Glaciers Top to Bottom

On this day tour, you will learn (almost) everything there is to know about glaciers! We will begin our exploration with a superjeep tour high up into the uppermost regions of the ice cap, looking at where and how a glacier is fed by snowfall year round. Then we will follow its path down the mountain, investigating how a glacier shapes the landscape it moves through, and set foot onto the glacier itself in its lower region for an extended glacier hike. The adventurous amongst us will have an opportunity to rappel down into a crevasse or moulin and see what the glacier looks like from the inside!

This tour is perfect for the scientifically minded who strive to gain a deep understanding for the unique environment of the glaciers, but it is also an amazing opportunity for photographers who look to explore the full photographic range of the glaciers.

Slide show coming soon – we are currently collecting amazing photos for this new tour!

ITINERARY

Everything about this private tour is flexible and can be changed to match your preferences and overall travel plans. A sample itinerary could be as follows:

  • We meet at Jökulsárlón at 8:00, or at your accommodation or other suitable meeting point at a similar time
  • Superjeep drive to the top of the ice cap, with spectacular views over the upper regions of the glaciers and the Vatnajökull ice cap (about 3.5 hours round trip). If conditions allow, we will drive onto the ice cap itself!
  • Short lunch break before we set out on foot to explore the lower part of the glacier.
  • After donning our glacier gear, we will access the glacier, where crevasses, moulins and spectacular scenery await on our roughly 2- to 3-hour hike.
  • We can make the exploration as easy or as adventurous as you like!
  • Eventually the time will come to head back, and we are typically back at Jökulsárlón at about 16:00, for a total duration of 8 hours.

Throughout the entire tour, we will experience first hand how glaciers work and interact with the environment around them.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Meeting at Jökulsárlón or pick-up from your accommodation in the area
  • Superjeep transportation
  • All glacier / ice cave related safety equipment (helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe)
  • Expert guidance by a trained mountain guide and professional photographer

WHAT TO BRING

  • Good, solid outdoor clothing (thermal layers and wind- and waterproof outer shell jacket and pants); gloves and wooly hat
  • Sturdy hiking boots (at least ankle high) are essential for safe use of crampons. Semi-stiff soles are best.
  • Bring an extra layer to put on while we stop and admire the ice caves
  • Sunglasses, ski googles or another form of eye protection. If the wind picks up there might be dust or ice particles in the air.
  • Sunscreen is a really good idea, too.
  • Snacks that will keep you fueled throughout the tour
  • A camera (or smartphone).