






Skaftafell Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike- Private Group
Tour Description
Come on this comprehensive ice climbing and glacier hiking tour, perfect for those seeking that extra bit of thrill. The only thing you need to bring is patience and endurance to climb to the top of a glacial ice wall on Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. Your glacier guide will introduce you to the basics of ice climbing and much more!
We will take you on a private tour to an outlet glacier part of the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull Glacier, where you will be able to experience the breathtaking views to the ice-covered highest peaks of Iceland rising more than 2,000 metres (6,500 ft) over your helmet. These glaciers and their spectacular landscape has been scenery for dozens of movies like James Bond, Interstellar and Game of Thrones.
Your highly qualified glacier guide will provide you with all the equipment you need: hiking boots, crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and helmets. Then you will enter the troll bus and drive for about 10 minutes to the glacier parking. From there, it’s only a 15-minute walk to the edge of the ice where your guide will show you how to put on the crampons.
Since the glacier is impermanent and ever-changing your guide often has to scout out each time a new crevasse or moulin for your climbing session, avoiding the potential crowds on the glacier as well. Your guide will install a massive ice screw and attach a safety rope before you climb up the ice wall or rappel into a crevasse and climb up again. This will be an adventure of a lifetime.
You will also spend some time hiking on the glacier to see the ice formations in the area, such as crevasses, deep cracks in the surface of the glacier, and so-called moulins, often vertical shafts in the ice which are formed by melting water finding it’s way into fissures and cracks. In the wintertime, it is often possible to peek into small ice tunnels and capture the beautiful blue heart of the ice.
You will stay about 3 hours on the glacier itself.
Skaftafell
All Year
4 Hours
Meet on location
Medium
Highlight Of The Tour
What’s Included






