Solheimajökull Glacier: Day Trips and Tours from Reykjavík

Sólheimajökull descends from the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap and on a glacial hike you will be treated to spectacular views of Iceland’s South Coast.

Ice walls, crevasses, ice ridges and vivid white, blue and black coloration are all aspects that make the Sólheimajökull glacier day trips from Reykjavik an ideal destination that encircles Iceland and is a popular attraction for visitors to the region.

Here's all you need to know about Sólheimajökull Glacier, one of the most exciting day trips from Reykjavik.

How to get to the Sólheimajökull Glacier from Reykjavik?

The Sólheimajökull Glacier is situated on the south coast of Iceland, only 158 kilometers from Reykjavik.

From Reykjavik to Sólheimajökull Glacier by car

Route 1 is the Ring Road that encircles Iceland. The Sólheimajökull Glacier is located around 4 kilometers off this route and is about a 2 hour drive from Reykjavik. A public parking area is available for visitors who have chosen to self-drive.

Guided tours to Sólheimajökull Glacier from Reykjavik

For a glacier adventure, a guided tour is by far the best sightseeing alternative. On a guided excursion from Reykjavik you will meet your guide at your hotel or a central meetup point for a coach or vehicle transfer to the glacier.

Depending on your choice of tour, you will walk, hike or kayak in or near to the Sólheimajökull Glacier. Full-day tours also typically include sightseeing in the area before returning to the city.

How much does the entrance ticket to Sólheimajökull Glacier cost?

If you are sightseeing on your own, you will be able to view the Sólheimajökull Glacier from the viewing point at the glacier’s lagoon. If you want to walk on the glacier or kayak in the lagoon waters, you will need to book a tour.

Tour prices for the Sólheimajökull Glacier are as follows:

Glacier Discovery Tour (Hike)

Adults US$100 per person

Sólheimajökull Glacier Kayak Tour

Adults US$130 per person

What is the typical itinerary?

On a tour to Sólheimajökull Glacier, you will be collected by coach or private vehicle from your hotel or another central meeting pint in Reykjavik.

While most tours are accompanied by an English speaking guide A Lava Tunnel tour typically starts with a hotel pick-up in the city. Your coach or private vehicle with travel to the lava tunnels where you will commence with your tour of the ancient lava tunnels and caves.

On a full-day tour, you will also travel to other places of interest on your route and learn more about how this fascinating volcanic island was formed. Some tours include stops at other scenic attractions and culturally interesting landmarks.

Meals are not generally included in the tour price, but there will be a lunch stop on a full-day excursion. At the end of your tour, you will return to your Reykjavik hotel.

What kinds of tours are available?

Glacier hikes and walking tours as well as glacier kayak excursions are the activities included in day trips from Reykjavik. Here is a short description of the various kinds of tours:

Sólheimajökull Glacier hike from Reykjavik

If you would like to hike up the Sólheimajökull Glacier and see the magnificent views beneath you, then you can book a Sólheimajökull Glacier hike from Reykjavik. Your transfer from the city will be by coach.

On arrival, you will fit a pair of crampons and other safety equipment. If you do not have over-ankle hiking boots, rain pants and a rain jacket, you will be able to rent some on site.

A knowledgeable local guide will escort you as you take an easy walk around the glacier, seeing the deep crevasses and water cauldrons formed by this ever-changing ice river. After your walk, warm up with a hot drink before heading back to the city.

For the extra-adventurous visitor, there is also the option of an ice wall climb. Guides will demonstrate how to ascend a vertical ice wall using crampons and ice axes and you can give this a try yourself!

Kayak tours at Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon from Reykjavik

After a transfer to the Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon, you will step into your dry suit and safety equipment and join your small group to prepare for your kayak tour.

An experienced and knowledgeable guide will lead you through the glacial waters and up close to Sólheimajökull itself.

After your awe-inspiring activity, you can enjoy a warm drink and freshen up at the restrooms before making your way back to Reykjavik.

Private jeep tour of the South Coast and Sólheimajökull Glacier from Reykjavik

On a private jeep tour of Sólheimajökull Glacier for up to 4 people, your itinerary will be planned to ensure that you see the region’s top attractions in the time available.

Some of the landmarks visited on the tour include the Skogafoss Waterfall, Sólheimajökull Glacier, Vik I Myrdal Church and Seljandsfoss.

On this busy day-tour, you will not hike up the Sólheimajökull Glacier , but will have time to appreciate it from the viewpoint at the edge of the lagoon.

How much does a day trip to the Sólheimajökull Glacier from Reykjavik cost?

A Sólheimajökull Glacier hike from Reykjavik including a return coach transfer and guided glacier walk costs from US$150 per person.

Kayak tours at Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon from Reykjavik include a coach transfer and a small group kayak activity and costs from US$120 per person. The activity is only for participants over the age of 16.

Private jeep tour of the South Coast and Sólheimajökull Glacier from Reykjavik costs from US$1,600 for a group of up to 4 people and includes a private vehicle, all entrance fees and photo stops.

What will you see and do?

Sólheimajökull means “Home of the Sun” and the sunrise from the glacier is magnificent. The multi-colored ice, deep crevasses and aqua lagoon all contribute to the beauty of the glacier that flows from the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap.

The glacier is around 8 kilometers long and between 1 and 2 kilometers wide and each direction offers something captivating and powerful to see.

Your guide will not only point out all the breath-taking glacial features, but also give you more insight about how the landscape of Iceland has been carved by ice and fire.

What are the opening times?

Glacier walking tours at Sólheimajökull take place throughout the year as long as the weather and safety conditions are suitable. Guided tours take place from mid-morning to mid-afternoon and depart from the entrance point at the car park.

When is the best time to visit the Sólheimajökull Glacier?

Icelandic weather can be unpredictable throughout the year, but the summer months are generally considered better for outdoor sightseeing and activities. Temperatures can be very cold and volatile in the winter months.

Travel tips

• Wear waterproof and warm clothes on a glacier trip – but consider layering as it can get warm on a sunny day.
• Remember sunscreen and sunglasses to protect against the glare.
• Boots that extend beyond ankle-height are required for glacier walking.
• A polarizing filter on your camera lens will accentuate the blue colors on the glacier and lagoon.
• Moderate fitness is required for most tours.