Natural site · South Coast, Reykjavik

Sólheimajökull Glacier

Sólheimajökull Glacier
Photo: Yuri Ikeda, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

It extends several kilometers from the main ice cap toward the coast. Guided hikes allow visitors to walk on the ice surface. Crevasses and ice formations change with the seasons.

Updated October 18, 2026On day 2 of Reykjavik & the Ring Road

Visiting Sólheimajökull Glacier: what to know

Tickets
No entry fee. Guided tours have separate pricing.
Time needed
2-4 hours for a standard visit or hike.
Best time
May to September for road access and milder weather.
Getting there
Two hours by car from Reykjavik or via organized tours.

Reykjavik itineraries with Sólheimajökull Glacier

Day 2 of Reykjavik & the Ring Road

The Golden Circle

How Sólheimajökull Glacier fits into a day.
  1. 9:00Þingvellir National ParkGolden Circle
  2. 12:30GeysirHaukadalur
  3. 14:30GullfossGolden Circle
See all 6 days
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Sólheimajökull Glacier FAQs

Can you walk on Sólheimajökull Glacier without a guide?

No. Access to the ice requires a certified guide and equipment due to crevasses and unstable conditions.

How do I reach Sólheimajökull Glacier from Reykjavik?

Drive southeast on Route 1 for about 150 km, then take the access road to the glacier parking area.

What should I bring for a visit to Sólheimajökull?

Warm layered clothing, waterproof boots, and sunglasses. Tours supply crampons and ice axes.

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