Only the brave, Challenging glacier hike in Skaftafell

Dressing appropriately is essential for a successful and comfortable glacier hike. Here are some suggestions:

Layer Up: Weather in Iceland can be highly changeable, so wearing layers is key. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer (think thermal underwear), add an insulating middle layer like a fleece or a light down jacket, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer.

Trousers: Opt for waterproof hiking trousers. Jeans are not recommended as they can get cold and uncomfortable when wet.

Footwear: Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots that provide good ankle support. Ensure they're comfortable for long periods of walking and are compatible with crampons. Some tour operators might offer rental boots.

Accessories: Don't forget a warm hat, gloves, and sunglasses - the glare off the ice on a sunny day can be intense.

Backpack and Hydration: Bring a small backpack with water and some snacks. Even if the weather is cold, glacier hiking can be strenuous and hydration is important.

Extra Change of Clothes: Finally, it's a good idea to have a change of clothes waiting for you back at your accommodation. After a day on the glacier, you'll appreciate getting into something dry and warm.

Remember, it's always better to over-prepare for the conditions than to find yourself cold, wet, or uncomfortable during your hike. The better prepared you are, the more you'll enjoy this incredible experience.

Sólheimajökull and Skaftafell are two different locations in Iceland, each having its unique characteristics and attractions.

Sólheimajökull is a glacier tongue that extends from the mighty Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Iceland's 4th largest ice cap. It is located on the south coast of Iceland between the volcanoes Katla and Eyjafjallajökull.

The area is renowned for its beauty and is perfect destination for glacier hiking and ice climbing due to its easily accessible location and terrain. We offer a variety of tours at Sólheimajökull, which are especially suited for families and those seeking a more relaxed experience.

Skaftafell is a nature reserve located in the Vatnajökull National Park in the south-east of Iceland. It is a green oasis nestled under the white expanse of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. Skaftafell is a hiker's paradise, with trails leading to stunning attractions and picturesque glacial tongues.

Skaftafell's glaciers are known for their rugged terrain and fantastic views. The tours we operate here are particularly designed for those with an adventurous spirit. If you're a keen hiker or climber, you'll find the challenging landscapes of Skaftafell incredibly rewarding.

While it may be physically possible to walk on a glacier in Iceland without a guide, it is strongly discouraged due to safety reasons.

Glaciers are complex and potentially dangerous environments, with risks such as hidden crevasses, unstable ice, and rapidly changing weather conditions topped with Iceland's constant earthquakes - often unnoticeable for humans but very much affecting the movement of the glaciers.

Guides for glacier tours are highly trained professionals who understand the glacier's current conditions, know how to navigate safely on the ice, and are equipped to respond to emergencies. They also provide the necessary equipment, such as crampons, ice axes, and safety ropes, which are vital for safe glacier exploration.

In the interest of your own safety and the preservation of these extraordinary but fragile environments, always go with a guide when venturing onto a glacier. The experience and knowledge the guides share will also likely enrich your understanding and appreciation of these amazing landscapes.

The size of Iceland's glaciers varies significantly, with the larger ones being among the most massive in Europe.

• Vatnajökull: The largest glacier in Iceland, and indeed in all of Europe, Vatnajökull stretches over 8,100 square kilometres — about 8% of the country's total land area. It's an ice-covered wonderland, with thickness reaching up to 1,000 metres in some areas.
• Langjökull: The second-largest glacier, Langjökull, covers approximately 953 square kilometres, with its ice up to 580 metres deep.
• Hofsjökull: This is Iceland's third-largest glacier, covering an area of about 925 square kilometres with its ice reaching 600 metres in thickness.

These glaciers and the country's other ice bodies are constantly evolving due to climate factors, so their exact size can change over time.

Absolutely! Glacier hiking is an incredible way to explore the beauty and raw power of Iceland's natural landscape. The unique experience of walking on centuries-old ice, seeing the magnificent ice formations, deep crevasses, and in some cases, brilliantly blue ice caves, is definitely a memory to cherish. The views from the glaciers are also typically spectacular, adding another dimension to the adventure.