There are few places in the world where you can stand so close to a frozen realm of ancient ice, but Sólheimajökull glacier makes it possible. This striking glacier, nestled between two volcanoes—Katla and Eyjafjallajökull—stands out with its dramatic layers of ashy black from past eruptions and glistening white ice.
Its jagged crevasses, steep ridges, and shimmering blue patches create a surreal scene that’s hard to forget. Easy to reach and endlessly fascinating, it’s no wonder Solheimajokull is a favorite stop for visitors. Simply put, no trip to Iceland feels complete without seeing it for yourself.
The base of Solheimajokull, one of Iceland’s most approachable glaciers. Image provided by Gunnar Gaukur Guthmundsson.
Sólheimajökull glacier tongue is an outlet of Myrdalsjokull Glacier, located near the town of Vík and easily accessible from the Ring Road. Unlike most of Iceland’s glaciers, which are typically white or blue, Sólheim catches the eye with its bold black streaks. These unique markings were formed when ash from nearby Katla volcano and Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruptions settled on the ice, later covered by layers of snow and compressed into striped patterns.
One way to get a close look at this attraction is from the Sólheimajökull viewpoint, a flat, open area just a 15-minute (500-meter) walk from the parking lot. From here, you can see the glacier snout of Sólheimajökull, surrounded by rugged volcanic terrain, and the lake formed by its meltwater. The viewpoint is perfect for those who want to admire the glacier’s size and grandeur without venturing onto the ice.
Popular activities such as glacier hiking on Sólheimajökull are another way to explore this icy giant more immersively. Year-round tours on Solheimajokull take you safely onto the glacier itself, letting you walk among its deep crevasses, ridges, and shimmering blue ice. Even during the summer, Solheimajokull remains accessible and stable to explore.
To truly feel the sheer scale of the Solheimajokull, joining a guided tour is your best option. Whether you’re a beginner on a short, easy walk or looking for a more advanced climbing challenge, trained specialists can lead you across the terrain. You don’t need to buy tickets to see Sólheimajökull, as it’s free and open to everyone. However, you must purchase your activity excursion online, and like all tours on Iceland’s largest glaciers, booking in advance is required.
On Sólheimajökull glacier hiking tours, participants follow a trained and certified guide after gearing up with safety equipment like crampons and helmets. Once ready, they step onto the ice to navigate dramatic crevasses, unique ridges, and moulins and learn about the glacier’s unique features.
The distance covered depends on the tour, typically ranging from 3 to 5 km (1.8 to 3 miles), with a length of 1 to 3 hours on the glacier. The difficulty varies, from beginner-friendly, easy glacier walks to more challenging activities like ice climbing.
If you choose tours with pickup from Reykjavík, the adventure becomes a full-day trip of around 10-12 hours. Alternatively, you can drive yourself and meet the group at the glacier. We keep our groups small, with a maximum of 15 participants.
It’s important to note that glaciers are constantly changing, with deep crevasses and fissures forming as the ice shifts. For this reason, you should never hike here without a guide who is familiar with the terrain.
Dressing for a glacier hike in Iceland starts with layering. Wool or thermal underwear keeps you insulated, fleece or sweater adds warmth, and wind- and waterproof outer layers keep you dry. You’ll need sturdy hiking boots with thick soles—the guide will tell you how to put crampons on, but good shoes are needed for comfort. If you’re already familiar with how to dress in Iceland, this isn’t much different. Layering is essential to stay warm and allows you to adapt to the environment and weather changes.
Skogafoss waterfall in Iceland's South Coast. Photo taken by Gunnar Gaukur Guthmundsson
Because of the glacier’s convenient location in one of Iceland’s most accessible areas, it’s easy to combine your visit with popular attractions. The Sólheimajökull tour is an easy sightseeing day trip that includes cascading waterfalls and the South Coast. You’ll visit iconic Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Falls, together with the black sand beaches of Vík. The southern part of Iceland is famous for its natural wonders, and this tour is the best way to experience them.
The retreating outlet created the Solheimajokull glacier lagoon, perfect for kayaking through frigid meltwaters. During a two-and-a-half-hour adventure, you’ll navigate around floating icebergs while taking in views of the glacier reflected in the calm waters. Sólheimajökull glacier kayaking is a perfect way to take a look at one of Iceland’s most dynamic ice forms from a different angle.
What first appeared as a small puddle in 2007 has grown into the lagoon of Sólheimajökull, formed by the glacier’s retreat. Spanning a few hundred meters, it is about 60 to 70 meters (197 to 230 feet) deep and could extend up to 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) as the ice recedes. Icebergs, broken from the glacier, drift across the surface, showing volcanic ash layers.
The reservoir feeds the Jökulsá á Sólheimasandi River, which carries sulfur-rich meltwater from geothermal areas under the glacier. This gives the water a distinct sulfur smell, earning it the nickname "stinky river." The lagoon is just a 500-meter (0.3-mile) walk from the Sólheimajökull glacier’s parking lot and is striking evidence of climate change.
Scaling vertical walls of ancient ice is a heart-pounding adventure, and Sólheimajökull is one of the best spots in Iceland to experience it. This three-hour ice climbing on Solheimajokull is perfect for those in good physical condition. The tour starts from Reykjavík or the glacier parking lot.
After gearing up with ice axes, crampons, and helmets, your certified guide will lead you across the glacier’s dramatic terrain. You’ll climb icy walls, explore crevasses, and marvel at unique formations like shimmering blue ice and moulins. With safety ensured and fascinating glacier insights shared, this is a great journey to embrace Iceland’s frozen wilderness.
