Skaftafell: Glacier Hike and Ice Climbing Tour

Experience the thrill of glacier hiking and ice climbing in Skaftafell Nature Reserve. Learn about the glacier's history and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Meet your guide at the car park by the Skaftafell Visitor Center. Get a safety briefing, including how to use crampons and ice axes. Learn basic ice climbing techniques, ensuring that you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead. No previous glacier climbing experience is needed. All necessary equipment for the hike will be provided, including crampons, helmets, harnesses, and ice axes.

As you begin the glacier hike, your guide will share fascinating insights into the geology and history of the glacier, including its centuries-old formation. Vatnajokull is not only Europe’s largest glacier but also one of the most impressive geological features in Iceland.

As you set foot on Skaftafell Glacier Tongue, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Hvannadalshnukur, Iceland’s tallest peak. Fans of HBO’s Game of Thrones TV show may even recognize the iconic landscape from the show.

Once you’re on the ice, the true beauty of the glacier reveals itself. Find yourself hiking through a pristine, snow-covered wilderness, where the silence of the landscape is interrupted only by the crunch of your boots on the ice.

As you keep hiking Skaftafell Glacier, you’ll encounter mesmerizing natural forms, such as glacier moulins, which are deep vertical shafts carved into the ice by meltwater. You’ll also see ancient ice sculptures, their brilliant blue hues created by oxygen trapped in the ice over millennia.

For those seeking a bit more adrenaline, there will be opportunities to try your hand at ice climbing in Skaftafell using ice axes. Scaling the glacier’s walls adds an exciting edge to this picturesque hike, blending the breathtaking views with hands-on adventure.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.