Iceland – Glacier walk with Arcanum
When you think of Iceland, you automatically think of glaciers. So a glacier walk was really a must during our trip to Iceland. A glacier is a mass of dense ice formed from snow. When the snow is thick enough to change into ice, it forms a glacier. It looks like an avalanche made of ice.
The best way to admire a glacier up close is by walking on it. We booked a 3 h glacier walk with Arcanum. Only half an hour drive from Vik, in the South of Iceland, lies the Sólheimajökull glacier, part of the Myrdalsjökull, the 4th biggest glacier of Iceland. This glacier covers the Katla volcano and is next to the famous Eyjafjallajökull glacier/volcano.
Before we start our journey, we are equipped with all the necessary material: a helmet, an icepick, and some spikes to put on your shoes. The latter have to fit perfectly so they are matched to your shoes. Although the sun was shining, gloves were no unnecessary luxury.
Then it was time to go to the base of the glacier. Here we put the spikes onto our shoes with the help of our guide Javier. He guided us step by step how to put them on and how to walk with them. You have to make sure that you keep your feet at a wider distance because otherwise you can get caught in your own pants and fall.
It requires some getting used to for walking with them, but once you get the hang of it, it is actually not so difficult at all. During the walk, we stop a number of times for some more explanation about glaciers and this glacier in particular. And you even have the chance do so some ice climbing.
Time flies when you are having fun and before you know it, you are already on your way back.
I really recommend this glacier walk with Arcanum: a varied walk where our guide Javier gave us very interesting information about glaciers and Iceland, a spectacular view, and just an amazing experience.
A real must when you are in Iceland.
If I was a better swimmer (and not a wimp), I would have done some snorkelling between the Tectonic plates in Silfra.
This post is the result of a nice collaboration with Arcanum.