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Discover the Adventure Ground in South Iceland, a unique terrain featuring glaciers, black sands, and glacial lagoons, perfect for a variety of adventurous activities.

Situated in the rugged landscapes of South Iceland near Myrdalsjökull and its outlet glacier, Sólheimajökull, the Adventure Ground is a prime destination for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts.

This expansive area, known for its thrilling natural beauty, features a rich tapestry of terrains: Iceland's 4th largest ice cap and its outlet glacier, a shimmering glacial lagoon, vast black sands, and extensive hiking trails.

With two separate base camps approximately 9 km apart, the Adventure Ground offers a variety of adventurous activities on ice, water, sand and trails, making it an ideal spot for those looking to dive into Iceland's raw and untamed beauty.

Best Time to Visit
All year round
Coordinates to Sólheimajökull Base Camp
N 63.532833; W -19.369675
Coordinates to Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp
N 63.494753; W -19.328642

Activities to Enjoy

The Adventure Ground provides a plethora of activities tailored to leverage the unique terrain and offer unforgettable experiences:

  • Glacier Walks: Strap on your crampons and explore the icy expanse of Sólheimajökull or Mýrdalsjökull glaciers.
  • Ice Climbing: Challenge yourself with the exhilarating sport of ice climbing, suitable for beginners and experienced climbers.
  • Snowmobiling: Experience the thrill of speeding across the snowy landscape with stunning views of the coast below.
  • Hiking: Trek through hidden trails offering scenic views and a chance to escape the more crowded tourist spots.
  • Glacier Lagoon Kayaking: Paddle among icebergs in the serene waters of a glacier lagoon.
  • ATV and Buggy Riding: Navigate the black sands of Sólheimasandur, including a visit to the iconic DC-3 plane wreck.

The Highlights of South Iceland's Epic the Adventure Ground

Featuring a stunning white landscape all year round that stretches over 600 square kilometers, Mýrdalsjökull ice cap not only covers the infamous Katla volcano but also serves as a backfrop fot epic ATV and Buggy tours, and the ultimate location for snowmobile and ice cave tours.

Sólheimajökull, an easily accessible outlet glacier of Mýrdalsjökull, is ideal for glacier walks and ice climbing. As the closest glacier to Reykjavík, it is particularly popular among families. Its lagoon provides a perfect setting for calm-water kayaking, offering epic views of glacial vistas and icebergs. The glacier is visually striking with its layers of blue ice and black volcanic ash.

Sólheimasandur is a breathtaking black sand and gravel plain shaped by glacial floods, offering a stark and beautiful contrast to the lush landscapes around. It's perfect for an adrenaline-pumping ATV or Buggy ride.

The famous plane wreck on Sólheimasandur adds a historical intrigue to the area. The remnants of this U.S. Navy aircraft, which made an emergency landing in 1973, now provide a popular photo opportunity.

The area offers an excellent view of Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which is famous for its 2010 eruption. Today, it offers stunning views and the chance to learn the challenging pronunciation of its name, enhancing your visit with a touch of Icelandic language charm.

How to Get to the Adventure Ground

Reaching the Adventure Ground is straightforward. If driving, head 165 km east of Reykjavík. As a landmark, you'll pass the majestic Skógafoss waterfall just 6 km before reaching the base camps.

Keep an eye out for the large signs along the main road that indicate the turn-offs to the base camps.

For those without a vehicle, there's no need to worry. The Adventure Bus runs daily from Reykjavík. These tours combine the convenience of guided sightseeing with the excitement of adventurous activities in the area, offering a comprehensive experience of the natural beauty and thrill of the Adventure Ground.

Tours on the Adventure Ground

1 hour

ATV Quad Express on Sólheimasandur

Welcome to an extraordinary ATV experience that transcends the ordinary – our Quad Bike Adventure awaits at the Mýrdalsjökull Base!

From €180/person
2 hours

ATV - Black Beach Safari and the Plane Wreck

Looking for an active tour in south Iceland? Get an adrenaline rush while riding an ATV on vast black sand beaches! This thrilling 2-hour guided tour includes breathtaking views of the surrounding area and a visit to the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck.

From €215/person

2-Hour Buggy Experience to Mýrdalsjökull Glacier

Experience the thrill of adventure with our Glacier Buggy tour! Navigate Iceland's rugged landscapes, race alongside reflective rivers, and journey to the edge of the stunning Myrdalsjökull glacier. A heart-racing experience you won't forget.

From €283/person
2 hours

Askur Ice Cave Adventure

Explore the breathtaking natural ice cave nestled within the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Wander through a shimmering ice tunnel, marvel at the intricate ash layers from nearby eruptions, and immerse yourself in the surreal atmosphere. Enjoy a thrilling buggy or snowmobile adventure with fantastic views.

From €311/person
6.5 hours

Glacier Panorama Trail

Enjoy a versatile, scenic hike by the volcano Katla that rewards you with a stunning panoramic glacier view of Eyjafjallajökull, Sólheimajökull and other unique landscapes of the scenic south coast. This guided day tour, which is moderately difficult, gives you a glimpse into the world of Iceland’s geological wonders and how glaciers have shaped the land for thousands of years. A specially modified glacier truck transports you approximately 750 metres to start the hike, which will generally continue downhill. Participants should be in good physical shape with some mountain climbing experience.

