Glacier Tours FAQ

All scheduled Glacier Mice tours depart from the Jökulsárlón Main Parking Area at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Look for the Glacier Mice meeting-point sign, vehicles or guides near the main facilities. Please arrive 15–20 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow enough time for parking and check-in.

You can book directly through the Glacier Mice website using our secure online booking system. Visit our Ice Cave Tours or Glacier Hikes pages to choose your tour.

No. Our scheduled tours depart from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in Southeast Iceland. We do not provide scheduled pick-up from Reykjavík or other towns.

Yes. Minimum ages vary between tours because the duration, difficulty and terrain are different. Our standard Ice Cave Winter Tour and Jökulsárlón Glacier Hike accept children from age 8, while more demanding experiences may have a higher minimum age. Always check the individual tour page before booking.

Tours are operated in English. Some members of our team also speak additional languages, but availability varies and cannot always be guaranteed.

Yes. We recommend bringing water and a small snack, especially for our longer tours. Food and drinks are not normally included, so please bring what you expect to need for the duration of your tour.

Please arrive at least 15–20 minutes before departure. Tours need to leave on schedule and we may be unable to wait for late guests. Arriving late may therefore result in missing your tour.

Yes. Glacier Mice operates different glacier experiences throughout the year. Our ice cave tours generally operate from October through April, while our glacier hikes generally operate from May through September. Exact dates and availability can vary depending on conditions.

Yes. Parking is available at the Jökulsárlón main parking area. Parking charges may apply and are not included in the Glacier Mice tour price.

Our glacier guides are trained according to AIMG glacier guiding programmes and have practical experience working in glacier environments. Safety, route assessment and local knowledge are central to our guiding. You can learn more about our team on the About Glacier Mice page.

We recommend having suitable travel insurance when visiting Iceland. Weather, road conditions and other unexpected circumstances can affect travel plans, so please check that your insurance provides appropriate coverage for your trip and planned activities.

Drone use is not normally permitted during our scheduled glacier tours. Vatnajökull National Park also has specific rules and restrictions for drone use in the Jökulsárlón area. Commercial drone use may require a permit from the National Park. Please check the Vatnajökull National Park drone rules before flying or applying for any required permit.

Glacier Mice operates scheduled ice cave tours from Jökulsárlón generally from October through April. During winter, natural ice caves and formations develop within Breiðamerkurjökull, but the glacier is constantly changing. Exact access, routes and the caves visited therefore depend on current glacier, weather and seasonal conditions.

Our Ice Cave Winter Tour takes approximately 2–3 hours, including transport from Jökulsárlón, preparation and the glacier experience. Our Ice Cave Odyssey is a longer 5–6 hour experience for guests looking for a more adventurous exploration of Breiðamerkurjökull. See our Ice Cave Tours page for full details.

Ice caves are dynamic natural features and conditions can change throughout the winter. Our guides assess glacier conditions, cave access and the planned route, and tours only operate when conditions are considered suitable. Guests must follow their guide’s instructions throughout the tour. Learn more about our glacier safety approach.

Yes. Children aged 8 and older can join our Ice Cave Winter Tour when accompanied by an adult. Our longer and more demanding Ice Cave Odyssey has a minimum age of 16. See our Ice Cave Tours page to compare the two experiences.

Temperatures on the glacier and inside the ice caves are typically around freezing during winter, but wind and changing weather can make it feel considerably colder. Dress in warm layers and bring waterproof outerwear, gloves and a hat. See our Preparation & Gear section for more information.

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots are strongly recommended. Trainers or sneakers are not suitable for icy and uneven glacier terrain. Glacier traction equipment required for the tour is provided.

We strongly recommend that you do not enter glacier ice caves without an appropriately trained and experienced glacier guide. Conditions can change quickly, and hazards such as unstable ice, falling ice, water, crevasses and changing access routes may not be obvious to visitors. Our guides assess current conditions and routes before each tour.

Rain, meltwater and changing water levels can affect ice cave access. Our guides assess current conditions before each tour. If the planned cave or route is not considered suitable, we may change the route, visit another suitable ice cave or location, delay the tour or cancel when necessary.

