Skaftafell Glacier Hike - Easy Level

We recommend you to read the post we have written in our blog: Trekking Skaftafell 3 or 5 hours: What is the difference?

To learn more about this tour we recommend you to read the post we have written in our blog: Trekking in Skaftafell: Our Review

The Skaftafell Glacier Trekking is done only in small groups. This option is done in groups of 12 travelers and a guide.

The meeting point is at the Skaftafell terminal. In the booking confirmation, you will be provided with all the exact details to find the meeting point easily.

This glacier hike is considered easy to moderate and is suitable for anyone in good physical condition. If you are able to walk for approximately 1 hour up and 1 hour down on uneven surfaces, there should be no problem. In addition, you will hike with safety equipment and a certified professional glacier guide who will assist you at all times. If you still have specific questions about this glacier tour, please contact us.

The temperature on the glacier will always be a few degrees colder than at the Skaftafell terminus, and much windier due to the higher altitude. You should bring warm clothing appropriate to the temperature, waterproof outer layer (pants and jacket) and waterproof hiking boots with hard soles to attach crampons to them. If you do not have a waterproof jacket, pants and/or hiking boots you can add them as an extra to your reservation. It is not possible to trek on the glacier wearing jeans or denim.

Wind, rain and snow are characteristic of Iceland's extreme weather, so the tour is not usually cancelled due to this as the guides are prepared to work in these conditions. However, in the event of extreme weather conditions that prevent the tour from being conducted under the necessary safety measures, an alternative date or a full refund will be offered.

Yes, we definitely recommend bringing snacks and water in your backpack. Also, as you can see in the pictures, some travelers like to bring their own liquor or other small alcoholic beverage to drink on ice at the top of the glacier while enjoying the views.

Glaciers form when too much snow accumulates in the mountains over many years and not enough melts. The snow becomes incredibly heavy over time, and begins to compress under its own weight, eventually turning into glacial ice. Approximately 50 meters of snow is compressed into 1 meter of ice.

Some glaciers have already lost 15 to 50% of their ice since 2000.

Icelandic winters are no longer cold enough for the glaciers to grow. During the winter months, the glaciers tend to remain the same size as it is not warm enough to grow, while during the summer months the glaciers melt at high speed.

The Skaftafell Glacier Trek starts and ends at the Skaftafell Terminal, about 4 hours and 30 minutes drive from Reykjavík. The closest glacier hike we offer from Reykjavík is on the glacier, Sólheimajökull, a 2 hour drive from Reykjavík. Its location will allow you to make the round trip from Reykjavík in the same day. Book the tour here.

The minimum age for the 3 hours Skaftafell Glacier Trekking is 8 years old, while the minimum age for the 5 hours Skaftafell Glacier Trekking is 12 years old. If you are traveling with children under 8 or 12 years old, please contact us and we will inform you about the activities available in Iceland to do with children.