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- Blue Lagoon Iceland
- Perlan Museum Tickets
- Golden Circle Tours
- Vok Baths Tickets
- Whale Watching Iceland
- Secret Lagoon Tickets
- Reykjavik Northern Lights Tours
- Iceland Hot Springs
- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Tours
- Whales of Iceland Museum
- Hvammsvik Hot Spring
- Sky Lagoon
- Krauma Geothermal Baths
- Glaciers of Iceland
- Langjökull Glacier
- Whale Watching Tours from Akureyri
Contents
Book Iceland glaciers day trips
Must see places
Langjökull glacier
Europe’s second-largest glacier, best known for snowmobiling, and monster truck rides with convenient access from the Golden Circle.
Glacier tunnel (Langjökull Ice Tunnel)
A man-made tunnel carved deep into Langjökull, allowing visitors to walk inside the glacier year-round and see layered ice formations up close.
Golden Circle
Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route, linking Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss, often combined with Langjökull glacier tours.
Skaftafell glacier
One of the most accessible outlets of Vatnajökull, offering guided glacier hikes across blue ice, deep crevasses, and panoramic views in Skaftafell National Park.
Vatnajökull glacier
Europe’s largest ice cap, home to Skaftafell glacier hikes, blue ice caves, and some of Iceland’s most striking glacier scenery.
Mýrdalsjökull
A vast volcanic glacier dominating Iceland’s South Coast, serving as the gateway to Katla ice cave tours and dramatic landscapes shaped by fire and ice.
Sólheimajökull glacier
An easily accessible glacier tongue of Mýrdalsjökull, popular for introductory glacier hikes and close-up views of crevasses and ice ridges.
Katla ice cave
A striking natural ice cave beneath Mýrdalsjökull, known for its dark volcanic ice, sculpted walls, and year-round accessibility from Vík.
Iceland South Coast
A scenic region combining glaciers with waterfalls, black sand beaches, and coastal villages, often paired with glacier hikes or Katla ice cave visits.
Jökulsárlón glacier Lagoon
A world-famous glacial lagoon filled with drifting icebergs, typically visited alongside Diamond Beach on South Coast and Vatnajökull itineraries.
Secret Lagoon
A natural geothermal pool near the Golden Circle, offering a relaxing soak that pairs well with glacier snowmobiling or sightseeing days.
Mývatn snowmobile area
A lesser-visited northern region offering snowmobile adventures across open landscapes, ideal for travelers exploring beyond the South Coast.
Getting to glaciers of Iceland
Guided tours (Recommended)
Car (Self-drive)
The easiest way to reach glaciers safely and efficiently from Reykjavik or regional hubs.
- Time: 6–12 hrs round trip
- Cost: €€€
- Pros: Transfers, gear, expert guides
- Cons: Fixed schedules
For those planning multi-day trips and who want flexible itineraries.
- Time: Varies by glacier
- Cost: Rental + fuel
- Best for: Confident drivers
- Cons: Weather, long distances
How to get around the glaciers of Iceland
Walking
Limited to marked glacier access points and visitor areas.
- Best for: Short glacier walks
- Cons: Not suitable on ice without guides
Tour vehicles (Super jeeps & buses)
Used for glacier access and rough terrain.
- Pros: Safe, efficient
- Cons: Only available with tours
Car
Useful for moving between glacier regions.
- Best for: Road trips
- Cons: Limited access directly onto glaciers
Where to eat near the glaciers of Iceland
Good food is part of the glacier travel experience, especially along popular routes and base towns.
Fridheimar
Farm-to-table tomato dishes inside a greenhouse.
- Where it is: Golden Circle route
- Cuisine: Icelandic / local produce
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Price point: €€
- Must-try: Tomato soup
Skaftafell Bistro
Casual meals near Vatnajökull hiking trails.
- Where it is: Skaftafell Visitor Centre
- Cuisine: Café / Icelandic
- Rating: 4.2/5
- Price point: €€
- Must-try: Lamb soup
Where to shop
Skaftafell Visitor Shop
A practical stop near Vatnajökull for maps, outdoor essentials, and glacier-inspired souvenirs, ideal for last-minute gear or educational keepsakes.
Vík Wool & Souvenirs
A reliable place to buy authentic Icelandic wool sweaters, scarves, and locally made gifts, perfect for warm, functional souvenirs.
Golden Circle Stops
Well-placed roadside shops offering Icelandic snacks, lava stone crafts, books, and travel necessities, making them convenient breaks during long drives.
Frequently asked questions about visiting glaciers in Iceland
Do I need a guide to visit glaciers in Iceland?
Yes, glaciers and ice caves must be visited with certified guides, as conditions change daily and require safety equipment, route knowledge, and emergency preparedness.
What is the best time for visiting glaciers in Iceland?
Glacier hikes operate year-round, while natural ice caves are best from November to March when cold temperatures stabilize the ice formations.
Are glacier tours suitable for children?
Many easy glacier hikes welcome children, but snowmobiling and ice cave tours usually have minimum age limits, which vary by tour and operator.
How physically demanding are glacier tours?
Most standard glacier hikes involve moderate walking on uneven ice, while advanced hikes and ice climbing require good fitness and comfort with longer, steeper routes.
How cold does it get on glaciers?
Temperatures are often colder than nearby towns due to wind exposure, even in summer, so proper layering and windproof clothing are essential.
Can glacier tours be cancelled due to weather?
Yes, tours may be cancelled or rescheduled if strong winds, heavy snowfall, or poor visibility make glacier conditions unsafe.
What should I wear on a glacier tour?
Wear thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves, and sturdy hiking shoes; helmets, crampons, and glacier equipment are provided by tour operators.
Are glacier tours accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
Most glacier tours are not wheelchair accessible due to ice terrain, steps, and uneven surfaces, but viewing points and lagoons like Jökulsárlón are more accessible.
Do glacier tours include transportation from Reykjavik?
Some tours include hotel pickup from Reykjavik, while others require self-driving to meeting points like Skaftafell, Vík, or Húsafell, so checking the starting location is important.
Can I combine glacier tours with other attractions in one day?
Yes, many full-day tours combine glaciers with the Golden Circle, South Coast waterfalls, black sand beaches, or hot springs for a well-rounded itinerary.