Hiking · WORLDWIDE

The World’s 15 Best Glacier Hikes

56 hikes  ·  from $96 a head

Every one of these needs crampons, a harness and a certified guide, and the price usually includes all three. The 15 below differ on how far you walk on the ice, whether an ice cave is part of it, and how much of the season the route actually runs.

Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike - Starting at Hof, close to the glacier
Cave Hikes, Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in Iceland, Hiking Tours, Iceland Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Vik Hiking Tours

Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike

1.Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,746 reviews · 4 hours · from $165Our pick

Review of Skaftafell’s four-hour glacier hike and natural ice cave tour, with expert guides, gear, hot drinks, practical tips, and honest value advice.

“We had the best time on the Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike! Our guide was from the Czech Republic and he was such a legend! He brought such good vibes to the group and made the whole experience even better. He also took the time to talk to us about the effects of global warming and how it’s impacting the glaciers, which we thought was really important. Coming from New Zealand, where you can’t just hike straight onto a glacier like this, it made the whole thing even more special for us. An experience we’ll never forget. We would 100% recommend! Ngā Mihi Nui ❤️”

Check availability →Read our full review

Skaftafell: Falljokull Glacier Easy Group Hike - The 10-minute ride toward Vatnajökull
Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in Iceland, Hiking Tours, Iceland Hiking Tours, Skaftafell Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews

Skaftafell: Falljokull Glacier Easy Group Hike

2.Falljokull Glacier Easy Group Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,508 reviews · 3 hours · from $108

Review of the Falljökull glacier hike in Skaftafell, with practical details on timing, gear, fitness, guides, scenery, and value.

“The glacier hike was great. Our guide was experienced and quite funny. He was also knowledgeable about the glacier and its surroundings.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Reykjavik: Glacier Hike, Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach - Leaving Reykjavík through Iceland’s volcanic country
Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in Iceland, Glacier Hikes in Reykjavik, Hiking Tours, Iceland Hiking Tours, Reykjavik Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Hikes, Waterfall Hikes in Iceland, Waterfall Hikes in Reykjavik

Reykjavik: Glacier Hike, Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach

3.Glacier Hike, Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,285 reviews · 11 hours · from $186

Review of Iceland’s South Coast day trip with a glacier hike, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Reynisfjara beach from Reykjavík.

“The trip was so gooooood!!! I have Thomas (I hope I got his name right) as the tour guide, and he has to be one of the best tour guides I have ever met. The glacier hike was the star, and he was really patient with all of us, and that made me feel really comfortable doing something I had never done before. There were a lot of unexpected things today, and they were all good. We get to see the ice cave (?), there was snow when we got to the black sand beach, and we saw northern lights on the way back as well. Once again, thank you,…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Sólheimajökull: Blue Ice Glacier Hike near Vík (Easy) - Meeting the guide beside the yellow bus
Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in Iceland, Hiking Tours, Iceland Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews, Vik Hiking Tours

Sólheimajökull: Blue Ice Glacier Hike near Vík (Easy)

4.Sólheimajökull: Blue Ice Glacier Hike near Vík (Easy)

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,260 reviews · 3 - 12 hours · from $104Best value

Hike Sólheimajökull with expert guides, blue crevasses, crampons, waterfalls, and Reynisfjara on an easy Iceland adventure.

“We loved our tour! The weather wasn't great, but the guides were prepared and had high energy, which helped keep us excited. Ended up being and awesome hike with great views.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Skaftafell National Park: Falljokull Glacier Advanced Hike - The short ride toward Falljökull
Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in Iceland, Hiking Tours, Iceland Hiking Tours, National Park Hikes, Skaftafell Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews

Skaftafell National Park: Falljokull Glacier Advanced Hike

5.Skaftafell National Park: Falljokull Glacier Advanced Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,083 reviews · 5 hours · from $167

Review of Skaftafell’s 5-hour Falljökull glacier hike, with safety tips, route details, costs, fitness advice, and who should book.

“Very great experience! We spent days trying to decide to hike the glacier or go on an ice cave tour. In the end we chose the glacier hike and i am so glad we did so! The tour was very enjoyable and fun with breathtaking view over the glacier, and would only recommend it to anyone! Our guide was very informative and made a great atmosphere during the whole hike and made sure we see everything on the part of the glacier where we hiked while also kept us safe! We also hiked up higher than most groups so they did not disturb us on the way. The price is…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Skaftafell: Blue Ice Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull - Learning to walk on Falljökull
Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in Iceland, Hiking Tours, Iceland Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews

Skaftafell: Blue Ice Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull

6.Blue Ice Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,045 reviews · 4 hours · from $116

Walk Falljökull on a guided blue ice hike from Skaftafell, with crampons, glacier safety gear, scenic views, and beginner-friendly instruction.