Yes. Photography is welcome, but always remain aware of your surroundings and follow your guide’s instructions. Safety and the movement of the group take priority over photography.

No specific colour, shape or ice cave can be guaranteed. The ice caves of Breiðamerkurjökull are completely natural and change throughout the winter as the glacier moves and conditions evolve. Ice can appear blue, white, clear, grey or layered depending on the cave, weather, light and ice conditions. Our guides select the most suitable accessible ice cave based on current conditions.

In many locations you can gently touch the glacier ice. Please avoid damaging natural ice features and follow any instructions given by your guide.

No. Breiðamerkurjökull is constantly moving and changing. New ice caves can form while others change or disappear as meltwater, glacier movement and weather reshape the ice. This means the caves, routes and overall experience can be different from one winter to the next.

There is no fixed walking distance, as ice cave locations and glacier access change throughout the season. A typical tour includes off-road transport from Jökulsárlón followed by a walk to the glacier and ice cave. The exact walking distance and route depend on current conditions and the cave being visited.

Yes. Required glacier safety equipment for the tour, including a helmet and appropriate traction equipment, is provided.

There is no fixed distance. Some ice caves are relatively short, while others can extend much farther into the glacier. How far we can safely explore depends on the cave’s shape, water levels, ice conditions and the route considered suitable by our guides on the day.

Natural light enters through cave entrances and openings in the ice. Light levels vary considerably between caves and locations, and additional lighting may be used when needed for safe movement or guidance.

Yes, provided you can carry and use the equipment safely without delaying or obstructing the group. Keep equipment compact and be familiar with your camera and tripod before entering the glacier environment. Photographers needing more time or flexibility may prefer a private tour.

No previous glacier experience is required for our standard Jökulsárlón Glacier Hike. Your guide provides the necessary equipment and explains how to move safely on the ice before the glacier portion of the tour begins.

Our standard glacier hike is designed as an accessible introduction to glacier hiking for guests with normal mobility and fitness. Longer or more adventurous experiences can involve more walking and more demanding terrain.

Required glacier safety equipment such as crampons, helmets and harnesses is provided. Guests should arrive with appropriate outdoor clothing and sturdy hiking boots.

Group size depends on the specific tour. We deliberately keep groups limited so guides can manage the group effectively and provide a more personal glacier experience. Check the Glacier Hike Tours page for the maximum group size of each experience.

No. Hiking poles are not required for most of our glacier hikes. If you choose to bring your own poles, they should be suitable for use on firm or icy terrain.

Children aged 8 and older can join our standard Jökulsárlón Glacier Hike when accompanied by an adult. Our more demanding Glacier Odyssey has a minimum age of 14. See our Glacier Hike Tours page to compare the two experiences.

Glacier tours operate in a range of Icelandic weather conditions, but safety comes first. Routes may be adjusted, departures delayed or tours cancelled if conditions are unsuitable.

Our glacier hiking routes are at relatively low elevation, so altitude sickness is not a concern on these tours.

Our standard Jökulsárlón Glacier Hike takes approximately 3–4 hours, including transport, equipment preparation and time on the glacier. Glacier Odyssey is a longer and more active experience. See our Glacier Hike Tours page for current durations and departure times.

Yes. Guides can include short stops for rest, photographs and hydration as appropriate for the route, conditions and group.

There may be locations where guests can taste running glacier water. Always ask your guide first, as water sources and conditions vary across the glacier.

Food is not normally included. Bring water and we recommend a small snack, particularly for longer experiences.

Tell your guide before the tour and again if you feel uncomfortable on the glacier. Routes and conditions vary, and your guide can explain what to expect and help you make an informed decision during the experience.

Mobile coverage can be limited, weak or unavailable in parts of the glacier area. Our guides carry communication equipment for operational and safety purposes.

Yes. Glacier Mice can arrange private glacier experiences for individuals, couples, families and groups, subject to guide and vehicle availability, glacier conditions and the time of year. Please contact us with your preferred date, group size and the type of experience you are looking for.

Yes. Depending on conditions and availability, a private experience can offer greater flexibility in pace, duration and focus than a scheduled group departure.

Photography-focused private tours may be arranged. A private format can provide more time for compositions, equipment and changing light than a regular scheduled group tour.

