Skaftafell Guide

Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tours: Explore Vatnajökull

Discover the raw, icy beauty of Europe's largest glacier with guided hikes in the breathtaking Skaftafell Nature Reserve.

18+ tours
From $$95
3-5 hours

Skaftafell, a verdant oasis nestled beneath the colossal Vatnajökull ice cap in Iceland's southeast, is the gateway to some of the most accessible and dramatic glacier landscapes in the country. This stunning nature reserve, part of the larger Vatnajökull National Park, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to step directly onto ancient ice. Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tours are the quintessential way to experience this icy wonderland, providing safe access to otherworldly ice formations, crevasses, and moulins under the expert guidance of certified professionals. These tours are designed for varying levels of experience, ensuring that anyone with a spirit of adventure can connect with the raw power and serene beauty of the glacial environment. Imagine traversing a surface sculpted by millennia of ice flow, where every step crunches on ancient snow and ice. Guides will equip you with essential gear – crampons, helmets, and ice axes – and lead you through a realm of dazzling blue ice, deep fissures, and sweeping glacial tongues. Beyond the sheer visual spectacle, these tours offer a profound connection to a dynamic natural force. You'll learn about glacial geology, the impact of climate change on these icy giants, and the incredible ecosystem that manages to thrive in this seemingly barren landscape. Skaftafell’s accessibility from the Ring Road makes it a prime location for such excursions, offering a stark contrast to the green valleys and volcanic terrain found elsewhere in Iceland. These tours are more than just a walk; they are an immersion into a living, breathing glacier.

Featured Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for skaftafell glacier hiking tours in Skaftafell

Skaftafell: Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull
From $166.03
Free Cancellation

Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, on this unforgettable adventure. A 4x4 vehicle transports you from Skaftafell to the glaciers edge. Then, led by an experienced guide, you’ll walk across shimmering ice and journey to a natural blue ice cave. Towering ice ridges, dramatic crevasses, and sweeping glacier views make every step feel like you’ve entered another world. This tour safely blends the thrill of exploration with the raw beauty of nature.

4.4(109)
4h
View Details
Blue Ice Discovery – Guided Glacier Hike from Skaftafell
From $116
Free Cancellation

Step into a world of ice on this guided glacier walk from Skaftafell. Explore a breathtaking outlet of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, in a small group led by a certified guide. No experience needed — all gear is provided. After meeting your guide in Skaftafell, you'll gear up and head onto the glacier, where you'll walk among towering ice formations, deep crevasses, and striking blue ice. Learn about glacial landscapes, volcanic forces, and how Iceland’s glaciers are formed and shaped. This easy yet unforgettable adventure offers incredible photo opportunities, fascinating insights, and a safe way to experience one of Iceland’s most powerful natural wonders up close.

4.9(529)
3h 30m
View Details
Skaftafell Glacier Hike 3-Hour Small Group Tour
From $115.04
Free Cancellation

Come join a three-hour hike up an outlet of Vatnajökull glacier, Europe's largest glacier, located in Skaftafell National Park. Experience the breathtaking natural scenery that has inspired dozens of filmmakers. You and your group of, at most, 12 people, will get the opportunity to explore the wilderness of the ice formations and crevasses under the guidance of a certified guide.

4.7(580)
3h
View Details
Skaftafell Ice Caving & Glacier Hike
From $166.03
Free Cancellation

Join this adventure to experience all the other-worldly features of a glacier. You will hike up an outlet of Vatnajökull glacier, where you'll have the once in a lifetime opportunity to enter a blue ice cave - a rare natural phenomenon that can almost only be found in Iceland. Certified glacier guides will tell you all about ice formations and while keeping you safe at all times during this small-group tour from Skaftafell Nature Reserve.

4.8(228)
4h
View Details
Skaftafell Glacier Hike - Small Group Adventure (Easy)
From $112.67
Free Cancellation

This small group glacier experience on one of Vatnajokull's outlet glaciers is an unforgettable adventure. Accompanied by a certified glacier guide, explore all that this moving glacier has to offer. While enjoying the panoramic view of Vatnajokull Glacier and Skaftafell National Park your guide will be sharing interesting and informative information about the formation of glaciers. This adventure is perfect for those looking for easy hike on a glacier.

