Question 1

How old do you need to be to go ice climbing?

Accepted Answer

Some operators allow children from ten years old to join, other set the minimum age limit at twelve years old.

Question 2

What equipment will I need to go ice climbing?

Accepted Answer

Ice climbing requires a helmet, crampons, a harness and ice axes, which will be provided by your guide who will also take care of the ropes.

Question 3

How fit do you need to be to go ice climbing?

Accepted Answer

You need a reasonable level of fitness and to be without pressing back, knee or neck problems.

Question 4

What do I need to wear to go ice climbing?

Accepted Answer

Warm, waterproof clothes, gloves, and well-fitting hiking boots with decent ankle support—the more rigid, the better.

Question 5

How long will I be climbing for?

Accepted Answer

Climbing up an ice wall and back down again takes about five minutes, but you will spend at least an hour on the glacier.

Question 6

How high will I climb?

Accepted Answer

You will ascend five metres or so, depending on the conditions of the glacier in question.

Question 7

What if I fall?

Accepted Answer

You will hang motionless in the air until you are ready to continue because your guide will have fastened your security line to the ice wall.

Question 8

Is Ice Climbing possible on all glaciers?

Accepted Answer

Technically, yes. For safety reasons, however, most ice climbing tours are conducted on Sólheimajökull and Svínafellsjökull.

Question 9

Can I go ice climbing throughout the year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are operators who run ice climbing tours year round.

Question 10

Is it possible to partake in a glacier hiking tour without doing an ice climb?

Accepted Answer

Yes, such tours can be found in the glacier tours section on the Guide to Iceland website.

Ice Climbing Tours

5 Ice Climbing Tours available