Your private glacier tour
guide to Iceland

Embark on a personalized adventure with Glacier and Volcano Expeditions as you explore Vatnajökull, Iceland's largest glacier. Our private glacier tours offer an intimate experience, allowing you to connect deeply with the breathtaking landscapes and unique features of this magnificent ice cap. Join us for an unforgettable journey tailored just for you!

Experience Volcanic Ice

Hiking on an Icelandic glacier is a unique experience and we understand that you may be wondering what to expect on the ice.
This guide will hopefully answer any questions that you may have, however if you need further information please do not hesitate to contact us.

When is the best season to visit a glacier in Iceland?

Every month is distinctly different here in Iceland and the conditions may not be quite as you expect!

Summer glacier hiking in Iceland - Hiking on the glacier is easiest in summer time as the ice provides more grip after it has been exposed to summer heat which allows crampon spikes to engage with the ice more effectively than in the winter months. The weather conditions in the summertime are by far the most pleasant in Iceland. In addition to easier walking on the glacier ice, one can also enjoy camping, hiking and being outdoors in warm temperatures and very long daylight hours. Come and enjoy Iceland’s beautiful scenery all day and all night long!

Winter glacier hiking in Iceland - Winter on the glacier is incredibly beautiful as the ice is a lot more dense and blue in appearance. Air temperatures in Southern Iceland seldom become severely cold (below minus 15°C), however the powerful storms that frequently batter the country are often extremely brutal and should not be underestimated. Expect tour cancellations, difficult driving, road closures and confinement to the shelter of your accommodation.

So, what is the best season? Well it really depends on your style. In our opinion we would recommend the summer months. If you prefer perfect hiking in warm temperatures in comparison to cold unpredictable weather we would recommend visiting an Icelandic glacier in the summer.

Tip: September is also a really nice time to visit Iceland as the weather is still quite mild, the days are still long and you have the possibility of seeing the Aurora during the night.

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How cold is a glacier hike in Iceland?

glacier hike in a blue ice cave in winter

When hiking a glacier in Iceland, it’s important to be prepared for varying temperatures and conditions. Here’s a list of the average air temperature ranges you can expect during a glacier hike in Southern Iceland, along with considerations for wind chill and potential rainfall. Always ensure you have a quality waterproof jacket, trousers, and boots to stay dry and comfortable.

January: Very short daylight hours; storms likely, and snow probable. Approximate temperature: -10°C to +1°C
February: Short daylight hours; storms, rain, or snowfall likely. Approximate temperature: -10°C to +2°C
March: Still cold and wintery; rain or snowfall probable. Approximate temperature: -5°C to +3°C
April: Icelandic summer begins; usually snows, but storms begin to relent. Approximate temperature: 0°C to +4°C
May: Warmer temperatures return; snowfall unlikely. Approximate temperature: +2°C to +8°C
June: Summer arrives with the longest daylight hours. Approximate temperature: +4°C to +9°C
July: Iceland’s warmest month and often the best weather for glacier hiking. Approximate temperature: +5°C to +11°C
August: Typically offers excellent weather for glacier hikes. Approximate temperature: +5°C to +10°C
September: Fall begins, and Northern Lights make their first appearance. Approximate temperature: +3°C to +8°C
October: Winter is on its way; typically wet and windy. Approximate temperature: -1°C to +6°C
November: Ice cave season begins; short daylight hours; rainy and windy conditions with possible snowfall. Approximate temperature: -2°C to +5°C
December: Very short daylight hours; storms and significant wind; rain and snowfall very likely. Approximate temperature: -10°C to +3°C

For more details on what clothing is best to wear during a glacier tour in Iceland, scroll down to our dedicated section on glacier clothing!

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Are children allowed to hike on the glacier in Iceland?

Children are certainly welcome on Iceland’s glaciers!

However there are some things to consider before booking your tour, such as:

The age of the children - Children under the age of 7 are generally considered too young to participate in hiking tours. Children as young as 5 are able to join a private Glacier Kayaking Iceland tour if they can be in a double boat with a parent.
Fitness ability - Is the child active or does the child participate in sports activities? This will definitely help with the child ability to participate.
Your children’s experience level - If your children have been hiking on a mountain before they will be more prepared for hiking in the Icelandic wilderness.
Mental strength - Every child is different. Some children thrive in cold and harsh conditions while others find this rather challenging.

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What shoes are best to hike on a glacier in Iceland?

Correct footwear is one of the most important equipment items that we require our guests to bring with them on a glacier hike. Glacier and Volcano Expeditions does not have a boot rental service therefore it important for you to consider the type of footwear you will bring for the glacier trip.

Correct footwear directly affects comfort and safety on the glacier. If you wear suitable boots that are designed for the style of terrain that you are walking on you will be significantly more stable when walking on the ice.

Throughout the year you can expect to encounter mud, water puddles, streams and rain that will wet your feet so it is best to have solid, waterproof boots for glacier hiking.

In winter you can expect to encounter snow on the hiking trail to the glacier and also on the ice, so it is important that your boots are waterproof and cover your ankles to stop snow going inside your footwear and making your feet cold and wet.

