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Last updated: 26 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Oliver Berry

Glaciers – vast sheets of permanently frozen ice – are remnants of the last Ice Age which have never melted – at least not yet. Sadly, due to climate change, many of them are now retreating at an alarming rate.

With more than 11% of its land surface covered, and over 269 named glaciers, Iceland is probably the best destination in the world to explore these wonders of nature. They are relatively easy to access here too, and served by plentiful, well-run tours for adventure enthusiasts.

Exploring glaciers

There are many different ways to explore the ice: on a glacier walk, by snowmobile or via a scenic flight.

Hiking on a glacier is the best way to see the ice up close: using crampons and ice-poles, you’ll trek out onto the glacier in the company of an experienced guide to see crevasses, seracs, ice caves and other formations.

Snowmobiling is a much more high-octane activity: wrapped up in polar-style suits, you’ll race over the ice at surprisingly fast speeds. It takes time to master, but it’s hugely thrilling fun.

Ice cave tours

Iceland is also one of the best places to see ice caves. These magical subterranean spaces glint and dazzle with polar colours, while strange ice sculptures adorn the walls, floor and ceiling. Little wonder they’re often featured in Icelandic myths as the homes of trolls, elves and other creatures.

Some of them are actually rock caves that are coated with ice, but there are also pure ice caves (usually located inside glaciers). Some are semi-permanent, while others only exist for short spaces of time before the ice swallows them up again.

These can usually only be reached on a guided glacier hike; many glacier tours include a tour of one or more along the way.

Langjokull Glacier

Iceland

Langjokull Glacier

The second largest ice sheet after Vatnajokull, the ‘Long Glacier’ is a favourite for all-terrain jeep and snowmobiling trips, as well as guided hikes and glacier skiing for those who are experienced enough. There are also many ice caves to explore. It lies in the interior highlands, and can be reached from Thingvellir National Park.

Best for ages 18+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

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Snaefellsjokull Glacier

Snaefelssnes Peninsula, Iceland

national park welcome sign with glaciers behind

Most of the western tip of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is taken up by this wild national park and the icy sheet of Snaefellsjokull. If you want to tackle a glacier walk and see the ice up close, this is a fine place to do it. Expeditions are led by guiding companies including Summit Adventure Guides and Snaefellsjokull Glacier Tours.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

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Vatnajokull Glacier

Iceland

Vatnajokull Glacier

The granddaddy of the glaciers: stretching from Iceland’s north to south, this is the biggest ice sheet in Europe. It’s so huge, it encompasses two national parks: the southern area is more visited, with a range of glacier walks and snowmobiling trips from Skaftafell.

Best for ages 18+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

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Crystal Ice Cave

Breidamerkurjokull, Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland

Ice cave at jokulsarlon glacier in Iceland

This sparkling ice cave is on Breidamerkurjokull Glacier, a spur of Vatnajokull. It’s famous for its colours, which range from translucent blue to clear white – it’s best seen on a sunny day, when the display can be dazzling. Guided tours depart from Skaftafell or Jokulsarlon.

Best for ages 8+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

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Katla Ice Cave

Vik, Iceland

Natural ice wind window tunnel between valley near glacier in Iceland. Destination landmark of travel in winter season.

Where else in the world but Iceland could you explore an ice cave under an active volcano? That’s exactly what you get at Katla, which burrows deep beneath its namesake volcano.  It’s a famous filming spot, featured in Star Wars: Rogue One and Game of Thrones. 3-hour guided tours depart from the nearby town of Vik.

Adult price: £160

Min age 6

Best for ages 6+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

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Lofthellir Lava Tunnel & Ice Cave

Lake Myvatn, Iceland

Lofthellir Lava Tunnel & Ice Cave

This unusual cave near Myvatn combines two geological processes in one: it’s a lava cave coated in impressive ice formations. Around 370m of the cave is accessible on foot. Don headlamps, spiked boots and waterproofs – it’s a proper, big-thrill caving experience, so expect to get wet and muddy – and be prepared to squeeze through some tight spots. Tours last 4-5 hours.

Adult price: £200

Min age 8

Best for ages 8+

Duration: 4-5 hours

Frequency: monthly

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Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Ice and icy attractions/activities are fairly ubiquitous in Iceland, but Vatnajokull National Park (especially the area around Skaftafell), Snaefellsnes National Park in the west and Langjokull in the interior are among the more accessible ice sheets.

Glacier walks range from a couple of hours to a full day, depending on difficulty and distance; harder walks may have age restrictions. Most of the popular ice caves are accessible to everyone, though tours usually specify a minimum age of 6.

