Skaftafell 3-Hour Glacier Hike

Skaftafell Glacier Hike Tour

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. 

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

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.

About the Tour

Your tour will start at Skaftafell Terminal, where you will meet your highly qualified glacier guide, 20 minutes before departure. 

Once you arrive to the spot, your guide will provide you with all the necessary gear – crampons, a helmet, an ice axe, and footwear / rainwear (if needed).

Once geared up, you will start your journey towards the glacier. 

Due to large amounts of melted ice, it will take roughly 20 minutes (by walk) to reach the glacier. On the way, you will be able to see how the ice has deformed the bedrock, the moss line of the surrounding mountains will indicate where ice used to be just a few years ago, and a lagoon, where you’ll see the last remains of the melted ice.

Once you reach the glacier, your guide will teach you how to walk on ice, and after a quick safety talk, you’ll start your hike on the icy Falljökull glacier – one of the most magical yet mysterious outlets of the Vatnajökull Glacier. Falljökull outlet is different from other outlets due to the dramatically carved glacier landscapes, which you’ll be able to see while on the 3 hour hike. During the tour, your guide will take you to the most magnificent parts of the glacier –  such attractions include crevasses, moulins, glacier mice (a type of moss), massive ice falls, and sometimes ice caves.

Difficulty:

The hike is not technically hard, yet sometimes steep and rocky. Some physical strength is required and hiking experience is recommended.

Extra info:

The temperature on the glacier is just a few degrees colder than at the Skaftafell Terminal, however much more windy due to a higher elevation.

Find the weather information here

Feel free to contact Tröll customer service for any questions on [email protected] or call +354 519 5544

Wish you a magical hike!