4.6(174)
4h
View Details
Glacier Hike from Skaftafell - Extra Small Group
From $145
Free Cancellation

• Certified guides Our guides have certification from AIMG (Association of Icelandic Mountain Guides). • Small groups The group size for our trips never exceeds 8 people. • 4x4 drive We will drive you all the way to the glacier. That means more time we can spend on ice. • Evening departure (June - August) If you want to avoid the crowds join us for our evening tour and enjoy the complete silence.

5.0(472)
3h
View Details
Skaftafell Glacier Hike – Small Group Trek on Vatnajökull
From $160.11
Free Cancellation

A longer glacier hiking adventure with a certified glacier guide. Hike on Falljökull, one of the outlet glaciers of the mighty Vatnajokull glacier, - Icelands largest glacier! Your certified glacier guide will provide you with interesting information about the formation and history of the glacier.

4.8(158)
5h
View Details
Skaftafell Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike
From $260.91
Free Cancellation

This unique tour gives you the opportunity to hike on an outlet glacier as well as climbing the ice walls. You will start with exploring the ice formations of the glacier and the moulins, then experience the amazing feeling of climbing a beautiful blue ice wall. For everyone, from first-timers to more experienced climbers, our expert guides will make this tour an adventure to remember. Max group size 6 people.

4.9(128)
4h
View Details
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Kayaking and Falljokull Glacier Hike
From $249.05
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

This is a unique opportunity to float on the blue water of Jökulsárlón as well as hiking up the majestic Falljökull Glacier from Skaftafell.

3.0(3)
5h
View Details
Skaftafell: 4h Small Group Glacier Hike with Guide and Transfer
From $163
Free Cancellation

The Glacier Discovery tour takes you to a majestic glacier ice fall. With a maximum of 8 persons per guide, we prioritise comfort and safety. After a carbon-offset 4×4 ride, we gear up by the glacier’s edge, strap on crampons, grab our ice axes, and begin the hike—ascending over 300 meters towards the ice fall. Surrounded by blue ice and glacier-carved peaks, we explore crevasses, moulins, waterfalls, and other features that emerge in this ever-changing landscape. This tour is perfect for those seeking an in-depth glacier hike in Iceland. Along the way, your guide shares insights into the geology, geography, and history of the area, while pointing out the fascinating, shifting features of the glacier. Its surface and colour change with the seasons, and formations like moulins and crevasses constantly evolve. No prior glacier experience is needed—just curiosity and a sense of adventure!

4.9(87)
4h
View Details
Skaftafell Glacier Hike and Ice Climbing Adventure
From $241
Free CancellationNew

Discover the exhilarating world of ice climbing in Skaftafell, set within the stunning Vatnajökull National Park. This adventure takes you on a glacier hike where you can marvel at mesmerizing ice formations, including deep crevasses and water cauldrons. With an expert experienced guide, you’ll receive safety instructions and gear, including crampons and ice axes, before embarking on a journey over the glacier's blue ice. Perfect for adventurous travelers aged 14 and above, this tour promises a small group experience, ensuring personalized attention and ample time to enjoy the thrill of climbing. - Duration: 4.5 hours with 3 hours on the ice - Small group sizes of 2 to 6 per guide for personalized experiences - All necessary glacier gear provided, including crampons and ice axes - Suitable for ages 14 and above with moderate difficulty level

5.0(2)
4h
View Details
Hidden Ice Cave on Vatnajökull: A Full-Day Remote Glacier Hike
From $415.09
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

We specialise in full day adventurous glacier hikes and ice cave visits with a focus on delivering a more immersive experience on the ice. •Our guest to guide ratio is the smallest in the industry (4:1), •Minimum moderate fitness requirement, means more adventurous opportunities. •We're naturalists, so you'll hear facts and stories of the geological forces that produced this surreal part of the world. As well as the opportunity to get detailed explanations through the day of any questions you may have about glaciers and their impacts. •Even though it is not a requirement to have been on a glacier before, maybe this time you want to go further and 'do more'. •Expect to be outside all day in the wilderness ready to face wind, rain, snow, be lost in clouds and more. Icelandic nature at it's finest.

