Guide to glacier activities in Iceland

Iceland’s landscapes are like no other. Alongside the volcanic formations, fjords, and black beaches, the country is also home to some of the world’s most stunning glaciers. This makes it the ideal playground for adventure-seekers, and for travelers who want to experience nature at its finest.

With so many glaciers to discover, it can be hard to know where to start. While these marvels of nature are a sight to behold from afar, that’s not the only way you can experience them. There are a range of activities that you can do to get the full, immersive experience these icy giants have to offer.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most thrilling (and chilliest) glacier activities Iceland has to offer. Whether you’ve got your heart set on snowmobiling or want to see glorious glaciers from above with a helicopter tour, we’ve got you covered.

If you want to know more about Iceland’s glaciers, such as how they were formed and where you can find them, our glacier guide provides you with everything you may want to know.

Glaciers aren’t just a frozen backdrop. In Iceland, they’re the main event. These surreal, shifting glaciers offer a thrill you can experience in few other places. 

Whether you’re after adrenaline or awe, glacier activities in Iceland offer something for every kind of explorer. From hiking across ice fields to kayaking between icebergs, there are plenty of experiences that bring you up-close to nature’s dramatic forces.

To make sure you’re staying safe and respecting nature, choose glacier activities that are led by experienced, certified guides who know the terrain, monitor conditions, and provide essential safety gear. 

It’s also good to pack for the cold, with plenty of layers, and water and snacks if you’re taking on something more active like a hike.  

From trekking across ancient ice to boating around icebergs, here are our picks for the top glacier activities in Iceland. 

The majority of Iceland’s glaciers are located in the southern part of the country, with the largest concentration of glaciers, outlet glaciers, and glacial lagoons found in the southeast thanks to the colossal icy mass of Vatnajökull.

If you’re looking at a map of Iceland’s glaciers, you’ll see Hofsjökull and Langjökull and a large area of Vatnajökull are more centrally located, while Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjokull (with its well-visited outlet glacier, Sólheimajökull) are situated on the south coast. Snæfellsjökull sits on the westernmost point of the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Get a better understanding of Iceland’s glaciers – which cover around 10% of the country’s total landmass – in our glacier guide.

From paddling your way through iceberg-filled lagoons to choppering through the sky for unforgettable views, there’s more than one way to experience the very best the glaciers of Iceland have to offer. 

We offer glacier-focused vacation packages that include guided glacier hikes, snowmobiling, and more – all led by passionate local guides.

Book flights to Iceland and start planning your icy Icelandic adventure.