Wondering what are the Best Glacier Tours in Iceland? With so many options to choose from it can be confusing to pick the best option for you. It will depend on what area, if you are looking for a short or a long tour, including visiting an ice cave or only doing the glacier hike in Iceland or a combo.
Phew! But this guide has the 12 Best Glacier Tours in Iceland for you!
This guide to the absolute best Glacier tours in Iceland covers a wide range of interests, including an ice climbing tour, the incredible opportunity to go on a natural ice cave, or if you are an adrenaline junkie you can go on a glacier snowmobile tour and many other amazing tours!
Here you can find very useful information and have no doubts you will choose the right glacier tours in Iceland. So, get ready to hike the top glaciers in Iceland, and discover some of Iceland’s most incredible sights with these once-in-a-lifetime guided tours.
You may also be interested in:
- Everything to know before you go on a Glacier Tour in Iceland + FAQ
- How to Travel to Iceland on a Budget + Tips to save money
- How to Choose The Best Glacier Tour in Iceland?
- Overall Best Glacier Tours in Iceland
- Best Glacier Tours in Iceland | BONUS SECTION
- Locations for the Best Glacier Tours in Iceland
- Tips on how to Choose the Best Glacier Tours in Iceland
- When to Go Glacier Hike in Iceland
- Best Glacier Tours in Iceland Conclusion
How to Choose The Best Glacier Tour in Iceland?
There are many tour companies that offer Glacier hike Tours in Iceland – it can be hard to choose the best option for you, so I hope this review can help you to make the right decision.
Please keep in mind that Glacier hike in Iceland is very popular and they tend to sell out – therefore, doesn’t matter what season you are visiting Iceland, book your tour in advance. The prices are pretty much the same everywhere.
GetYourGuide is one of the top options because they work with high-quality tours and offer flexible cancelation policies. They also have some of the largest selection of Best Glacier Tours in Iceland out of all the tour agencies out there. This company has been providing top-notch tours and excursions all over the world for more than 12 years and is known for its highly professional and friendly tour guides.
Viator is also a very safe and reliable option that provides a 24-hours flexible cancelation policy. They are part of TripAdvisor and offer 200,000+ affordable tours all over the world, offering multilingual customer service.
You can have a quick scan of this table if you don’t have the time to read this article right now. It shows the best glacier tours in Iceland and a rundown of what each one offers!
| AREA | BEST FOR | RECOMMENDED TOUR |
|---|---|---|
| Sólheimajökull Glacier | Best Overall Glacier Tour in Iceland Glacier hike, 3 hours tour, family-friendly | Sólheimajökull: Guided Glacier Hike |
| Sólheimajökull Glacier | Glacier hike + Ice climbing combo, 4 hours tour, great for couples | Sólheimajökull Ice Climbing Tour |
| Sólheimajökull Glacier | South Coast + glacier hike combo, 12 hours tour, best long tour | Small-Group South Coast Tour & Glacier Hike |
| Sólheimajökull Glacier | Glacier tour, best short 3 hours tour, great for families | Sólheimajökull: 3 Hour Glacier Hike |
| Sólheimajökull Glacier | My TOP Pick glacier tour. Ice climbing + glacier hike tour, 3-4 hours | Sólheimajökull Ice Climb and Glacier Hike |
| Vatnajökull glacier | Glacier hike, 3-hours tour, best affordable tour | Skaftafell National Park: 3-Hour Glacier Hike |
| Vatnajökull glacier | Glacier hike + cave tour combo, best natural ice cave tour, 3 hours | Glacier Natural Ice Cave Tour, |
| Skaftafell glacier | Glacier hike, best small group tour with a maximum of 8 people, 3 hours tour | Skaftafell Extra-Small Group Glacier Hike |
| Golden Circle and Langjökull Glacier | Glacier snowmobile + Golden Circle tour, top-rated tour with 4.7 out of 300 reviews, 11-hours tour | Golden Circle and Glacier Snowmobile Tour |
| Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Vik | Glacier Hike + highlighters of the south of Iceland and glacier lagoon combo, 14 hours tour, best glacier lagoon tour | Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon |
| Reykjavik | Glacier hike + volcano tour, top adventure tour, 14 hours tour, natural ice caves | Ice Cave by Katla Volcano Super Jeep from Vik |
| Húsafell | Glacier ice cave + northern lights combo, the most unique tour in Iceland, 4-8 hours tour | Húsafell: Langjökulll Glacier Ice Cave & Northern Lights |
Overall Best Glacier Tours in Iceland
1) TOP PICK GLACIER TOUR: Sólheimajökull: Guided Glacier Hike
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
This Sólheimajökull: Guided Glacier Hike is the most popular glacier hike in Iceland due to its proximity to Reykjavik. It is also conveniently located en route to the most popular landmarks (Skogafoss and Vik beach) and you can book it any time of the year.
