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1 / 10Eyjafjallajökull Hike
, Iceland
Glacier HikingHiking Tours
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About this activity
Ascend Iceland's iconic Eyjafjallajökull glacier to its 1,666-metre summit, combining volcanic terrain, ice climbing, and panoramic views in a single full-day expedition. This moderate-to-challenging hike showcases Iceland's dramatic geology and glacial landscapes, culminating at Goðasteinn peak where clear days reveal the volcano's caldera.
Eyjafjallajökull stretches 1,666meters above sea level and is one of the most beautiful glaciers in Iceland. This is a great opportunity to explore the high volcano and the beauty of Icelandic nature.
Starting from Seljavallalaug (the old swimming pool) we are going to give you some glacier gear that you need later. The hike starts by going up to the small mountain and following an old trek, mostly gravel, and moss. The beginning of the hike is steep but after every hill, there is a small flat place to rest. The best part about this hike is that you don’t need to bring a lot of water with you due to small water streams on the way. After 2-3hours we are at the base of the glacier, where we can eat some lunch and gear up for the ice. We put on harnesses, crampons, and rope up. From there we hike a good ice slope to the summit.
After this ice slope, we get to a flat glacier, on clear days you can see the caldera on the glacier. The true summit is Goðasteinn 1666m that takes us 30minutes to climb/hike. This is a nice place for some photos, have some food and water before the hike down. We are going to take the same trek back down to the car.
Eyjafjallajökull (English Island Mountain Glacier, is one of the smaller ice caps of Iceland north of Skógar and west of Mýrdallsjökull The ice cap covers the caldera of a volcano with a summit elevation of 1,666 meters (5,417 ft). The volcano has erupted relatively frequently since the last glacial period most recently in 2010.
Highlights
- ✓Climb from moss-covered foothills to active glacier in 2–3 hours
- ✓Strap on crampons and rope up for guided ice slope ascent
- ✓Summit Goðasteinn (1,666 m) with 360° views of southern Iceland
- ✓Traverse the flat glacier plateau; spot the volcanic caldera on clear days
- ✓Natural water streams en route mean lighter pack weight
Insider tips
- ★Start early to maximize daylight and clear visibility for crater views; afternoon clouds often obscure the caldera
- ★The initial gravel ascent is steep but flattens regularly—pace yourself and use rest points strategically
- ★Bring high-calorie snacks; the two rest stops (base and summit) are ideal for refueling before ice climbing
Good to know
- •All glacier safety gear (harness, crampons, rope) provided; wear sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
- •Total duration 8.5 hours includes ascent, ice climbing, summit, and descent; start around 8–9 a.m.
- •Meeting point is Seljavallalaug (historic open-air geothermal pool site); ensure reliable transport to trailhead
- •Route follows old trek marked mostly by gravel and moss; not technical scrambling until the roped ice section
Who it's for
Experienced hikers comfortable with exposure and basic crampon useAdventure photographers seeking dramatic glacier and volcanic landscapesTravellers interested in Iceland's 2010 eruption history and active geology
Best time to visit
Late May to September offer the longest daylight and most stable ice conditions. June–August peak season provides the best odds of clear views of the caldera; avoid winter (Oct–Apr) due to avalanche risk and minimal daylight.
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