Ice climbing boots and alpine boots need to have a stiff sole in order to support all of your body weight when you are standing on just the very front of your boots during an ice climb.

Glacier and volcano footwear guide

General hiking boots

General hiking boots that provide ankle support and are reasonably waterproof are fine for glacier hikes and hiking on the volcano.

These hiking boots can also be used for ice climbing, however they are not as suitable as stiff mountaineering boots.

Recommended for tours such as the Glacier Hike and Kayaking Combination and the Iceland Volcano Hike.

Alpine boots

Alpine boots are perfect for glacier hiking and can also be used for ice climbing as they have stiff sole which is necessary for ice climbing. These boots will keep your feet warm, dry and comfortable and will provide good ankle support. Alpine boots are designed to be crampon compatible and are the footwear that we recommend for glacier hiking.

Recommended for the Iceland Private Glacier tour and the Vatnajökull Ice Climbing tour.

Winter alpine / ice climbing boots

Winter alpine / ice climbing boots are perfect for “challenging” rated glacier adventures as they are designed for ice climbing. These boots will keep your feet warm, dry and comfortable and will provide good ankle support. This particular winter alpine / ice climbing boot also has a built-in velcro and elastic snow strap around the top of the boot to keep snow out.

Recommended for “Moderate to Challenging” rated hikes such as the Vatnajökull Ice Climbing tour.

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What clothing is best to wear on a
glacier tour in Iceland?

Glacier guides wearing waterproof jackets

It is important to wear appropriate clothing on the glacier so that you are warm, dry and comfortable. A waterproof jacket is mandatory and we also highly recommend bringing waterproof overtrousers. Iceland can be wet and windy at any time of the year and your choice of clothing can make or break your glacier experience!

It is common for people to overdress on a glacier hike and although this is usually not a major issue, it is important that you have a backpack with enough room to stash additional layers that you remove as a result of getting too hot during the hike.

A good rule to live by when hiking is to never wear cotton. Cotton provides little warmth and it absorbs moisture from sweat and rainfall and transfers cold to the body. Cotton teeshirts, sweaters and jeans should be avoided.

What we wear

Upper body

In any given month of the year our base layers are generally always a thermal long sleeve base layer of merino wool or a synthetic blend. On top of the base layer we usually just wear our waterproof jacket as this combination is warm enough whilst hiking, but not too hot so that we will sweat. It keeps wind and rain off and is sufficient for most days of the year apart from deep winter. We always take a lightweight down jacket or synthetic-fill insulated jacket to wear on top of the waterproof jacket when taking breaks, eating lunch, ice climbing or if it gets cold. If it rains we will put the waterproof jacket over the top of the down jacket to stay dry.

Legs

During the winter months we wear a merino thermal layer beneath our synthetic breathable hiking trousers on fine days with little snow on the ground. If there is deep snow, strong winds or rain we will wear our hiking trousers or thermal layer underneath our hard shell waterproof overtrousers.

In summertime we generally tend to just wear hiking trousers with no base layer and carry our waterproof overtrousers in our backpacks in case of rainfall. If it is raining at the beginning of the tour we will wear waterproof overtrousers over the top of our synthetic breathable hiking trousers.

Hands

Gloves are very important for the colder months (September to May) and also for ice climbing tours. Any type of glove is fine, ski gloves are ideal.

Head

During the summer months it is wise to bring a cap on the glacier to keep the sun off your face. In the wintertime a wool hat is highly recommended to help your head warm. Both caps and wool hats (without a pompom) are able to be worn beneath a helmet which is mandatory for most of our tours.

Eyes

Sunglasses are recommended for glacier hiking, especially during the summer months. The ice reflects UV light from the sun and it can be so bright it is hard to keep your eyes open!

Skin

Sunscreen is recommended for glacier hiking during the summer months, as is lip balm that offers sun protection.

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Glacier Photography in Iceland

Photographer on an private glacier photography tour

Serious landscape photographers understand the effort required to capture stunning shots.

They know that visiting exceptional locations, allowing time to consider compositions, setting up a tripod, and adjusting camera settings are all essential steps. At Glacier and Volcano Expeditions, we share this passion for photography and recognize the importance of producing high-quality images. To ensure you have the freedom to explore your creativity without the pressure of non-photographers, we recommend booking a private glacier tour specifically tailored for photography. This way, you can take your time and capture breathtaking images on an Icelandic glacier.

Please visit the Glacier and Volcano Expeditions Vatnajökull Photography Gallery for some examples of the landscapes in this part of Iceland.

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Can I fly a drone over an Icelandic glacier?

Drone and UAV Usage in Vatnajökull National Park

The general use of UAVs (drones) is permitted within Vatnajökull National Park, offering a unique opportunity to capture breathtaking aerial views of Iceland's stunning landscapes. However, it is essential to be aware of and adhere to the specific rules and regulations governing drone usage in the park. You can find detailed information about the rules for flying drones on the official Vatnajökull National Park website.

As a responsible drone operator, please respect the natural environment and the park's wildlife. Following these guidelines will help preserve the beauty of Vatnajökull for all visitors while ensuring that your drone experience is safe and enjoyable.

