Snæfellsjökull is the 1,446-metre glacier-capped volcano at the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland, and on this guided day hike you climb all the way to its summit. The tour suits fit, active travellers aged 16 and over who want a real mountain day in Iceland. You don't need any glacier or climbing experience.

The volcano under the ice is a dormant stratovolcano around 700,000 years old, and its last eruption is dated to about 250 AD. It is one of Iceland's best-known landmarks and the mountain Jules Verne chose as the gateway in Journey to the Center of the Earth. It rises from Snæfellsjökull National Park, among lava fields, sea cliffs and a coastline full of folklore.

Your day starts at Arnarstapi on the south side of the peninsula, where you meet your certified mountain guide. After a safety briefing and fitting of the glacier equipment, you travel a short distance to the trailhead at the edge of the ice. On the glacier you walk roped together as a small team and climb steadily over snow towards the distinctive summit. The ascent usually takes three to four hours.

On a clear day the view from the top reaches south to the Reykjanes Peninsula and north across Breiðafjörður to the Westfjords, with the Atlantic on three sides. You stop on the summit to rest and eat your packed lunch before heading back down the same way.

Expect six to seven hours on your feet in total, mostly on snow. Glacier and safety equipment are provided. Bring sturdy hiking boots, waterproof outer layers, warm clothing and your own lunch and water. This is a meet-on-location tour, so leave plenty of time for the drive from Reykjavík to Arnarstapi.