You’ll need warm clothing, waterproofs and decent footwear. Never venture onto the ice on your own. Glaciers are dangerous places and can only be safely visited in with experienced, qualified guides.

Top operators include Icelandic Mountain Guides (https://www.mountainguides.is/ice-cave-tours) and Arctic Adventures (https://adventures.is/iceland/day-tours/), who can organise trips to all the main glaciers and ice caves.

When to do it

The major glaciers are open for visits year-round, although hardcore hikers and cavers can arrange trips with local guides earlier or later in the season when crowds will be lighter.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

South Iceland Glaciers, Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach Day Tour from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

South Iceland Glaciers, Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach Day Tour from Reykjavik
Adventure through the dramatic landscape of Iceland during this full-day tour of the southern coastline. Explore lava fields, icebergs, and glaciers with help from a friendly, knowledgable guide. Visit the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and stop by the small village of Vik. Roundtrip transportation to and from selected locations in central Reykjavik is available.

Price: $99

Min age: 2

Rating 4.68 / 5 [1717 ratings]

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Skaftafell Glacier Hike 3-Hour Small Group Tour

Skaftafell

Skaftafell Glacier Hike 3-Hour Small Group Tour
Come join a three-hour hike up an outlet of Vatnajökull glacier, Europe's largest glacier, located in Skaftafell National Park. Experience the breathtaking natural scenery that has inspired dozens of filmmakers. You and your group of, at most, 12 people, will get the opportunity to explore the wilderness of the ice formations and crevasses under the guidance of a certified guide.

Price: €100

Min age: 8

Rating 4.76 / 5 [476 ratings]

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Small Group Glacier Experience from Solheimajokull Glacier

Vik

Small Group Glacier Experience from Solheimajokull Glacier
Take advantage of a great opportunity to explore the incredible Solheimajokull Glacier in a small group setting on this one and a half hour glacier hike available directly from Solheimajokull's parking lot. Walk around the glacier and admire the stunning landscape that surrounds the ice cap. This is your chance to explore the incredible frozen world of the glacier such as its crevasses and glacier moulins.

Price: €104

Min age: 8

Rating 4.83 / 5 [399 ratings]

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Solheimajokull Glacier 3-Hour Small-Group Hike

Vik

Solheimajokull Glacier 3-Hour Small-Group Hike
Grab your hiking boots and get ready, because you’re going to hike Sólheimajökull glacier in southern Iceland on this 3 hour, small-group tour. 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.

Price: €104

Min age: 8

Rating 4.85 / 5 [361 ratings]

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3-hour Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull

Vik

3-hour Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull
A short and easy Glacier Walk tour from Sólheimajökull glacier in South Iceland is a great way to experience the Icelandic glaciers. On this tour you spend about an hour on the ice itself exploring all the interesting features it has to offer as such as stunning ice formations, crevasses and water cauldrons.

Price: $117

Min age: 10

Rating 4.92 / 5 [238 ratings]

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Vatnajökull Glacier Walk from Hali

Hofn

Vatnajökull Glacier Walk from Hali
In this glacier walk with a local guide from Hali you experience the wonders of Vatnajökull glacier. Our guide takes you on an unforgettable journey on Breiðamerkurjökull, one of Vatnajökull’s biggest outlet glacier.  The trip starts at Glacier Adventures headquarters in Hali, where your guide drives you to the glacier area, away from the crowds and off the beaten path where you can breathe in the fresh glacier air. The tour can take between 3,5 and 4 hours (1 – 1,5 hour on the glacier), including drive back and forth from our headquarters.  This tour is moderated and can be done by most children and adults.

Price: €124

Min age: 10

Rating 4.90 / 5 [392 ratings]

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Glacier Hike from Skaftafell - Extra Small Group

Skaftafell

Glacier Hike from Skaftafell - Extra Small Group
• Certified guides Our guides have certification from AIMG (Association of Icelandic Mountain Guides). • Small groups The group size for our trips never exceeds 8 people. • 4x4 drive We will drive you all the way to the glacier. That means more time we can spend on ice. • Evening departure (June - August) If you want to avoid the crowds join us for our evening tour and enjoy the complete silence.

Price: $125

Min age: 8

Rating 4.99 / 5 [367 ratings]

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Skaftafell Ice Caving & Glacier Hike

Skaftafell

Skaftafell Ice Caving & Glacier Hike
Join this adventure to experience all the other-worldly features of a glacier. You will hike up an outlet of Vatnajökull glacier, where you'll have the once in a lifetime opportunity to enter a blue ice cave - a rare natural phenomenon that can almost only be found in Iceland. Certified glacier guides will tell you all about ice formations and while keeping you safe at all times during this small-group tour from Skaftafell Nature Reserve.

