From Sólheimajökull

Glacier Panorama Trail

A versatile, scenic hike by the volcano Katla that rewards you with a view of Eyjafjallajökull, Sólheimajökull and other unique landscapes of the south coast.

Tour code: AG104

Glacier Panorama Trail
Price from: 22.999  ISK

Enjoy a Scenic Hike With Stunning Panoramic Glacier View

During the hike, you will enjoy views of glaciers, black beaches, and a stunning south shore by the Atlantic Ocean. This hike gives you a glimpse into the world of geological wonders of Iceland and how glaciers have shaped the land for thousands of years. Our glacier truck transports you to approximately 750 m to start with. The hike ahead will generally be downhill but involves some challenging sections.

If you are looking for an active adventure that offers the best view and informative guiding through pristine landscapes, the Glacier Panorama Trail is the hike for you. In the morning, guests will meet their guide at the Sólheimajökull parking lot. From there, you will be driven up to the roots of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. On a clear day, you will be able to see the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano.

The hiking route lies above and along Sólheimajökull outlet glacier and ends by the glacier terminus. The route includes walking on loose gravel and traversing steep slopes, requiring good balance and careful footing. In some parts, the trail crosses a knee-deep, fast-flowing river, making waterproof shoes and an extra pair of socks essential. Optionally, you can bring wading sandals.

The total tour takes approximately 9.5 hours, and participants should be prepared for a physically demanding experience. This tour is suitable for those in good health and with some experience in mountain walking.

Please stay on the path and follow your guide’s instructions to preserve nature. Note that our guides are experienced and will assist you through the difficult passages.

We hope you enjoy this adventure and appreciate the unique beauty of Iceland's landscape.

Tour Overview

  • Meeting point

    Sólheimajökull Base Camp

  • Group size

    Up to 14 per guide

  • Active

    6 hours

  • Language

    English

  • Total Distance

    9 km / 5.6 mi

  • Difficulty

    Demanding

    Difficulty

    Demanding some effort and certain endurance. Good health and some hiking experience is required. 6-8 hours walk per day. Often involves carrying your own gear.

  • Availability

    June - Sept

  • Duration

    7 hours

  • 12

    Minimum age:

    12 yrs

Book this tour

Tour Highlights

Panoramic Views

Sólheimajökull Glacier

Tranquility

Spectacular Nature

Included

  • Experienced and qualified guide
  • Transport in a glacier truck
  • Group safety equipment carried by guide

Not Included

  • Rain gear
  • Good shoes
  • Warm clothing
  • Drinks and food

Optional Extras

  • Rain gear (jacket or pants)
  • Hiking boots
  • Hiking poles

Tour Map and Itinerary

Click map for detailed itinerary

Glacier Panorama Trail

MAP & ITINERARY

Day Tour

An Enjoyable Hike Glacier Panorama Trail

After meeting your certified glacier guide, at our Sólheimajökull Base Camp by Sólheimajökull glacier. Make sure you have all necessary equipment for the hike.

Remember you are going up to 750 meters so the weather is most likely different from the weather in the parking lot. At Sólheimajökull Base Camp you are picked up and taken to the starting point with the glacier truck.

Your guide will lead you from the high ground with versatile views down to the south low land. Following the walk, you will head back to the original meeting point in the parking lot.
Click to activate the map

Practical Information

We always recommend to book as soon as you are ready especially if you have a strict travel schedule or a large group. It is easy to change or cancel 24 hours before departure by emailing us ([email protected]). Tours can also be purchased the day of as long as there are spaces available.

Unfortunately this trip will only be offered as a scheduled tour from mid June to mid September. Please email us ([email protected]) or contact Icelandic Mountain Guides (IMG) (+354 587 9999) regarding trips other days or for groups.

This would only be offered as a private transfer. Unfortunately the starting of this tour does not correspond with other tours that Icelandic Mountain Guides operate. Please email us ([email protected]) or contact IMG (+354 587 9999) regarding private transfer.

The weather between June and September can be variable. In September deperatures might start to get lower. Average temperature in Iceland during summer is around 13 degrees (55.4 Fahrenheit) . The weather could to be colder and also a bit windier at the beginning of the hike by the glacier than from the parking lot. The hike starts in around 750 meters. Some days hikers could go with out having to use extra clothing.

There are no official addresses on our meeting points, but you can see directions and GPS points if you click the map above.

For your own well being and safety, we strongly suggest following the advice of our equipment list, this includes having good quality rain-gear, tops and bottoms! Also, respect that cotton clothing is not appropriate for any strenuous outdoor activity – this includes jeans and t-shirts. Modern outdoor clothing is by far more comfortable and will greatly improve your experience. There are NO shops on the way so make sure you come prepared! Note the weather in 750 meters can be very different from the weather in the parking lot at Sólheimajökull. More cold and wind can sometimes be expected.

  • Hiking Boots – Appropriate for hiking on rough terrain and snow. Preferably shoes that go above ankle
  • Long sleeve shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic
  • Long Johns (late season – late August/September)
  • Light sweater, wool or fleece (2nd layer)
  • Warm Jacket – Wool or fleece (3rd layer)
  • Pants – light and fast drying – e.g. soft-shell
  • Jacket with a good hood – Waterproof and breathable
  • Rain pants – Waterproof and breathable material
  • Gloves
  • Socks – Wool or synthetic
  • Warm hat– Wool or synthetic
  • Backpack – 25-35 litres, big enough to store extra clothing when not used, optional gear and food
  • Sunglasses – most sun glasses should work and make the walk more enjoyable on sunny days
  • Walking Pole(s)
  • Sun protection / face and lips. High SPF 30 or more
  • Sun/rain hat or a baseball cap for sun protection
  • Camera
  • Lunch – Sandwiches, biscuits, power-bars etc.
  • Water – 1 litre of water and/or sport drink. Water intake varies of course between people
  • Refillable water bottle recommended

A mixture of sweets, raisins, nuts, seeds and chocolate and a few (2 -3) sandwiches is ideal. A 1 litre water bottle is also mandatory but energy drinks are optional. There are NO shops on the way so make sure you come prepared!

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