Skaftafell Glacier Hike | 3-Hour Walk

Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Vatnajökull on this 3-hour guided glacier hike to one of its glacial tongues, departing from Skaftafell!

The Vatnajökull National Park is one of the best places in the world for glacier hiking. Situated on the stunning South Coast of Iceland, it is home to Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. It is from Vatnajökull that numerous glacial outlets descend. During this tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit and hike upon one of these glacial tongues with expansive views over the sprawling Skaftafell Nature Reserve below, marked by braided glacial rivers twining their way through ancient black sand that has accumulated over thousands of years of volcanic activity in the region.

You’ll meet your certified glacier guide nearby the Skaftafell Visitor Centre, where you will have the chance to rent hiking boots if yours are not sturdy enough for the trip. From there, access to the glacier tongue consists of a 15 minute drive. Following an exciting, brief journey over rugged terrain, you will arrive at the base of the glacier, ready for your guided hike. Your guide will take you through a comprehensive safety briefing, before providing you with the necessary equipment for the hike, including a helmet, harness, crampons and ice axe. You’ll also receive information on the basics of glacier hiking to make the experience all the more enjoyable.

As you make the ascent onto the ice cap, your guide will explain the history of glaciers in Iceland and how these magnificent creations of nature have changed over time. During the walk, you’ll pass by spectacular ice formations and some of the most awe-inspiring glacial scenery to be found anywhere in the world. Sheets of ice alternate in bands of white, blue and black – long-term evidence of particles in the atmosphere which have solidified into the ice over thousands of years. Be prepared to witness a myriad of deep crevasses amidst moulins reaching into the depths below. On a clear day, you may be able to see Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s highest peak, looming upon the horizon. Viewing it from atop this natural wonder is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will no doubt hold a special place in your memories for years to come.

This tour is suitable for people of all skill levels, whether you are a newcomer to glacier hiking or a seasoned professional. It combines the excitement of walking on a glacier with awe-inspiring landscapes that encompass the true beauty of Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the glacier at your leisure during this three-hour walk, with a total of 1.5 hours on the ice.

Take a breathtaking guided glacier walk onto a glacial tongue in the world-famous Vatnajökull National Park, with departure from Skaftafell! Our experienced glacier guides will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Check availability by choosing a date.