About this experience
Meet on Location: Glacier Hike & Horse Riding in South Iceland
Tour Highlights
Guided Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull
Horseback Riding on Vík's Black Sand Beach
Stunning South Coast Landscapes
Expert Local Guides
Please note: This is a self-drive tour. Guests are responsible for making their own way to each activity meeting point.
Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull
Begin your adventure at Sólheimajökull Glacier, where you'll meet your certified glacier guide and receive a safety briefing along with all necessary glacier equipment. Before stepping onto the ice, enjoy a scenic walk through a peaceful valley surrounded by moss-covered hills and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Along the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the glacier, nearby mountains, black sand plains, and the glacier lagoon below.
After fitting your crampons, follow your guide onto the glacier itself and discover a fascinating world of ice formations shaped by centuries of movement. Explore deep crevasses, towering ice ridges, winding meltwater channels, and striking blue ice features while learning about the glacier's formation and ever-changing nature.
Your guide will share insights into the geology of the area, Iceland's unique relationship between fire and ice, and the visible effects of climate change on this remarkable frozen landscape. Keep an eye out for layers of volcanic ash embedded within the glacier, telling the story of past eruptions that have helped shape Iceland over time.
Guests should be prepared to hike ~6km over uneven terrain with moderate elevation changes. The glacier hike is 4 hours in total.
Horse Riding in Vík
Your second adventure takes place in the charming village of Vík, home to some of Iceland's most spectacular coastal scenery.
Upon arrival, you'll meet your guide and your Icelandic horse, renowned for its gentle temperament, sure-footed nature, and unique gait. After a brief introduction and safety overview, it's time to saddle up and head out onto the stunning black sand beach of Víkurfjara.
Ride along the dramatic shoreline surrounded by ocean views, volcanic landscapes, and towering cliffs. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to the history and characteristics of the Icelandic horse while sharing stories about the local area and its natural wonders.
This memorable experience combines beautiful scenery, fascinating local knowledge, and the chance to connect with one of Iceland's most beloved animals.
The horse-riding tour lasts ~ 1 hour.
Duration: Full day (self-drive between locations)
Meeting Points: Sólheimajökull Glacier Parking Lot & Vík Horse Adventure in Vík Village
Difficulty: Easy (2/5)
Suitable for: Beginners and anyone looking for a relaxed South Coast adventure combining ice and horseback riding.
Next available dates
What’s included
- Guided Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull
- Certified Glacier Guide
- All Necessary Glacier Gear
- Horseback Ride
- Horse Riding Guide
- All Necessary Riding Gear
Not included
- Parking fees
- Transportation between meeting points
- Food and drinks
Itinerary
- 1
Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike
Experience the Sólheimajökull Glacier on an expertly guided hike across the ice. Get magnificent views of blue ice formations, crevasses, black volcanic ash, and the ever-changing landscape with a certified glacier guide.
- 2
Black Beach Horse Riding
Next, drive to Vík to meet your guide at Vik Horse Adventures.
Good to know
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Minimum age
- 10+ years
- Guide
- Guided tour in English
- Start times
- 10:00 · 11:00 · 13:30
Know before you go
- This is a self-drive tour - guests are responsible for making their way to each meeting point
- Please note that the minimum age for this tour is 10 years
- For horseback riding the weight limit is 100kg (220lb).
- Bring warm and waterproof clothing. Hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory for the glacier hike portion. Rental boots are available onsite for a small fee.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 day before the experience starts.
- 1 day or more before: full refund
- Less than 1 day before: no refund
Meeting point
View on map
Sólheimajökull Glacier
- Address
- Arctic Adventures - Glacier Guides (Sólheimajökull Base), Parking, Iceland, Parking, 871, IS
- How you meet
- Meet on location
- Coordinates
- 63.52957, -19.37163
Illustrative map. Open it in Maps for the exact spot and live directions.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does this experience last?
It lasts 6 hours.
Can I cancel this booking?
Free cancellation up to 1 day before the experience starts. 1 day or more before: full refund · Less than 1 day before: no refund
Is this experience guided, and in what language?
Guided tour in English
Is hotel pickup included?
No — you make your own way to the meeting point.
Where does this experience start?
It starts at Sólheimajökull Glacier, Arctic Adventures - Glacier Guides (Sólheimajökull Base), Parking, Iceland, Parking, 871, IS.
Is there a minimum age?
Travellers must be 10 or older.
From AED 782 per person
