Find Ice Climbing Tours in Iceland

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

Some operators allow children from ten years old to join, while others prefer those over twelve or fourteen.

2. What equipment will I need to go ice climbing?

Ice climbing requires a helmet, crampons, a harness and ice axes, which will be provided for you; your guide will take care of the ropes.

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

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

4. How high will I climb?

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

5. Is ice climbing possible on all glaciers?

Most ice climbing tours are held on Solheimajokull and Svinafellsjokull.

6. What if I fall?

You will hang motionless in the air until you are ready to continue; your guide will have hooked you up very securely to the ice wall. 

7. Can I go ice climbing throughout the year?

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

8. Is it possible to glacier hike without ice climbing?

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

9. How long will I be climbing for?

Climbing up an ice wall and back down takes five minutes or so; you will still spend at least an hour on the glacier.

10. What do I need to wear to go ice climbing?

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