Blue Ice - Glacier Hike

Explore a frozen wonderworld. Blue Ice is a glacier hiking & ice climbing tour to Sólheimajökull glacier on Iceland´s south coast. This tour is offered both as a day tour from Reykjavik or you can meet the group directly at the glacier if you have your own transportation.
Trip difficulty ranges from 2 - 3 out of 5 possible

BLUE ICE - GLACIER HIKE FROM REYKJAVIK

Here is your chance to visit a glacier and not just any glacier, this trip will take you to the frozen glacial tongue that is Sólheimajökull. It is a magnificent phenomenon, a rugged, raw and ever changing hub of ancient frozen water. We will explore the crevasse riddled outlet glacier with its amazing ice formations, sink holes and jagged ridges accompanied by an experienced glacier guide. Along the way we will find an ice wall on the glacier and try our hand at ice climbing. We will provide you with all the tools you need: ice axes, crampons and safety lines, making sure you are very safe as you brave the heights. As we drive back to Reykjavik we will stop at the beautiful Skógafoss waterfall.

On this trip you get to see and do what most of the population will only dream about and very few ever try. Why not be adventurous and explore the amazing crawling glacier?

BLUE ICE - GLACIER HIKE FROM REYKJAVIK

Distance from Reykjavik: 164 km (102 miles) one-way
Duration of trip: approx 4 hours or 9 hours with transfer. You spend about 3 hours on the glacier
Available: All year (depending on weather).
Minimum: 4 persons.
Maximum: 20 persons.
Age limit: 14 years (see below regarding shoe size)
Bring with you:  Warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves. Good hiking shoes with ankle support are recommended! No knowledge of the sport required.

What kind of clothing is needed for glacier hikes?
Warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, warm head wear and good water proof winter gloves. Good hiking shoes with ankle support are strongly recommended, if you do not have hiking shoes then you can rent them from us. Just remember to book your shoes beforehand so you can be sure we will bring them along for you.

What is the minimum age of participants on the Blue Ice tour?
There is actually no minimum age for the Blue Ice, but there is a minimum shoe size. Our crampons can only fit shoe sizes from 35 EURO and upwards. So the minimum shoe size of participants on the Blue Ice is 35 EURO.

Where does the Blue Ice tour stop?
The Blue Ice tour stops at Hvolsvöllur town (final chance to use the toilet), it then goes directly to the Sólheimajökull Glacier, after the glacier trip we stop at the Skógafoss Waterfall before driving directly back to Reykjavík.

What equipment do you provide?
We provide crampons, ice axes, helmet and climbing harness, all included in the tour price.

What are crampons?
Crampons are metal spikes that we attach to the soles of your hiking shoes, these enable you to walk on the glacier ice with out slipping.

Is there a guide on each trip?
Yes there is a specially trained and certified glacier guide on each trip.

How many participants are there for each guide?
We have a low guide to client ratio, for every 8 participants there is one guide. This makes the tour a much more intimate experience and your guide is always close at hand to answer questions. 

How long time does the tour Blue Ice take?
The tour takes around 9 hours with transfer from Reykjavík. If you meet us at the glacier the tour takes around 4 hours. You spend about 3 hours on the glacier.

When is the pick up from Reykjavík for the Blue Ice tour?
We pick up from any hotel and guesthouse in Reykjavik between 9:00 and 9:30. So you have to be ready to leave at 9:00 and wait for your pick up in the lobby of your accommodation, we will be there to pick you up anytime from 9:00 to 9:30.

How much time do we spent on the glacier on the Blue Ice tour?
You are around 3 hours on the Sólheimajökull glacier.

Do I have to bring some food on the Blue Ice tour?
No, the Blue Ice tour includes a packed lunch. If you have some special requirements about food make sure you let us know when you book the tour, since the lunch is brought from Reykjavík and can not be changed on the day of the tour.

Do I need any experience of glacier hiking or climbing to join the Blue Ice tour?
No, it is an easy hike on the glacier and the climbing is an introduction on ice climbing, the guides will teach you how to climb. The Blue Ice tour is designed for first time glacier explorers.

BLUE ICE - GLACIER HIKE FROM REYKJAVIK