Adventurers from all over the world have long been drawn to Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, shimmering glaciers, and rugged terrain. However, if you have never hiked before or been on a glacier, the idea of exploring Iceland’s unspoiled wilderness can seem daunting. Is previous trekking experience required? What are the steps to taking a glacier walk? Also, what exactly is a “crampon”? The bright side? It does not have to be scary. You’ll learn everything you need to know about guided hikes and glacier excursions in Iceland from this cool guide (glacier), allowing you to embark on a stress-free adventure.
What to Expect When Hiking in Iceland Guided
Hikes in Iceland are a safe and enjoyable way to see the country’s dramatic landscapes, which include hot springs, black sand beaches, volcanoes, glaciers, and more. Icelandic Mountain Guides’ guided hiking tours are designed for everyone, from novice hikers to seasoned adventurers, and typically include everything you need for an unforgettable experience, including expert guidance, essential gear, and fascinating trivia along the way. With Icelandic Mountain Guides, you can hike or trek in a small group for a more intimate experience and plenty of time to ask questions. The geology, history, and folklore of Iceland are all well-known to professional guides, who are certified in wilderness safety and enrich your journey beyond the scenery.
Hiking in Iceland: Is It Really for Beginners?
Absolutely. Iceland is known for its dramatic terrain, but it also has a lot of easy hiking and trekking trails for beginners. Hiking in Iceland is not only accessible but also extremely rewarding if you have the right equipment and support. Iceland is an excellent destination for novice hikers because of the following: Trails marked clearly Expert mountaineers from Icelandic Mountain Guides Mild temperatures during the summer that are ideal for hiking (10–15°C / 50–60°F) a variety of landscapes, including valleys, glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanic plains, that have something for everyone. That doesn’t mean you should climb the nearest mountain on a whim. Take a tour or read our Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Iceland to ensure that you are well-equipped for any weather or circumstance.
What is a glacier walk on thin ice?
A guided walk atop a glacier is what it sounds like: a glacier walk. These adventures, which are led by a knowledgeable guide, take you to the surface of Iceland’s frozen ice giants, where you’ll see deep crevices, ice ridges, and hypnotic blue ice formations. However, walking through history is more than just walking on ice. The landscapes shaped by thousands of years of natural forces are constantly being altered by Iceland’s glaciers. In fact, Iceland is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking glaciers. These massive icebergs, which cover about 11% of Iceland’s land area, are not only breathtaking to behold but also play a crucial role in the geology, ecosystem, and climate of the country. What’s more, is no experience is needed for most beginner tours, which are tailored for first-time glacier explorers and hikers.
An Overview of Iceland’s Glaciers
A glacier is a large body of ice that forms when snow builds up over time, compresses, and gradually solidifies. This process has been going on in Iceland for thousands of years, particularly during and after the most recent ice age. Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier in volume, is one of Iceland’s most famous glaciers. Spanning over 8,000 square kilometres, it covers much of southeast Iceland and is the centrepiece of Vatnajökull National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Snfellsjökull in the west, Hofsjökull in the highlands, and Mrdalsjökull, which is atop the powerful Katla volcano, are three other well-known glaciers. Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier of Mrdalsjökull that is on the South Coast and just a few hours from Reykjavk, is one of the glaciers that visitors can visit the most easily. This glacier is ideal for guided glacier walks, which allow visitors to get up close and personal with glacial landscapes, ice formations, and crevasses—often for the first time.
No Matter the Terrain, It’s Good To Have A Guide
A guided hike removes the guesswork and lets novice hikers concentrate on the journey (and breathtaking scenery). For glacier walks, for example, crampons and helmets are provided, and the routes are carefully chosen for their accessibility and interest. You will always have support along the way, whether you are hiking through geothermal valleys near Reykjavk or walking on ancient ice along the South Coast. Icelandic Mountain Guides make it simple to experience Iceland’s wild beauty, even if this is your first time hiking, with tours that range from half-day to multi-day treks, personalized attention, and small group sizes. If climbing a glacier in Iceland is on your bucket list, hiring a guide is not only a good idea but also a necessity. Although Iceland’s glaciers may appear tranquil from a distance, hidden crevasses, shifting snow bridges, and unpredictable conditions lie beneath the surface. You should not explore this area on your own. When you go on a tour with Icelandic Mountain Guides, you’ll be accompanied by experts who have been trained in mountain safety, wilderness first aid, and how to navigate glaciers. To make sure you’re on the safest route possible, guides constantly assess the conditions. You won’t be pushed beyond your comfort zone because the tours are designed for different fitness levels. Getting Ready for an Adventure If you are just starting out as a hiker, it is likely that your suitcase does not contain all of the specialized gear that is required to scale a glacier. While Icelandic Mountain Guides provides travelers with any specialized equipment they require to safely complete their hike, such as crampons, helmets, and harnesses for ice climbing and glacier walks, you will still need some basic clothing to remain comfortable while trekking in Iceland.
Wait a minute; what exactly are crampons?
Crampons are metal spikes that strap onto your hiking boots, giving you excellent grip on icy terrain. They’re like snowshoes for your feet! Along with an ice axe and helmet — also provided on all glacier tours — they’re essential for staying safe and confident while exploring the glacier.
Tours in and around Reykjavk and the South Coast
Whether you’ve set up your home base in Reykjavík or you’re out and about exploring Iceland’s scenic South Coast, there are beginner-friendly hiking and glacier adventures within easy reach.
Some of our top recommendations for novice hikers and glacier walkers are as follows: Glacier Hike Express: If you want to try glacier hiking without spending a full day, this short, easy-to-follow glacier walk is for you. You can explore Falljökull, one of the striking outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap, in just 2.5 hours while still having ample time to enjoy other nearby attractions. With your guide leading the way, you’ll experience the raw, ever-changing beauty of Iceland’s glacial landscape — a thrilling adventure you won’t soon forget.
Take a Walk on the Ice Side: This glacier adventure for beginners combines the excitement of walking on ice with visits to Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, two of Iceland’s most well-known waterfalls. This makes it the ideal way to spend a day exploring the South Coast. The scenic two-hour drive from Reykjavk takes you past stunning landscapes and beneath the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which was famous worldwide for erupting in 2010. Sólheimajökull, a striking outflow of the larger Mrdalsjökull glacier, can be found just beyond. It is your entry point to an unforgettable ice adventure.