Price: €140

Min age: 8

Rating 4.79 / 5 [169 ratings]

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Half-Day Vatnajokull Glacier Small Group Tour from Skaftafell

Skaftafell

Half-Day Vatnajokull Glacier Small Group Tour from Skaftafell
• Certified guides Our guides have certification from AIMG (Association of Icelandic Mountain Guides). • Small groups The group size for our trips never exceeds 8 people. • 4x4 drive We will drive you all the way to the glacier. That means more time we can spend on ice. • Evening departure (June - August) If you want to avoid the crowds join us for our evening tour and enjoy the complete silence.

Price: $150

Min age: 12

Rating 4.97 / 5 [121 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Small-Group Glacier Hiking and Ice Climbing on Sólheimajokull Glacier

Vik

Small-Group Glacier Hiking and Ice Climbing on Sólheimajokull Glacier
Explore the surreal landscape of Iceland's Solheimajokull Glacier during this 4-hour experience. Join your guide at the glacier for glacier hiking and ice climbing on top of this ancient ice formation, enjoying spectacular views of its constantly changing blend of colors and shapes. Take the journey through a frozen maze of towering ice formations, jagged ridges, and deep blue crevasses whilst exploring all that this magnificent glacier tongue has to offer.

Price: €158

Min age: 14

Rating 4.68 / 5 [100 ratings]

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South Coast Adventure with Glacier Hike Full-Day Tour

Reykjavik

South Coast Adventure with Glacier Hike Full-Day Tour
Come explore the beautiful south coast of the land of Ice and Fire with us! In this tour, you will discover some of the country's most famous waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, and the impressive Skógafoss. Another highlight is Reynisfjara, an endless black sand beach where you will get to see cliffs made of basalt columns making you feel on another planet. In this tour, you will have the very special opportunity to hike a massive glacier with the proper material and a knowledgeable guide to assist you and keep you safe while giving you all the insights and tips you should know about Iceland and maybe even drinking the purest water in the world straight from the glacier! Please dress according to the weather. Good hiking boots are required for the glacier hike (minimum size EU 36 / US 5,5 / UK 3,5). Hiking boots are not included in the tour. Book hassle-free with us! We guarantee all our departures without minimum participation.

Price: $165

Min age: 10

Rating 4.93 / 5 [258 ratings]

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Glacier Walk and South Coast Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Glacier Walk and South Coast Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik
Spend 12 hours exploring the magnificent southern coast of Iceland including a glacier hike with an experienced guide. Discover the Sólheimajökull Glacier as well as the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the Reynisfjara black sand beach. Ensure comfort with a small group tour and transport provided by minibus.

Price: €170

Min age: 8

Rating 4.80 / 5 [539 ratings]

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Glacier Hike, South Coast Waterfalls & Black Sand Beach

Reykjavik

Glacier Hike, South Coast Waterfalls & Black Sand Beach
Experience the magic of Iceland's south coast in a single day on this incredible adventure from Reykjavik. Get up close and personal with a glacier, explore iconic spots, and discover the natural wonders that define this breathtaking region. Marvel at the mesmerizing Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, where you can even walk behind the cascading waters at Seljalandsfoss – a truly unique experience. Embrace the Insta-famous Reynisfjara black-sand beach, where you'll enjoy a leisurely stroll along the striking black sands while gazing at the magnificent rock formations that stretch out into the sea. The main adventure awaits at the Sólheimajökull glacier, where you'll gear up with harness, crampons, an ice pick, and a helmet. Embark on a short hike to the glacier's base, then ascend onto the ice for an exhilarating glacier hike filled with twists, turns, and panoramic vistas that will take your breath away.

Price: $170

Min age: 10

Rating 4.96 / 5 [397 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Crystal Blue Ice Cave - Super Jeep From Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Hofn

Crystal Blue Ice Cave - Super Jeep From Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Come to explore the out-worldly beauty of a natural blue ice cave. In this tour, you will hop on a SuperTruck to experience hidden areas on a glacier outlet from Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. You will see all sorts of ice formations from impressive caves to ice tunnels formed by the dynamic ever-changing Icelandic nature. Visit the cave of “Dragon Glass”, known from the famous TV Show Game of Thrones and admire the color combination of the ice from the outside. It is hard to believe, prepare to be amazed!

Price: €170

Min age: 6

Rating 4.55 / 5 [83 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Sólheimajökull Ice Climbing and Glacier Walk

Vik

Sólheimajökull Ice Climbing and Glacier Walk
Grab your hiking boots and get ready, because you’re going to hike and climb the Sólheimajökull glacier in Southern Iceland! 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. You will also learn the basics of ice climbing and climb the vertical crevasse walls of Sólheimajökull glacier. Each guide has a maximum of 6 participants to ensure the safety of the group.

