Glacier Adventure From Skaftafell - Small Group Tour
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
On this adventurous, small-group, glacier hike from Skaftafell - Vatnajökull National Park, you'll explore the majestic glacial landscape of one of Vatnajökull outlet glaciers. You will be provided with crampons and ice axes, and an experienced, certified glacier guide will teach you how to use the equipment before you step on to the ice. During your 4-hour tour, you will hike through a wonderland of ice sculptures and deep crevasses, traversing zones of different glacial formations. The tour is of moderate difficulty, and to ensure a personal experience, groups are limited to 8 participants. Choose from the following departure times when booking: 9am, 9:30am, 1pm, and 1:30pm.
Available options
Scheduled departure
What's included
Certified glacier guide
Transport to glacier by minibus
All necessary glacier gear
Guided glacier hike
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
The tour departs from our Skaftafell Base Camp, right on the Skaftafell campsite next to the visitor center.
20 minutes prior to departure, you will meet your experienced glacier guide, who will gear the group up with crampons, ice axes and harnesses.
When everyone is ready, you will take our glacier bus up to the glacier for an amazing adventure.
2
We head to the glacier on our Glacier Bus. After a few minute's drive from our Skaftafell Base Camp, there is a short hike up to the roots of the glacier.
After a short introduction on how to use the glacier gear, we step onto the glacier and into a frozen wonderland. The guide will lead the group through deep crevasses and majestic ice ridges. With about 2 hours on the glacier, we have plenty of time to take pictures and make memories.
After the wonderful adventure, we head back to our Skaftafell Base Camp.
What's not included
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Extra clothing can be rented: hiking boots 1.500 ISK and rain gear 1.000 ISK per item
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
11 reviews
5★
11
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
338 reviews
5★
328
4★
7
3★
1
2★
0
1★
2
Important information
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Age: Minimum 14
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Please bring warm clothing, rain gear, gloves, and hiking boots
Extra clothing can be rented: hiking boots 1.500 ISK and rain gear 1.000 ISK per item
Meeting point
Our Skaftafell Base Camp, wooden sales lodge, is located by the bus parking and clearly visible from the National Park Service Center.
Important notes
• Please bring warm clothing, rain gear, gloves and hiking boots.
• Extra clothing can be rented: Hiking boots 1.500 ISK, rain gear 1.000 ISK per item
• Age: Minimum 14
About Skaftafell
Skaftafell is a stunning region in East Iceland, known for its dramatic landscapes, glaciers, and waterfalls. It was once a national park and is now part of Vatnajökull National Park, offering some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Iceland.
Top Attractions
Vatnajökull Glacier
One of the largest glaciers in Europe, offering stunning ice caves and glacier hikes.
Nature
Half day to full day
Moderate to Expensive
Svartifoss Waterfall
A beautiful waterfall with basalt columns, known for its unique geological features.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Skaftafellsjökull Glacier
A prominent glacier tongue of Vatnajökull, offering guided glacier hikes and ice climbing.
Nature
Half day to full day
Moderate to Expensive
Must-Try Local Dishes
Lamb Soup
A hearty soup made with Icelandic lamb, vegetables, and herbs.
Dinner
Contains meat, gluten-free options available.
Skyr
A traditional Icelandic yogurt-like dairy product.
Dessert
Dairy, can be vegan if made with plant-based milk.
Popular Activities
Glacier hiking
Ice climbing
Hiking
Scenic drives
Photography
Visiting the visitor center
Boat tours on Jökulsárlón
Northern Lights viewing
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the best time to visit Skaftafell for hiking and outdoor activities, with long daylight hours and relatively mild weather.
8°C to 15°C
46°F to 59°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Icelandic
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Icelandic Króna (ISK)
Time Zone
GMT+0
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Skaftafell is generally safe, but the natural environment can be hazardous. Always be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Important Precautions:
- • Be prepared for sudden weather changes.
- • Stay on marked trails.
- • Avoid risky activities without proper guidance.
Getting there
By bus
Reykjavik
Getting around
Taxis
Available • Apps:
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Skaftafell Visitor Center
Day trips
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
40 km (25 miles) • Half day
A stunning glacial lagoon with icebergs floating in a serene lake.
Diamond Beach
40 km (25 miles) • Half day
A black sand beach where icebergs from Jökulsárlón wash ashore, resembling diamonds.
Festivals
Northern Lights Festival • Winter months
Pro tips
- Book guided tours in advance, especially during peak season.
- Dress in layers and be prepared for sudden weather changes.
- Carry a good map and GPS device, as cell service can be spotty.
- Visit the visitor center for up-to-date information and trail conditions.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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