“This hike is a must do when visiting Iceland. Our tour guide was amazing and went above and beyond to make our experience beyond incredible, I think her name was Ana I’m not sure but she was the Mexican tour guide and she was absolutely amazing. She went above and beyond for our small group and has left me with life time memories from this experience that I will never forget. This is a must do must must must do!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Glacier Guided Hiking Tour - Two hours on Breiðamerkurjökull
Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in Iceland, Guided, Guided Day Hikes, Hiking Tours, Iceland Hiking Tours, Skaftafell Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Glacier Guided Hiking Tour

7.Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Glacier Guided Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 921 reviews · 4.5 hours · from $150

Walk Breiðamerkurjökull on a guided Vatnajökull glacier hike with crampons, super-jeep transport, ice formations, and expert safety guidance.

“The walk on glacier exceeded our expectations. The glacier itself was spectacular and our guide provided us a lot of insights on the glacier which was very interesting to learn. I would highly recommend this trip.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Reykjavik: Glacier Hike, South Coast and Waterfalls Day Trip - Skógafoss brings the drama early
1-Day Tours, Coastal & Cliff Walks, Coastal and Cliff Walks in Iceland, Coastal and Cliff Walks in Reykjavik, Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in Iceland, Glacier Hikes in Reykjavik, Hiking Tours, Iceland Hiking Tours, Reykjavik Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Hikes, Waterfall Hikes in Iceland, Waterfall Hikes in Reykjavik

From Reykjavik: Glacier Hike, South Coast and Waterfalls Day Trip

Glacier Hike and South Coast Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik - Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall with a rear view
Coastal & Cliff Walks, Coastal and Cliff Walks in Iceland, Coastal and Cliff Walks in Reykjavik, Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in Iceland, Glacier Hikes in Reykjavik, Hiking Tours, Iceland Hiking Tours, Reykjavik Hiking Tours, Small-Group Hikes, Small-Group Hikes in Iceland, Small-Group Hikes in Reykjavik, Tour Reviews, Tours

Glacier Hike and South Coast Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik

9.Glacier Hike and South Coast Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 827 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $205

Review of Iceland’s South Coast small-group tour from Reykjavik, with waterfalls, Reynisfjara Beach, and a guided Sólheimajökull glacier hike.

“We got very lucky with amazing weather, sunny, not too windy and beautiful views and attractions. The two waterfalls were amazing, and the first had a shop and coffee spot, the lunch stop at the black sand beach was delicious. The the glacier hike was unparalleled. We learned a lot, had a friendly guide and had an exciting day and we're back in town for dinner.”

Check availability →Read our full review

El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier Trekking Tour and Cruise - Leaving El Calafate for Los Glaciares National Park
Argentina Hiking Tours, Glacier Hikes, Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier Trekking Tour and Cruise

10.El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier Trekking Tour and Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 805 reviews · 5 - 11 hours · from $396

Walk Perito Moreno Glacier with crampons, cruise its blue ice walls, and explore Patagonia’s forest and boardwalks from El Calafate.

“The El Calafate Mini Trekking tour is honestly on the expensive side, but it was absolutely worth it. Walking directly on the glacier is not something you get to do every day, and from start to finish, it felt like such a special and unique experience. It also became an unforgettable memory for my kids. My kids didn’t find it difficult at all—in fact, they were so excited and enjoyed every moment, which made me even happier as a parent. It wasn’t just sightseeing, but a real hands-on adventure, where you can truly see and feel nature. Most of all, the guides were amazing. Sebastian (I may be spelling the…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike – Adventure in a Small Group - Blue ice, crevasses, and glacial formations
Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in Iceland, Hiking Tours, Iceland Hiking Tours, Small-Group Hikes, Small-Group Hikes in Iceland, Tour Reviews, Vik Hiking Tours

Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike – Adventure in a Small Group

11.Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike – Adventure in a Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 799 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $115

Hike Iceland’s Sólheimajökull glacier in a small group with crampons, an ice axe, expert guidance, blue ice, crevasses, and glacier water.

