Ice Pic Journeys FAQ
For all of our Glacier Tours (unless of course you have specifically arranged a tour starting in Reykjavík), you will meet your guide at the Glacier Lagoon parking lot in Vatnajokull National Park. The official address for this location is: í Hornafirði, Jökulsárlón, Glacier Lagoon, 781 Höfn or you can simply type in ‘Ice Pic Journeys’ in Google Maps and we will come up.
It is important to be aware that this is a 5-hour drive from Reykjavik so it is always recommended to stay at an accommodation closer to this meeting point.
It is best to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour so you can use the restrooms since there will be none at the glacier. Your guide will be right across from the restrooms in the bus parking lot. You can look for the ‘Ice Pic Journeys’ logo on our 4×4 vehicle amongst the other companies.
Departure will be precisely at the scheduled time so it is important to arrive on time or you may miss the tour.
Good question and one of the most often asked Ice Pic Journeys FAQ!
Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour so you can use the restrooms. Note- There will be no restrooms at the glacier.
Departure will be precisely at the scheduled time so it is important to arrive on time or you may miss the tour.
Generally, where we hike on the glacier has very little difference in temperature then the surrounding area. However, sometimes moderate winds can come down from higher up the glacier, and will cause you to feel a few degrees colder. Always bring an extra layer of clothing in case the weather changes.
The weather in Iceland can be challenging so we suggest to dress in layers. For example, a good base layer underneath hiking clothes. Your outerwear should ideally be waterproof. Top your Iceland glacier look off with a pair of your favorite hiking boots!
Our Ice Pic Journeys team offers rentals (rain gear, hiking boots, etc) as well if you need them. But we need the items (with size requests) to be added and paid for 24 hours before the tour time.
Lastly, having a small backpack with a hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks, and other accessories can be nice to have as well. Feel free to check out our Amazon Storefront for more ideas!
All photographs taken from the tour will be processed by a professional editor after the tour. Processing time will take an average of 14 days. This is just an average and it could take slightly less or even a few more days. This is because we amass hundreds of photos per day/thousands per week and are working to make sure every one of our guests gets the best photos possible. Once completed, your photos will be uploaded into a downloadable gallery. There you can access them to download and even order your favorite print too!
Throughout the summer season old ice caves will melt away and new ice caves will form in different locations. Therefore every year we find new caves of different sizes and shapes. That means that every trip to the glacier provides you with unique experience.
You have a plethora of options!
- We find most travelers like the ability to self-drive and make an adventure out of it! Check out our friends at NorthBound who gather the best car rental rates in Iceland! Also, have a look at our blog post we wrote about Driving in Iceland.
- Book a multi-day tour with us! That way, you can relax and enjoy everything the spectacular South Coast of Iceland has to offer.
- We can provide a pickup service from Reykjavík in one day, which if available can be booked with your tour. However, this 10+ drive is unavailable in the winter (Nov-March) and there are no additional stops other than restroom breaks.
- You can fly from the Reykjavik domestic airport (RKV) to Höfn (HFN) via Eagle Air. Then contact us and we can arrange transfers to/from the lagoon for you for an additional cost.
- There is a local bus service called Streato where route 52 can take you from Reykjavík to the glacier lagoon and Höfn. But that said, we do not generally recommend this route as it can take 12+ hours each way.
If your tour is canceled because the weather is making it impossible to safely hike on the glacier, you will be entitled to a full refund or rescheduling to a different date. Need more info? Check out our Terms & Conditions page.
Our gear is stored in the town of Höfn. Therefore, if interested in adding any of our rental gear, you need to order 24 hours in advance. Ideally, you add on at the time of booking your tour to ensure the best availability. However, closer to your date we may still be able to accommodate. Feel free to contact us with your list of desired rentals (with size requests) and we can see what is a possibility.
For people of moderate fitness the hike is very easy. On the hike we will stop to make many breaks for photos. Our pace will always be adjusted to the comfort of the clients. Total round trip distance on average is 5 km (3.1 miles) with the gradual elevation gain of 85-130 meters (275-425 feet) depending on the tour.
Thrilled to offer you some recommendations on places to eat lunch or dinner after one of our fabulous tours from the famed Glacier Lagoon! Checkout of our list favorites below by direction you might be headed:
At the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon:
- Heimahumar (lobster food truck)
- Nailed It Fish & Chips (food truck)
- 10 minutes away heading west is Fjallsarlon Frost Restaurant.
Town of Höfn (East of Glacier Lagoon):
- Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon Restaurant & Bar
- Fosshotel Nupur Bar & Restaurant
- Kjarr Restaurant
- Systrakaffi
- Hotel Klaustur Restaurant
Make sure you check out our Travel Guide to Hofn Iceland too!
Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds for missing a tour however we will do our best to reschedule you for another tour if available.
Happy to provide some recommendations for you as this is one of Ice Pic Journeys FAQ! First, the closest town/village is Höfn. Second, there are many choices to consider that are in close proximity to the Glacier Lagoon. Third, here are a few of our favorites:
- Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
- Fosshotel Vatnajökull
- Hótel Höfn
- Milk Factory Guesthouse
- Höfn – Berjaya Iceland Hotels
- You can also check Iceland’s version of Airbnb – Bungalo for other options.
Also, feel free to check out our Guide to Hofn!
Of course! We would love to be a part of your milestone moment!
However, we strongly advise that you book a private tour so that you can maximize your special experience. Unfortunately, if you book a standard “open” tour our guide will have to ensure all guests receive an equal experience.
If you’re interested in proposing in Iceland or a glacier wedding, read more about our offerings HERE!
We pick and professionally edit the best photos taken of you on your tour. Unless additional photos or particular poses are requested before or during your tour it is very difficult for us to then provide them at a later date.
However, if we can accommodate an additional photo request there may be an additional charge for a package add-on at our standard rate of 5,000 ISK per 5 additional shots.
Absolutely! We can fully customize or alter any tour to a private adventure for you / your group. Please contact us directly for a private tour quote.
For half day tours we do not stop for lunch, although you can bring a snack if you prefer. Full day tours we will make a stop for a lunch break but the food is not provided so you will need to bring your own. Water is always recommended to bring, and you may also be able to fill up your bottle with fresh glacier water.
Although there is no weight limit, you need to have a 50” inch waist or less. Also, you need to be able to walk 10km / 6.2 miles at a normal pace.
Pro Tip: If you wish for iconic photos in center of the Glacier Zip Line…. You need to be able to have enough upper body strength to pull yourself to the middle.
Special Note: Pregnant women should skip this activity.
Read all about us on our About page!