In short
- Drive 161 km east from Reykjavik on Route 1 (Ring Road).
- Turn left onto Route 221 and drive 4 km on a gravel road.
- Pay the 750 ISK parking fee using the Parka app.
In this article
Getting to Sólheimajökull is straightforward whether you rent a car or book a guided tour. The glacier is located in South Iceland, directly off the main Ring Road, making it a practical stop on any road trip.
How to get to Sólheimajökull from Reykjavik?
Drive east on Route 1 for 161 kilometers, then turn left onto Route 221.
The drive from Iceland's capital takes about 2.5 hours under normal conditions. You will follow the Ring Road (Route 1) along the South Coast. Watch for the sign for Sólheimajökulsvegur (Route 221). Turn left and follow this road for 4 kilometers until it ends at the glacier parking lot.
Do I need a 4x4 to drive to Sólheimajökull?
No, a standard 2WD vehicle is sufficient.
The final 4 kilometers on Route 221 is a gravel road. However, it is well-maintained and entirely accessible for 2WD cars, campervans, and tour buses. Just drive carefully to avoid loose stones.
Where do you park, and how much does it cost?
Parking costs 750 ISK per vehicle at the main lot.
The main parking area accommodates all vehicle sizes. You must pay the 750 ISK fee using the Parka app. This lot serves as the base camp where tour operators distribute gear.
Can you take a public bus to Sólheimajökull?
No, using public transport to reach the glacier is highly impractical.
You can take a Strætó public bus to nearby towns like Skógar or Vík, which takes over 3.5 hours. However, there is no public bus service to the glacier itself. Local taxis for the final stretch are scarce. Renting a car or booking a tour is strongly advised.
What are the options if I prefer not to drive?
You can book a guided day tour departing from Reykjavik.
Combo trips and day tours regularly depart from Reykjavik to the South Coast. These typically last 10 to 12 hours and cost between 15,000 and 35,000 ISK. A tour includes your bus transfer, an expert glacier guide, and all necessary safety equipment.
How far is the walk from the parking lot?
It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the lagoon viewpoint.
The trail is 1.2 kilometers long and mostly flat gravel. It is easily manageable for families and suitable for sturdy strollers. From the shoreline, you can view the floating icebergs and the glacier tongue. To walk onto the ice itself, you must join a guided hike.
Questions travellers ask
Can you see Sólheimajökull from the Ring Road?
No, you cannot see the glacier directly from the Ring Road. You must turn onto Route 221 and drive 4 kilometers to the parking lot, then walk 1.2 kilometers to the lagoon viewpoint.
How to get to Sólheimajökull from Vík?
Drive west on Route 1 for about 28 kilometers, then turn right onto Route 221. The total drive is 32 kilometers and takes approximately 25 minutes.
Do you have to pay to see Sólheimajökull?
Visiting the lagoon and viewing the glacier is free. Parking costs 750 ISK. Any guided hikes on the ice cost extra, with prices generally ranging from 11,000 to 25,000 ISK depending on the tour.
