When I visited Iceland this year, I decided to challenge myself and try Mountain Guides glacier walking on Svinafellsjökull. I had never tried such activity before, and I hadn’t any expectations except seeing some ice and cool landscapes.
My experience with Mountain Guides Glacier Walking tour was great, and I couldn’t be happier with my time on the glacier.
In this article I’m going to tell you about my experience, what we did, what we saw, and give you some tips about what to think of before going on this tour.
Here’s my review of Glacier Walking with Mountain Guides in Iceland:
Table of Contents
What is Glacier Walking?
Glacier walking is exactly what it sounds like; you walk on a glacier. Although you’re just walking, it’s not as easy or safe as it might sound. For safety, you wear crampons on your shoes, a harness, and an ice ax. If you listen to the guide and do what he says, then you’re going to be just fine and have a great time!
Handy Information
- Name of tour: Blue Ice Experience
- Available: All year round every day at 10.00 and 14.00
- Duration: 2,5-3 hours in total (1,5-2 hours on the glacier)
- Meeting Point: Icelandic Mountain Guides Sales Lodge in Skaftafell. Be there 15 minutes before the tour starts.
- Minimum age: 8 years
- They provide: Guide, glacier gear, and safety equipment
What you need for Glacier Walking
Bring layers of warm clothes (depending on the weather of course), rain gear, and hiking boots. One thing that many people do (including myself on this tour) is to wear too warm and too many clothes, so make sure to check the weather before you dress that specific day.
I went on this tour during winter in Iceland. The sun was out, and there was no wind, so it was actually pretty warm outside. Also remember that you’re walking around for 1,5-2 hours, and that might make you a bit warm as well.
To this tour, it’s also good to bring your common sense. Listen to the guide and follow what he says – it’s important for your safety.
With good clothes, hiking boots, your common sense, and rain gear if it’s necessary during your time in Iceland, you’re going to be fine and have an excellent time on the glacier!
Is Mountain Guides Glacier Walking Tour for anyone?
Yes! From 8 years and up. There’s no limit on how old you can be to take this tour. You just have to decide for yourself if this tour is something for you and something you can do. You don’t have to be super fit to go on this tour, but you must be able to walk for 1,5-2 hours and be a just a little brave to climb up and down at some places (you have a good grip with your crampons, so it’s not that scary).
Is it worth it or not going on this tour?
Yes! It’s definitely worth it. It’s one of the best memories that I have from Iceland, and one of the most different/coolest activities that I’ve done. It was so exciting to walk on a Glacier and get to climb down in ice cracks to get a closer look at the beautiful ice with its unique shape and color.
This is something that you don’t get to experience that often, so make sure to take the chance while you’re in Iceland – I promise you that you won’t regret it!
My Experience of Mountain Guides Glacier Walking Tour
I must say that I had a great experience. Our tour guide was very friendly, helpful, and gave us some useful information about the glacier. The walk was very nice without being too exhausting or boring. During the tour, we stopped at several places, which was great since we wanted to snap some pictures. We also got the chance to climb down into two ice cracks, which was the highlights during the glacier walk. Down in the ice cracks, you get to see the beautiful blue ice up close that has been created by Mother Nature.
Overall I’m very satisfied with my Mountain Guides Glacier Walking tour, and I can highly recommend you to go on the same tour while you’re in Iceland!
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