We offer only private tours so you can be guaranteed to have the time of your life, that you will never forget. With a smaller group we can better guide your every step, and support your every need. This is our way of making sure you get the most out of your experience with us.
The main differences between the glacier hike and extreme odyssey are the levels of technicality, difficulty, and length, however No prior experience is required for either tour.
The glacier hike is 3.5 hours long, and rated as easy. Minimum age to participate is five years old. This tour is focused on sight-seeing, and finding places of interest to view or explore, such as canyons, caves, moulins (deep holes), scenic panoramas etc.
Since we will remain in mostly mild terrain, the hike is not considered to be a technical tour, as ropes are not necessary to navigate up or down the glacier. However, guests will always wear a harness in case we find cool features that require rope to access, or make entry easier.
The extreme odyssey is 5.5 hours long. There is no minimum participation age, but guests must fit into the ice climbing boots provided (EU 37/US 6.5 or larger). This tour is rated as moderate to difficult and is geared toward people looking for a challenge, in addition to sightseeing and enjoying interesting glacial features. since we will hike up through difficult and higher risk terrain, it is considered a technical tour, Requiring rope systems, Utilizing Fixed Lines, and activities such as ice climbing, repelling, lowering etc.
*More in depth descriptions and information can be found on their respective pages, and If you have further questions regarding either tour, please reach out to us. Contact details provided here.
All Guests should arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour. For example, we recommend being ready to go at 9:15 for a tour that begins at 9:30.
No, we currently do not offer pick up. Guests must meet on location 15 minutes prior to the start of their tour at the Sólheimajökull parking lot.
Please note there is a parking fee that must be paid via QR code, which is posted on signs throughout the lot.
For all tours we meet at the Sólheimajökull Parking Lot.
Look for a small white trailer parked in the South west corner of the lot.
You will need to wear your own pair of ankle protecting hiking boots as well as waterproof jackets, pants, gloves, warm layers, thick socks and beanies. Sunglasses or goggles are also recommended, along with a balaclava or neckwarmer to shield your face from wind or hail.
The clothing choice will depend on the weather, but since it is known for being unpredictable in Iceland, temperature can drop quickly, or it may begin raining unexpectedly. It is a good idea to bring a small backpack with extra layers just in case.
Those participating in the extreme odyssey should bring a backpack, along with lunch/Snacks and water in addition to the aforementioned.
We will provide the technical gear like helmets, harnesses, crampons and ice axes or walking poles. (Boots are guaranteed for Extreme Odyssey guests, since they are necessary for Ice Climbing.)
We do not provide clothing, so please come properly prepared with our recommendations listed above.
We strongly recommend our guests to bring hiking boots with heel protection and ankle support for those participating in the glacier hike. We do have a small stock of boots that we offer to guests when necessary, but We cannot guarantee enough boots for everyone.
Every Guest participating in the extreme odyssey will be given a pair of our boots to wear, as they are essential for ice climbing.
For the Glacier Hikes:
It is a good idea to bring some snacks and a small bottle of water although it is not strictly necessary. If it is warm and there is running glacier water on the ice, this is drinkable.
For the Ice Climbing or Extreme Encounter:
These are longer trips that can last 5 hours or a bit more. You should definitely bring some snacks and water. Depending on your departure time you might want to bring some lunch. Sometimes the guide takes some minutes to set up the ropes and this is the perfect time to have some lunch. Sometimes we even make a break just to have some lunch on the ice.
From the parking lot we have to walk to access the glacier. It usually takes 20-25 minutes walking depending on the group’s pace and amount of stops. Just before stepping on the glacier ice we need to put crampons on, this takes around 10 minutes.
The temperature on the ice is typically 4 to 6 degrees Celsius cooler than at the parking lot. With wind chill factored in, it can feel even colder. Alpine environments can be very changeable, we recommend being prepared for a range of conditions.
In winter, please come prepared with at least 3 insulating layers. We ask guests not to wear jeans on the ice as these absorb water quickly, making you colder faster.
Due to the nature of the glacier we do have some restrictions on the participation of children. These restrictions are in place to ensure the on-going safety of all our guests and team members.
There are minimum age restrictions and they differ depending on the trip.
Due to glacier and weather conditions these guidelines may change. Participation in the hike is ultimately the decision of the lead guide on the day. All children under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by a paying parent or guardian for the duration of the trip from check in until return to base after the hike. If a child under 7 years of age is joining a trip a body harness and a leash can be used for him/her.
If you have any concerns or queries about a child’s participation on one of our tours please get in touch with us.
In the event of cancellation of a trip due to weather, we offer the following options:
Reschedule for the next available date/time
Refund (dependent on the Terms and Conditions of your booking agent)
Read more about cancellations and refunds in our Terms & Conditions, section 4, Cancellations & Refunds.
Read more about cancellations and refunds in our Terms & Conditions, section 4, Cancellations & Refunds.
