What are the best things to do in Skaftafell?

So glad you asked. Try this lineup: Trekking Falljökull — because walking on ancient moving ice is a normal vacation activity. Visiting Svartifoss, the waterfall that looks like it belongs in a gothic cathedral. Hiking trails that range from scenic to “I need a breather but it’s worth it.” Dropping by the visitor center, where maps, advice, and indoor heating live in harmony.

What should I wear to hike a glacier without regretting it immediately?

Layer like you’re prepping for a hike on the moon: Waterproof hiking boots (not sneakers, not flip-flops, not dreams) Thermal layers (base, fleece, and a waterproof outer shell) Gloves + warm hat = good life choices Sunglasses and sunscreen (because glaciers bounce back sunlight like disco balls) Gear like crampons, helmets, and axes-that-make-you-feel-cool are provided on the tour.

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Skaftafell National Park: Glacier Hikes, Waterfalls & Wild Trails

Q: When’s the best time to visit Skaftafell?

Skaftafell doesn’t have an off-season — it just has moods. April to October is prime time for glacier hikes and mellow weather. Winter? It’s magic… but also cold, dark, and moody. Like Iceland itself. Plan ahead and pack smart.

Q: Are Skaftafell tours family-friendly?

Absolutely—if they’re 8+ and have an adventurous streak. Some hikes are family-friendly and perfect for making “Remember when we walked on a glacier?” memories. Just check the difficulty level before you book.

Skaftafell is a scenic wilderness area located about 330 kilometers (205 miles) east of Reykjavík, roughly a 4.5 to 5-hour drive along Iceland’s stunning South Coast. Now part of Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell is known for its dramatic landscapes shaped by glaciers, volcanic activity, and centuries of erosion — a place where black sand plains meet lush birch forests and towering glacial tongues spill down from Europe’s largest ice cap. Despite its remote setting, Skaftafell is a well-developed base for outdoor activities like hiking, glacier tours, and nature photography, making it a must-visit stop on any South Iceland itinerary.

Glacier Hikes Near Skaftafell

Glacier hiking is one of the most popular activities in the Skaftafell region, with most tours taking place on the striking outlet glaciers Falljökull and Virkisjökull—both part of the mighty Vatnajökull ice cap. Skaftafell, Hof and Freysnes are the most common meeting points for guided glacier tours near Skaftafell. These tours will range from easy two- to three-hour excursions to longer, more adventurous treks.

Falljökull, known as the “Falling Glacier,” is especially popular for its dramatic icefalls and ever-changing formations, while Virkisjökull offers sweeping views and a more peaceful setting with fewer crowds. Tours are led by certified glacier guides and include all necessary equipment, making it easy and safe for visitors of all experience levels to explore this stunning frozen landscape.

Popular Skaftafell Glacier Tours

Skaftafell Nature Reserve is one of the best places in Iceland for glacier hiking thanks to its accessibility, safety, and stunning surroundings. Located within Vatnajökull National Park, it sits right next to several outlet glaciers, especially Falljökull and Virkisjökull, which are ideal for guided hikes. These glaciers are relatively stable and easy to reach without long or difficult approaches, making them suitable for both first-timers and experienced hikers.

Guided hikes on Falljökull and Virkisjökull are run in all seasons, with special ice cave hikes being available from October to April (depending on conditions).

Troll.is Original

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.

Skaftafell 3 hours Easy Level Glacier Hike

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable and frozen adventure in Skaftafell National Park. This is the perfect opportunity for those who want to experience a long hiking adventure on Falljökull, "The Falling Glacier". We will explore far into the glacier to spot the amazing ice fall and the breathtaking scenery

Skaftafell 5 hours Adventure Glacier Hike

Embark on a thrilling 6-hour adventure through the stunning landscapes of Skaftafell, located in the heart of Iceland’s pristine wilderness. This guided tour takes you to the edge of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, where you'll explore rugged terrain, towering ice formations, and crystal-clear crevasses. With a professional glacier guide by your side, you’ll get the opportunity to experience glacier hiking on one of Iceland's most breathtaking glaciers. This challenging yet rewarding experience is perfect for those seeking an exhilarating adventure in Iceland’s untamed nature.