- You will hike across the ice of the Sólheimajökull Glacier,
- Get detailed explanations about the glacier formations from a specially trained guide.
- On the way, you will discover ice cave tunnels and an amazing glacier lagoon.
- This tour is great because you can enjoy the intimacy of a small group, a family-friendly experience
2) Sólheimajökull Ice Climbing Tour
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
This Sólheimajökull Ice Climbing Tour starts at the Sólheimajökull parking lot where you are provided with the glacier gear required for the trip. With this tour, you can learn basic ice climbing skills and also, explore glacier hiking.
- Have the experience the true nature of the Sólheimajökull glacier
- You will enjoy the south coast of Iceland
- You will get to see the Skógarfoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls
3) From Reykjavik: Small-Group South Coast Tour & Glacier Hike
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
This Small-Group South Coast Tour & Glacier Hike is a great option for a day tour from Reykjavik. You have the chance to go on a Glacier hike plus visit the beautiful waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
- You will walk behind a wall of water at the Seljalandsfoss waterfall
- Have the opportunity to hike the glacier tongue of the Solheimajokull Glacier
- Take advantage to learn the Viking history of Iceland on a small group tour of the south coast
- Get incredible panoramic views of the Eyjafjallajökull and Hekla volcanoes on clear days
4) Sólheimajökull: 3 Hour Glacier Hike
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
This Sólheimajökull: 3 Hour Glacier Hike is for anyone who wants to experience hiking on the beautiful glacier of Mýrdalsjökull. Located underneath the ice cap is one of the largest Volcanoes in Iceland, Katla which erupted last in 1918.
- You will love hiking on the Sólheimajökull Glacier
- Get the opportunity to learn from an experienced and certified glacier guide
- You will have the opportunity to gaze into the ice tunnels and crevasses
5) Sólheimajökull Ice Climb and Glacier Hike
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
This Sólheimajökull Ice Climb and Glacier Hike is the tour I chose to do, and highly recommend. The Glacier hike experience is epic, plus the opportunity to learn basic skills and actually climb an ice wall is a must-do while in Iceland. You can read all my experiences on Ice Climbing & glacier hike tour in Iceland.
- They offer small groups of no more than 6 people, provide all the glacier equipment,
- With this tour, you will climb the ice walls of the Sólheimajökull Glacier
- It is just amazing to have the opportunity to see the ice formations, crevasses, and tunnels up close
- You will learn how to climb ice with the help of a certificated glacier guide, and they are really amazing!
6) Skaftafell National Park: 3-Hour Glacier Hike
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
This Skaftafell National Park: 3-Hour Glacier Hike tour is very affordable and fun. Follow the footsteps of James Bond and hike across the Vatnajökull glacier. Get back to nature on the 3-hour hike and discover what it feels like to walk on impacted ice on an amazing hike across the outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier.
- This is a very affordable glacier tour, at US$84 per person
- Get breathtaking views of the ice-covered peaks of Skaftafell National Park in the epic wilderness of Iceland.
- Hike on the stunning outlet glacier of Vatnajökull
- See the epic mountains of Skaftafell National Park
7) Glacier Natural Ice Cave Tour
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
With this amazing Glacier Natural Ice Cave Tour, you have the opportunity to experience the glacial landscape and the natural ice cave with incredible formations in a cave inside the largest glacier in Europe Make your own way to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon to experience a natural ice cave from the luxury of a huge custom-made super jeep.
- Take a guided tour to an ice cave aboard one of Iceland’s largest super jeeps
- Experience the winter phenomenon of a natural ice cave in all its beauty
- Learn about the wonders of nature and how the ice cave came to formation
8) Skaftafell: Extra-Small Group Glacier Hike
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
This Skaftafell Extra-Small Group Glacier Hike tour is a great option because it offers a very small group tour with a maximum of 8 people. Hike on one of the stunning outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, and marvel at Skaftafell and its surrounding mountainous landscapes on a 4×4 drive.
- You will see stunning ice formations, moulins, crevasses, and crystal-clear blue pools.
- Have the chance to marvel at Skaftafell and its surrounding mountainous landscapes on a 4×4 drive
- You will enjoy an intimate small-group tour with a maximum of 8 participants with a certified English-speaking guide
Best Glacier Tours in Iceland | BONUS SECTION
9) From Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Glacier Snowmobile Tour
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
With this Golden Circle and Glacier Snowmobile Tour you will see the spouting geyser and hot springs of Iceland’s Golden Circle. Stand on one of Europe’s biggest glaciers, and follow in the footsteps of Vikings down the lava canyon where the American and European continents drift apart in Þingvellir National Park.
