Skaftafell Glacier Hike – Easy & Stunning 3-Hour Adventure

Availability

All Year

Activity

You will hike on a glacier, explore moulins, cravasses and more

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Safety

You will be in safe hands with highly professional guides and all the necessary safety equipment included (Helmet, crampons, harness, and ice axe)

Information

You will learn about glaciers, ice ages & more

Duration

3 hours

Location

Skaftafell

Overview

Join us for a walk on the glacier, one of Iceland's most popular outdoor activities. Hike into the magnificent ice-world of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Your certified glacier guide will show you stunning scenery and astonishing ice formations.

Come and join us on this once-in-a lifetime-experience, a chance to explore Iceland’s largest glacier.

As glaciers continue melting at an alarming rate – roughly more than 1.2 trillion tons per year around the world, we would like to invite you to this unforgettable tour, where you will experience a rare phenomena of how half of our world used to look like, just 12 thousands years ago. 

Like all other glaciers in the world, Vatnajökull glacier continues to melt, which will eventually lose half of its current ice by the year 2100 (which currently covers 9% of Iceland). It is estimated that by 2200, most of the glacier ice in Iceland will be forever lost. 

Tour Description

Lace up your hiking boots and get ready for an unforgettable glacier adventure in Skaftafell, one of Iceland’s most stunning nature reserves. This 3-hour, easy-level guided hike takes you onto Falljökull, one of the most breathtaking glacier tongues of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier.

After meeting your expert guide at our Troll Expeditions Skaftafell meeting point, we’ll take a short drive to the foot of the glacier. Once there, you’ll be equipped with crampons and an ice axe and receive an introduction to glacier hiking techniques. No prior experience is needed—just a sense of adventure!

As we step onto the ice, you’ll be surrounded by towering ice formations, deep blue crevasses, and dramatic glacier ridges. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the glacier’s formation, its slow movement, and the raw natural forces shaping Iceland’s landscape. You’ll even have the chance to peer into a glacier moulin—a deep vertical shaft carved by melting ice—and marvel at the millennia-old ice, its deep blue hue created by immense pressure over time.

On a clear day, you’ll have a breathtaking view of Hvannadalshnjúkur, Iceland’s highest peak, standing majestically above the frozen expanse. You’ll also witness the vast glacier sands stretching towards the horizon, an otherworldly landscape that has been featured in movies and TV shows like Game of Thrones and Oblivion.

This safe and beginner-friendly tour is designed for anyone looking to experience one of Iceland’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders without needing prior hiking experience. Whether you're admiring the frozen wilderness or capturing the stunning beauty of the glacier, this is an adventure you won’t forget.

Ready to step onto Iceland’s ancient ice and explore its breathtaking landscapes?
Book your tour now and embark on an adventure of a lifetime!

Included (in the price)

Crampons

For making it possible to walk on ice

FREE

Ice Axe

For support & stability while hiking on a glacier

FREE

Helmet

To ensure safety in case of a fall or any other incident

FREE

Climbing Harness

To ensure safety at all times while exploring a glacier

FREE

Coffee and Chocolates

Enjoy a warm cup of coffee and some sweet treats after the hike.

FREE

Certified Glacier Guide

FREE

Extras (optional)

*Select the Extras during the checkout

Support Shoes

Rent shoes for keeping your ankles safe to prevent injuries

Waterproof Jacket

Rent a jacket to keep you dry

Waterproof Pants

Rent pants to keep you dry

Beanie and Gloves

Buy our Troll Beanie and Gloves to feel part of our winter Trolls and keep you warm in the Icelandic cold

Neck-warmer

Buy our Troll Neck-warmer to feel part of our winter Trolls and and protect your face from cold wind

Summer Cap

Buy our Troll Summer-Cap to feel part of our summer Trolls and protect yourself from the sun

What are Glaciers?

Glaciers form when loads of snow collects on the mountains within many years, and not enough of it melts. Snow becomes incredibly heavy over time, therefore starts compressing on its own weight – eventually becoming glacier ice. Roughly, 50 meters of snow compresses into 1 meter of ice.

How fast do Glaciers in Iceland melt?

Individual glacier outlets have already seen 15-50% of ice loss since the year 2000.

Do Glaciers grow during winter?

Unfortunately Icelandic winters are no longer cold enough for the glaciers to grow. During winter months, glaciers tend to remain the same size since it's not warm enough to grow, while during summer months glaciers melt at a great rate.

Fast & Secure Payment

No booking fees

Best Price Guarantee

24 Hours Cancellation Refund

Professional Certified Guide