Skaftafell 6 hour Adventure Hike

Join this adventure tour where you will experience all the fantastic features of a glacier; you will hike up an outlet of Vatnajökull glacier, Europe’s largest glacier, where you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enter a crystal blue ice cave.

Skaftafell is a beautiful nature reserve in south-east Iceland, filled with spectacular natural wonders. You will explore one of these wonders on a glacier outlet of Vatnajökull glacier.

Vatnajökull is not only Europe’s largest glacier, but it is also home of the highest mountain range in Iceland. During the glacier walk, you will explore breathtaking ice formations and moulins while learning how glaciers are formed and constantly change. The most breathtaking feature you will see is undoubtedly the naturally formed ice cave. You will be able to walk inside this dazzling structure to see the fantastic blue ice found within.

Lace up your hiking boots and prepare for an incredible journey up and inside a glacier with a fantastic Ice Cave!

Skaftafell Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike

Skaftafell Combo Tours

Glacier hikes are ideal to combine with tours that run from Jökulsárlón. The driving time from Skaftafell to Jökulsárlón is about 45 minutes, making those two attractions ideal for same day stops. From Hof, where the Troll meeting point for Skaftafell tours is located, the driving time to Jökulsárlón is even shorter, only 30 minutes.

During summer, a Skaftafell glacier hike and glacier kayaking is an ideal combination for those seeking activities. Glacier hikes on Falljökull also come with a Ice Climbing combo in one tour. Highly recommended for the adventurous.

Troll.is Original

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!

Skaftafell Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike

Embark on a full-day combo tour that takes you deep into the wild beauty of Southeast Iceland with two unforgettable glacier experiences. You can either start your day paddling through the surreal iceberg-dotted waters of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon on a guided kayaking adventure. Then, lace up your hiking boots and set out for an exhilarating glacier hike in the heart of Skaftafell Nature Reserve, where you'll explore the frozen landscape of an outlet glacier from Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap.

This adventure is split into two separate tours, each led by certified glacier and kayaking guides, with all safety gear and instructions provided. Travel between the two locations is self-drive, giving you time to enjoy the scenery along Iceland’s stunning South Coast.

You’ll select which adventure to begin with.

If you start with kayaking, meet our guides at Troll.is Glacier Lagoon in Jökulsárlón 20 minutes before departure at 10:00 am and make sure to reach Troll.is - Skatafell 20 minutes before departure time set at 2:00 pm

If you start with the glacier hike, head to Troll.is Skaftafell 20 minutes before departure time set at 09:00 AM and make sure to reach Troll.is Glacier Lagoon 20 minutes before depature time set at 1:30 PM
(Exact locations are easily found by searching “Troll.is Glacier Lagoon” or “Troll.is Skaftafell” on Google Maps.)

Experience two epic adventures in one day. Book now and experience two of Iceland’s most breathtaking activities in one epic journey!

Jökulsárlón Glacier Kayaking and Skaftafell Glacier Hike Combo Tour

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Skaftafell & Jökulsárlón

Skaftafell Private Tours

A private glacier tour on Falljökull offers a more personal, immersive, and flexible experience on one of Iceland’s most scenic outlet glaciers. Unlike large group tours, a private tour allows you to move at your own pace, ask all the questions you want, and explore quieter areas of the glacier with your own expert guide.

Troll.is Original

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

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

Private

Skaftafell 3 hours Glacier Hike- Private Group

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.

Private

Skaftafell 5 hours Glacier Hike- Private Group

Skaftafell Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike- Private Group

Glaciers Near Skaftafell

Skaftafell isn’t just next door to glaciers — it’s basically roommates with some of the most dramatic ice formations in the country. These frozen heavyweights may have unpronounceable names, but they more than make up for it by being outrageously photogenic, adventure-ready, and mildly intimidating in the best way.

Falljökull – The Feisty One

Nicknamed the “Falling Glacier” (because it literally tumbles down the mountain), Falljökull is a dynamic beauty—think towering ice walls, deep crevasses, and the kind of scenery that makes your phone storage weep. It’s a top pick for glacier hikes, and you’ll feel like you’re trekking across frozen thunder.

