Admission to Sólheimajökull is not free
Please be informed that there is a mandatory entrance fee for visiting Sólheimajökull. The minimum cost for entry by an ordinary family car is ISK 1,000 ($6.00) and is collected at the parking lot entrance. The fee is processed through an application provided by Parka, which has received criticism due to its poorly designed user interface. Additionally, your entrance and license plates are monitored by surveillance cameras.
Regrettably, despite the collection of relatively high fees, the parking infrastructure, pathways, information services, and, least of all, restroom facilities do not meet expected standards.
Not a very interesting place to visit
Sólheimajökull may have been considered one of the less captivating spots in Iceland, but its recent surge in popularity is undeniable. However, for those seeking the breathtaking beauty of a glacier tongue, I confidently suggest bypassing Sólheimajökull and opting for the stunning allure of Svínafellsjökull instead. Svínafellsjökull truly shines like a glacier jewel compared to the lackluster appeal of Sólheimajökull.
A glacier tongue from Mýrdalsjökull
The glacier tongue is a glacier falling from the Mýrdalsjökull glacier at a very slow pace. Step by small step, icebergs fall from the glacier and break away from it into the small lake below and melt. In the process, the glacier tongue forms all kinds of small natural wonders like cracks, holes, ice ravines, and ice caves. Although all this is sometimes astonishing great caution is recommended.
Easily accessible from the Iceland Ring Road
Sólheimajökull is easily accessible from the Ring Road (1) in the South Region, turning north to the road (221). The drive to the glacier tongue is about 4 kilometers from the main road. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the ice. There are two paths; one is the slope by the lake, which gives a great view of the glacier tongue, and the other path, which is down by the lake and is great if there are icebergs in the water. In winter, you would diffidently want to wear ice grips as both paths are often extremely slippery.
If you're planning to tour Iceland in a rental car, make sure to read this article about the type of car that would be best for your trip.
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