Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing Intro - Small Group

We booked Arctic Adventures’ Blue Ice – Ice Climbing Adventure and unfortunately made an honest mistake when planning our trip, confusing their two locations, Sólheimajökull and Skaftafell. We realized the mistake approximately 23 hours before the trip. Arctic Adventures has a 24-hour cancellation/change policy, so we had missed the deadline by roughly one hour. We contacted them immediately and tried to find virtually any reasonable alternative. We offered to change the date and come back another day, switch to an experience at the location closer to us, or even book a completely different Arctic Adventures activity nearby. Several alternatives were available. We spoke with several people and exchanged WhatsApp messages. What was most disappointing was not simply that they enforced their policy, but the complete lack of flexibility or effort to help. There was no attempt to find a compromise, no meaningful consideration of the circumstances, and very little empathy in the way the situation was handled. We were repeatedly told to follow up by email, which I did. It then took them three days to respond, only to receive essentially the same answer: they simply referred back to the cancellation policy, without addressing any of the alternatives we had proposed or the specific circumstances. Because we genuinely wanted to do the experience and did not want our booking to go to waste, we even considered making the roughly three-hour drive each way to Sólheimajökull. Unfortunately, significant road construction would have added close to another hour each way, making an already six-hour round trip impractical. I understand that companies need cancellation policies. What I find disappointing is when a policy is applied mechanically, particularly when a customer misses the deadline by about one hour, contacts the company proactively, is willing to reschedule rather than cancel, and actively tries to find another way to use the booking. For a company selling expensive experiences to international travelers—where itineraries, locations, weather and road conditions can be complicated—I would expect a much more thoughtful and customer-oriented approach. Thankfully, Icelandia saved the day. We contacted them at very short notice, they were friendly and helpful, and we were able to book an alternative ice-climbing experience. The experience itself was excellent. The contrast in customer service was striking. Based on how Arctic Adventures handled our situation when something went wrong, I would not book with them again and would not recommend them. A good tour operator is not only defined by what happens when everything goes according to plan, but also by how it treats customers when it doesn’t. They may have kept the money (and it was not even about the money), but they lost a customer for life.

Daniel was a super great guide and very friendly throughout. We highly, highly recommend him because he both made us feel comfortable and safe - which is no easy task for someone afraid of heights! Daniel made the trip fun and impactful for myself and girlfriend, and always kept it positive, even when we were doubting ourselves - If I could always have Daniel as my guide, I would! 10/10 - AMAZING EXPERIENCE.

Epic day! Our Guide, Lukas was great. He made climbing on the glacier easy. It was a long hike but definitely one of our favorites.

Excellent experience. I had a small mishap near the top and fell. The guide was helpful and I completed the hike, with only a minor injury.

I really loved this tour & couldn't get enough of ice climbing! The two Italian guides, Francisco & Daniel, were brilliant: very experienced, friendly, and they approached each of us & every activity with care & compassion. I felt seen, safe & entertained. What more would anyone wish for on a tour? The guides were also clearly incredibly passionate about glaciers which made the experience that much better for the participants as well! Definitely highly recommended for anyone curious about glacier exploration . I would also like to thank our driver-guide Greta. We all got completely soaked to the bone at the end of the tour & she took care of us, even offering me her own jacket to keep warm while my own was drying (along with my trousers!) what a wonderfully caring & warm person she is!

+7

I had the most amazing first ice climbing experience. Daniel and Lucas were incredible guides. They were knowledgeable, encouraging, patient, and just genuinely wonderful people to spend the day with. I came out as a solo female, and I don’t think they even realize the role they’re playing in helping people rewire their brains and what they believe they’re capable of. There’s something really powerful about showing up alone to do something completely new and a little intimidating, and having guides who make you feel safe, capable, and completely comfortable being there. I left feeling so proud of myself and incredibly grateful for the experience. It was so much more than just getting to try ice climbing for the first time. I also used the shuttle option, and the driver was wonderful. I felt very safe the entire time. Cannot recommend this experience, Daniel, and Lucas enough. Truly one the highlight of my trip.

Daniel was awesome, very fun, a little wet and chilly but is to be expected

We had a great time! The ice climbing was a really fun experience, and we were blessed with sunny weather. I never felt unsafe. I was grateful that this company picked us up from reykjavik, even if it made for a long day. Our driver even dropped us off at our hotel 15 minutes outside reykjavik and we super appreciated that! Only thing I would say is plan to get your own food and snacks. Its a very long day. But worth it!

Daniel is the best guide / coach I have ever met. He guided us through the whole ice climbing experience carefully, and teach us all the essential techniques, knowledge and skills on the whole exploring. He also gave us very tender care and emotional support which is utmost important for us to break through and be our best. He is thus the best. Salute to him and I will recommend this first-class guide / coach to all my friends and any others. ❤️❤️

Daniel, our hiking and climbing guide, was fantastic. His knowledge, humor, expertise, and skill set was perfect for our group. He made us feel safe and let us be adventurous all at once. I would highly recommend Daniel for your glacier hike and climb.