Easy Glacier Hike in Skaftafell

Step onto an otherworldly landscape with a glacier hike in Skaftafell, where you’ll explore the dramatic Falljökull glacier. Guided by experts and equipped with crampons and ice axes, you’ll walk across striking blue ice, navigate crevasses, and take in sweeping views of rugged peaks and vast open scenery – an unforgettable introduction to Iceland’s raw, ever-changing natural beauty.

Our guides are all skilled and trained professionals, certified by the Association of Icelandic Mountain Guides. They have vast knowledge of geology and glaciology which they share with you in an entertaining way. Our goal is to educate and have fun on our tours at the same time, so that your experience will be both memorable and rewarding. Of course the safety of our guests is always our highest priority.

Highlights of the tour

No trip to Iceland is complete without seeing a glacier. It is after all a land of ice, isn’t it? And for those willing to experience it first hand we have prepared this tour which takes you onto the most scenic and longest visited outlet glacier in the whole country!

Falljökull is one of Iceland’s most dramatic and visually striking glaciers, an outlet of the vast Vatnajökull ice cap. Its name means “falling glacier,” inspired by the way its ice cascades down steep slopes in a chaotic maze of ridges, cracks, and towering ice formations. Its surface is constantly shifting, with deep crevasses, sharp seracs, and glowing blue ice revealing the immense pressure within. Up close, the glacier feels alive—creaking, cracking, and slowly flowing downhill—offering a powerful glimpse into the raw power of ice in motion.

Towering above Falljökull glacier is the majestic peak of Hvannadalshnúkur – Iceland’s highest mountain. Its snow-covered summit often pierces through shifting clouds, creating a dramatic contrast against the vast white expanse below. Most visitors don’t realize that it’s a part of one of Iceland’s largest volcanic systems, sleeping for centuries, yet still active.

Itinerary

Your trip will begin at the meeting point located at Skaftafell Airport terminal. Look for a minivan marked with Ice Walkers logo or ask for us at the airport’s reception. Your guide will be waiting for you there and before the tour starts he will hand you over the gear which you will use on the glacier – a pair of crampons, ice axe, helmet and a safety harness are a must on this tour. After making sure that everyone is well equipped the tour will start with a 15 minutes drive to the glacier terminus. The last section is a rough 4×4-only mountain road. On the way the guide will introduce you to this otherworldly landscape, by explaining the formation of glaciers and answering any questions you might have.

Before stepping on the ice you will be thoroughly instructed on using the gear and the safety rules on the glacier. This can take up to 15 minutes, because the guide needs to make sure everyone will be safe and comfortable throughout the whole tour. Then your real adventure will begin, when you meander through the walls of ice and piles of volcanic ash towards the upper plateau of the glacier, slowly immersing yourself in the world of ice. There you will take a scenic walk around, surrounded with great photo opportunities as well as points of interest to observe and learn about – crevasses, moulins and much more. Unless in the middle of the winter when everything is frozen, you will also get a chance to try the freshest glacial water.

The way back will take you down the glacier, but this time you will already find it easy, because you’ve mastered the glacier hiking techniques. After around 4 hours from the departure you will be back at the departure point saying goodbye to your guide and sharing photos you took with your fellow travelers.

We provide all necessary safety gear, including crampons, ice axe, harness and a helmet.

As it comes to weather-related clothing our motto on the glacier is “hope for the best, but prepare for the worst”. The conditions in Iceland can change really quickly especially on the glacier and the temperature there tends to be lower than on the coast. You should dress in warm and comfortable hiking layers. In the winter expect negative temperatures can be expected with possibility of snow and rain (sometimes both). Therefore rain gear, hat and gloves, are always a must, as well as sunglasses and sunscreen at the same time in case of unexpected, but beloved sunny weather.

You will be wearing crampons, so please make sure you bring  stiff and ankle-covering hiking boots. As much as we try to avoid it, inappropriate footwear may exclude you from participating in the tour if the crampons won’t work well with it. You can rent hiking boots from us for an extra fee.

We’re always happy to advise you, so please contact us if you need assistance with any of the recommended gear.