7 Ice Climbing Tours in Iceland, Compared

1.Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing Intro

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 380 reviews · 4.5 - 11 hours · from $203Our pick

Explore Sólheimajökull on a guided glacier hike, then learn the basics of ice climbing on a natural ice wall. Guides such as Monica, Daniel and Francesco have led these trips, but assignments vary. Choose a half-day meet-on-location option or a full-day Reykjavík trip with stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.

“This was one of the best activities that I booked for my Iceland trip! Francesco, was the absolute most amazing guide myself or the group could have possibly have asked for, he made sure all of us learned how to do everything and were safe before we did everything (the crampons and walking on the ice with them, climbing, rappelling, etc). We were able to do and see so much in the amount of time we had for this tour. If I come back and do this activity again, I would for sure try and request him!”

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2.Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing Intro – Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 151 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $211

Meet your certified English-speaking guide at Sólheimajökull’s parking lot, then gear up for a glacier hike and optional introductory ice climb. Expect crevasses, ridges, changing ice formations, and a safety briefing. Guides named on past trips include Daniel, Monica, Gaia, Francesco, Steve, Alberto, and Claudia, though your guide will depend on the departure.

“Firstly, we like to compliment francesco and Steve. These 2 italian guides make us feel like we are in safe hands. They are very professional, detailed and responsible. They made a wonderful team as well. You can tell Steve is very passionate of the glaciers too. They will share with us some info of the glaciers Especially the climb, this is a high risk activity, but u can see our guides are very patient n encouraging! We really enjoyed our hike n climb! Highly recommended!”

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3.Sólheimajökull Ice Climbing and Glacier Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 132 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $246Top rated

Meet your Troll Expeditions guide at the Sólheimajökull parking lot at 2:00 pm, collect boots and glacier gear, then hike about 15 minutes to the ice. Expect a guided glacier walk, instruction in ice-climbing technique and striking views of the glacier. Groups are limited to six, and the tour lasts about four hours.

“BAHASA MELAYU: Ini tour sangat hebat. Instruktor mahir dalam kraft panjat ais, menguna ax. Penting lagi, dia pasti semua group selamat. Nama dia Joao. English: All in all, an incredible experience. our tour guide, Joao was experienced and knowledgeable. He broke down key techniques into simple steps, and made learning the craft less daunting as it appears. His emphasis on safety and general concern for the group is noteworthy. And of course, some of the most incredible sites of the glacial”

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4.Skaftafell Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 128 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $266

Meet your guide at Tröll Expeditions Skaftafell for a four-hour outing to Svínafellsjökull, an outlet of the Vatnajökull ice cap. You’ll get boots, crampons, an ice axe and safety instruction, then hike among ice formations and try climbing an ice wall. The group is limited to six, and no climbing experience is required.

“Ice climbing on a glacier is a once in a life-time opportunity! Our experiences with Kevin and Yan were wonderful and adventurous”

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5.Sólheimajökull Ice Climbing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 49 reviews · 4 hours · from $294

Meet your guide at Sólheimajökull’s parking lot, gear up, and hike about 15 minutes to the glacier. With crampons, helmet, harness, and ice axe provided, you’ll learn basic technique on an easy wall, then try climbs at two or three locations. Groups are limited to five, and no prior climbing skills are needed.

“We had a great ice climbing tour! Our guide, Bergur, was very friendly, knowledgeable, and fun! We had a couple of climbs in 3 different areas. It was beautiful and a lot of fun. There was no pressure from our guide and he was very helpful and patient when we got a bit stuck! Highly recommend!”

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6.Skaftafell: Glacier Hike and Ice Climbing Guided Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 4.5 hours · from $240

Spend 4.5 hours on Falljökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, hiking past crevasses and ice ridges before trying ice climbing on a roped ice wall. A certified English-speaking guide provides crampons, an ice axe, helmet and harness. Groups are limited to six per guide; no climbing experience is needed.

“My wife and I absolutely loved hiking and claiming the Skaftafell glacier. Our guide, Udi (sp?) from Spain was fantastic. He completely customized our experience to meet our needs. The views were breathtaking, the challenge was fun and the experience was memorable. Fully recommend. Request, Udi if available.”

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7.Exclusive Ice Climbing Experience on Sólheimajökull

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 5 hours · from $432

Meet your private guide at Sólheimajökull’s Road 221 parking lot for a roughly five-hour outing, including about three hours on the ice. Learn basic climbing and safety techniques, then explore crevasses and ice formations. The experience also includes Dyrhóley Peninsula and Skógar, home to Skógafoss. Hiking boots are not provided.

“Fantastic experience, guide was knowledgeable and friendly. Views are gorgeous. Highly recommend if you like more unusual activities to do on a glacier.”

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