Beginner-Friendly Glacier Walk in Skaftafell on Vatnajokull Glacier

Winter trekker embraces the vast icy landscape of Vatnajokull Glacier in Southeastern Iceland.
Beginner-Friendly Glacier Walk in Skaftafell on Vatnajokull Glacier
Beginner-Friendly Glacier Walk in Skaftafell on Vatnajokull Glacier
Likely to sell out soon
Likely to sell out soon
Beginner-Friendly Glacier Walk in Skaftafell on Vatnajokull Glacier
Beginner-Friendly Glacier Walk in Skaftafell on Vatnajokull Glacier
Beginner-Friendly Glacier Walk in Skaftafell on Vatnajokull Glacier
Beginner-Friendly Glacier Walk in Skaftafell on Vatnajokull Glacier
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Travel details

Dates
Time
Travelers
1
From: Skaftafell Visitor Centre

When to book

Most travelers book about 2 weeks ahead. For July to September, closer to 6 weeks ahead. October is the cheapest month, from US$130 per person, and August is the busiest month.

Description

Summary

Tour starts
Skaftafell, Skaftafell, Iceland
Duration
3.5 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Languages
English
Available
All year
Minimum age
10 years old

When to book

Most travelers book about 2 weeks ahead. For July to September, closer to 6 weeks ahead. October is the cheapest month, from US$130 per person, and August is the busiest month.

3,789 reviews

Description

Hike on an outlet of the Vatnajökull glacier in Iceland on this 2-hour tour. The Blue Ice experience allows you to reach new peaks with a guided tour taking you hiking and climbing through this ever-changing glacier within the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, in Southeast Iceland. This tour is perfect for fit and adventurous people wanting to get up close and personal with a glacier.

You will begin your adventure at the Sales Lodge, next to the National Park Visitor's Centre, fifteen minutes before the tour departure. It is advised that you bring the following essential items with you: rain gear, hiking boots and warm clothing. However, if you don't have, or forget to bring these items with you, both boots and rain gear can be rented on-site for a small fee.

At the beginning of your tour, your experienced mountaineering guide will run through the basic principles of glacier hiking, ensuring your safety on the ice. They will also instruct you as to how to properly use crampons and ice axes, two required pieces of kit for this tour.

Next, your guides will teach you about the formation of the glacier, as well as life in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. Looking around you'll be able to see dozens of mountain peaks and the glistening blue glacier stretch out around you, dazzling with its sheer size and beauty. Keep your questions in mind as your guide will have plenty of experience exploring these magnificent glaciers.

When you're all kitted up for the hike, you, your group and your guide will set off. Make sure you keep with the group at all times and follow all the instructions from your guide to ensure your safety.

Your guides will lead you through a natural Eden of periwinkle blue ice ridges, deep crevasses and intricately formed ice sculptures. Throughout your tour, the surrounding scenery of Vatnajökull National Park is destined to take your breath away with some of the most unique perspectives of Iceland.

Grab your jacket and hike into a glacial wonderland! Check the availability by choosing a date and book your adventure into the ice.

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Iceland's leading travel agency

Included

Guiding services
Glacier gear
Safety equipment

Activities

Glacier Hiking
Iceland's leading travel agency
Traveler's Choice

Attractions

SkaftafellSkaftafell
Vatnajokull Glacier & National ParkVatnajokull Glacier & National Park

Tips from travelers

  • Head to the wooden cabin

    Look for the wooden cabin to the left of the main visitor centre rather than entering the main building to find the check-in desk.

  • Wear boots with ankle support

    Bring sturdy hiking boots with stiff ankle support so crampons can be strapped on securely, or you will need to rent a pair on site.

  • Expect a bumpy bus transfer

    A modified bus with oversized tyres drives across rough gravel tracks directly to the ice edge, which keeps your walk across moraine rocks minimal.

  • Dress for wet glacier weather

    Hikes continue in steady rain, so bring waterproof overtrousers and a rain jacket or rent gear at the base before setting out.

  • Arrive early for gear fitting

    Reach the check-in desk well ahead of departure to give the crew plenty of time to fit your harness, crampons, and ice axe.

  • Ask guides for crevasse photos

    Guides anchor guests with safety lines at dramatic ice chasms, making it easy to lean over and hand your phone over for photos.

Pick-up information

Starting time

This tour has flexible departure times. See the drop-down for all departures.

