Today, I have the privilege of speaking with Simon Rees, a seasoned glacier guide and outdoor enthusiast with over a decade of experience. Simon’s passion for adventure has led him to explore Iceland’s glaciers, volcanoes, and breathtaking landscapes, making him one of the most experienced guides for Iceland glacier hikes at Arctic Adventures, the top-rated Icelandic travel company. Arctic Adventures is one of my partners, sign up for my exclusive newsletter and receive discount promo codes for their tours and many others.
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Since 2017, Simon has taken on the role of base manager at Solheimajokull Glacier, leading a team of more than ten members. He oversees a range of remarkable tours, allowing travelers to experience the true wonders of Iceland’s icy realms.
One of the remarkable tours that Simon oversees is the “Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike.” This small group experience allows visitors to embark on an easy glacier hike. The tour takes place on the Sólheimajökull glacier, an outlet from the mighty Mýrdalsjökull, surrounded by majestic volcanoes. During the summer, a glacier lagoon forms in front of the glacier, adding to the enchantment of the location. The tour offers optional pick-up from Reykjavík or a meeting point directly at the glacier, making it easily accessible. It’s the perfect opportunity to add an adventurous touch to your Icelandic journey and unravel the mystery behind the name “Ice-land.”
Another captivating tour that Simon guides is the “Blue Ice – Ice Climbing Adventure.” This expedition takes participants through a frozen maze of towering ice formations, jagged ridges, and deep blue crevasses. At the awe-inspiring Sólheimajokull glacier, guests can explore its crevasse-riddled landscape and even test their ice climbing skills if they choose to. The glacier’s unique ice formations, sinkholes, and jagged ridges create an unforgettable experience, leaving visitors in awe of nature’s grandeur.
Hey Simon, thank you for taking the time for this interview. Can you please give my readers some background information on yourself, and tell me what brought you to Iceland in the first place?
I love traveling and experiencing new landscapes and cultures. I came to Iceland specifically to work on glaciers, originally on a 6 months contract and have kept extending my stay ever since. Primarily because my job simply never gets boring because as the glacier quickly evolves we’re always finding new features. Just 12 months prior to moving to Iceland I had been living and working for 9 months in Ras al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, quite the juxtaposition!
You have been here since 2017, what changes have you noticed in Iceland since then?
The glaciers are smaller, and getting smaller every year. Tourism continues to increase, though it was already a pretty popular destination when I arrived.
What can those who join your Iceland glacier hikes expect?
In winter you’ll see gorgeous glassy blue ice everywhere you look, and in summer you’ll observe crevasse and moulins that have only just formed in the recent days or weeks. Ice climbing tours are easily my favorite type of tour as we can explore incredible regions of the glacier otherwise completely inaccessible without ropes and technical rope skills.
How should travelers prepare for Iceland glacier hikes?
Keep a close eye on the weather forecast and dress for the outdoors. Waterproofs are a must, and dress in many thin layers rather than one big heavy jacket. While we often visit the glacier in challenging windy or rainy conditions it can also be surprisingly pleasant and warm particularly during hiking tours in summer. It’s not uncommon to be taking off or putting on extra layers several times throughout a single tour.
If you don’t like the weather, just wait 15 minutes.
What are your favorite activities and places in Iceland?
Early winter I typically spend all my time on the glaciers, both professionally and personally, as they offer the most picturesque and unbelievable landscapes compared to any other time of year anywhere else. One exception being the Fagradalsfjall which I was fortunate enough to witness within days of the fresh new lava flow.
When summer arrives and the highlands open up, then you can find me visiting places like Landmannalaugur, Thorsmork and Thakgil as they’re not only close by to where I live but simply wonderful places to get lost in nature. The 4-6 day Laugavegur trek is a must do.
What advice do you have for people visiting Iceland for the first time?
Each season offers different benefits. Summer, with endless daylight and hiking in the highlands is incredible. Early winter where the glaciers are easily the highlight. September, in my opinion, is the best month for those looking for a bit of everything.
Don’t just stay in Reykjavik, but do heed advice from locals particularly when it’s about safety.