Sólheimajökull Glacier is located on Iceland’s South Coast, extending from the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap toward Route 1. It is one of the two glaciers closest to the capital, Langjökull being the other one.
Viewing the Sólheimajökull map, its surroundings are rich in natural wonders: to the east lie Skógafoss and Kvernufoss waterfalls, while to the south, the glacier gives way to the black sands of Sólheimasandur and the nearby village of Vík.
For Sólheimajökull glacier directions, drive along Route 1, passing Skógar and its waterfalls, then turn onto Road 221, where a sign leads you to this striking destination. The journey is an easy two-hour drive of about 165 km (102 miles) from Reykjavík, making it accessible for a day trip.
The Solheimajokull glacier parking is located at the end of Road 221, about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from Route 1 on Iceland’s South Coast. A parking fee of 750 ISK (around $5.31) applies, payable via the Parka app. The gravel lot accommodates cars, campervans, and tour buses. Restrooms are available nearby, and from the parking area, it’s a 15-minute walk to the glacier viewpoint.
Sólheimajökull Glacier weather shares a similar climate with Iceland’s South Coast, but it often feels 3-5°C (5-9°F) colder due to wind and its open, elevated location. During summer, the temperatures range from 9°C to 13°C (48°F to 55°F), while winters are on average -2°C to 3°C (28°F to 37°F). Even though you can see and walk on the glacier all year, the best time to visit is between June and August because of the long daylight hours and more stable weather.
Sadly, future generations may not see Sólheimajökull as it looks today. Due to climate change, it is one of Iceland’s fastest-melting glaciers. About 2.2 km² (0.8 mi²) of ice has already disappeared, creating a growing glacial lake where ice once stood. Each year, the glacier continues to retreat, reshaping the landscape around it.
Yes, Sólheimajökull Glacier is worth visiting. Its black-streaked ice, created by volcanic ash, makes it one of Iceland’s most unique glaciers. It’s also one of the largest and easiest to access, with hikes available for all levels. Visiting this location lets you see the glacier up close and understand the impact of climate change as it continues to melt.
To get to Sólheimajökull from Reykjavik, you’ll have to follow Route 1 going to the South Coast. You’ll pass by Selfoss and Hella towns, as well as Skógafoss and Kvernufoss waterfalls. After crossing a small stream, turn left to Road 221. You’ll know when to turn when you see a sign inviting people to experience the glacier.
Yes, you can drive to Sólheimajökull, as it’s easily accessible from Route 1 on Iceland’s South Coast. Simply turn onto Road 221, which leads directly to the parking lot near the glacier. The road is suitable for all vehicle types and is maintained year-round, making it easy to drive in Iceland in any season.
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours at Sólheimajökull, depending on the activity. A guided glacier hike typically lasts about 1-3 hours on the ice, while exploring the viewpoint or taking photos can take up to an hour. If you’re joining a tour from Reykjavík, plan for a full-day trip of around 10-12 hours, including driving.
Yes, walking on glaciers in Iceland is safe, but only if done with a trained guide. To do so alone can be dangerous because of cracks and crevasses that can be hidden under thin layers of snow, making it easy to fall into deep, icy gaps. The ice also shifts as the glacier moves, causing sudden changes in the terrain. Guides know how to spot these hazards, provide safety gear like crampons, and lead you on safe paths, ensuring a fun and smooth adventure.
It’s not officially illegal to hike on the Sólheimajökull glacier without a guide, but it is strongly discouraged due to safety concerns. The glacier’s surface constantly shifts, creating hidden crevasses and unstable ice. Guided tours are the only way to safely explore the glacier itself. However, without a guide, you can visit the surrounding areas, including the lagoon and viewpoint.
Yes, you can drink the meltwater from glaciers as it comes from snow and ice formed in remote, pristine conditions. Sólheimajökull is no exception, and guides often recommend filling your bottle from one of the glacier’s streams during a hike. If you have the chance, it’s a unique experience worth trying. Always take water from flowing streams, as stagnant pools can collect impurities.
Yes, you can go inside glaciers in Iceland, but only with guided tours specifically designed for this activity. While Sólheimajökull doesn’t feature ice caves, its parent glacier, Mýrdalsjökull, is home to the Katla Ice Cave—the closest option for visitors to the area. Other famous ice caves are found in Vatnajökull and Langjökull glaciers.
Nearly all glaciers in Iceland have a blue tint due to the dense, compact ice that absorbs most light wavelengths except blue. However, Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull, is often considered the bluest. Its compressed ice, with minimal air bubbles, enhances this vibrant hue, especially in the Crystal Ice Cave. This striking blue is a natural result of years of intense pressure transforming snow into dense glacial ice.
No, swimming in glacier lagoons is highly unsafe and strongly discouraged. The water is near freezing and filled with large, shifting icebergs, making it extremely dangerous. Strong currents and hidden underwater hazards add to the risk. For a safe and up-close experience, guided boat or kayaking tours are the best way to explore this stunning icy wonder.
The closest glacier to Vík í Mýrdal is the Sólheimajökull, located about 31.9 km (19.8 miles) by road west of the town. Another nearby ice cap is Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland’s fourth-largest glacier, which lies just north of Sólheimajökull and stretches across the highlands near Vík.
Sólheimajökull Glacier is melting at an average rate of about 50 meters (164 feet) per year. Since 2000, it has lost approximately 2.2 km² (0.8 mi²) of its volume and retreated by over 1.5 km (1 mile). The glacier continues to shrink, with around 763 meters (2,500 feet) of ice lost in 2022 alone, highlighting the ongoing effects of climate change.