Starting location

Skaftafell Visitor Centre. Please arrive at the pick-up point on time.

How it works

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Secure your spot instantly on Iceland’s most trusted travel marketplace. As soon as you reserve, we lock in your place to help you make the most of your trip. You’ll get the best price and a secure payment system that protects your information.
Receive instant confirmation
You’ll get your e-ticket and a detailed summary immediately after booking, including meeting points and schedules. Enjoy peace of mind and get exactly what you booked, or a money-back guarantee. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Get access to the VIP Club
Booking with us gives you access to the Guide to Iceland VIP Club, where you’ll enjoy priority service, special perks, and exclusive discounts for amazing savings on your trip at Iceland’s top restaurants, shops, and local favorites.
Explore with confidence
From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, we’re here to take care of you. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re just seconds away, 24/7, ready to help you make the most of your time in Iceland.
Secure your spot
Secure your spot instantly on Iceland’s most trusted travel marketplace. As soon as you reserve, we lock in your place to help you make the most of your trip. You’ll get the best price and a secure payment system that protects your information.
Receive instant confirmation
You’ll get your e-ticket and a detailed summary immediately after booking, including meeting points and schedules. Enjoy peace of mind and get exactly what you booked, or a money-back guarantee. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Get access to the VIP Club
Booking with us gives you access to the Guide to Iceland VIP Club, where you’ll enjoy priority service, special perks, and exclusive discounts for amazing savings on your trip at Iceland’s top restaurants, shops, and local favorites.
Explore with confidence
From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, we’re here to take care of you. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re just seconds away, 24/7, ready to help you make the most of your time in Iceland.

What to bring

Warm clothing
Rain gear
Hiking boots

Good to know

The hike is well suited to first-time glacier walkers and proceeds at a relaxed, steady pace. Walking in crampons requires stomping firmly into the ice rather than ordinary walking, and the guides cut steps with ice axes or lend a hand across uneven sections.

Because the transfer vehicle drops you off right beside the ice sheet, nearly the entire excursion takes place on the glacier itself. Lower sections are streaked with dark volcanic ash, but higher ground reveals clearer blue and white ice formations.

Minimum shoe size is 34EU (3US). The crampons needed for this tour do not safely fit a smaller shoe size.

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Price per person by month

Lowest prices: March and April, from about US$110.

US$110Lowest priceMar and Apr
US$140Average priceAcross the season
OctCheapest monthAverage US$135
NovMost expensiveAverage US$149
Jan
US$146US$138
FebUS$143
Mar
US$145US$110
Apr
US$136US$110
May
US$137US$124
JunUS$141
Jul
US$140US$133
Aug
US$140US$129
SepUS$140
OctUS$135
Nov
US$149US$138
Dec
US$139US$131
Lowest price per personAverage price per personTypical price range

Weather and cancellations

Called off on about 6.7% of dates. December is the riskiest month.

8.3%
Jan
13.2%
Feb
12.5%
Mar
3.6%
Apr
3.4%
May
7.4%
Jun
0%
Jul
0%
Aug
17.4%
Sep
0%
Oct
3.2%
Nov
21.4%
Dec
None called offFewer to more called off
  • Called off by the operator? You get a full refund or a free rebooking.
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

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We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

Who books this tour

Who travels on this tour, where they come from and which days fill up first.

Who books

2.8travelers per booking on average
Couples56%
Groups of 3 or more28%
Solo travelers5%
Families with children11%

Couples make up the largest share of bookings, at 56%. Groups of 3 or more follow, at 28%.

Where travelers come from

South Korea45%from South Korea
South KoreaSouth Korea45%
TaiwanTaiwan12%
United StatesUnited States10%
ChinaChina9%
Hong Kong SAR ChinaHong Kong SAR China5%
FranceFrance3%

The largest share of travelers, 45%, comes from South Korea, followed by Taiwan and the United States.

Busiest days of the week

SunbusiestSatquietest
Mon
16%
Tue
15%
Wed
16%
Thu
13%
Fri
13%
Sat
10%
Sun
17%
Busiest daysQuietest days

Sunday is the busiest departure day. Saturday is the quietest.

Verified reviews

What travelers love

More than half of reviews mention the guides.

  • Guides who assist on tricky ice
  • Anchored views into deep crevasses
  • Clear safety guidance on the ice
  • Small group sizes on the glacier

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