Sólheimajökull Walk

South

Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, and a short paved road (Route 221) branches off the Ring Road between Skógafoss and Vík, leading directly to a large parking area. The glacier tongue is a 10 to 15 minute walk along a flat, marked path from the lot. The ice is dramatically streaked with bands of black volcanic ash from Katla, the active volcano beneath Mýrdalsjökull, and retreat markers along the approach show how far the glacier has pulled back in recent decades — the change is considerable and immediately obvious. Stepping onto the ice requires a guided tour; several operators run year-round hikes of two to three hours, providing crampons, helmet, ice axe, and harness. Ice climbing and blue ice cave tours also run in suitable conditions. Book in advance in summer. There is a parking fee of around 750 ISK payable via the Parka app. Plan at least an hour here even if you only view from the edge. The site is about 98 miles from Reykjavík and slots neatly into a South Coast day trip between Skógafoss and Vík.

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