Travel Guide of Sólheimajökull in Iceland by Influencers and Travelers
Sólheimajökull is a glacier in southern Iceland, between the volcanoes Katla and Eyjafjallajökull. Part of the larger Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Sólheimajökull is a prominent and popular tourist location owing to its size and relative ease of access.
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Pictures and Stories of Sólheimajökull from Influencers
15 pictures of Sólheimajökull from Denys Nevozhai, Jeremy Goldberg, Mihnea Stoian and other travelers
- Sólheimajökulll glaciers ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Jeremy Goldberg | ©Unsplash
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How to visit Sólheimajökull ?
Why traveling there?
Sólheimajökull, a stunning glacier in southern Iceland, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. This spectacular natural wonder is part of the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap and offers breathtaking views of ice formations, crevasses, and rugged landscapes. Traveling to Sólheimajökull allows you to witness the effects of climate change firsthand, as the glacier has been receding rapidly in recent years. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore an ever-changing icy wonderland and create unforgettable memories.
How to get there?
Sólheimajökull is located approximately 158 km (98 miles) east of Reykjavík, Iceland's capital, and is easily accessible by car or as part of a guided tour. To reach the glacier by car, take the Ring Road (Route 1) east from Reykjavík and turn onto Route 221, which leads directly to the glacier's parking area. Alternatively, numerous tour operators offer guided day trips to Sólheimajökull from Reykjavík, which often include transportation, glacier hiking, and ice climbing activities.
What to book in advance?
While it's possible to visit Sólheimajökull independently, it's highly recommended to book a guided glacier tour in advance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Glacier guides are trained professionals who will provide you with the necessary equipment, such as ice axes, crampons, and helmets, and teach you how to use them properly. Booking a tour in advance also allows you to secure your preferred date and time, as the tours tend to fill up quickly, especially during the peak summer season.
What are the costs?
The cost of visiting Sólheimajökull will depend on your chosen mode of transportation and tour options. Renting a car in Iceland can cost anywhere from $50 to $150 per day, plus fuel expenses. Guided glacier tours range from $100 to $200 per person, depending on the duration and the level of difficulty. If you're on a budget, consider joining a group tour, which can be more affordable than a private excursion.
What are the best things to do?
At Sólheimajökull, the primary activities are glacier hiking and ice climbing. Both activities are suitable for beginners, as experienced guides will accompany you and provide all necessary equipment and instruction. During your hike or climb, you'll have the opportunity to explore the glacier's unique features, including deep crevasses, ice tunnels, and stunning blue ice formations. Additionally, don't forget to take plenty of photos of the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you.
Where to eat?
There are no restaurants directly at Sólheimajökull, so it's recommended to pack some snacks or a picnic lunch to enjoy during your visit. However, nearby towns like Vik and Skógar offer several dining options, including the following:
1. Suður-Vík Restaurant: Located in the town of Vik, Suður-Vík offers a variety of Icelandic dishes, including fresh seafood, lamb, and burgers.
2. Halldórskaffi: Also in Vik, Halldórskaffi is a cozy cafe serving traditional Icelandic food along with sandwiches, soups, and homemade cakes.
Where to stay?
While there are no accommodations directly at Sólheimajökull, the nearby towns of Vik and Skógar offer several lodging options, including:
1. Icelandair Hotel Vik: A comfortable and modern hotel with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
2. Hotel Skogafoss: Situated at the base of the famous Skógafoss waterfall, this hotel offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly rooms to luxurious suites.
Off the beaten path
For an unusual travel experience, consider visiting the nearby DC-3 plane wreck on Sólheimasandur beach. In 1973, a United States Navy plane crash-landed on this black sand beach, and the wreckage has remained there ever since, creating an eerie and photogenic scene. To reach the plane wreck, park your car at the designated parking area off the Ring Road and follow the marked 4 km (2.5 miles) walking path to the site. The walk can be challenging due to the uneven terrain, but the unique experience is well worth the effort.
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Map of Sólheimajökull
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More Travel spots to explore around Sólheimajökull
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Discover more travel spots to explore around Sólheimajökull
❄️ Glacial landform spots 🌲 Ecoregion spots ⛰️ Highland spots ⛰️ Hill spots ⛰️ Hill station spots ⛰️ Summit spots Cave spots ❄️ Tundra spotsLearn More about Sólheimajökull
Sólheimajökull is a ten-kilometre long glacier in southern Iceland with a North Pole-like landscape. As we know, Iceland is a true island state made up of many glaciers. The Sólheimajökull is part of the Mýrdalsjökull, an Icelandic icecap of 600 square kilometres.
If you go there in winter, don't forget to bring your warmest boots and down jackets, especially if you like adventure: you'll need to be well covered up to do all the activities that the glacier offers!
To begin with, you can take a snowmobile trip on Mýrdalsjökull, which combines thrills and discovery. This way you can also get close to Katla, one of Iceland's largest volcanoes. This trip will give you a panoramic view and a picturesque souvenir.
A trek up the glacier is also a breathtaking activity. You will have the opportunity to see all the details of the ice cap, from waterfalls to wells to the volcanic ash of Katla. It is possible to do this trek in summer, but of course you don't have to dress as warmly as in winter.
If you need to leave the land, there is an alternative: a kayak trip on the lagoon of the Sólheimajökul glacier. Paddle your way through the lagoon and see the glacier from a new perspective.
Not far from the Sólheimajökul glacier, and located on the Katla volcano, the Kötlujökull glacier is equally impressive to visit, especially its cave known as "Yoda's cave".
Note that the summer hikes are just as interesting.
In short, if you like adventure and picturesque landscapes in an atypical environment: a visit to the Sólheimajökull glacier will be ideal for you!
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Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Sólheimajökull
First of all, you need to land at Reykjavik airport. It is about 143km from Reykjavik to Sólheimajökull. You can take the bus, which will take between 3 and 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive, which will take you 2 hours.
The excursion to the Sólheimajökull glacier takes about 2 hours.
Depending on the agency with which you have booked a tour or hiking time in Sólheimajökull, you may be able to rent hiking equipment and clothing if you do not have it.
Where to Stay near Sólheimajökull
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