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Near the top of Snaefellsjokull in late summer. PIC Greg Kruk

Near the top of Snaefellsjokull in late summer. PIC Greg Kruk

A part from Vatnajokull glacier in the Southeast of Iceland the only other glacier some foreigners know of is Snaefellsjokull glacier or Snæfellsjökull in the local language. Unlike Vatnajokull, which is not safe to hike or climb much Snaefellsjokull is actually rather easy to top and getting easier every year.

The fact that it is very possible to climb does not mean you should stuff your snowshoes into a bag and order plane tickets to Iceland for the climb. No glacier climbing is ever hundred per cent safe or worry-free. Glaciers are living things so to speak. They move, creak, open up and close when you least expect. Even the easy ones.

As one can see in the picture above Snaefellsjokull glacier is melting away and will likely be totally gone in the next few decades. It is not even possible to discern it is a glacier from the pic. Much more like a plain snowy mountaintop. But as with other things in life looks can be very deceiving.

as with other things in life looks can be very deceiving

While there is no law forbidding anyone to climb on top of Snaefellsjokull it is not recommended to do unprepared or on your own. If possible hike in a group led by a professional that knows both the area and the glacier. And take note that the picture above is taken in late summer. Come here in January and things look mighty different. In fact, of the companies offering any kind of trips up this glacier none offers any tours until spring is upon us each year. It is simply too dangerous to climb in wintertime.

However, it is possible to to top Snaefellsjokull on snow-scooters or snowmobiles with a couple of local companies and also possible to join hiking groups over summertime. At the very best of times one can also ski down this famous glacier. At the very least everyone topping this glacier on a clear day gets the view of a lifetime.

Tours available: We assist everyone finding the right trip at the right time. Get in touch for details. Totaliceland@totaliceland.