Solheimajokull Glacier, Vik: Address, Solheimajokull Glacier Reviews: 4.5/5
Solheimajokull Glacier
Solheimajokull Glacier
4.5
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Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
776 reviews
Excellent
587
Very good
152
Average
36
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Victor K
Hong Kong, China448 contributions
Couples
We have visited a few glaciers in Iceland and can get nearest to this glacier and was physically possible to touch on it without joining a tour. (In my opinion, touching the glacier is already the red line, proceeding any further without a guide is not an option). It is a pay carpark from which we followed a wide and relatively flat gravel trail for about 5 minutes to see the glacier lagoon with numerous icebergs, and no more than half an hour to the glacier wall. It's stunning to see this and hear some ice cracking and dropping to the water. It was good fun to play with reachable ice.
Written May 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Asrah C
1 contribution
Couples
This was a PHENOMENAL excursion. We had the best guide in Marco, who was so friendly and cheerful and knowledgeable. He walked us through our gear and safety equipment, and we felt reassured that we were in reliable, experienced hands from the get go. Once we were on the (incredible) glacier, he walked us through the history and geographical points of interest and was funny and engaging the whole time. We left tired and thrilled. Definitely a high point on our Iceland trip. Would recommend to anybody!!
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
glagoljas
Philadelphia, PA4 contributions
Very impressive natural site and interesting experience walking on glacier. We did not join a tour, and so we did not walked too far inside the glacier, which would require special equipment. But even a short walk on the edge and a bit inside that we took was very satisfying and informative. If you don't want to commit to a several-hour guided hike (we didn't), you can still walk on the glacier for a little while. Just be careful and don't go off the path, as the many signs will warn you!
Written July 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HeardItBothWays
Easton, PA2,298 contributions
My husband and I visited Sólheimajökull Glacier while exploring Iceland's South Coast. This glacier has an easy path alongside the lagoon in front of it. The glacier is absolutely beautiful and it was interesting to see a few pieces of ice floating in the lagoon in front of it. There were also plenty of waterfalls around, including one that is visible above/behind the glacier.
Written October 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
plumcox
London, UK209 contributions
Imagine being able to park in a normal carpark and walk up to the very front of a glacier and touch it? Well, you can! No fancy four wheel drive required! Small car park charge (we paid on mobile phone app) and an easy 15 minute walk to a viewing point, and another 10 minute walk from there to get to the glacier.
I can see that if I'd got more physical capability I'd want to be part of the guided groups with their crampons and helmets, but I was very happy with what we were able to do, as were my children.
Breathtaking that we were able to do this. If you have the chance, please go!
I can see that if I'd got more physical capability I'd want to be part of the guided groups with their crampons and helmets, but I was very happy with what we were able to do, as were my children.
Breathtaking that we were able to do this. If you have the chance, please go!
Written April 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helen M
Westchester County, NY24 contributions
Although there were more visitors there than I expected , it was still so special to see a glacier up close. We booked a walk through a local guide company and they equipped us with hard hats and safety (climbing) harnesses and crampons - which enhanced the experience as we felt prepared and safe.
The total hike time was 3 hours. We would consider a longer hike if we were able to go again. It is amazing to see the crevasses and the ancient blue ice.
you can also visit some spectacular waterfalls along rte 1.
The total hike time was 3 hours. We would consider a longer hike if we were able to go again. It is amazing to see the crevasses and the ancient blue ice.
you can also visit some spectacular waterfalls along rte 1.
Written March 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
cmy
6 contributions
Friends
Our guide Alex was terrific. I was a complete novice and he was very patient with me and all the new people in my group as well as informative and kind. The views are absolutely spectacular and strange—like modern art formations. Don’t miss it. It’s not as scary as you think, I promise.
Written December 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nick w
London, UK995 contributions
We accessed a viewing area for the glacier up route F222 - which is an off road drive that needs 4WD. At the top you can walk down to one of the narrow glacial tongues or head up the valley to the main glacier.
If it is glaciers you are after would recommend travelling further East along route 1 towards Hofn where the glaciers are more impressive and easy accessible in the Skaftafell national park area.
If it is glaciers you are after would recommend travelling further East along route 1 towards Hofn where the glaciers are more impressive and easy accessible in the Skaftafell national park area.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Yvette F
Buckingham, UK241 contributions
Couples
Had a short stop here as weather not on our side. The reason i did not rate this excellent was that you have to pay for parking on site via a qr code or app and we tried to pay four times before it finally accepted our payment which was frustrating. Shame there is not a facility for people to pay on a ticket machine by cash or card. That said it was a good path to the viewing point, a fairly easy 10 min or so walk. From there you can walk further onto the beach and then up onto the glacier but heavy rain made us turn back. It is an awesome site to see and the little icebergs in the lagooc looked like a penguin and a wolf, see pic. I would imagine a tour up onto the glacier would be a thrilling hike, but beyond my physical capacity.
