Viking & Glacier Adventure: Sólheimajökull, South Coast & Viking Valley
Tour Operator: Ice Journey ehf
Day 1: Glacier Hike, Black Sand Beach, and Adventure Begin your day in Reykjavík with a scenic drive to the stunning Sólheimajökull Glacier, where breathtaking views of rugged landscapes, vast lava fields, and towering mountains await. En route, stop at the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, where dramatic basalt sea stacks and powerful Atlantic waves create a striking contrast against the black sands.
Once at Sólheimajökull, enjoy a guided glacier hike with gear provided, including crampons, harness, and helmet. Explore the glacier’s fascinating formations, including moulins, and feel the thrill of hiking on ice.
Possibility of upgrading to a private Ice Climbing Experience!
On your return, visit the spectacular Skógarfoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls before heading to a 4-star hotel under the magical midnight sun.
Day 2: Viking Valley, Waterfalls & Icelandic Heritage Start your second day beneath the towering Hekla Volcano, driving through the lush and dramatic landscapes of the Þjórsardalur Valley. Explore Þjóðveldisbærinn Commonwealth Farm, a Viking-era living history site where you can meet reenactors, learn about Viking customs, and discover the reconstructed farm and church.
Next, visit some of the hidden waterfalls of the South: Háifoss, Glanni, and Hjálparfoss, each offering serene beauty and awe-inspiring views.
Finish your Viking journey with a traditional Viking BBQ featuring Icelandic delicacies, before returning to Reykjavík for a unique Old Icelandic Books experience. Handle rare manuscripts and learn about Iceland’s rich literary history in an intimate, hands-on setting.
Highlights:
Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike or Ice Climbing Experience
Waterfalls of the South Coast
Black Sand Beach of Reynisfjara
Viking experience at Þjóðveldisbærinn
Hidden waterfalls: Háifoss, Glanni, Hjálparfoss
Viking BBQ & Icelandic heritage
Old Icelandic Books experience in Reykjavík
This 2-day tour immerses you in Iceland’s Viking history, stunning landscapes, and ancient literary traditions, creating an unforgettable adventure!
Portrait and Landscape shots of both the Glacier
Portrait and Landscape shots of the Viking Valley on day 2
All photos will be edited and sent to clients within 14 days via a downloadable drive.
What to bring: Outdoor Clothing, Gloves, Hat, Rain Pants/Jacket, Camera, and Hiking Boots if you have them.
Begin your day in Reykjavík with a scenic drive to the stunning Sólheimajökull Glacier, where adventure awaits. Enjoy breathtaking scenic views of rugged landscapes, vast lava fields, and towering mountains. The road takes you through rolling hills, with glimpses of distant waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. On the way, make a stop at the famous Black Sand Beach of Reynisfjara, where you can marvel at the dramatic basalt sea stacks, the powerful waves of the Atlantic, and the striking contrast of the black sands against the sky.
Hike to the Glacier
Once you arrive at the glacier parking lot, your guide will begin handing out your gear for the tour. This includes crampons, a harness, a helmet with a headlamp, and hiking boots if you rent them. Once everyone has their gear, you will take a 30-minute hike to the edge of the glacier. The hike is relatively easy for most and will have you walking on flat, yet slightly rocky ground the entire way. We will always go at the pace of our guests so you can take your time and enjoy the walk as your guide leads the way.
Glacier Hike
Next, you will put your crampons into the ice and make your way onto Sólheimajökull Glacier. Hiking on the ice is a unique feeling and may take some getting used to but by the end of the tour, you won’t want to take your crampons off! As you hear the crunch below you, you will march forward and follow your guide up the glacier toward the direction of the moulin. Throughout this, your guide will show you different formations on the glacier known as moulins or deep glacial holes. All while admiring the barren landscape around you, you will feel like you are in a different world.
Possibility to upgrade the tour to a private ice climbing experience!
After that you will head back up the slope and off the glacier knowing that you are one of the few who got to experience something so special here in Iceland.
On your way to Landhotel, stop at Skógarfoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls.
Overnight in 4 stars hotel under the midnight sun
Start your day beneath the towering presence of Hekla, one of Iceland’s most famous volcanoes, setting the stage for an unforgettable Viking journey. As you drive through the Þjórsardalur Valley, the landscape transforms with lush valleys and dramatic vistas, a true testament to Iceland’s raw beauty.
Your first stop brings you to Þjóðveldisbærinn Commonwealth Farm, a living history site that takes you back to the Viking Age. Explore the reconstructed Viking farm, complete with a traditional conversion church, and meet Viking reenactors who will share fascinating stories about daily life during the Viking era. Learn about their customs, crafts, and survival skills as you immerse yourself in the past. The site, often referred to as the Pompeii of the North, offers an extraordinary glimpse into the lives of early Icelanders.
Continue your adventure by visiting some of the hidden waterfalls of the South: Háifoss, one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland, Glanni, with its magical cascades, and Hjálparfoss, nestled within Þjórsardalur Valley. These rare and secret gems are off the beaten path, offering serenity and breathtaking natural beauty.
After a day of exploring, enjoy a traditional Viking BBQ, savoring Icelandic delicacies in a setting that connects you to the island’s ancient heritage.
On your return to Reykjavík, your journey concludes with a unique experience unlike any other in the world: an introduction to Old Icelandic Books. Step into a world of ancient literature as you handle rare manuscripts, learning about Iceland’s rich literary history in an intimate, hands-on setting.
This full-day experience not only immerses you in Viking history but also connects you with Iceland's awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural roots.