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Virkisjökull – The Hidden Gem

Slightly more shy, but no less majestic. Virkisjökull shares its ice cap with Falljökull but is often less crowded, giving you that "I discovered this" explorer buzz. Its dramatic icefall and pristine ridges make it a quiet favorite for guided hikes and glacier photography. Basically, it’s Iceland’s frosty introvert—and we love that.

Svínafellsjökull – The Cinematic One

The Skaftafell area is surrounded by some of the most accessible and impressive outlet glaciers in Iceland, making it a prime destination for glacier exploration. These glaciers—most notably Falljökull, Virkisjökull, and Svínafellsjökull—flow down from the massive Vatnajökull ice cap, Europe’s largest glacier, and are all within easy reach of the Skaftafell Visitor Centre. Shaped by centuries of ice movement and volcanic activity, they offer a dramatic landscape of crevasses, icefalls, and striking blue ice formations. Svínafellsjökull, in particular, has gained fame as a filming location for blockbuster movies like Interstellar, Batman Begins, and Game of Thrones, thanks to its otherworldly, frozen terrain. While Svínafellsjökull is currently closed to hikers due to safety concerns, Falljökull and Virkisjökull remain popular for guided glacier tours. Whether you’re joining a hike or simply soaking in the views, the glaciers near Skaftafell provide a breathtaking window into Iceland’s cinematic and geological wonders.

Skaftafell FAQs: You Ask, We Glacially Answer

Planning a trip to Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park? Smart move. But before you lace up your waterproof boots and charge your camera, here are some answers to the most common (and occasionally odd) questions travelers ask about this icy playground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Skaftafell is a chunk of southeast Iceland where nature went full overachiever. We're talking glacier tongues, trails that flirt with mountain edges, and waterfalls like Svartifoss that look hand-carved by some moody Norse sculptor. If you're into hiking, ice, or epic photo ops that make your friends jealous, this is your spot.

Roughly 4.5 hours (327 km) from Reykjavík if you’re driving the Ring Road like a responsible adult. It’s wedged between Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Vík — basically halfway between “woah” and “wait, is that a glacier goat?”

So glad you asked. Try this lineup:

Trekking Falljökull — because walking on ancient moving ice is a normal vacation activity.
Visiting Svartifoss, the waterfall that looks like it belongs in a gothic cathedral.
Hiking trails that range from scenic to “I need a breather but it’s worth it.”
Dropping by the visitor center, where maps, advice, and indoor heating live in harmony.

Totally safe—as long as you’re with a legit guide (like the pros from Troll.is) and not wandering out solo with a selfie stick and poor life choices. Crampons, helmets, and certified guides are part of the deal.

Layer like you’re prepping for a hike on the moon:

Waterproof hiking boots (not sneakers, not flip-flops, not dreams)
Thermal layers (base, fleece, and a waterproof outer shell)
Gloves + warm hat = good life choices
Sunglasses and sunscreen (because glaciers bounce back sunlight like disco balls)

Gear like crampons, helmets, and axes-that-make-you-feel-cool are provided on the tour.

Skaftafell doesn’t have an off-season — it just has moods.
April to October is prime time for glacier hikes and mellow weather.
Winter? It’s magic… but also cold, dark, and moody. Like Iceland itself. Plan ahead and pack smart.

Absolutely—if they’re 8+ and have an adventurous streak. Some hikes are family-friendly and perfect for making “Remember when we walked on a glacier?” memories. Just check the difficulty level before you book.

Got More Questions?

Our team of Iceland experts is just a message away. Whether you’re curious about tour details, weather prep, or which adventure suits you best, we’re here to help.
Chat with us or Contact our support team and let’s plan your perfect Iceland experience.

Troll.Is: 24/7 Service...Almost

You can call us just about anytime. Our customer service team works around the clock. You can reach us by phone anytime, except from 10 pm and 6 am on Saturday and Sunday nights, Icelandic time. Contact [email protected] or call us at +354 519 4455 and our dedicated team will help you out.