Exploring Iceland’s glaciers is an experience unlike any other. The vast ice, the shimmering blue ice, and the constantly changing formations remind us of nature’s power and beauty. We are excited to introduce a new glacier tour from Jökulsárlón, offering guests the chance to hike on Breiðamerkurjökull and explore unique ice features and water paths high on the glacier.
This adventure is designed for travellers who want more than just a quick stop. It’s a 3 to 3.5-hour experience that combines hiking, glacier exploration, and breathtaking scenery in Vatnajökull National Park.
A Different Kind of New Glacier Tour Experience
Unlike tours that focus on ice caves, this trip takes you to explore the glacier itself. The tour begins with a 30-minute drive from Jökulsárlón towards Breiðamerkurjökull, one of Vatnajökull’s stunning outlet glaciers. After the scenic drive, there is a 15–25 minute walk to reach the edge of the ice.
Once we arrive at the glacier, we spend about 1.5 hours hiking and exploring. Here you’ll see bright blue ice, winding water paths, and striking natural formations shaped by wind and melting water. These ice features are constantly changing, making every visit unique.
Moderate Difficulty – Perfect for Adventurous Travellers
This tour is rated moderate in difficulty. The walk to the glacier is relatively easy, but once on the ice, conditions can be uneven, and crampons are required. We provide all the necessary safety gear, including helmets and crampons, and your guide will instruct you on their use before you step onto the glacier.
You don’t need previous glacier experience to join, but a good level of fitness and proper hiking shoes are important. Guests who enjoy outdoor activities and want a little adventure will find this tour both rewarding and memorable.
What Makes This Tour Special
- Blue Ice Formations – See some of the most transparent and vivid ice in Vatnajökull.
- Natural Glacier Features – Explore moulins, crevasses, and water-carved paths that reveal how the glacier moves and melts.
- Away from the Crowds – By heading further up the glacier, we avoid the busiest areas, giving guests more space to enjoy the scenery.
- Expert Local Guides – Our team has years of experience leading glacier hikes in southeast Iceland. Your safety and experience are always the top priorities.
Practical Information
- Duration: 3–3.5 hours in total
- Driving time: 30 minutes each way from Jökulsárlón
- Walk to the glacier: 15–25 minutes
- Time on glacier: ~1.5 hours exploring ice features
- Difficulty: Moderate (requires walking on uneven surfaces with crampons)
What to bring:
- Warm, layered clothing
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Good hiking boots (must fit crampons securely)
- Hat and gloves
A Seasonal Adventure in Vatnajökull
This tour operates early in the season, when the glacier is still adjusting to the warmer weather. At this time, the ice is dynamic, with water flowing across its surface, and new formations appear daily. It’s a fascinating way to see the glacier as a living, changing landscape.
Instead of entering a single ice cave, you’ll discover a variety of features across the glacier surface—water channels, blue ice ridges, and natural ice sculptures. Every tour is different, depending on how nature has shaped the glacier that week.
Frequently asked questions
What is the New Glacier Tour exactly?
“New Glacier Tour” is our internal name for the route we have been developing on a newer-access section of Breiðamerkurjökull. In practical terms, it is covered by our Adventures Dream tour (5–6 hours, max group of 8). The “New” refers to the route, not a separate tour product.
How is the New Glacier Tour different from the short ice cave tour?
Three things: time on the glacier surface (1–1.5 hours of guided hiking on Adventures Dream vs about 25 minutes on the short tour), smaller group (max 8 vs max 14), and route variation (the New Glacier route covers more terrain types like crevasses, moulins, and surface blue ice features alongside the cave visit).
What blue ice features will I see?
The tour combines deep-blue inside-cave time with surface blue ice formations (compressed glacial ice exposed by wind and ablation). The contrast between cave interior and surface blue is part of what makes the route distinctive: you see the blue from inside and outside on the same day.
How long is the New Glacier Tour?
5–6 hours total: longer Super Jeep ride than the short tour, 1–1.5 hours of glacier hiking with crampons, extended cave exploration (60–90 minutes), and the return drive. Plan a half-day for it.
How many caves will the New Glacier Tour visit?
One main cave on most days, plus extensive glacier surface features. Some conditions let us add a smaller second cave. The longer route’s value is the variety of glacier features visited, not stacking multiple caves into one day. If multi-cave touring is the priority, the 3-Day Photo Tour covers more ground.
What is the fitness requirement for the New Glacier Tour?
Moderate to hard for some. You will walk 1–1.5 hours on uneven ice with crampons, on varied terrain. Minimum age 14. If you are unsure whether you can handle a longer day on the glacier, email info@glaciertrips.is with your situation and we will give you an honest answer.
Is the Super Jeep ride rough?
Yes, Super Jeeps are heavily modified 4×4 vehicles built for glacier terrain. They tilt, rock, and crawl over surfaces a normal vehicle could not manage. It can feel alarming the first time. Our drivers are experienced and routes are scouted regularly. If anything ever feels unsafe, tell the guide on the day.
What does the New Glacier Tour cost?
From 33,500 ISK per adult on the Adventures Dream booking. Same price whether you book direct or through an OTA. Use code DIRECT5 for 5% off when booking direct on glaciertrips.is.