is for the adventurous traveler with more time, as it includes extra time on the ice, grants access to wilder terrain, and provides a deeper insight into the glacier’s unique features compared to shorter tours.
The tour begins at our comfortable meeting point in Hof, located very close to the glacier. Our indoor facility is cozy and offers free parking, which allows you to avoid the parking fees charged at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre. Please arrive 20 minutes before departure to meet your highly qualified English glacier guide. All essential safety gear is provided, including a helmet, crampons, harness, and ice axe.
The total tour time includes a guaranteed 3 hours of hiking on the glacier, a 10-minute shuttle ride each way on the “Tröll Bus,” and approximately 20 minutes for the walk on a gravel path to the glacier’s edge, which covers the safety briefing time. Your guide will demonstrate how to safely use the equipment and walk on the ice.
As you hike your guide will explain the geology of Falljökull. You will encounter dramatic ice formations like deep cracks (crevasses) and vertical shafts (moulins). In winter, you may even look into small ice tunnels. From the highest point, you will get to observe, panoramic views of the Skaftafell National Park. Your guide will provide a factual and educational overview of how glaciers are formed, discuss safety, and explain the current impacts of global warming. After returning to the meeting point, enjoy a complimentary hot drink (coffee/hot chocolate) and a candy bar.
Embark on a long hiking adventure on Falljökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. This tour is an opportunity to explore deep into the ice and witness magnificent features. The higher elevation provides panoramic views over Skaftafell National Park, known for its spectacular scenery featured in major movies and TV shows such as such as James Bond, Interstellar, Batman, and Game of Thrones. This extended experience allows you approximately 4 hours on the ice itself for a truly immersive and unforgettable exploration.
Join our advanced guided hike on Falljökull ("The Falling Glacier") in Skaftafell National Park, Southeast Iceland. This 6-hour tour is designed for guests with a good fitness level who want a longer, more detailed, and demanding adventure on the ice.
Why choose this 6-hour tour? This option is for the adventurous traveler with more time, as it includes extra time on the ice, grants access to wilder terrain, and provides a deeper insight into the glacier’s unique features compared to shorter tours.
The tour begins at our comfortable meeting point in Hof, located very close to the glacier. Our indoor facility is cozy and offers free parking, which allows you to avoid the parking fees charged at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre. Please arrive 20 minutes before departure to meet your highly qualified English glacier guide. All essential safety gear is provided, including a helmet, crampons, harness, and ice axe.
The total tour time includes a guaranteed 4 hours of hiking on the glacier, a 10-minute shuttle ride each way on the “Tröll Bus,” and approximately 20 minutes for the walk on a gravel path to the glacier’s edge, which covers the safety briefing time. Your guide will demonstrate how to safely use the equipment and walk on the ice.
As you hike your guide will explain the geology of Falljökull. You will encounter dramatic ice formations like deep cracks (crevasses) and vertical shafts (moulins). In winter, you may even look into small ice tunnels. From the highest point, you will get to observe, panoramic views of the Skaftafell National Park. Your guide will provide a factual and educational overview of how glaciers are formed, discuss safety, and explain the current impacts of global warming. After returning to the meeting point, enjoy a complimentary hot drink (coffee/hot chocolate) and a candy bar.
Come on this comprehensive ice climbing and glacier hiking tour, perfect for those seeking that extra bit of thrill. The only thing you need to bring is patience and endurance to climb to the top of a glacial ice wall on Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. Your glacier guide will introduce you to the basics of ice climbing and much more!
Join an adventure tour to experience the majestic features of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, in the Skaftafell area. The highlight of this tour is the chance to enter a naturally formed blue ice cave, offering a stunning view of crystalized ice. During the guided glacier walk on Falljökull, you will also explore other breathtaking ice formations, including deep crevasses (cracks in the ice) and vertical shafts known as moulins. This expedition allows you to witness the dramatic, carved landscapes of the glacier and learn about its continuous change.
This adventure offers a direct encounter with one of Iceland's most spectacular natural phenomena: a glacier and its crystal blue ice cave. The tour takes place on Falljökull, an accessible outlet glacier of Vatnajökull National Park in Southeast Iceland.
The tour begins at our comfortable meeting point in Hof, located very close to the glacier. Our indoor facility is cozy and offers free parking, which allows you to avoid the parking fees charged at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre. Please arrive 20 minutes before departure to meet your highly qualified English glacier guide. All essential safety gear is provided, including a helmet, crampons, harness, and ice axe.
