Skaftafell Glacier hike tour
The most popular ice hiking tour on Skaftafell Glacier. Certified guide and equipment included ✅
Briefing
Explore the natural wonders of the Skaftafell nature booking with the short version of the trek: Skaftafell Glacier Hike 3 Hours. You will climb one of the overhangs of the Vatnajökull glacier with crampons and discover this impressive natural phenomenon formed by ice formations. Fun fact: Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Europe! During the glacier hike, your guide will tell you everything you want to know about the natural wonders of glaciers, how they are formed and how they are constantly changing.
Want to know more? Read on:
Tour details
Included
- English speaking professional Glacier Guide
- Small-Group (12 people max.)
- Glacier equipment: harness + helmet + crampons + ice axes
Not included
- Food and drinks
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation! If you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour starts, you will receive 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of no-show, no refunds will be given.
Tour itinerary
Skaftafell Glacier Hike 3 Hours
📍 Skaftafell Nature Reserve - Vatnajökull Glacier
✅ Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
🕗 Tour duration: 3 hours
👣 Time on the glacier: 1 hour
Meeting point - Skaftafell Terminal
Your adventure will start at the meeting point at the Skaftafell terminal, where the group will gather and you will meet your guide. The 3-Hour Skaftafell Glacier Trek has several starting times, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs according to availability and season: 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, and 17:00.
You will be provided with all the necessary equipment for the glacier hike: ice axe, crampons, harness, and helmet.
Skaftafell Glacier Parking
Once the group is assembled, a minibus will take you to the glacier parking lot in just 20 minutes. From there, it's only a 15-minute walk to the edge of the ice, where the guide will show you how to put on your crampons: steel frames that you have to attach to your hiking boots in order to walk on the glacier.
The level of the glacier walk is easy to moderate for anyone in good physical condition. Since you will have to walk on uneven surfaces and use safety equipment such as ice axes and crampons, the level of walking is considered moderate. However, with the help of the certified glacier guide, this will be no problem! Be sure to wear sturdy, waterproof boots so you can properly attach your crampons to them. Ready, let's climb that glacier!
Skaftafell Glacier Hike
During the short version of the glacier hike you will discover all the natural wonders hidden in the glacier: deep crevasses on the surface, vertical shafts in the ice formed by melting water or impressive ice tunnels. The guide will tell you in detail the history of the glacier and how the ice is formed on the top of the mountains.
Return to the meeting point Skaftafell terminal
The deeper you go into the ice, the more jaw-dropping it becomes. For the more adventurous, during the winter it is sometimes possible to walk through a small ice tunnel and discover this natural wonder from the inside.
Enjoy your last steps on the impressive glacier before returning to the meeting point. The Skaftafell Glacier Hike 3 Hours in its short version has come to an end.
What to bring to Skaftafell Glacier hike tour
- Hiking boots (available for rent)
- Warm clothing (first layer)
- Waterproof clothing (second layer)
- Gloves and a hat
- Food and drinks
Where does the tour Skaftafell Glacier hike tour start
The Skaftafell Glacier Hike 3 Hours starts and ends at the Skaftafell Terminal and does not include the transfer to Skaftafell.
Driving from Reykjavik to Skaftafell will take you 5 hours. Once you arrive at the Skaftafell National Booking, you can leave your vehicle parked at the Skaftafell Terminal (the meeting point), which offers free parking and has restrooms.
Questions & Answers
How long does this activity last?
The complete activity has a duration of 3 hours. We will be staying on the glacier itself for about 1 hour.How many people are in the group?
This is a small group activity, so there is a maximum of 12 passengers per guide.How do I know the exact meeting point?
The meeting point is at Skaftafell Terminal. In the booking confirmation, you will be provided with all the exact details to find the meeting point easily.How difficult is it to climb the glacier?
Our glacier tour is considered to be easy to moderate for anyone in good physical condition. If you are able to walk for about 1 hour up and 1 hour down on uneven surfaces, there would not be any problem. Also, let us remind you that you will hike with safety equipment and a professional and certified glacier guide who will help you at any time. If you still have specific questions regarding this glacier hike, feel free to contact us.What should I wear during the glacier hike?
During winter we recommend you to wear: warm clothing as the first layer, waterproof outdoor jacket and pants, hiking boots with ankle protection, and heat and gloves. During summer we recommend you to wear: waterproof outdoor jacket and pants. Make sure you do not wear jeans for glacier hike activities. Once it gets wet, it will take a long time to dry and therefore it will leave you cold.Can my tour be canceled due to weather conditions?
Wind, rain, and snow are characteristic of Iceland, so the tour will not be canceled due to this. In case of extreme weather conditions that prevent the tour from taking place, an alternative date or a full refund will be offered.Do I have to bring food and drinks?
Yes, we would definitely recommend you to bring some snacks and drinks. As you can see in the picture, some people like to bring their own liqueur or another small alcoholic drink to drink on top of the glacier while enjoying the views.
Skaftafell Glacier hike tour tour reviews with Howlanders
Other tours that might interest you from Iceland
Skaftafell National Park Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing
Other travelers also booked
Snorkeling in Silfra fissure
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon kayaking tour
