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Skaftafell Glacier Hike 3 Hours
The short version of the Skaftafell Glacier hike with a certified guide and equipment included
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
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 3 Hours
- 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 3 Hours 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.