After gearing up, you will walk for approximately 20 minutes toward the glacier's edge. Along the way, your guide will point out the visible effects of the receding ice, such as marks on the bedrock and a meltwater lagoon. Once at the ice, your guide will provide a full safety briefing and instruct you on how to walk safely with your equipment.
You will spend about 3 hours hiking on the glacier, exploring the uniquely carved landscapes of the Falljökull outlet. Your guide will lead you to the most magnificent parts of the ice, including fascinating geological formations like deep crevasses and moulins. The most memorable part of the tour is the opportunity to walk inside the naturally formed blue ice cave, giving you an up-close look at the dazzling blue ice. Throughout the excursion, you will learn about the formation and geology of glaciers and their constant change.After returning to the meeting point, enjoy a complimentary hot drink (coffee/hot chocolate) and a candy bar.
Come and join us on this once-in-a lifetime-experience, a chance to explore Iceland’s largest glacier.
As glaciers continue melting at an alarming rate – roughly more than 1.2 trillion tons per year around the world, we would like to invite you to this unforgettable tour, where you will experience a rare phenomena of how half of our world used to look like, just 12 thousands years ago.
Like all other glaciers in the world, Vatnajökull glacier continues to melt, which will eventually lose half of its current ice by the year 2100 (which currently covers 9% of Iceland). It is estimated that by 2200, most of the glacier ice in Iceland will be forever lost.
Individual glacier outlets have already seen 15-50% of ice loss since the year 2000.
Join us for a walk on the glacier, one of Iceland's most popular outdoor activities. Hike into the magnificent ice world of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Your certified glacier guide will show you stunning scenery and astonishing ice formations.
Come on this comprehensive ice climbing and glacier hiking tour, perfect for those seeking that extra bit of thrill. The only thing you need to bring is patience and endurance to climb to the top of a glacial ice wall on Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. Your glacier guide will introduce you to the basics of ice climbing and much more!
SOLHEIMAJOKULL GLACIER TOURS
2 Hours & 15 Minutes Drive From Reykjavik
Get a chance to experience a world completely covered with ice.
Join this unforgettable tour to see and experience the world’s rarest natural wonder - Iceland’s majestic glacier.
Glaciers formed during our previous ice ages, when temperatures dropped worldwide. Nowadays only a few countries in the world can enjoy the stunning glaciers - including Iceland.
Sólheimajökull is a beautiful outlet, which is the most accessible glacier from Reykjavík.
It is also known for being the Glacier of Fire & Ice, because of all the ashes covering and mixing up with ice from the previous volcanic eruptions. Underneath the glacier lies an active volcano Katla, which erupted last time in 1918.
It is believed that Katla should erupt within the next few decades, therefore completely melting the ice. However volcanoes are highly monitored in Iceland, making it absolutely safe to travel in the area, hike on a glacier, and explore the wild ice caves.
Join this spectacular tour, and get a chance to hike on a real glacier!
Tie your hiking boots and put on your adventure hat because Sólheimajökull glacier will blow your mind. You'll feel like you have landed on the moon walking on ice and volcanic ash. We'll provide you with ice axes and basic ice climbing techniques for you to climb up as you rise from the ice wall of a glacier crevasse.
Spend your afternoon hiking & ice climbing on one of Iceland’s most iconic glaciers!
This unforgettable adventure will test your strength skills, as you’ll be climbing an ice wall on the 4th largest glacier in Iceland. This activity is for enthusiasts, who would like to explore the Icelandic glaciers to the fullest.
Overview
Sólheimajökull is one of the most visited glaciers in Iceland by ice climbing enthusiasts & professionals, as it offers spectacular ice walls, in a super location – just a few hours away from Reykjavík.
This fun activity will definitely leave you with tons of adrenaline & unforgettable experiences.
This is a comprehensive glacier tour, where you’ll learn about these massive natural phenomena from your guide and be provided with all the necessary equipment to get some exercise in full comfort and safety.
This tour is for anyone looking to experience one of the natural wonders of the earth.
Tie your hiking boots and put on your adventure hat because Sólheimajökull glacier will blow your mind. You'll feel like you have landed on the moon walking on ice and volcanic ash. We'll provide you with ice axes and basic ice climbing techniques for you to climb up as you rise from the ice wall of a glacier crevasse.
Spend your afternoon hiking & ice climbing on one of Iceland’s most iconic glaciers on this private tour!
This unforgettable adventure will test your strength skills, as you’ll climb an ice wall on the 4th largest glacier in Iceland. This activity is for enthusiasts who would like to explore the Icelandic glaciers to the fullest.