In general it is best to avoid:

Flying near airports or aircraft
Flying close to people, please be respectful
Flying close to animals

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What food is best to take on a glacier hike?

Lunch on a moving river of ice

Eating lunch on a moving river of ice is a truly special experience, and you deserve to treat yourself to something delicious! At Glacier and Volcano Expeditions, we recommend bringing tasty and nutritious food that provides energy for your glacier hike. Aim for lightweight options to avoid carrying an unnecessarily heavy backpack.

For shorter tours, such as the Glacier Kayaking Iceland experience, a small snack like a chocolate bar is ideal since there won't be time for lunch. However, for longer tours lasting four hours or more, consider what you’d like to enjoy for lunch on the glacier before heading to our meeting location.

Keep in mind that there are no large supermarkets near Skaftafell. You'll need to shop for supplies at the supermarkets in Höfn, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Vík, or Reykjavík before driving to Skaftafell. The Freysnes Fuel Station, where our tours begin, has a limited selection of convenience store-style food and takeaway lunch packages available at nearby restaurants.

Food Suggestions

When selecting food, choose items that are lightweight and won’t easily squish in your backpack. Dried fruits and nuts are great options compared to fresh fruit. Sandwiches, lunch wraps, and biscuits also make excellent choices. Don’t forget to pack a chocolate bar for a tasty treat!

Recommended items:

Apple
Granola bar
Sandwich
Icelandic flatbread sandwich with butter and hangikjöt (smoked lamb)—a classic Icelandic snack

Drink

If you have a thermos or insulated bottle, consider bringing tea or coffee. A water bottle is also fine, but it’s best to limit fluids to a maximum of one liter.

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Ability Levels for Glacier and Volcano Tours

Walking on an Icelandic glacier or volcano with Glacier and Volcano Expeditions requires a certain level of physical effort, which varies based on the nature of your chosen adventure. We prioritize the safety and comfort of all our guests, so it’s crucial to select a tour that matches your physical abilities. Please inform us of any medical issues or injuries you may have beforehand.

Factors such as limited physical fitness or pre-existing medical conditions—including ankle or knee injuries, joint replacements, neck or back issues, heart conditions, blood pressure irregularities, diabetes, or severe asthma—can affect your ability to participate safely in glacier or volcano excursions and increase the risk of injury.

Having medical issues or injuries doesn’t automatically exclude you from joining us. What matters most is that we’re aware of them. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Ability Level Definitions

Easy: Up to 2.5 hours of relaxed walking over relatively flat terrain with a few short, steep sections (comparable to walking up several flights of stairs). Expect uneven surfaces with boulders, loose rocks, and bumpy ice. This level is suitable for most people, including families.
Moderate: Similar to the easy level, but involves a 4-hour hiking duration and may include low-angle scrambling or short steep sections. Good balance and stamina are required.
Challenging: This level includes all the characteristics mentioned above, with more than 4 hours of hiking, requiring periods of strenuous exertion. Expect loose rocks and some steep uphill walking. Participants should be comfortable with heights and possess good balance and stamina.

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Safety during the glacier tour

Safety first!

At Glacier and Volcano Expeditions, safety is our number one priority. Everyone wants to avoid injury, and we take extensive measures to prevent accidents from the very start of each tour. Our highly-experienced and qualified guides ensure you can embark on a safe glacier or volcano adventure with confidence. Hazard mitigation begins with our guests; please inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries before the trip starts.

It’s essential for all participants to arrive with the necessary equipment, as we do not rent or lend clothing or boots. Ensure you come prepared with sufficient warm clothing, including a hat, gloves, waterproof jacket, and sturdy hiking boots that provide ankle support—running shoes are not suitable.

On all our glacier tours, we provide essential safety gear:

Crampons: Spikes to attach to your boots for walking on ice
Harness: For safety, in case we need to use a rope for protection or ice climbing
Helmet: To protect your head
Climbing and Rope Hardware: For various safety applications

Once we're out in the wilderness, it's our responsibility to mitigate hazards to ensure everyone’s safety. All we ask of you is to follow our instructions closely.

By booking a tour with Glacier and Volcano Expeditions, you acknowledge the natural risks associated with entering Vatnajökull National Park. Please be aware that we accept no responsibility for any loss resulting from such occurrences, including those outlined in our terms and conditions policy.

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Severe Weather and Cancellations

Icelandic weather can be extreme and unpredictable. Occasionally, conditions may become too severe to venture outside, prompting us to cancel tours for your safety. If Glacier and Volcano Expeditions must cancel your tour, we will do our utmost to reschedule your booking for a more suitable time; if rescheduling isn’t possible, we will issue a full refund. Please refer to our terms and conditions for complete details.

Safety is our primary reason for canceling tours. While we still venture into the wilderness during wet and windy conditions, it’s essential that you come prepared for the elements. In winter, temperatures typically hover around 0 degrees Celsius, while in summer, they average around 10 degrees Celsius. Remember that wind chill, rain, or snow can make it feel much colder, emphasizing the importance of suitable clothing and gear.

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