From Reykjavík

Snæfellsjökull Summit Hike

Take on this challenging one day hike to the top of Snæfellsjökull and be handsomely rewarded with stunning views, geological formations and the knowledge that you summited the crowning jewel of the famous Snæfellsness Peninsula. This tour is only available as a private tour.

Tour code: IMG19 / IMGP19

Snafellsjokull glacier on Snafellsnes peninsula

Björgvin Hilmarsson

Snafellsjokull glacier and a lavafield around

Björgvin Hilmarsson

Snaefellsjokull glacier and a winding road leading to it

Björgvin Hilmarsson

Evening sun shines on the top of Snafellsjokull glacier

Ella Grodem

Hikers roped up getting close top the summit of Snafellsjokull

Ella Grodem

Hikers at the top of Snaefellsjokull glaciers watching the sunset

Ella Grodem

Hikers nearing the summit of Snafellsjokull glacier

Mathilde Bousson

Mount Stapafell seen from Snafellsjokull glacier

Mathilde Bousson

Group of people roped up on a glacier hiking up Snaefellsjokull glacier

Sigurður Bjarki Ólafsson

Three hikers on the glacier walking up towards the summit

Sigurður Bjarki Ólafsson

Hikers at the top of Snafellsjokull glacier in sunshine

Sigurður Bjarki Ólafsson

Note: This tour is only available as a private tour. Price is per booking for groups of 1-8 passengers.

The Snæfellsjökull glacier is one of the most picturesque glaciers in Iceland. It hides a dormant 700,000-year-old stratovolcano which rises 1.446 m above sea level and it last erupted in 250 AD. Hike to the summit of this glacier in one day and enjoy the surroundings that famously provided the setting for Jules Verne’s classic subterranean epic, “Journey to the Center of the Earth”. This area is rich with history, mystique and charm. Standing on top of the glacial volcano, you will have amazing panoramic views that extend from the Reykjanes Peninsula in the south to the West Fjords in the North. The drive to the starting point of the hike takes you through Snæfellsnes National Park. It is a microcosm of Iceland’s diverse landscape with its black sand beaches, mossy lava fields, rare wildlife, hidden waterfalls and caves. This day tour checks all the boxes: amazing views, geological wonders and a challenging hike which mostly is done on snow covered glacier .

Tour Overview

Group size

1 to 8 per guide
Active

6 - 7 hrs
Language

English
Pickup

Pick up from Reykjavík included
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.
Duration

12 hrs
16

Minimum age:

16 yrs

Contact Us

For availability information on a tour, please contact us using the form below.

Thank you for the request, we will contact you with further information.

Customer Reviews

We hiked the Snæfellsjökull Glacier with Icelandic Mountain Guides in early June. It was the highlight of our 11-day Iceland adventure. There were only 2 of us on the tour (my partner and me) and neither of us had used crampons or climbed with ropes before. Conditions were challenging because of the weather which was very cold, windy and with very poor visibility. An authentic Iceland experience! Our guide, Villi, was awesome: enthusiastic, knowledgeable, encouraging and meticulous in explaining safety requirements. We felt we were in the best of hands and would highly recommend Icelandic Mountain Guides.

Tour Highlights

Snæfellsjökull glacier

View from the top

Hiking up

On the road

Included

Experienced and qualified guide
Transport from Reykjavík
Glacier gear
Safety equipment

Not Included

Rain gear
Hiking boots
Warm clothing
Lunch

Optional Extras

Rain gear (jacket and pants)
Hiking boots

Tour Map and Itinerary

Click map for detailed itinerary

Following your pickup by an expert driver guide in downtown Reykjavík, you will be driven along the picturesque route to Snæfellsnes peninsula. As you get closer to the Snæfellsjökull glacier, you will witness why nature lovers flock to this area.

At the base of the glacier, you will get a safety briefing from your expert mountaineering guide and the necessary gear for the hike.

The hike up this snowy mountain is quite challenging, but the views at the summit are the ultimate reward.

After descending the mountain, you can relax on the drive back to Reykjavík.

Click to activate the map

How long in advance do I need to book?

I want to hike up Snæfellsjökull but the season is over/not started?

How does it work if I want transfer from Reykjavík?

In the booking process you can add transfer from Reykjavík at an extra cost, and choose your pick up location.

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!

Boots and Clothing

Hiking Boots – Appropriate for hiking on rough terrain and snow.
Long sleeve shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic.
Long Johns (early season – April / beginning of May).
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.

Other Gear

Backpack – 30-40 litres.
Sunglasses – rated for glacier travel.
Sun protection / face and lips. High SPF 30 or more.

Optional Gear

Walking Pole(s).
Sun/rain hat or a baseball cap for sun protection.
Ski-goggles for ascents to the end of April.
Camera.

Food and Drink

Lunch – Sandwiches, biscuits, power-bars etc.
Water – 1 Litres of water and/or sport drink.

Pack food for a long day. A mixture of sweets and chocolate and a few (3 – 5) sandwiches is ideal. A 1 ltr. water bottle is also mandatory but energy drinks are optional. There are NO shops on the way so make sure you come prepared!