Glaciers and Waterfalls ehf · Reykjavík hotels and bus stops
An 11-hour minibus day from Reykjavík with the guided hike on Sólheimajökull at its centre, plus Seljalandsfoss and the black beach at Reynisfjara. It is one of the best-rated ways to do the glacier without a car, with groups of up to 18 instead of a full coach.
The minibus collects you from one of 17 pickup points in Reykjavík, hotels and numbered city bus stops, and heads east over Hellisheiði, through Selfoss and Hvolsvöllur, with Eyjafjallajökull out of the window. The glacier comes first: the listing gives it about three hours, and the operator puts the hike itself at 3.5 to 4 hours including gear-up, the walk in and out, about 6 km with roughly 230 m of climbing. After the ice comes about an hour at Reynisfjara, a short look at Skógafoss and half an hour at Seljalandsfoss, then the 1.5-hour drive home.
Crampons, harness, ice axe and helmet are included, and the bus has Wi-Fi and USB ports. Food is not, and the lunch stop is at Reynisfjara, so bring a packed lunch or cash for the café. The minimum age is 10, and the operator says it is not for people with heart problems or mobility impairments. The approach is uphill on uneven ground: several guests call the hike a bit harder than they expected and still give it five stars. Bring sturdy boots of your own and a dry change of clothes; the listing mentions no boot rental.
Since the Icelandic Met Office warned on 22 July 2026 of a thinning ice ridge between two lagoons and of rockfall from Jökulhaus above the trail, operators decide each morning which route onto the ice is safe, and they have paused or rerouted tours when conditions demanded it. Access to the glacier stays open, and guests were posting 5-star reviews from the ice in October 2026. The operator says routes and distances on the glacier vary with conditions and the order of the day can change for weather and roads. Check your booking the day before. Every tour on this site cancels free up to 24 hours before the start. In late autumn expect wind and rain on the South Coast, and dress for both.
From your hotel or a numbered bus stop. The drive east takes about two and a half hours with stops.
Coffee, toilets and snacks. Buy lunch here if you did not pack one.
Gear-up at the car park, the uphill walk in, then crampons on and onto the ice among crevasses and ash layers with a certified guide.
Lunch stop at the black beach west of Vík. Stay well back from the water and follow the warning lights.
A brief look at Skógafoss on the way west, then half an hour at Seljalandsfoss, where a path runs behind the fall when it is not icy.
Drop-off at the same hotels and bus stops, usually in the evening.
★★★★★Best tour of my whole trip. Sven was awesome! Dont plan much for nighttime because its a long day. And it is definitely a lot of walking but nothing crazy at all. 10000/10
★★★★★Absolutely amazing tour from start to finish. Our guide Svenii was brilliant. He went over & above to make sure we were safe. [...] The hike to the glacier was so exciting. Would definitely recommend & for everyone. We are reasonably fit aged 58 & 66
★★★★★This was a smaller group which was perfect for this type of hike. Our driver/guide was very patient and took all safety precautions seriously. Our hike to the glacier took us through stunning scenery and of course the glacier hike itself was surreal.
★★★★★this trip was so cool, honestly the highlight of my trip. beware of the rain. even with waterproof clothing, everyone was soaked. [...] if it's predicted to rain, bring extra everything
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About 11 hours door to door. Roughly three of them are at the glacier, about an hour at Reynisfjara and half an hour at Seljalandsfoss.
Moderate. About 6 km with roughly 230 m of climbing on uneven ground, per the operator. No glacier experience is needed, but you should be comfortable walking uphill.
10. The listing also says it is not suitable for people with heart problems or mobility impairments, or for wheelchair users.
Not as part of the plan. A couple of October 2026 guests found a small cave on the route, and the operator called that a bonus when conditions allow. For a cave trip, the Katla tour from Vík goes into Kötlujökull.
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The guided hike on Sólheimajökull as a day from Reykjavík, with Seljalandsfoss and Reynisfjara and no driving.
Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike, Meet at the GlacierThe classic hike from the glacier car park: crampons, axe and a certified guide, about 4 hours and 6 km, from age 8.★ 4.7 · About 4 hours · from $104
Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing IntroThe hike plus your first climb up a natural ice wall on a rope, in a small group. At the glacier or from Reykjavík, 14+.★ 4.8 · 5.5 to 13 hours · from $203
Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach from ReykjavíkThe long day east from Reykjavík to the iceberg lagoon and Diamond Beach, with an optional boat in season. No hike.★ 4.7 · About 14 hours · from $213