Iceland, often referred to as the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’, is a country bursting with natural wonders and dramatic landscapes. The ‘fire’ comes from the geysers and volcanoes of Iceland, while the ‘ice’ is the majestic glaciers, which cover 10% of the country’s land area.
At Ice Guardians, our mission is to bring unique and immersive experiences in Vatnajökull National Park, South East Iceland — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our approach on trips is to educate, advocate for, and show the importance of glaciers to the world. You’ll also learn about volcanoes, landscapes, floods, changing climates, and their impact on local lives.
Glacier tours are an excellent way to get up close and personal with these wonders, and in this guide, we will look at the different types of tours and the best times to explore. You can count on us — we are experts in Iceland Glacier Tours!
Be sure to check out our YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes footage and educational information.
Iceland’s Glacial Giants: The Power of Nature
Remnants of the Ice Age, Iceland’s glaciers have been shaped by thousands of years of snowfall and compression. They are living, ever-changing formations that play a significant role in our country’s ecosystem.
The largest glacier in Iceland is Vatnajökull, which is also the largest in Europe by volume. Learn all you need to know about Vatnajökull ice caves in our informative guide. Others, such as Langjökull and Snæfellsjökull, are equally as awe-inspiring.
When experienced under the guidance of a local expert, your tour is sure to be informative and rewarding.
Types of Glacier Tours in Iceland
There are so many ways to explore the ice. Some more daring than others, but all have the same aim — to give you a deeper understanding of these ancient formations.
Glacier Hiking Tours in Iceland
If you have a sense of adventure and a need to explore, glacier hiking will be right up your street. Glacier hiking tours in Iceland, like the ones at Ice Guardians, are led by experienced guides who know the glaciers like the back of their hands.
We focus on the glacier hikes in Vatnajökull National Park, providing immersive and interactive experiences for all. It takes a full day to get the most out of the hike, and due to the length and low ratio of guests to guides, you can expect to explore far beyond the most crowded areas.
Otherworldly ice formations await you in this one-of-a-kind day trip in Iceland.
Ice Caving Tours in Iceland
In the winter months, glacier meltwater carves intricate tunnels and chambers into the ice, forming ice caves. This natural phenomenon is truly mesmerising, and a photographer’s dream to shoot. Stunning blue hues are a given.
Vatnajökull is a hotspot for ice caving tours because of the caves’ incredible ice quality. These world-renowned glacier ice caves are the single reason many people travel to Iceland in the winter months. Their ever-changing nature is truly something to behold. New safety regulations will mean that guided ice cave experiences can only take place between October and April, but this is also when the ice is at its most beautiful.
Few will ever witness these majestic caves, let alone venture into them, making this experience so special.
Ice Climbing Tours in Iceland
Iceland’s glaciers are the perfect playground to try ice climbing, whether you’re an experienced climber or just raring to give it a go! You can spend up to eight hours hiking to and ice climbing multiple faces and/or moulins (vertical rivers) on an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. This is a full day of learning, coaching, and ice climbing with an expert Ice Guardians guide. Start on a relatively low-grade climb and progress to increased steepness up to vertical or more during the day.
Your day of ice climbing could also include the opportunity to go down and climb out of glacier moulins, one of the scariest glacier features. This is a private ice climbing trip on Vatnajökull Glacier to allow for maximum progression with your climbing, spending lots of time with your guide.
Other Ways to Explore Glaciers in Iceland
As well as glacier hiking, ice caving, and ice climbing, there are also several other ways to explore the glaciers in Iceland. Did you know that we introduced Iceland canyoning trips (or canyoneering) to this remarkable country? It is one of the most thrilling ways to explore the country, by jumping, river hiking, sliding, and abseiling amongst blue pools, cascading waterfalls, and volcanic formations!
Glacier kayaking is also a good option if you are confident in the water. It gives a unique perspective on the glaciers, allowing you to paddle through glacier lagoons and get up close and personal with icebergs that have broken off from the glacier.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a popular location for this type of tour and a must-visit on any Iceland south coast itinerary.
When is the Best Time to Book Your Iceland Glacier Tour?
Your preferences and the type of tour you want to experience will determine when it is best to visit Iceland and its beautiful glaciers and ice caves.
March to April (Spring): Activities such as our Vatnajökull Glacier Walk are perfect for spring as the days are getting longer. As mentioned above, new safety regulations will mean that guided ice cave experiences can only take place between October and April, so you will need to arrange your plans in advance to make sure you secure a spot at the end of this period.
June to August (Summer): This time of year is perfect for glacier hiking, kayaking, and superjeep tours when the weather is milder.
September to October (Autumn): Some tours close for the season in early autumn, but if open, you can still enjoy glacier activities. For example, glacier hikes and climbs are still available, and it can be a bit quieter on the glacier in autumn.
November to March (Winter): This is prime time for ice caving as the caves are stable, and the snow-covered landscapes add to the enchantment of the experience. Shorter daylight hours are the payoff, though!
Book Your Iceland Adventure Activities with Us!
Exploring Iceland’s glaciers is an awe-inspiring adventure on your trip to this ethereal country. Connect with Iceland’s natural beauty and geological wonders on a tour with Ice Guardians. Explore our excellent range of Iceland adventure activities, and be sure to get in touch with our expert team if you have any questions.
We hope to welcome you on a Vatnajökull glacier walk very soon!
I’m interested in the glacier and ice cave tour but not sure if I’m fit enough to do it. What type of training do I need prior to tackling this adventure. Also, what is the cost per person? Ty.
Hi there,
Thank you for your comment, we have emailed you privately with further information.
Looking forward to hearing back,
Ice Guardians Iceland team.