Friday, 16 December 2022

Sólheimajökull Glacier Ice Climbing and glacier hike

Sólheimajökull Glacier, the site of our adventures for the day

Too tired to type but what an awesome day. So just the bare basics for now...Private ice climbing and glacier hike tour with Hidden Iceland once again. Our guide, Prokop, is awesome. He's got a great sense of humour and obviously knows what he is doing. He was also fantastic with the kids. For those considering doing this, Hidden Iceland provided all the gear. We were advised on the type of clothing to wear but Prokop had spares of everything from down layer to mitts. We were also provided boots. Ice climbing was definitely doable and enjoyable as a beginner, but you do need a moderate level of fitness. 

Sólheimajökull Glacier itself was stunning and walking/climbing on it felt surreal. The photos really didn't do it justice. Ice climbing was as hard as it looks. Doing one climb was plenty of exertion. My forearms felt like they were going to fall off by the end of 3 climbs. The kids had a ball though and loved exploring all the crevasses.

As an FYI you can do it in the summer months too, and according to Prokop the ice is actually easier to climb but the glacier isn't as scenic without all the snow so take your pic!

Our drive to the glacier

Hidden Iceland provided all the gear. Prokop spent a fair bit of time making sure we had the right gear and that we would not be too hot or too cold

Walking towards the glacier. The lake was just to our left, frozen and covered with snow

Right on the edge of the glacier

Our practice wall

Let's do this one Prokop says...Ok sure! Jonah scampering up, nicknamed squirrel


Mal nicknamed "the tennis player" by the kids on account on his grunts with each movement

zapped of all energy by the climb

Elliot's long limbs made the wall look not so high

An achievement to make the climb!

Hiking on the glacier with our awesome guide Prokop

Exploring the glacier

Walking back after 4 hours on the ice

Nothing like some axe-throwing to finish the day

Protein to feed the muscles


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