If you’re going to Iceland, chances are you’re planning on visiting one of the many glaciers the country has to offer. A glacier hike is one of the best ways to see this amazing world phenomenon. Iceland’s proximity to the Arctic Circle and its mountainous inner highlands make it one of the best places in the world to see glaciers.
Along the south coast drive, as you head west, you will see glaciers peeping out to your left, bright blues breaking through the white snow. I was overwhelmed by their formation, literally hundreds of feet from the road. I have seen glaciers in Canada and Alaska, and the ones in Iceland were more stunning by far. Maybe it was something to do with seeing them in their pristine winter condition, but Iceland is a mecca for glacier enthusiasts.
About 11% of Iceland is covered in Glaciers, and most of the accessible ones are found in the south. A great one close to Reykjavik is the Solheimajokull Glacier, about 2 hours from the city. The others are further away but are even more stunning and worth the visit if you have time.
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Why Glacier Hike?
Our adventure into the Solheimajokull Glacier was undoubtedly one of the most unique things we did while we were in Iceland. Since we visited in January, the glacier has been at its prime and is perfect for a glacier hike. Walking through the glacier (yes, literally THROUGH it at points) was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Imagine towering 12 feet up on either side of you, crystal blue ice, frozen to the touch, in a million different mesmerizing patterns. I felt like I was inside an ice castle, but I wasn’t – this was a natural glacier. It was WILD. This isn’t your standard glacier hike, people. And winter is the best time to do it.
You can also go glacier hiking during the summer but can’t do many other glacial activities. Iceland is so packed during the summer that I’m not sure why anyone wouldn’t want to visit during the winter. We pretty much had the entire glacier to ourselves, and it’s a BIG glacier. We were totally undisturbed, and our fantastic guide, Seitis, gave us more information on glaciers than we could have ever hoped for. She was super informative and told us of the neighboring volcanoes and what would happen when one erupts. (Which one is due to soon!)
She explained the glacier growth process and how they haven’t grown in years. Every year, they shrink further and further back. One step forward, two steps back – when it should be the other way around. The Solheimajokull Glacier has shrunk back about a mile in the last ten years. This is ASTRONOMICAL. It’s not something you can really picture until you see it in person. Once you do, you realize how much we, as humans, are destroying the planet we live on.
If not for the sheer exciting experience of glacier hiking, taking a tour with Icelandic Mountain Guides is worth it for the educational experience. I had a blast, and while I was aware that our polar ice caps were suffering, I had no idea how much until I saw firsthand.
Other Glacial Activities
There are tons of other glacial activities you can do with Icelandic Mountain Guides, including a glacier hike or on your own. Glacial caves, blue ice, snowmobiling, and the northern lights are just some of the amazing activities offered.
Our Experience With Icelandic Mountain Guides
As I mentioned above, our experience with Icelandic Mountain Guides was nothing short of phenomenal. From having all the necessary safety gear and hiking gear to checking in and the guides’ vast knowledge of the area, the entire experience was perfect. It was fun and educational.
The hike itself wasn’t too challenging, but you may want to bring a bottle of water, some chapstick, and your camera in your bag!
Is Your Trip Protected?
If the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic taught me one thing, it’s to never ever book travel without travel insurance.
Travel Insured is the ONLY company I use to ensure my travel, and I highly recommend looking into their yearly plans. They also have an “cancel for any reason” policy add-on that allows you peace of mind no matter what happens.
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