Available Add-ons

Rent a jacket to keep you dry

Rent pants to keep you dry

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

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

Buy our Troll Summer-Cap to feel part of our summer Trolls and protect yourself from the sun
Frequently Asked Questions
• Warm clothes (first layer) • Waterproof outdoor clothing (second layer) • Gloves and hat • Joy and happiness!
Medium Clients must be fit enough for the activity they are participating in. They must be dressed and geared up according to weather conditions.
We highly recommend that you arrive at our meeting point 20 minutes before the departure time stated on your ticket. Please note that if you arrive after departure time, your place on the tour cannot be guaranteed or refunded.
The meeting point is in Google Maps as Troll Expeditions Skaftafell. There you can find the exact location and driving directions.
Driving time to Skaftafell from Reykjavík is around 5 hours in good road conditions.
Click on the map for the exact location and directions.
At least 12 years old
• All private tours can be cancelled up to 72 hours from the departure time by sending a written email to info@troll.is. You will receive a full refund except the 3% card fee. All cancellations requested less than 72 hours from the departure time are non refundable. • In the case of cancellation of the tour by the operator because of extreme weather, road conditions, or other factors, we will assist you with rebooking to another date or booking other activities when possible or provide a full refund.
Jeans are not recommended for glacier activities. Once it gets wet, it takes a long time to dry, leaving you cold.
The temperature on the glacier is just a few degrees colder than at the Skaftafell Terminal; however, it is much more windy due to a higher elevation.
Please note that to reach the glacier embark point, a 15-minute shuttle bus ride is shared with other tour participants. This short transfer allows us to minimize our environmental impact and ensures efficient access to the stunning glacier landscapes.
Feel free to contact Tröll customer service for any questions on info@troll.is or call+354 519 5544
Wish you a magical hike!
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Come on this comprehensive ice climbing and glacier hiking tour, perfect for those seeking that extra bit of thrill. The only thing you need to bring is patience and endurance to climb to the top of a glacial ice wall on Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. Your glacier guide will introduce you to the basics of ice climbing and much more!
We will take you on a private tour to an outlet glacier part of the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull Glacier, where you will be able to experience the breathtaking views to the ice-covered highest peaks of Iceland rising more than 2,000 metres (6,500 ft) over your helmet. These glaciers and their spectacular landscape has been scenery for dozens of movies like James Bond, Interstellar and Game of Thrones.
Your highly qualified glacier guide will provide you with all the equipment you need: hiking boots, crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and helmets. Then you will enter the troll bus and drive for about 10 minutes to the glacier parking. From there, it’s only a 15-minute walk to the edge of the ice where your guide will show you how to put on the crampons.
Since the glacier is impermanent and ever-changing your guide often has to scout out each time a new crevasse or moulin for your climbing session, avoiding the potential crowds on the glacier as well. Your guide will install a massive ice screw and attach a safety rope before you climb up the ice wall or rappel into a crevasse and climb up again. This will be an adventure of a lifetime.
You will also spend some time hiking on the glacier to see the ice formations in the area, such as crevasses, deep cracks in the surface of the glacier, and so-called moulins, often vertical shafts in the ice which are formed by melting water finding it’s way into fissures and cracks. In the wintertime, it is often possible to peek into small ice tunnels and capture the beautiful blue heart of the ice.
You will stay about 3 hours on the glacier itself.
Tie your hiking boots and put on your adventure hat because Sólheimajökull glacier will blow your mind. You'll feel like you have landed on the moon walking on ice and volcanic ash. We'll provide you with ice axes and basic ice climbing techniques for you to climb up as you rise from the ice wall of a glacier crevasse.
Spend your afternoon hiking & ice climbing on one of Iceland’s most iconic glaciers!
This unforgettable adventure will test your strength skills, as you’ll be climbing an ice wall on the 4th largest glacier in Iceland. This activity is for enthusiasts, who would like to explore the Icelandic glaciers to the fullest.
Overview
Sólheimajökull is one of the most visited glaciers in Iceland by ice climbing enthusiasts & professionals, as it offers spectacular ice walls, in a super location – just a few hours away from Reykjavík.
This fun activity will definitely leave you with tons of adrenaline & unforgettable experiences.
We will meet near our meeting point in Sólheimajökull parking lot, where we will hand you all essential glacier gear – a harness, a helmet, an ice axe, & crampons (which are special equipment that go on your boots to prevent you from slipping on ice). During this tour we will also give you some extremely stiff climbing boots, which are necessary for ice climbing.
Once everyone is geared up and ready to go, we will start our unforgettable adventure towards the mighty glacier. We will instantly be greeted by a large glacier lagoon, which has formed due to melting ice; together with some large icebergs, which can frequently be seen in the lagoon.
At the edge of the glacier, we will secure our gear, have a quick safety talk, and make our first steps on the ice. The first part of the hike on the glacier will be the most difficult yet exciting one, as we make our way through the large crevasses. After crevasses, we will be welcomed by absolutely phenomenal views from the top of the glacier.
