We joined a glacier hike on July 1st and it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable experiences of our entire Iceland trip — not only because of the breathtaking landscape, but also thanks to our amazing guide, Elias.
That morning, it was pouring rain and we honestly thought the hike might be cancelled. We even went to two wrong meeting points before finally arriving, a bit flustered and soaked. But Elias had already prepared everything and calmly welcomed us, fully geared up and ready to go. His steady presence instantly reassured us.
There were eight people in our group. We took a super cool 4x4 vehicle to the base of the glacier — though to my surprise, we were already walking on ice! It was just covered in volcanic ash and sand, which made it look like regular mountain terrain.
Before climbing, we tried on our helmets and harnesses, then followed Elias uphill. Even though it was still raining, the route Elias chose was safe and manageable, even for those with little hiking experience. When we reached the visible part of the glacier, we switched to crampons. Elias patiently showed us how to put them on, checked every single pair, and taught us how to walk properly with them.
Walking on the glacier is not as simple as it seems — it hides crevasses, water tunnels, and freshly refrozen surfaces. Every step has to be careful and intentional. Staying close to an experienced guide is absolutely essential — both for safety and for respecting the fragile beauty of the ice. Elias not only kept us safe, but also showed us incredible natural features that can only be seen from within the glacier itself. It was like stepping into another world.
At one point, Elias shared a thought that really stayed with me:
In Iceland, nature can easily take back everything humans build — volcanoes, glaciers, storms, snow, and wind are constant reminders of how temporary human presence is.
Summer brings endless daylight, and winter brings long darkness — but only the turning of the seasons, the mountains, and the glacier remain eternal.
That, to me, perfectly captured the spirit of the day: humble, awe-inspiring, and full of quiet reverence for nature.
Thank you, Elias, for your guidance, your care, and for helping us experience the heart of Iceland, one step at a time.