Sólheimajökull Glacier Walk
Sólheimajökull
A short walk from the car park to the snout of Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier of Mýrdalsjökull on the south coast.
- Distance
- 1 km
- Out & back
- Time
- 20 minutes
- Ascent
- 10 m
- Max 110 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
The Sólheimajökull walk is a short, easy route to the edge of an outlet glacier in South Iceland. The out-and-back path is 1 km, takes about 20 minutes and has only about 10 m of ascent, with a highest point of around 110 m. It is one of the easiest ways to see a glacier up close without a tour.
Sólheimajökull flows down from the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, and its snout is streaked with black ash from past eruptions. A lagoon has formed in front of the ice as it has retreated over recent decades, so the walk to the edge gets longer over time. The path leads to a viewpoint near the glacier; going onto the ice itself requires a guide and proper equipment.
Highlights
- The glacier snout up close
- Black ash bands in the ice
- Very easy access
- Glacier tours start here
The route
Car park to the glacier viewpoint
From the car park, follow the path along the gravel valley floor towards the glacier. The route is short, flat and easy, with the grey and black ice growing larger ahead. Look at the bare moraine around you: not long ago much of this ground was still covered by the glacier.
At the glacier edge
The path ends near the lagoon and the glacier snout, where you can see the layers of ice and ash up close. Admire the view from a safe distance, but do not walk onto the ice or climb on icy ridges without a guide. Return the same way to the car park.
Getting to the trailhead
Sólheimajökull is reached by Route 221, a short road off Route 1 between Skógar and Vík. There is a car park at the end of the road, where guided glacier walk operators also meet their groups. It is about two and a half hours' drive from Reykjavík.
Where to stay
Skógar and Vík are both within a short drive and have hotels, guesthouses and campsites. Farm stays along Route 1 are also nearby, and the area is easy to combine with Skógafoss and the plane wreck.
Best time to hike
Sólheimajökull can be visited year-round. Summer gives easy access and long days. In winter the path can be icy and daylight short, but the glacier is just as impressive and guided glacier walks usually still run.
Safety
Do not walk onto the glacier without a guide: crevasses, meltwater channels and unstable ice can be deadly. Stay away from the lagoon edge, as ice can collapse. Follow signs and any closures. In an emergency call 112, and check SafeTravel.is for warnings.
Plan & book
Book your Sólheimajökull Glacier Walk hike
CampingSouth Iceland Campsites
Campsites from Þakgil to Vík and Skógar.
Tjalda.is directory
Glacier hikeSólheimajökull Glacier Hike
The most accessible glacier hike in Iceland, 2.5 hours from Reykjavík near Vík.
Certified glacier guides3 hours (or day trip)
Guided tourSouth Coast Tours
Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Vík and the glacier lagoon. Multi-day versions reach Skaftafell.
Licensed Icelandic operators1–3 days
Online booking opens soon. Press any button to get notified when it does.
Sólheimajökull Glacier Walk FAQ
Can you walk on Sólheimajökull without a guide?+
No. Walking on the glacier requires a guide and equipment because of crevasses and unstable ice.
How long is the Sólheimajökull walk?+
The out-and-back path to the glacier viewpoint is 1 km and takes about 20 minutes.
Can you visit Sólheimajökull in winter?+
Yes, it is open year-round, though the path can be icy.
Hike it with a private guide
Guided trips with a licensed Icelandic guide, including transport and huts.
Private guide requests are coming soon
We are lining up licensed local guides. Sign up and we will let you know as soon as you can request a tailored quote.
