17-04-2024
An outlet glacier of the epic Myrdalsjokull Ice Cap, Solheimajokull is one of the most popular spots for glacier hikes in the whole of Iceland. Set close to the coast in South Iceland, this expansive glacier is one not to miss during your visit to the Land of Ice and Fire.
Let’s learn all there is to know about Solheimajokull Glacier, including where exactly this ice giant is, how to get there, the best activities to do and top tips for your visit!
At 8 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide, Solheimajokull Glacier has a range of ice caves, ridges and crevasses, flowing into the Jokulsa a Solheimasandi River in the south. As Solheimajokull Glacier is melting rapidly due to climate change, the glacial lagoon at the base of Solheimajokull expands by the length of an Olympic swimming pool each year.
The surroundings of Solheimajokull Glacier are flat, rather than mountainous as with most glaciers in Iceland, so you can see breathtaking views of the Icelandic South Coast from Solheimajokull. Beautiful blue and white ice mixes with dark gray lava, creating a spectacular contrast that makes Solheimajokull Glacier stand out as a truly stunning Icelandic glacier.
Located in South Iceland very close to the coast, Solheimajokull Glacier is just over 30 kilometers from the picturesque seaside village of Vik and just under 160 kilometers from the Icelandic capital of Reykjavík.
At the base of the mighty Myrdalsjokull Ice Cap, underneath which sits the epic Katla Volcano, Solheimajokull Glacier can be found at the following GPS coordinates: 63.5569°N, 19.3028°W.
Reaching Solheimajokull Glacier from Reykjavík only takes around 1.5 hours by car. You’ll need to drive in a southerly direction along the main Ring Road in Iceland (Route 1), before you take a left turn at the ice cap to drive the short distance to reach the glacier from the main road.
If you’d like to combine a visit to Vik and Solheimajokull in one, you can start off at Vik and then head to the glacier, as it’s very close by. On your Solheimajokull Glacier and Vik Iceland adventure, the drive from the village to the glacier will only take around 30 minutes. This route also follows the Ring Road for most of the way (although in a northerly direction this time) until you reach the same turning, which is a right hand turn coming from Vik.
By far, the best way to reach Solheimajokull Glacier and continue your travels around Iceland is to rent your own car. Giving you ultimate freedom and flexibility to explore the island to your heart’s content, renting a car in Iceland will allow you to travel to Solheimajokull Glacier and beyond on your own schedule.
Another option for reaching Solheimajokull Glacier is to take a guided tour from Reykjavík that includes the glacier as a stop along the way, or to join a dedicated Solheimajokull Glacier hike.
So, what exactly can you do at Solheimajokull Glacier? Here are some of the best things to do and see while visiting this incredible icy natural wonder.
When visiting Solheimajokull Glacier, you’ll need to go with a guide to explore the glacier safely. You can take your pick of tours, depending on what you’d like to do. For example, this guided Solheimajokull 3-Hours Glacier Hike is a brilliant one to join to explore the glacier with an experienced guide, plus all the necessary hiking equipment is provided for you. Walking on the glacier is a truly unforgettable experience – one not to miss while in Iceland!
If you also want to explore the South Coast while at Solheimajokull, you might like to join an all-day adventure, such as this brilliant South Coast & Iconic Glacier Hike Full Day Tour. This tour takes you to all the top hotspots of South Iceland, including otherworldy black sand beaches and cascading waterfalls.
This one’s for the intrepid adventurers! Some of the ice walls at Solheimajokull Glacier can be climbed up using axes on specific tours. Check out this fantastic Solheimajokull Ice Climbing and Glacier Hike tour if you’d like to have a go at climbing this epic glacier for yourself. All the equipment you’ll need is provided, and you can learn more about this amazing natural wonder as you explore the area with your trained guide.
Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the incredible sights of Solheimajokull Glacier and the wider landscapes of Iceland’s South Coast. It’s a good idea to bring your camera in a waterproof case, as well as any other valuable electronics you bring along, to protect them from the elements. Keen photographers will love visiting Solheimajokull Glacier, for sure!
Follow our top travel tips to make sure you have a wonderful time during your visit to Solheimajokull Glacier.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes – You’ll need proper walking shoes to take a glacier hike at Solheimajokull, especially as the ice can be slippy, so it’s important to make sure your shoes have a good grip.
Choose warm and comfortable clothes – Bring layers to keep yourself warm while visiting Solheimajokull Glacier. Clothes that are comfortable to move in are best, so you can enjoying exploring the glacier without restriction.
Pack some water and snacks – As Solheimajokull Glacier is in a fairly remote natural area, you might like to bring along some drinks and snacks for your journey to make sure you don’t go hungry during your epic adventure!
Check the road and weather conditions ahead of time – Iceland’s weather is famously changeable, so it’s important to make sure that you check both the local Icelandic weather forecast and current road conditions in Iceland before setting off.
Feeling inspired to see the spectacular Land of Ice and Fire for yourself? Get started planning your unique Iceland vacation by choosing your travel dates, looking at accommodation and reserving your rental vehicle. Need any help? Feel free to contact us and our friendly team will be more than happy to help you out. We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful country soon!