Sometimes. Last-minute availability depends on guides, vehicles, conditions and existing bookings. Contact us and we will check what is possible.

Transport associated with the glacier portion of the experience depends on the tour arranged. Transport from Reykjavík or another part of Iceland is not included by default. Please tell us what transportation you require when requesting a private tour.

Potentially, depending on the season, glacier conditions, group ability and available time. Tell us what you would like to experience and we can discuss suitable options.

You are welcome to request a particular guide. We cannot guarantee availability, but we will do our best to accommodate the request.

They can be. A private format may allow more flexibility in pace and planning, but age limits and safety requirements still depend on the glacier activity and conditions.

Conditions are assessed in relation to the planned activity and route. If necessary, a tour may be modified, delayed, rescheduled or cancelled. Guests will be given relevant information when a change affects their booking. Learn more about our Safety Policy. For current weather information in Iceland, you can also check the Icelandic Meteorological Office .

Yes. Strong winds, storms, heavy precipitation, road conditions or glacier conditions can affect safe operation. Safety considerations take priority over completing a scheduled itinerary.

Glaciers contain hazards including crevasses, uneven ice, water, falling ice and rapidly changing conditions. Appropriate equipment, route selection and glacier knowledge are important when travelling in this environment.

Required equipment depends on the activity, but glacier tours typically include equipment such as helmets, crampons and harnesses where appropriate.

Guides consider current weather, glacier conditions, access, observations and information relevant to the planned route. Because the glacier changes over time, routes and destinations may also change.

Tell your guide before entering an ice cave or confined feature. Ice caves vary greatly in shape and size, and the guide can explain what to expect before entering.

Booking changes may be possible depending on notice and availability. Contact us as early as possible if you need to change your departure. Our current booking conditions are available in our Terms & Agreements.

A confirmation is sent after a successful booking. If you cannot find it, check your spam or junk folder and contact us if you still need assistance.

Cancellation and refund conditions depend on the timing and circumstances of the cancellation. Please read our Terms & Agreements for the current cancellation policy that applies to your booking.

Our prices are displayed and charged in Icelandic króna (ISK). Your card provider may convert the transaction into your home currency according to its own exchange rate and fees.

Our scheduled tours are booked and paid for through our secure online booking system. We recommend completing payment online before arriving for your tour.

For larger groups or private arrangements, please contact us with the date, group size and activity you are interested in so we can discuss available options.

Wear warm layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves and a hat, together with sturdy hiking boots suitable for uneven terrain. Weather can change quickly, so it is better to bring an extra layer. Required glacier safety equipment is provided for the tour.

Appropriate glacier equipment is provided for participants who meet the requirements of the booked tour. If you are travelling with children, check the minimum age of the specific experience before booking.

We currently do not rent hiking boots. Please arrive with sturdy, suitable footwear for the tour.

Small items may sometimes be left in the tour vehicle during the activity, but space is limited and belongings are left at your own risk. Avoid bringing unnecessary valuables.

Public restroom facilities are available at Jökulsárlón. Dedicated changing facilities are limited, so we recommend arriving already dressed in the clothing you intend to wear on the tour.

Glacier tours involve natural, uneven terrain and may not be suitable for all mobility levels. Please contact us before booking with information about your requirements so we can discuss whether an appropriate option is available.

Glacier tours involve uneven terrain, ice and changing outdoor conditions. Please discuss participation with your healthcare professional and contact us before booking if you are uncertain whether a particular tour is suitable for you.

Our current glacier tour vehicles are not equipped for wheelchair access.

There is no single answer based on age alone. Suitability depends on mobility, fitness, the specific tour and current conditions. Contact us if you are uncertain which experience is appropriate.

We aim to operate responsibly in a landscape that is both dynamic and sensitive. Our guides use established or appropriate access routes where possible, remove waste and encourage guests to respect the glacier and surrounding environment. Learn more about our Sustainability commitments and Environmental Policy.

We encourage responsible outdoor behaviour, including carrying out waste and avoiding unnecessary damage or disturbance to natural features.

Glacier Mice is based in Southeast Iceland and has strong ties to the local community. We support local organizations and encourage visitors to use accommodation, restaurants and other services in the region.