Once we get used to using crampons, we will continue our hike to an ice wall, where we will set up the climbing ropes. We will attach the ropes to your harness, which will guarantee your safety at all times. With two climbing ice axes in your hands, you will be able to beat gravity & climb the greatest ice wall of all.
After climbing, we will go for a short hike around the glacier to explore:
- Moulins – the glacial tunnels
- Crevasses – chunks of splitting ice
- Volcanic ash from a volcano under the glacier and the beautiful sceneries from the top of the glacier, into the wild Iceland.
This fun & thrilling activity is suitable for everybody, however it is recommended to be in good shape. There is no need to have any previous experience in ice climbing – we will take care of you, and give each individual on this tour a chance to shine.
A volcano under the glacier
An active Katla volcano can be found under the glacier, which has been sleeping since 1918. It is expected that the volcano will erupt within the next few decades, however it is completely safe to be in the area, as volcanoes in Iceland are closely monitored at all times.
Tie your hiking boots and put on your adventure hat because Sólheimajökull glacier will blow your mind. You'll feel like you have landed on the moon walking on ice and volcanic ash. We'll provide you with ice axes and basic ice climbing techniques for you to climb up as you rise from the ice wall of a glacier crevasse.
Spend your afternoon hiking & ice climbing on one of Iceland’s most iconic glaciers on this private tour!
This unforgettable adventure will test your strength skills, as you’ll climb an ice wall on the 4th largest glacier in Iceland. This activity is for enthusiasts who would like to explore the Icelandic glaciers to the fullest.
Overview
Sólheimajökull is one of the most visited glaciers in Iceland by ice climbing enthusiasts & professionals, as it offers spectacular ice walls, in a super location – just a few hours away from Reykjavík.
This fun activity will leave you with tons of adrenaline & unforgettable experiences.
We will meet near our meeting point in Sólheimajökull parking lot, where we will hand you all essential glacier gear – a harness, a helmet, an ice axe, & crampons (which are special equipment that go on your boots to prevent you from slipping on ice). During this tour we will also give you some extremely stiff climbing boots, which are necessary for ice climbing.
Once everyone is geared up and ready to go, we will start our unforgettable adventure towards the mighty glacier. We will instantly be greeted by a large glacier lagoon, which has formed due to melting ice; together with some large icebergs, which can frequently be seen in the lagoon.
At the edge of the glacier, we will secure our gear, have a quick safety talk, and make our first steps on the ice. The first part of the hike on the glacier will be the most difficult yet exciting one, as we make our way through the large crevasses. After crevasses, we will be welcomed by absolutely phenomenal views from the top of the glacier.
Once we get used to using crampons, we will continue our hike to an ice wall, where we will set up the climbing ropes. We will attach the ropes to your harness, which will guarantee your safety at all times. With two climbing ice axes in your hands, you will be able to beat gravity & climb the greatest ice wall of all.
After climbing, we will go for a short hike around the glacier to explore:
- Moulins – the glacial tunnels
- Crevasses – chunks of splitting ice
- Volcanic ash from a volcano under the glacier and the beautiful sceneries from the top of the glacier, into the wild Iceland.
This fun & thrilling activity is suitable for everybody, however it is recommended to be in good shape. There is no need to have any previous experience in ice climbing – we will take care of you, and give each individual on this tour a chance to shine.
A volcano under the glacier
An active Katla volcano can be found under the glacier, which has been sleeping since 1918. It is expected that the volcano will erupt within the next few decades, however it is completely safe to be in the area, as volcanoes in Iceland are closely monitored at all times.
Join a thrilling 3-hour guided glacier hike on Breiðamerkurjökull, part of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Ride a powerful Super Jeep across rugged terrain, walk on ancient blue ice, and explore fascinating glacial features such as moulins, crevasses, and deep ice canyons. Perfect for adventure seekers of all levels, this tour combines excitement, education, and unforgettable scenery.
Your adventure begins at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most iconic natural landmarks. From here, you’ll board a specially designed 4x4 Super Jeep for an exciting ride across the rugged landscape leading to Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull National Park. Along the way, your experienced guide will share insights about the area’s unique geology and glacial history, making the journey as fascinating as the destination.
Upon arrival, your guide will provide all the necessary glacier gear, including crampons, helmets, ice axes, and harnesses. After a detailed safety briefing, you’ll step onto the glacier and feel the crunch of centuries-old ice beneath your feet. As you hike, your guide will point out incredible natural features like moulins (vertical ice shafts), dramatic crevasses, and ice canyons carved by meltwater. Each step offers a closer look at the raw and ever-changing power of Iceland’s glaciers.
This tour is an ideal summer adventure since the famous winter ice caves are closed during this season. Instead, you’ll explore stunning open glacial landscapes and hidden formations. The hike is moderately challenging but suitable for beginners with a reasonable level of fitness. Remember to wear warm, layered clothing and sturdy hiking boots. With morning and afternoon departures available, this compact yet immersive tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the beauty and majesty of Iceland’s frozen wilderness.