Overview
Sólheimajökull is one of the most visited glaciers in Iceland by ice climbing enthusiasts & professionals, as it offers spectacular ice walls, in a super location – just a few hours away from Reykjavík.
This fun activity will leave you with tons of adrenaline & unforgettable experiences.
BREIÐAMERKURJÖKULL GLACIER TOURS
5 Hours Drive From Reykjavik
Set out on a 3-hour guided glacier hike on Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. The glacier is known for its ice caves. As the ice caves are closed over the summer, this tour will take you on a hunt for moulins and ice canyons on the glacier.
Starting with a Super Jeep ride through the rugged terrain leading up to the edge of Vatnajökull, this outlet glacier offers a unique gateway to Iceland’s frozen wilderness. Designed for explorers of all skill levels, this tour combines captivating glacial landscapes with expert guidance and eco-friendly practices. Traverse shimmering blue ice, explore hidden crevasses, and witness the raw power of Iceland’s glaciers.
With morning and afternoon departures, this compact yet immersive experience offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect with Iceland's natural beauty while prioritizing safety and sustainability. Book your tour now and create memories that will last forever!
Discover the stunning contrasts of Iceland’s icy wilderness with this unforgettable full-day combo tour in Vatnajökull National Park. Your day begins with a peaceful yet exhilarating kayaking tour on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you'll paddle through a magical world of floating icebergs under towering glacier cliffs. After a short break, you'll shift gears for an adventurous glacier hike on Breiðamerkurjökull, where deep crevasses, blue ice formations, and surreal terrain await.
This combo is ideal for active nature lovers looking to maximize their day by combining two of Iceland’s most iconic experiences into one seamless, guided adventure—on water and on ice. Both tours are led by certified glacier and kayaking guides and include all necessary safety equipment. Participants should be in good physical condition and ready for an immersive experience in one of the most remote and beautiful regions of the country
This combo tour includes two separate departures
09:30 AM begins with Kayak before going on a Glacier hike
10:00 AM begins with Glacier hike before going on a Kayak tour
Both depart from Troll.is Glacier Lagoon, Jökulsárlón, 781 Iceland. Please plan accordingly and arrive at least 20 minutes early to ensure a smooth check-in.
Double the thrill, double the memory—book your glacier adventure combo today!
GLACIER TOURS FROM REYKJAVIK
Tours departing from Reykjavik with transportation & glacier hike included!
Explore the beautiful South Coast of Iceland, and hike on one of Iceland’s last remaining glaciers during this unforgettable 12-hour adventure trip in the South of Iceland.
During this unforgettable 2-day tour, we will take you to the hidden gems of the most visited place in Iceland – the South Coast. Get ready to climb on one of Europe’s largest glaciers, catch a boat to gigantic icebergs, and explore the most beautiful places in the South of Iceland. Along the shore, you’ll also get the chance to stop by some majestic waterfalls, the beautiful Black Sand Beach, and learn everything you need to know about Iceland.
Join us for a 3 days excursion to see the famous Golden Circle and the South Coast. Experience the beauty of our glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón, hike on Europe's largest glacier and powerful waterfalls.
In this multiday tour package we combine some of our best tour options. You’ll get the chance to see the beautiful Western Iceland. There, you’ll explore the hidden gem of the West, the peninsula of Snæfellsnes also known as “Iceland in a nutshell”. Snaefellsnes is characterized by magnificent and picturesque sites: glacial-carved mountains, endless black beaches, moss topped lava fields, volcanic craters, coastal cliffs topped off by the volcanic glacier Snæfellsjökull and the Center of the Earth.
You’ll get the chance to see the famous geothermal erupting Geysir, the powerful waterfall Gullfoss and Thingvellir National Park in the Golden Circle.
You’ll then be taken to the famous South Coast. Along the shore, you’ll get to see the two waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and the famous Black Sand Beach. You’ll also visit the stunning Glacier Lagoon Jökulsárlón in Vatnajökull National Park, where you’ll also get the chance to explore Europe’s largest glacier. And you have the opportunity to visit boat tour in Jokulsarlon.
Embark on a comprehensive 6-day guided tour from Reykjavík to Akureyri, exploring Iceland's diverse natural wonders. This immersive trip includes all the iconic highlights of the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Mývatn Region. Your expert guide will lead you to breathtaking sights like Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and on thrilling adventures, including a Whale Watching boat trip and a unique Ice Cave tour. Book your stress-free journey to experience the very best of Iceland, from south to north.