Written January 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Travel_Addict_Cyprus
Michigan984 contributions
Another impressive sight on the South Coast, Sólheimajökull is one of the many outlet glaciers of the mighty icecap of Mýrdalsjökull. Sólheimajökull is easily accessible; you get off the Ring Road and drive for about 4 km to the parking lot. You can hike right up to the glacier; it takes about 15 minutes depending on your pace. Simply spectacular and awe inspiring! One of my most favorite stops on the South Coast.
Don't miss it!
Don't miss it!
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LadyK
Houston6 contributions
Can you hike on the glacier without being on a tour? If you do want a tour guide, can you get one once you arrive at the glacier or do reservations need to be made with an offsite tour operator?
tracey k
Redmond, WA592 contributions
There is no law per section to forbid you from trekking up on the glacier by yourself. HOWEVER much local knowledge and common sense suggests this is not a good idea. PLUS SIDE, DOING IT YOURSELF...anyone can hike safely from parking lot to great views, gdecent conditions. You may find yourself content with this. If you want on glacier experience, there are guiding services at parking lot...or you can pre book. The point is, please dont attempt on your own. Here are my pictures, no guides needed, from trail to view glacier
CarlinhoBCN
Barcelona, Spain1 contribution
Hola!
Se necesita un vehiculo todo terreno para llegar hasta el Parking? o se puede acceder con cualquier tipo de vehiculo?
Gracias
Angel V
3 contributions
Se puede hacer mediante cualquier vehiculo
CarlinhoBCN
Barcelona, Spain1 contribution
Hola!
Se necesita un vehiculo todo terreno para llegar hasta el Parking? o se puede acceder con cualquier tipo de vehiculo?
Gracias
trixicologne
Cologne, Germany824 contributions
Hello,
you need a car for everything in Iceland. A normal car is okay for this street and parking place.
steveseiderman
Jeffersonville, IN2 contributions
Best camping option by glacier
Valerie J
575 contributions
The best camping would depend on the time of year and the amount of daylight available. I would go with a professional guide. Quicksand is common near the glacier and at times there are falling stones.
bgrossman16
Philadelphia, PA
What road do you take off the ring road to get there?
Do we need 4wd?
rometrips
154 contributions
Take the 221. It is asphalt so no need for a 4wd. I used Google maps to get there. Enjoy.
bgrossman16
Philadelphia, PA
Hi - you said it was just off the ring road. Can you access if you do not have 4wd?
We will be hiking other glaciers on tours and would love to see this, but not buy another tour.
spiewaa
Winfield, IL471 contributions
Yes, you can definitely access it even if you don't have a 4wd. It is super easy. You park by a small building/barrack and walk as far as the trail allows you. You need to stop at the point which informs you it is no longer safe to walk (unless you are with someone qualified or a tour).
What company did the tour?
Samit Bhattacharya
Dubai, United Arab Emirates256 contributions
We walked alone, but did not do the whole glacier as we had four children below 16 in the group.
We walked till the mouth of the glacier and about 200 meters up,
Geir-Arne S
Tromso, Norway
are there any landing facilities for helicopter?
HegeMarita K
Rasta, Norway181 contributions
Det er jeg ikke sikker på. Er en ganske storparkeringsplass der, men den er grus og stein så tror egentlig ikke det
Marina S
Buffalo, NY267 contributions
Is it worth stopping here just to look if not doing a tour?
karenpammy2016
San Francisco, CA1,002 contributions
Definitely well worth the stop. Allow yourself at least 45 min. - 1 hr. for the walk up to the foot of the glacier as the walk is nice. You don't need a guide for that portion.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solheimajokull Glacier
- We recommend booking Solheimajokull Glacier tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 104 Solheimajokull Glacier tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Solheimajokull Glacier:
- Small Group Glacier Experience from Solheimajokull Glacier (From $89.11)
- 3-hour Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull (From $98.00)
- Solheimajokull Glacier 3-Hour Small-Group Hike (From $82.74)
- South Iceland Glaciers, Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach Day Tour from Reykjavik (From $95.00)
- South Coast: Fire & Ice - Waterfalls, Glaciers & Icelandic Lava Show in VÃk (From $179.00)
- Hotels near Solheimajokull Glacier:
- (9.88 mi) Grand Guesthouse Gardakot
- (9.03 mi) Volcano Hotel
- (8.85 mi) UMI Hotel
- (3.27 mi) Solheimahjaleiga Guesthouse
- (4.78 mi) Skogafoss Hotel - Bistro and Bar
- Restaurants near Solheimajokull Glacier:
- (4.61 mi) Mia's Country Van
- (4.80 mi) Hotel Skogafoss Bistro & Bar
- (4.66 mi) Restaurant Hotel Skogar
- (4.79 mi) Hotel Skogafoss Restaurant
- (8.79 mi) UMI Hotel Restaurant
- Attractions near Solheimajokull Glacier:
- (0.01 mi) Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
- (0.51 mi) Mountain Excursion
- (2.97 mi) Arcanum Adventure Tours
- (4.78 mi) Skogafoss
- (4.26 mi) Skogar Museum