5.0(1)
24h
View Details
4 Hours Glacier Hiking Adventure
From $747.16
Free Cancellation

We are a small company with extremely experienced guides living in the area. we have a wealth of knowledge incomparable with large generic guiding companies. We have top certification for guiding in Iceland and pursue mountaineering and climbing in our free time. For us this is not just a job, it´s a passion and lifestyle. Here is a list of things you can expect on one of our trips; Explore a remote glacier where most other companies do not go. Experience an ice cave, even in summer Try your hand at ice climbing (beginners welcome) Enjoy small groups who are up for adventure Behold stunning views and a experience a real feeling of remoteness.

5.0(2)
4h 30m
View Details
Exclusive Ice Cave and Glacier Hike - Extra Small Group
From $171.36
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

• Certified guides Our guides have certification from AIMG (Association of Icelandic Mountain Guides). • Small groups The group size for this tour never exceeds 6 people. • Exclusive cave The cave we visit is too far away for the big crowds, enjoy the crystal blue cave for yourself. • 4x4 drive We will drive you all the way to the glacier. That means more time we can spend on ice.

5.0(17)
4h 30m
View Details

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Why Choose Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tours in Skaftafell?

Unrivaled Scenery

Experience the surreal beauty of glacial landscapes, deep blue ice formations, and vast ice fields unique to Skaftafell.

Safety First

All tours are led by experienced, certified glacier guides equipped with professional safety gear.

Accessible Adventure

Tours cater to a range of fitness levels, from gentle introductions to more challenging treks.

Geological Wonders

Learn about the formation and movement of glaciers, and the impact of climate change directly from the ice.

Photographer's Paradise

Capture incredible images of ice formations, glacial lagoons, and dramatic vistas.

Gateway to Vatnajökull

Skaftafell offers some of the most accessible and varied glacier hiking experiences on Europe's largest ice cap.

Types of Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tours in Skaftafell

Glacier Hiking Basics

These introductory tours are perfect for beginners. They typically focus on a less challenging section of the glacier, teaching basic crampon techniques and providing an overview of glacial features.

Suitable for all fitness levelsIntroduction to ice axe and crampon useFocus on scenic ice formationsShort duration (3-4 hours)

Advanced Glacier Treks

For those with a bit more stamina and a desire for a more in-depth experience, these tours venture further onto the glacier, exploring more rugged terrain and potentially longer distances.

Moderate to high fitness level requiredExploration of larger ice formationsPotentially longer hiking distancesIncludes advanced crampon and ice axe techniques

Glacier Hiking with Ice Cave Exploration

Combine the thrill of walking on ice with a visit to a natural ice cave (seasonal availability). These tours offer a glimpse into the mesmerizing blue world beneath the glacier's surface.

Seasonal ice cave access (typically Nov-Mar)Combination of hiking and cave explorationStunning blue ice photography opportunitiesRequires good physical condition

Summits and Ridges

These more challenging expeditions aim for higher viewpoints or specific glacial ridges, offering panoramic vistas and a more strenuous workout.

Challenging physical demandsSpectacular panoramic viewsTechnical ice climbing elements may be includedRequires prior hiking experience

What to Expect on Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tours

Duration

Tours typically range from 3 to 5 hours in total, including preparation time, safety briefings, and the hike itself. Some longer expeditions can extend to 6-8 hours.

Weather

Skaftafell's weather can change rapidly. Expect cool temperatures year-round, wind, and potential precipitation. Layers are crucial for comfort.

Group Size

Most tours operate with small groups, typically between 6 and 12 participants per guide, ensuring personalized attention and safety.

What's Included

Essential glacier safety equipment is always provided: crampons, helmet, harness, ice axe, and glacier walking poles. Some tours may include transportation from a designated meeting point.

Meeting Point

Tours usually meet at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre or a nearby designated parking area. Specific meeting instructions will be provided upon booking.

