Take the front-row seat on top of a glacier — there is no better place in Iceland to watch the sun refuse to set.
We meet at the trailhead in Arnarstapi for a short briefing before we begin. You’ll learn how to use crampons and an ice axe, how to move safely on ice, and what it feels like to walk roped together as a team. From there, we drive to the starting point and begin our ascent onto the glacier itself.
The route gains roughly 1,000 meters of elevation, but the climb is steady and gradual, and we set a pace that works for everyone in the group. Your guide and photographer will be capturing the journey as you go, so you’re free to take in the experience without worrying about your camera. Reaching the summit is never guaranteed — your safety always comes first, and conditions on the mountain have the final say — but we’ll do everything within our power to get you there.
This is what sets the trip apart. Time your climb around the summer solstice, and you’ll stand on top of Snæfellsjökull at the one moment each year when the Arctic sun barely touches the horizon before rising again — the sky glowing gold and pink for hours instead of minutes.
From up here, there’s no better seat in the house. The midnight sun stretches long, soft light across the glacier and the coastline far below, and for a while, day and night simply stop being different things. It’s quiet, otherworldly, and a little disorienting in the best way — the kind of light you don’t get anywhere else in the world, at any other time of year.
Few people ever see the solstice sun from a glacier summit. Fewer still get to watch it happen at midnight, from one of Iceland’s most iconic peaks. It’s a moment that’s easy to describe and hard to actually believe until you’re standing in it — and one that tends to stay with people long after the trip is over.
As we make our way uphill, you won’t need many layers at the start, but temperatures will gradually drop as we gain elevation. It’s best to bring several thin layers that you can add or remove as needed. Icelandic weather is famously unpredictable, so having extra clothing is always a good idea—conditions can change quickly, and strong winds can come out of nowhere.
For this tour, high hiking boots are essential. We also recommend bringing sandwiches, snacks, and a spare layer of clothing. Some previous hiking experience is helpful but not essential; our guide will take care of all the safety. We will be moving most of the time on glacier terrain attached to the rope to provide maximum safety.
We’ll take a few short breaks along the way for snacks and a longer stop to prepare for and enjoy the solar eclipse. It is strongly recommended to prepare physically for this tour by doing hikes beforehand, especially in snow terrain. A list of essential gear can be found above.