“The hike was difficult for me, as I have a desk job and not much physical activity. But my husband was having no issues. Nonetheless it was amazing and totally worth the hike. The guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Helped take pictures. Showed us cool stuff. Would recommend. No regrets.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Glacier Hike, South Coast Waterfalls & Black Sand Beach - Sólheimajökull: the day’s most active hour
Coastal & Cliff Walks, Coastal and Cliff Walks in Iceland, Coastal and Cliff Walks in Reykjavik, Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in Iceland, Glacier Hikes in Reykjavik, Hiking Tours, Iceland Hiking Tours, Reykjavik Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Hikes, Waterfall Hikes in Iceland, Waterfall Hikes in Reykjavik

Glacier Hike, South Coast Waterfalls & Black Sand Beach

12.Glacier Hike, South Coast Waterfalls & Black Sand Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 705 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $198

Review of Iceland’s 11-hour South Coast tour with glacier hike, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, gear, pickup, and practical tips.

“Al was absolutely amazing ! He was informative and fun. He kept us safe and respected the varying levels of athleticism . He also pulled over to see the Northern Lights. Best tour ever!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Skaftafell: Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull - The 20-minute 4x4 ride to Vatnajökull
Cave Hikes, Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in Iceland, Hiking Tours, Iceland Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews

Skaftafell: Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull

13.Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 643 reviews · 4 hours · from $163

Hike Falljökull, explore a natural blue ice cave, and cross Vatnajökull with expert guides on this four-hour Iceland adventure.

“Absolutely loved our hike with Marketa. She was knowledgeable about the local area and very helpful about how to use the kit provided! We saw some really interesting bits of the glacier, got plenty of time to explore and would definitely do again!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike - Returning over the Southern Alps
Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in New Zealand, Hiking Tours, New Zealand Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

14.Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 618 reviews · from $506

Fly onto Franz Josef Glacier for a guided ice hike through caves, crevasses, and pinnacles, with gear supplied and weather flexibility.

“…. With our guide Maya! Not too hard, a superhike in Winterwonderland. The helicopters is great and feels supersafe.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Reykjavík: Iconic Glacier Hike, South Coast & Waterfalls - From Reykjavík to the volcanic South Coast
Coastal & Cliff Walks, Coastal and Cliff Walks in Iceland, Coastal and Cliff Walks in Reykjavik, Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in Iceland, Glacier Hikes in Reykjavik, Hiking Tours, Iceland Hiking Tours, Reykjavik Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Hikes, Waterfall Hikes in Iceland, Waterfall Hikes in Reykjavik

Reykjavík: Iconic Glacier Hike, South Coast & Waterfalls

New in Glacier Hikes

★ 4.2From Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Easy Level Glacier HikeFrom $13520 reviews
★ 4.9Columbia Icefield: Guided Glacier HikeFrom $9665 reviews
★ 4.7Bergen: Easy Hike to Bondhus Glacier Lake & Rosendal VisitFrom $23067 reviews
★ 4.7Matanuska Glacier Hike with TransfersFrom $32920 reviews
★ 5.0Private Guided Hike Experience on Sólheimajökull GlacierFrom $80741 reviews
★ 5.0Private South Coast and Glacier Hike – With photos49 reviews
★ 5.0Private Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour & Glacier Hike159 reviews
★ 4.5From Olden: Briksdal Glacier Guided Hiking Shore ExcursionFrom $146123 reviews
★ 5.0Glacier Hiking & Geothermal Cave Pools Tour139 reviews
★ 5.0Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Local Honey, Wine TastingFrom $31089 reviews
★ 5.0Exit Glacier Ice Hiking Adventure from SewardFrom $342161 reviews
★ 4.5Blue Ice Glacier Hike on VatnajökullFrom $119174 reviews
★ 5.02-Day South Coast Waterfalls, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Hike from ReykjavikFrom $738177 reviews
★ 5.0Tread Lightly Glacier HikesFrom $138171 reviews
★ 4.52-Day Ice Cave & South Coast: Glacier Hike and Glacier LagoonFrom $671203 reviews

Keep browsing

Mountain & Summit HikesVolcano HikesNational Park HikesSnowshoe HikesKilimanjaro HikesTable Mountain Hikes
Scroll to Top

Pick a trail

By the kind of day you want, or the country you are standing in.

Up high

Summit WalksVolcano RimsGlacier IceNational ParksKilimanjaro

Water and rock

Waterfall TrailsCanyonsLakesCoast PathsCaves

Time of day

Sunrise StartsSunset ClimbsNight WalksWith LunchWith Hot Springs

The long walks

Everest Base CampAnnapurnaAtlas MountainsInca TrailGorilla Trekking