Vatnajokull Glacier Hike: Small-Group Adventure from Skaftafell with Certified Guide

Embark on a 5-hour glacier trekking expedition with a licensed glacier guide. The hike takes place on an outlet glacier linked to the enormous Vatnajokull glacier. Your official guide will share captivating details about the glacier’s creation and past. This tour is conducted in small groups, ensuring an intimate experience.

Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Skaftafell - Our Glacier Explorer tour takes you to Falljökull, one of the outlets glaciers of the Vatnajökull ice cap. You will hike through a path surrounded by the ever changing landscape carved out by the glacier. Once you arrive at the tongue of the glacier your guide will assist you to gear up on crampons and you will be exploring the…
What's Included
  • Certified Glacier Guide
  • Small Group Guarantee
  • Glacier Gear Included
  • Guided Glacier Hike
What's Not Included
  • No Food included
Additional Information
  • Age limit is 14 years old
  • Food is not included so we recommend that you bring packed lunch with you
  • Remember to bring
  • Waterproof gear
  • Hiking boots
  • Warm Clothes, head-wear and gloves
  • Sunglasses
  • Note that waterproof pants, waterproof jacket and hiking boots can be rented at the meeting point for a small fee.
Location
Arctic Adventures (Skaftafell Base Camp)
The tour departs from the Arctic Adventures Booking Hut, located on the parking lot of Skaftafell National Park. Skaftafell National Park is located just off of the main ring road, on road #998. Skaftafell is approximately 4.5-5 hours east of Reykjavik and 1.5 hours west of Höfn.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(115 Ratings)
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Teresa_s
Sep 24, 2024
Glacier hike - box checked - My well traveled son said it was the best experience of his life. My not well traveled son kept saying we are hiking a freakin glacier. It was gorgeous. Glacier water is the best. Sarah our guide was amazing.
Review provided by Viator
Vivian_t
Sep 15, 2024
Fantastic experience! - Our guide J was amazing. He was very professional and I felt very safe. He went through different techniques with us and explained about glaciers. I have mobility issues with my hips and this was handled very sensitively and well. I can't recommend this tour and this guide enough!
Review provided by Viator
Maya_d
Sep 6, 2024
Amazing experience - This tour with Arctic Adventures is amazing, the experienced guides go above and beyond to ensure you are safe and have a great day out on the glacier. We were lucky to have a sunny day and it was just stunning. Our guide set up additional ropes for us to manoeuvre down steep areas to see crevasses and waterfalls within the glacier - this was an extra bit of fun we didn’t expect but loved. Highly recommended this tour
Review provided by Viator
Giovannabb9803fv
Aug 16, 2024
Sensational - It was great! We took amazing pictures and we really liked it! It is worth it for those who have few days in Iceland. Super would return in another season of the year
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I3618ismyriamr
Aug 5, 2024
Wonderful easy hike to the glacier. - We can highly recommend the tour. The guides were super friendly and had an answer to every question. We had a lot of fun and were very impressed by the glacier! But you have to be aware that it is a bus ride (15min) and a walk of 20min until you reach the actual glacier. That didn't bother us as the whole landscape is super beautiful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samcl4964wu
Jul 9, 2024
A great taste of the Glacier! - A great taste of the Glacier! Our guide Jay (also responds to "Help!" was extremely patient and helpful especially with the slower members of the group. We were in good hands. There was quite a long walk to the Glacier then about an hour on it. It was a beautiful day and being on the ice was amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tooltraveller
Jul 2, 2024
Just perfect! - Fantastic day. Moderate glacier hike of around 5.5 to 6 hrs. Small group, good vibes and our guide Indra was extremely kind, helpful and informative… and a little cheeky at times. Would book again and recommend to anyone without hesitation.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Giorgosp309
Jun 5, 2024
Bliss on ice - On a windy summer day, we were happy the tour was not cancelled to start with, but as the hike evolved, the tour proved to be the best I've taken so far in terms of landscape and professional attitude of our guides- I have been a few times in Iceland and visited different ice versions, but never a glacier itself. I was fulfilling a personal dream to walk on ice, so I was pretty thrilled, still the team at Skaftafell working with Arctic should be praised for their excellent job. We were divided into two sub-groups after leaving the transfer bus and I was lucky to hike with Eric, Esa and Clara in a group of 9. The feeling of safety and professionalism was my main concern, because I was going with my partner, who is not as keen on ice as myself and had some apprehension about the whole experience. We were watched after at every step of the way and never felt unsafe, because the 3 amazing guides were continuously taking care of us, even tying our laces or fixing the crampons on our shoes, while paving the way forward. The sturdy crampons were a big plus and altogether, the equipment was excellent. And we had 1 guide per 3 hikers...Moreover, what I truly enjoyed was to navigate the glacier (baby steps) with 3 young and fresh people, who are experienced glacier guides, confident and inspiring, friendly and encouraging all the way. I was delighted to hear so much exciting information about the formation of Vatnajökull, the different features of the landscape and its very particular behaviour (I had no idea) from 3 enthusiasts of this very unique geological landscape. I recommend this tour whole-heartedly, not only because ice rocks, and rocks are often ice in Iceland, but mostly for the opportunity to do this specific hike with that group of talented people! Thumbs up for Arctic Skaftafell, by all means. And thank you, Clara, Esa and Eric for the great afternoon!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Onair762990
May 5, 2024
The best experience - I’m not one who likes to book tour groups often, but hiking a glacier could not be missed on our trip to Iceland and this was honestly one of the best experiences of my life! If you’re on the fence about booking this, just do it. You won’t regret it. My parents (in their 60s), my best friend, and myself (an avid hiker in my 20s) all agreed this hike was a once in a lifetime experience. While this is touted as the moderate option of their glacier trips (Glacier Explorer), it wasn’t too strenuous at all and our guide was incredibly kind and in tune with what everyone in the group may need for pacing. I’m sure all of Arctic Adventures’ guides are top notch, but I feel fully justified in saying that Ollie truly was the best. From what we saw of other groups and guides out that day, I’d say they all agree as well. Seems like he’s kiiiind of a big deal or something He was so knowledgeable about the geology and history of the glacier, he was attentive and meticulous in his work to ensure that every one of us felt safe at all times, and he made us smile and laugh the entire trip. There wasn’t a question he couldn’t answer and he fell right into our sarcasm and banter throughout the day. This is a day we will never forget and in large part, that’s thanks to Ollie for being the incredible guide he is! I cannot recommend this tour enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Quest33393498307
Mar 27, 2024
Spectacular glacier expedition with great guides - We had the chance to walk above and below Vatnajokull glacier with Martin and Julia, our awesome guides. They were kind, attentionate, and very professional guides. The experience wouldn't have been quite the same without them, so congrats ! Great memories !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $145
up to 12 guests
1 Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).