Built To Roam: Game of Thrones Glacier Hiking

Last week the news was covering the eruption of the volcano Bárðarbunga in Iceland, which is located under Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull. Just two short months ago, and a bit south of the eruption site, we were hiking on the same glacier.
I know I have mentioned several times how much I don't like guided tours, but unfortunately some times they are a necessary evil. Seeing as I had never stepped foot on a Glacier before, nor did I have the right gear, I thought it best to join a tour company when glacier hiking in Iceland.

Very serious.

I decided after quite a bit or research, to go with Icelandic Mountain Guides. They have a good reputation and from what I had read they seemed like the right choice.
We arrived at Vatnajökull National Park early in the afternoon and within minutes had checked in and began suiting up for the hike. Icelandic Mountain guides runs tours of Svínafellsjökull, one of the tongues off of the main glacier, for around $100ish per person. After suiting up we headed out in a van with our two guides and 6-7 other tourists towards the base of the glacier.

Repelling.

The first part of the tour involved unnecessarily repelling down onto the base of the glacier, and an extensive training session on how to walk around/use your crampons and ice axe. This section could have been quicker in my opinion but they understandably need to cater to all skill levels.
After hopping around the glacier for the better part of three hours we headed back to the vans for the return trip to the visitors center. I would recommend the tour, just keep in mind the tutorial does get a bit long and there isn't much room for open exploration (think cattle herding, and you are the cattle).

Ice Axe Twirl of Death.

Highlights:
1. Part of "Game of Thrones" and "Batman Begins" were filmed on this section of the glacier.
2. British dude yelling "Fuck off mate!" at me.
3. Drinking water strait from a glacier.
4. Farting on a glacier.

Mileage: 4 Miles