Costs

Prices vary based on tour length and type, generally ranging from $95 for shorter introductory hikes to $150+ for longer, more adventurous excursions or those including ice caves.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Book well in advance, especially during peak summer months (June-August) and for ice cave tours (winter), as they are very popular.

2

Wear warm, waterproof, and windproof clothing in layers. Thermal base layers are highly recommended.

3

Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are essential. Many operators offer rentals if you don't have suitable footwear.

4

Bring your own water bottle and snacks, as facilities on the glacier are non-existent.

5

Protect your eyes with sunglasses, even on cloudy days, as the glare off the ice can be intense.

6

A waterproof backpack is useful for carrying extra layers, water, and your camera.

7

Don't forget your camera and extra batteries – the light and formations on the glacier are breathtaking.

8

Listen carefully to your guide's instructions; safety is paramount on the ice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Do I need any previous hiking experience for a Skaftafell glacier hike?

A: For most introductory glacier hikes, no prior experience is necessary. Guides will teach you everything you need to know about walking with crampons. More advanced treks might recommend some hiking experience.

Q:What is the best time of year to go glacier hiking in Skaftafell?

A: Glacier hiking is possible year-round. Summer offers longer daylight hours and generally milder weather. Winter (roughly November to March) is when natural ice caves form, offering a unique experience alongside hiking.

Q:Will I be provided with all the necessary equipment?

A: Yes, essential glacier safety equipment like crampons, an ice axe, helmet, and harness are always provided by the tour operators. You'll need to bring appropriate clothing and footwear.

Q:What kind of clothing should I wear on a glacier hike?

A: Think layers! A waterproof and windproof outer shell is crucial. Bring thermal base layers, a fleece or insulated mid-layer, warm socks, gloves, and a hat. Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture.

Q:Are Skaftafell glacier hikes suitable for children?

A: Many tours have age restrictions, typically around 8-12 years old for introductory hikes, depending on the operator. Always check the specific requirements when booking.

Q:What if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

A: Tours usually proceed in most weather conditions, as protective gear is provided. However, if conditions are deemed unsafe by the guides (e.g., extreme winds, poor visibility), the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, and you'll typically receive a refund or the option to rebook.

Q:Can I visit Skaftafell and do a glacier hike on my own?

A: While you can visit Skaftafell and walk to some viewpoints on your own, venturing onto the glacier itself without a certified guide and proper equipment is extremely dangerous and not recommended.

Don't Miss the Perfect Skaftafell Experience

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Why Visit Skaftafell?

Experience breathtaking Vatnajökull glacier hikes and stunning glacial lagoons near Skaftafell.

Witness the raw power of Svartifoss waterfall, framed by dramatic basalt columns.

Discover diverse hiking trails suitable for all levels, showcasing Iceland's unique geology.

Explore the historic turf houses at Skaftafell, offering a glimpse into past Icelandic life.

Enjoy unparalleled opportunities for aurora borealis viewing during winter months in Skaftafell.

Immerse yourself in the wild, untamed beauty of Iceland's largest national park.

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Iceland has a subpolar oceanic climate, characterized by cool summers and relatively mild winters due to the Gulf Stream. Expect variable weather with wind, rain, and sunshine often occurring within the same day, regardless of the season.

Best Months

June to August offers the warmest temperatures, longest daylight hours (midnight sun), and generally the most stable weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the entire country.

Peak Season

The summer months of June, July, and August are the peak tourist season, with the highest prices and largest crowds. This is when most roads and attractions are fully accessible.

Off Season

The winter months (October to April) offer a chance to see the Northern Lights and experience a magical snowy landscape, but daylight hours are very short and many highland roads are closed. Prices are lower and crowds are significantly smaller.

Plan Your Skaftafell Trip

Transportation Tips

The primary way of getting around Skaftafell is by car, especially if you're visiting from Reykjavik or other major towns. There are designated parking areas near the Visitor Centre and trailheads. For exploring the national park's trails, walking is essential. Guided tours often include transportation from nearby towns or directly from Skaftafell. Public transport options are limited, so a rental car offers the most flexibility for navigating Skaftafell and its surrounding attractions like the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

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Where to Stay

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