Skaftafell 3 hours Glacier Hike- Private Group
Tour Description
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.
Contact us on info@troll.is if you wish to book a Private Tour
Your tour will start at Höf, 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.
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 an unforgettable hike!
Skaftafell
All Year
3 Hours
Meet on location
Easy to moderate
Highlight Of The Tour
What’s Included
Available Add-ons
Rent a jacket to keep you dry
Rent pants to keep you dry
Rent shoes for keeping your ankles safe to prevent injuries
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
- Inner layer – Shirt / T-shirt (wool or synthetic)
- Insulating layer – Polyester Sweater / Fleece Sweater / Insulated Down Jacket
- Outer layer – Waterproof jacket and pants (can be rented from Tröll)
- Hiking pants / fleece pants
- Socks (wool / hiking)
- Hiking / Climbing boots (can be rented from Tröll)
- Hat, gloves, sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Small water bottle
Easy to Moderate Clients must be fit enough for the activity they are participating in. They must be dressed and geared up according to weather conditions
- Up to 6 months pregnant: Yes, you may join at your own discretion. This is an easy-level glacier hike, but you'll still need to walk with crampons on ice for an extended period. Please assess your own physical condition and balance. Our certified glacier guides will walk you through the terrain, duration, and physical demands so you can decide on-site if you're fit to participate.
- 7 months pregnant or more: For safety reasons, we do not allow participation in glacier hikes once you are 7 months pregnant or further along.
Look up Troll Expeditions Skaftafell on Google Maps - be there 20 minutes before the departure time
The minimum age for this tour is 8 years, and the minimum shoe size to be able to participate in the tour is EU 34
• 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.
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 info@troll.is or call +354 519 5544