Sólheimajökull

Overview

Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier extending from Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland's fourth-largest ice cap, located on the South Coast between Vík and Skógar. This 8-kilometre-long glacier tongue descends from the Katla volcanic system, creating one of Iceland's most accessible and dramatic ice formations. Unlike many of Iceland's glaciers that require lengthy hikes or specialist transport to reach, Sólheimajökull can be approached within a 10-minute walk from the car park, making it the primary training ground for glacier guides and the starting point for most commercial glacier hiking tours.

The glacier's accessibility has made it a crucial site for understanding glacial retreat in Iceland. Since 1930, Sólheimajökull has retreated over 2 kilometres, leaving behind a stark proglacial lake that formed in the 1990s. The glacier's surface is characterised by deep crevasses, ice caves, and striking blue ice formations created by centuries of compression. Volcanic ash layers from historical eruptions, particularly from Katla and Eyjafjallajökull, create distinctive dark striations throughout the ice, providing a visible record of Iceland's volcanic history.

Quick Facts

**GPS Coordinates:** 63.5322°N, 19.3561°W

**Entry Fee:** Free access to viewing area; guided glacier walks from 9,500 ISK

**Opening Hours:** 24/7 access to car park and viewing area

**Best Time to Visit:** September to March for ice caves; May to September for glacier hiking

**Difficulty Level:** Easy access to glacier front; moderate to difficult for glacier hiking

**Nearest Town:** Vík í Mýrdal (45km east) or Hvolsvöllur (55km west)

**Distance from Reykjavík:** 158km (2 hours 15 minutes)

How to Get There

Driving

From Reykjavík, take Route 1 (Ring Road) eastbound for approximately 150km. Pass through Hvolsvöllur and continue past the Seljavallalaug pool turnoff. After crossing the Jökulsá á Sólheimasandi river bridge, look for the clearly marked turnoff to Sólheimajökull on your left (Route 221). The gravel road extends 4.5km from Route 1 to the glacier car park. The total journey time from Reykjavík is typically 2 hours 15 minutes in good conditions, though this can extend significantly during winter weather or summer traffic peaks.

Parking

The glacier car park accommodates approximately 100 vehicles and operates on a free-of-charge basis. The car park surface is gravel and generally suitable for all vehicle types, though spaces fill quickly during peak season (June to August) between 10:00 and 16:00. Facilities include basic toilets but no other services. Arrive before 09:00 or after 17:00 during summer for guaranteed parking.

Access

A well-maintained gravel path leads 800 metres from the car park to the glacier viewing area, with an elevation gain of approximately 40 metres. The walk takes 8-12 minutes and is suitable for most fitness levels, though the final section involves loose rocks and can be slippery when wet. The path ends at the proglacial lake; accessing the glacier itself requires proper equipment and preferably a guide.

What to See and Do

The primary attraction is the glacier terminus itself, where towering seracs and deep crevasses create a constantly changing icescape. The proglacial lake, formed as the glacier retreated, offers excellent photography opportunities with icebergs calving from the glacier face. The lake's depth reaches 25 metres and its milky turquoise colour results from glacial flour—finely ground rock particles suspended in the water.

Guided glacier hiking tours operate year-round, typically lasting 2-3 hours and including crampons, ice axes, and safety equipment. These tours explore the glacier's surface crevasses, ice formations, and provide insights into glacial geology. Advanced tours venture deeper onto the glacier, reaching elevations of 200-300 metres above the terminus.

Ice cave exploration is possible during winter months when temperatures stabilise the formations. Natural ice caves form at the glacier's edge, displaying brilliant blue ice walls and unique formations. However, these caves are inherently unstable and should only be entered with experienced guides.

Best Time to Visit

**June to August:** Peak season offers the most favourable weather for glacier hiking, with tours operating throughout daylight hours. However, expect crowds and advance booking essential for guided tours.

**September to October:** Excellent conditions continue with fewer visitors. Early season for ice cave formation, though caves may not be fully stable until November.

**November to March:** Prime ice cave season when formations are most stable and accessible. Shorter daylight hours limit tour times but create dramatic lighting conditions. Weather can be severe with potential road closures.

**April to May:** Shoulder season with variable conditions. Ice caves typically become unstable and close to visitors, but glacier hiking tours resume regular schedules. Weather remains unpredictable.

Safety

Independent glacier access presents serious risks including hidden crevasses, ice collapse, and rapidly changing weather conditions. The glacier surface appears deceptively stable but conceals deep crevasses that can be fatal. Proper glacier equipment (crampons, ropes, ice axes) and experience are essential for any on-glacier travel.

The proglacial lake poses drowning risks, particularly as icebergs can shift unpredictably and water temperatures remain near freezing year-round. Maintain safe distances from the water's edge and never attempt to climb on icebergs.

Route 221 access road can become impassable during severe weather, particularly in winter when sudden storms or volcanic activity from Katla could affect the area. Check road conditions at road.is before travelling and carry emergency supplies during winter visits.

Nearby Places

**Skógafoss** (15km west): Iceland's most powerful waterfall drops 60 metres with a viewing platform and hiking trail to the top. The spray creates frequent rainbows during sunny conditions.

**Dyrhólaey** (25km east): Dramatic promontory arch rising 120 metres above the sea, offering panoramic views of black sand beaches and puffin colonies during summer months.

**Seljavallalaug** (8km west): Historic geothermal swimming pool built in 1923, requiring a 15-minute hike through a narrow valley. Water temperature maintains 20-30°C year-round.

**Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach** (30km east): Volcanic black sand beach featuring hexagonal basalt columns, sea stacks, and powerful Atlantic waves. Exercise extreme caution due to dangerous sneaker waves.

**Eyjafjallajökull Visitor Centre** (40km west): Interactive exhibition about the 2010 volcanic eruption that disrupted European air traffic, located at Þorvaldseyri farm with views of the volcano.

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