- You will have fun riding a snowmobile through one of Europe’s last great wilderness areas
- You will have the opportunity to see an erupting geyser and a variety of hot springs
- Get amazed when you feel the spray of the 32-meter high Gullfoss Waterfall
- Take the opportunity to learn about the Vikings in Thingvellir National Park
10) From Reykjavik: Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
Go on a full-day Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon tour from Reykjavik and explore the highlights of the south of Iceland on a 14-hour sightseeing tour from Reykjavik. You will explore the dramatic landscapes of the south of Iceland on a full-day sightseeing tour by bus. You will go to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon outlet of the largest glacier in Europe, learning about its history and formation from your local guide.
- You will get amazed to see the icebergs of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon from such a close distance
- You will walk behind the cascades of Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Also, you will visit Iceland’s southernmost village at Vik
- You have the option to take a spectacular boat cruise on Jökulsárlón from April to October
11) Ice Cave by Katla Volcano Super Jeep from Vik
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
This Ice Cave by Katla Volcano Super Jeep from Vik is the BEST tour for the adventurers! From Vík, take a jeep ride to the natural ice cave at Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, situated below the Katla volcano.
Equipped with crampons and a helmet, you’ll be ready to explore this natural phenomenon. With this tour, you will learn about the Katla volcano and the ice cave’s formation while you enjoy the natural ice cave tour.
- You will have the amazing opportunity to explore a natural ice cave
- Take the advantage to learn about the Katla volcano and the ice cave’s formation from the professional guides
- Marvel yourself with the views of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
12) Húsafell: Langjökulll Glacier Ice Cave & Northern Lights
Tour at a Glance:
Why Take This Tour:
This Húsafell: Langjökulll Glacier Ice Cave & Northern Lights tour includes a ride to the Langjokull glacier in a specially modified glacier vehicle, and all equipment including snowsuits, protective overshoes, and crampons are included.
- You will experience a huge glacier and man-made ice cave
- Have the opportunity to ride on the glacier in a specially-modified vehicle
- You will enjoy a guided tour inside the world’s largest ice tunnel
- Take the chance to chase and see the Northern Lights from the glacier
Locations for the Best Glacier Tours in Iceland
Most ice climbing tours are conducted on Sólheimajökull and Vatnajökull Glaciers. It will depend on weather conditions, and occasionally the glaciers may be temporarily closed.
Sólheimajökull Glacier
This is the most popular choice because it is only 2-hours driving from Reykjavik – which makes it a very convenient location. You can hike Sólheimajökull Glacier on a day trip from Reykjavik or if you are visiting the South Coast of Iceland: Skogafoss Waterfall and Vik Beach. You can book this tour on Sólheimajökull Glacier any time of the year.
Vatnajökull Glacier (Snæfellsjökull)
This is the largest glacier in Europe, and is also part of the Vatnajökull National Park, with roughly 30 outlet glaciers. Snæfellsjökull Glacier is a glacier tongue of the huge Vatnajokull glacier where you can go hike. Most of the glacier hikes on Vatnajökull start in Skaftafell – located a 4-hours drive from Reykjavik. While here, you can also add on kayaking or cruising Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Check availability on this tour here.
Sólheimajökull vs. Vatnajökull Glacier
Both are incredible places to go glacier hiking in Iceland – but it will depend mainly on your preferences and location.
I chose to go hiking on Vatnajökull because I was on the Ring Road road trip, so adding this activity to my itinerary was very convenient.
Also, it is farther from Reykjavik and it tends to have lower crowds at this glacier. Plus, in Vatnajökull there are several outlets glaciers to hike, making the crowds lower and you can hike the largest glacier in Europe!
Tips on how to Choose the Best Glacier Tours in Iceland
When to Go Glacier Hike in Iceland
The good news is that the tour companies offer Glacier Hike in Iceland all year round. If you also want to explore an ice cave, the best months are between November and March, it is when the ice caves are open and safe to explore.
If you decide to go hike the Vatnajökull Glacier, you can also add a combination tour with a boat ride on Jokulsárlón Lagoon.
Best Glacier Tours in Iceland Conclusion
I hope this Best Glacier Tours in Iceland has helped you to choose the perfect tour for you. Whether you choose to climb on ice, ride on top of, or go inside, there is an Iceland glacier tour for everyone.
These best glacier tours in Iceland will have you packing your bags and planning your trip! Just don’t forget to wear the right clothing and you will be good to go!
If you are wondering what to pack, how to get around, what age you can go on the tours, and all the other questions, I answer all of them on this Everything you should know before you go on a Glacier Tour in Iceland.
If you still have any questions, just leave me a comment below and I will connect with you. If you are planning a trip to Iceland, you may also enjoy these:
- How to plan a trip to Iceland
- 10-day Ring Road itinerary in Iceland
- Iceland on Budget + resources to plan your trip cost
- Iceland 10-hidden gems
- 25 Best Landmarks in Iceland
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