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ROCK, ALPINE & ICE CLIMBING IN ICELAND

Although Iceland may not be well known for climbing, its extraordinary landscape filled with spectacular peaks, basalt columns, waterfalls offers plenty of climbing. Whether it’s sport, trad, ice, or alpine climbing that you are after, Iceland has plenty of routes from basic through advanced. There is rock and ice climbing in both north and south Iceland so it just depends on the kind of climbing you are after. 

Ice Climbing

Iceland as the name quite boldly implies has a lot to offer to the ice climber. It is safe to say that the terrain and conditions in Iceland are amongst the best in the world for ice climbing. The season can last from late October to the end of May but due to the oceanic climate of Iceland conditions vary and change rapidly throughout the winter. This is very good in the sense that the ice is never super cold and brittle but it also means that you have to have a flexible program as to where in Iceland you want to climb.

The fact that Iceland is only a few hours flight away from all major cities on both sides of the Atlantic means that you can with ease come over for a quick weekend hit or a longer trip full of first ascents.

Choosing the best area for ice climbing in Iceland is very difficult for there is good climbing in all four corners of the country. If you are looking for a short trip there are hundreds of climbs within an hours drive from Reykjavik but if you are up for some exploration the options are endless with plenty of first ascents to be had.

Climbing Clinic on Sólheimajökull

The ever-changing glacier in South Iceland has spectacular scenery and is a perfect location for a day of climbing.
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Waterfall Ice Climbing Akureyri

North Iceland has plenty of frozen waterfalls lining the fjords and deep in the valleys.
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Waterfall Ice Climbing Reykjavik

Learn the techniques of waterfall ice climbing on one of the many waterfalls just outside of Reykjavik.
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Rock & Alpine Climbing

We offer rock and alpine climbing in the north of Iceland and through our partners in the south of Iceland. We can also arrange programs in Greenland for those wanting more expedition style climbing. 

Iceland and Greenland offer great opportunities for Alpine climbing and general mountaineering. Iceland is less known for its alpine terrain but there are many worthwhile ascents to be made and many routes still wait their first ascent. In Iceland the center of activity is around the southern side of the immense Vatnajökull icecap where Iceland's highest peak Hvannadalshnúkur rises out of the glacial plateau. The peaks in that area rise up 2000m or more than 6500ft out of the Atlantic Ocean and make for formidable objectives. The terrain is mostly mixed with ice and snow climbing being the norm but multi pitch alpine rock routes also exist on the Troll Peninsula in Northern Iceland and the Eastern part of the country.

Greenland on the other hand contains one of the world's largest mountain ranges with the highest peak Gunnbjornsfjeld at over 3700m or 12000ft. The East coast of Greenland offers 3000km of Chamonix peaks rising straight out of the ocean. Now that should tell most people more than any lengthy description what Greenland is all about. For those that are after something steeper, the south coast around Ketils Fjord has Granite big walls up to 2000m or 6500ft high, some of the highest such walls in the world. With all these mountains, first ascents and exploration is what trips to Greenland are all about. Want to name a peak after yourself? Join us for a Greenland climbing trip.

Bergmenn Mountain Guides are the only Internationally certified mountain guides permanently based in the region and offer you custom made Alpine climbing adventures with the emphasis on high quality professional service.

Rock & Alpine Climbing North Iceland

The rugged and spectacular landscape of North Iceland offers some beautiful basalt spires and multi pitch routes.
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Rock & Alpine Climbing South Iceland

The south coast is home to the most well known climbing areas of Iceland and offers a number of sport and trad routes.
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