Embark on the ultimate 8-day summer adventure around Iceland's iconic Ring Road and the mystical Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This comprehensive journey is your perfect opportunity to witness the country’s most beautiful and popular spots under the glow of the Midnight Sun. Discover breathtaking natural wonders, from the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and the unforgettable Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon to the thunderous power of Dettifoss Waterfall. This tour provides a complete and stress-free way to experience the very best of Iceland’s diverse landscapes in the magical summer light.
Join #TeamTroll on a two-day adventure to Iceland’s spectacular South Coast. Discover iconic waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The highlights of your journey will be a visit to the unique Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon and a glacier hike with an ice cave visit. In the evenings, keep your eyes to the skies for the Northern Lights, as our carefully chosen countryside hotel offers the perfect setting for Aurora hunting.
Join us for a three-day adventure, with accommodation included, to discover the most renowned destinations on the Golden Circle and the South Coast. During this tour, you will witness the breathtaking Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and explore Europe's largest glacier. You will go glacier hiking and visit an Ice Cave! From September to March, if the weather conditions allow, you may even catch a glimpse of the magnificent Northern Lights.
During this four days excursion we will explore the most famous locations in the Golden Circle and the South, and the West. See our stunning glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón, Europe's largest glacier, and travel to one of the most visually stunning areas of Iceland's Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Embark on an unforgettable 6-day guided tour of Iceland's iconic Ring Road. This unique minibus journey is designed for you to experience the country’s most popular destinations and hidden gems without any of the planning. From the famous Golden Circle and magnificent South Coast to the spectacular landscapes of North Iceland, this tour showcases the full diversity of the country in one comprehensive trip.
This all-inclusive adventure is packed with thrilling, bucket-list activities. Your tour includes: A hands-on Glacier Hike, An exciting Whale Watching boat tour, A unique Ice Cave tour
Depending on the season and weather conditions, you may also get the chance to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights dance across the night sky, adding a final touch of magic to your journey.
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day guided tour around Iceland's iconic Ring Road. This unique minibus journey from Reykjavík is the perfect way to explore all of the country's most beautiful and popular destinations. You will experience the famous Golden Circle, the magnificent South Coast, and discover captivating hidden gems throughout the East, North, and West of Iceland. This comprehensive tour allows you to witness the full diversity of the country in one complete and comfortable trip.
Join an expedition to the South Coast & hike on the Sólheimajökull glacier. You'll visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall, the majestic Skogafoss, the mighty waves of Reynisfjara beach, also known as The Black Sand Beach, and walk on top of Sólheimajökull.
Why should I book a Glacier Tour?
Are you passionate about hiking in nature but have never been on a glacier before? Are you an experienced hiker and want to sense the adrenaline of discovering Iceland's most remote landscapes in an adventurous walk on a glacier? Glacier hikes & activities will make your trip to Iceland unforgettable, no matter your level of experience!
Join us to experience the feeling of stomping your feet on thousand-year-old ice, enjoy the "crunchy" sound of each step you take, and make the most out of your adventure in Iceland! WHICH GLACIER TOUR SHOULD I CHOOSE? We run glacier tours at two different locations:
The Skaftafell nature reserve glacier area:
4 hours and 30-minute drive from Reykjavik.
It is part of the majestic Vatnajokull National Park, named after the largest glacier in Europe: The Vatnajökull. Joining a glacier activity here will give you the extraordinary opportunity to hike on Falljökull (the falling glacier): a stunning outlet glacier that expands out of the Vatnajökull ice cap. Falljökull is a giant frozen waterfall whose dramatic landscape has been naturally carved over thousands of years: it offers unique views over the glacier falls, spectacular moulins, and beautiful crevasses.
Sólheimajökull glacier:
2 hours and 15- minute drive from Reykjavík.
The closest glacier tour we offer from Reykjavik, with its stunning views, crevasses, and ice walls, Sólheimajökull is one of the most hiked glaciers in Iceland; it offers terrain for every level of difficulty: beginners and professionals. Its strategic location makes it easy to drive round-trip from Reykjavik to this destination on the same day.
Breiðamerkurjökull:
5 hours drive from Reykjavik.
Located in the southeastern region of Iceland, Breiðamerkurjökull is a breathtaking outlet glacier flowing from the Vatnajökull ice cap—Europe’s largest glacier. This glacier is best known for feeding the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where massive icebergs break away and drift serenely toward the Atlantic. A glacier tour here provides access to surreal ice formations, dramatic crevasses, and panoramic views of the surrounding black sand landscapes. The striking contrasts between the brilliant blue ice and volcanic terrain make this one of the most photogenic and awe-inspiring glacier experiences in the country.