Price: €204

Min age: 12

Rating 4.87 / 5 [110 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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South Coast: Fire & Ice - Waterfalls, Glaciers & Icelandic Lava Show in Vík

Reykjavik

South Coast: Fire & Ice - Waterfalls, Glaciers & Icelandic Lava Show in Vík
Join us to find out why Iceland is named the Land of Ice & Fire, with this fantastic day on the South Coast that includes the Icelandic Lava Show and a guided valley walk to get incredible views of the crevasse riddled Solheimajökull glacier. Join this small group tour and you'll stop at the must see Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, visit the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, learn all about Iceland's geology and volcanoes whilst witnessing re-melted lava at the Lava Show. Plus, get incredible views of an enormous glacier for unmatched pictures. This is a one day tour you'll never forget. All of Hidden Iceland's tours operate with a maximum of 12 people, and you will be joined by friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides. This tour does NOT include a glacier hike but we will get close to the terminal face of the glacier for great views.

Price: $205

Min age: 8

Rating 4.97 / 5 [377 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Skaftafell Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike

Skaftafell

Skaftafell Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike
This unique tour gives you the opportunity to hike on an outlet glacier as well as climbing the ice walls. You will start with exploring the ice formations of the glacier and the moulins, then experience the amazing feeling of climbing a beautiful blue ice wall. For everyone, from first-timers to more experienced climbers, our expert guides will make this tour an adventure to remember. Max group size 6 people.

Price: €205

Min age: 12

Rating 4.91 / 5 [110 ratings]

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Snowmobile Adventure on Langjökull Glacier from Gullfoss

Reykjavik

Snowmobile Adventure on Langjökull Glacier from Gullfoss
The Icelandic Highlands is a unique area with some rugged landscape and that is exactly where this tour takes you. This 4-hour snowmobile adventure tour departs from Gullfoss. Marvel at the Icelandic scenery during your ride to the glacier in a 4x4 monster truck, then hop on your snowmobile after a brief instruction lecture and drive along and on-top of Langjökull glacier. Perfect for the independent traveler which just happens to be in the Golden Circle and wants to add a little extra to their sightseeing tour.

Price: €215

Min age: 6

Rating 4.37 / 5 [179 ratings]

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Golden Circle Day Trip from Reykjavik with Glacier Snowmobile Experience

Reykjavik

Golden Circle Day Trip from Reykjavik with Glacier Snowmobile Experience
See spouting geysers, experience the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall, and follow in the footsteps of vikings in Thingvellir National Park as you walk between the American and European continents. Finish up your 10-hour guided tour by stepping aboard a super truck and heading off into the glacier-covered central highlands to ride a snowmobile across one of the biggest glaciers in the world.

Price: €243

Min age: 6

Rating 4.08 / 5 [89 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Ice Cave and Glacier walk into blue glacier canyon

Hofn

Ice Cave and Glacier walk into blue glacier canyon
If you want to get more out of your Ice cave tour, then we recommend this tour for you. Ice caves are really popular now, and it can be hard to find an Ice cave that is not crowded. We will try to time the visit to the ice cave well, giving you more time to enjoy the amazing wild nature around the glacier. On this tour, we also do a glacier walk were we will visit a very nice blue glacier canyon.

Price: $252

Min age: 14

Rating 4.96 / 5 [113 ratings]

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Golden Circle & Glacier Snowmobiling Day Trip from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Golden Circle & Glacier Snowmobiling Day Trip from Reykjavik
This tour combines the very popular Golden Circle tour with the adventure of a lifetime - a one-hour snowmobile ride on Langjökull glacier, Iceland's second largest ice cap.

Price: $255

Min age: 6

Rating 4.41 / 5 [416 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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2 Day Ice Cave & South Coast: Glacier hike, Jokulsarlon lagoon & Northern Lights

Reykjavik

2 Day Ice Cave & South Coast: Glacier hike, Jokulsarlon lagoon & Northern Lights
Come to see most popular and unique locations in Iceland's South Coast and experience the world's rarest natural phenomenon: a blue ice cave which you will reach by hiking on the glacier, under Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. In this 2-day tour you'll visit all attractions that make Iceland the best travel destination: powerful waterfalls, black sand beaches, Jokulsarlon, the one and only glacier lagoon, and will go hunting for the mighty northern lights.

Price: €690

Min age: 8

Rating 4.70 / 5 [123 ratings]

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Iceland

Iceland

Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland

From volcanoes and glaciers to black beaches, geothermal pools and the Northern Lights, Iceland is one of the world’s wildest, weirdest destinations. A paradise for adventurous travellers.