From €159/person
2.5 hours

Kayaking by the Glacier

With its enormous white and blue icebergs breaking off from Sólheimajökull Glacier, join this leisurely kayak tour where you will sail along the Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon. This is an experience you absolutely cannot miss out on. Bask in the beautiful nature surrounding you as your expert guide leads you around this gorgeous outlet glacier.

From €131/person
1 hour

Plane Wreck Shuttle

Hop aboard the Plane Wreck shuttle for the 4 km (2.5 mi) to the DC-3 aeroplane wreckage on the hauntingly beautiful black sand beach of Sólheimasandur. The shuttle is available seven days a week between 10:00 and 17:00 and takes just 10-15 minutes to get to the plane!

From €22/person
4 hours

Sólheimajökull Glacier Walk and Ice Climbing

Experience an easy glacier walk with an introduction to ice climbing on this small group day tour. You will explore the majestic landscapes of Sólheimajökull glacier, including water cauldrons, ridges, and deep crevasses, followed by a quick search for a suitable spot to rig up our gear for a short, moderately difficult introduction to ice climbing. You can expect about 3 hours on the ice with a professionally trained glacier guide.

From €197/person
3 hours

Glacier Discovery

Join this easy, short glacier walk and explore the beautiful, icy wonderland of Iceland’s Sólheimajökull Glacier. Enjoy the fresh air, interesting shapes and hues of the ice and marvel at the vast and remote slice of south Iceland. Led by an expert guide, get up close and personal with one of the country's most famous glaciers!

From €114/person
10 hours

Day Hike over Fimmvörðuháls

Want to experience a slice of the highlands but don’t have the time for a multi-day hike? Book this guided day tour over the spectacular Fimmvörðuháls pass! A professionally trained guide will lead you on this trail, named one of the Best Hikes in the World by National Geographic. Expect a demanding 10-hour hike where you will see fantastic glacier views, volcanic craters, vast canyons and impressive waterfalls. The 22-kilometre hike is available July-August; participants must be at least 12 years old and up for a challenging hike.

From €284/person

Day Tours from Reykjavík

10.5 hours

South Coast & Glacier Hiking

Enjoy a guided glacier walk, exploring the beautiful, icy wonderland of Iceland's Sólheimajökull Glacier. Enjoy the fresh air, interesting shapes and hues of the ice and marvel at the vast and remote slice of south Iceland. Get up close and personal with one of the country's most famous glaciers! Expect a 2-hour drive from Reykjavík, a 1.5-hour glacier hike, and some sightseeing along the south coast and back to Reykjavík.

From €183/person
10.5 hours

South Coast & Askur Ice Cave Adventure from Reykjavík

Explore Iceland's epic South Coast up close and personal. This tour features a thrilling ride to a newly discovered natural ice cave and Iceland's most iconic waterfalls Seljalands,foss and Skógafoss.

From €318/person
11 hours

South Coast & Glacier Kayaking

Discover the essence of Iceland's natural beauty on this day tour, featuring two of Iceland's most renowned waterfalls and an exhilarating kayaking experience on a glacier lagoon. Journey through landscapes that blend cascading waters with icy wonders, all in a single, unforgettable day.

From €197/person
10.5 hours

South Coast & Sólheimasandur DC-3 Plane Wreck Black Beach ATV Adventure

Explore Iceland's legendary South Coast, where the thundering cascades of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss await. Amidst the shadow of the mighty Katla volcano, feel the thrill of an ATV ride across scenic valleys and black sand expanses, leading you to the iconic DC-3 plane wreck on Sólheimasandur beach. A harmonious blend of tranquil vistas and heart-pounding adventure!

From €239/person
10.5 hours

South Coast - Glacier Snowmobiling Adventure

Join this thrilling snowmobile experience on the mighty Mýrdalsjökull Glacier! Spend 1-hour riding across the ice field, with breathtaking scenery and an experienced guide. This day tour doesn’t require previous snowmobile riding experience, and anyone over the age of 17 with a valid driver’s licence can operate the snowmobile. But, if there are kids over 8 in the group or non-drivers, they can ride as a passenger. Get ready to glide on a glacier! The tour also includes sightseeing stops at the epic waterfalls Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss!

From €301/person

Questions and Answers about Adventure Tours in Iceland

Related tours

10.5 hours

South Coast & Askur Ice Cave Adventure from Reykjavík

Explore Iceland's epic South Coast up close and personal. This tour features a thrilling ride to a newly discovered natural ice cave and Iceland's most iconic waterfalls Seljalands,foss and Skógafoss.

From €318/person
10.5 hours

South Coast & Askur Ice Cave in a Mountain Truck

Experience the mesmerizing Askur Ice Cave on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. This adventure includes a scenic South Coast tour with stops at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, followed by an exhilarating mountain truck ride to the cave. Perfect for families and adventure seekers alike!

From €246/person
2 hours

Askur Ice Cave Adventure

Explore the breathtaking natural ice cave nestled within the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Wander through a shimmering ice tunnel, marvel at the intricate ash layers from nearby eruptions, and immerse yourself in the surreal atmosphere. Enjoy a thrilling buggy or snowmobile adventure with fantastic views.

From €311/person

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