[vc_row fullwidth=”true” fullwidth_content=”false”][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1532107941528{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Have you ever explored or hiked on a glacier? If not, you should put Iceland on the list of your must-see destinations as it has one of the most spectacular glaciers in the World. Moreover, hiking on a glacier in Iceland is possible all year round.
More than 11% of the surface of Iceland is covered in glaciers, so you will have various options to choose from in various regions. From less demanding hikes on Solheimajokull glacier to expert level hikes on Svinafelljokull glacier. One of the reasons why Iceland is called the ‘land of ice and fire’ is the closeness of the Icelandic glaciers and volcanoes. Actually, one of the most common types of the volcanoes in Iceland are the ones covered with glacier caps.
Check our list of the most popular glacier hikes in Iceland:
Solheimajokull
It’s a glacier tongue coming out of Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. It’s almost 10 km long and popular among hikers that have none or very little experience. While hiking on the Solheimajokull glacier you can admire the spectacular landscape created by the unstoppable forces of the glacier coming down and constantly broadening the valley – rock and ice formations, a glacial lake, blue ice caves, glacial cones and more. It’s also a good place to try the ice climbing.
Svinafellsjokull
Svinafellsjokull is located in Skaftafell National Park. This glacier tongue is more than 1000 years old. Svinafellsgokull is a name combined with three words: a pig, a mountain, and a glacier. The best time to visit Svinafellsjokull is in the middle of Winter when the ice is the most blue.
Moreover, when you will start your hike in the morning you can experience also a winter sunrise at 11 am. This hike is popular among hikers on various levels of experience.
Snaefellsjokull
Snaefellsjokull is located at the end of the Sneafellsness peninsula and at the cone-shaped volcano of the same name. It’s the most mysterious glacier in Iceland. Some people believe that Snaefellsjokull is one of the main energy centers in the World, others after reading the book of Jule’s Verne that inside the vast ice cap one can find a passage to the center of the Earth. You can check it yourselves and make a hike on this mystical snowy volcano. Hiking the volcano is designated only for experienced hikers and it’s a one day trip.
Snaefellsness peninsula is often called the “Iceland in a nutshell” and is abundant in many touristic attractions and hidden gems. If you decide to make a hike on the Snaefellsnessjokull, you will have a chance to visit the picturesque fishing villages, spectacular sea cliffs, monumental Kirkjufell mountain, breathtaking black beaches, vast lava fields and more.
Breiðamerkurjökull
Probably the most photographed glacier tongue in Iceland as it ends in the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon – one of the most visited touristic attractions in Iceland.
Moreover, if you will visit Breiðamerkurjökull in Winter you will have also an opportunity to visit one of the World’s natural wonders – the spectacular blue ice caves.
Langjokull
It’s the second largest glacier in Iceland after Vatnajokull and because of its shape it’s called “the long glacier”. Langjokull is the most popular glacier for the snowmobiling tours operating all year, as it is always covered in snow. But! if you would like to get to know also the World of the glaciers hidden under the surface you can book a tour by a specially modified vehicle and enter into the man-made tunnel inside the Langjokull glacier. Moreover, as the glacier is constantly moving and melting, some astounding ice caves were discovered in the Langjokull lately. You can visit them while on one of the snowmobiling tours.
Eyjafjallajokull
The eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 affected not only Iceland but also other European countries stopping the air traffic. Another result of the event was also a touristic boom as the infamous volcano made Iceland quite an effective advertisement while all journalist in the international media were trying to pronounce Eyjafjallajokull correctly. Now, it is possible to have a hike on the paths of the eruption or book a super jeep tour to Eyjafjallajokull.
Please note, that hiking on glaciers can be dangerous and remember to visit them in a company of a professional local guide.
Are you ready for once in a lifetime hiking experience?
Have a wonderful stay in Iceland!
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