The 5-Hour Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour

Six travellers facing the torn surface of one of Vatnajökull's glacier tongues.
The 5-Hour Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour
The 5-Hour Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour
Likely to sell out soon
Likely to sell out soon
The 5-Hour Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour
The 5-Hour Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour
The 5-Hour Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour
The 5-Hour Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour
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Travel details

Dates
Time
Travelers
1
From: Skaftafell Terminal - Tour Center, Flugvallarvegur, Öræfi, Iceland

When to book

Most travelers book about 5 weeks ahead. June is the cheapest month, from US$106 per person, and September is the busiest month.

Description

Summary

Tour starts
Skaftafell Terminal - Tour Center, Flugvallarvegur, Öræfi, Iceland
Duration
5 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
Languages
English
Available
All year
Minimum age
14 years old

When to book

Most travelers book about 5 weeks ahead. June is the cheapest month, from US$106 per person, and September is the busiest month.

3,789 reviews

Description

Come along for an exciting 5-hour Skaftafell glacier hike to discover dramatic crevasses, blue ice ridges, and beautiful glacier views in one of the most scenic parts of Vatnajokull National Park. 

This glacier tour in Iceland is ideal for travelers seeking a longer, more immersive hike on the ice. It’s a rewarding addition to any South Coast itinerary, combining physical activity with unforgettable glacier views.

You'll meet your certified glacier guide at Skaftafell Nature Reserve, where you'll also get to know the rest of the hikers in your small group. Traveling in a small group ensures a more personal and relaxed experience, with more time to ask questions and enjoy the scenery.

Before your Skaftafell glacier hike begins, your guide will provide a full safety briefing. All necessary glacier gear, such as a helmet, a harness, crampons, and an ice axe, is included, so you’ll be fully equipped to explore the glacier.

Throughout this 5-hour tour, you’ll spend about 3.5 hours on the ice itself. Expect to see dramatically carved landscapes, deep cracks, and incredible natural ice formations. You'll also enjoy sweeping views of the mountains surrounding the glacier, including a glimpse of Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnukur.

Your experienced and friendly guide will share fascinating facts about how Vatnajokull Glacier formed and how it has changed over time. Feel free to ask questions, as they are always happy to share their knowledge and passion for Icelandic nature.

A highlight of this Skaftafell glacier hiking tour is reaching the breathtaking icefall of Falljokull, where towering walls of ice seem to tumble down the mountainside. It's a powerful reminder of nature’s raw energy, and a moment you won’t soon forget.

There will be plenty of photo opportunities along the way, so don’t forget to bring a fully charged phone or your camera. This tour offers incredible value for the experience, with a certified glacier guide to keep you safe, all necessary gear provided, and striking views wrapped into one memorable package.

Don’t miss your chance to conquer the ice of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajokull! Book your Skaftafell Glacier hike now and experience one of Iceland’s most unforgettable adventures.

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Iceland's leading travel agency

Included

English-speaking expert glacier guide
Small group guaranteed
Crampons for walking on ice
Harness for secure glacier hiking
Ice axe for balance and support
Helmet and other glacier safety gear

Activities

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

Attractions

Falljökull GlacierFalljökull Glacier
SkaftafellSkaftafell
Vatnajokull Glacier & National ParkVatnajokull Glacier & National Park
South CoastSouth Coast
Hvannadalshnúkur MountainHvannadalshnúkur Mountain

Tips from travelers

  • Refill from glacial streams

    Bring an empty water bottle so you can fill it directly from clean meltwater pools along the route.

  • Wear stiff hiking boots

    Choose sturdy boots with ankle support so the crampons strap on securely and support your feet on hard ice.

  • Track local conditions

    Check the weather and road forecast before driving to the park, as rain and shifting winds affect exposed ridges.

  • Secure cameras and phones

    Attach a lanyard or wrist strap to your device so you do not drop it when photographing crevasses and moulins.

  • Meet at Skaftafell base

    Leave your vehicle at the national park parking area and head to the equipment huts for check-in.

  • Follow the marked park signs

    Use the posted national park signs to navigate from the main visitor center to the tour meeting cabins.

Pick-up information

Starting time

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

Starting location

Skaftafell Terminal - Tour Center, Flugvallarvegur, Öræfi, Iceland. 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.
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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 waterproof layers
sturdy boots
Snacks and water

Good to know

Ascending the upper sections of the glacier requires traversing steep ice walls, navigating around moulins, and maintaining balance on uneven frozen terrain. The route demands steady endurance and comfort with heights, though guides take pauses to explain glacier movements and history.

All technical safety gear including harnesses, helmets, crampons, and ice axes is supplied, but warm gloves and waterproof outer layers must be brought by guests. Restrooms and amenities are only available at the visitor base before departing for the ice.

No prior glacier hiking experience is required. This tour is beginner-friendly and ideal for anyone in good physical condition.

Make sure your hiking boots fit snugly around the ankle and have a solid grip. No worries if you don’t have the right shoes. You can rent a pair during the booking process.

Dress in warm, breathable layers and wear waterproof clothing to stay comfortable on the ice. It’s best to avoid jeans, as they get cold and wet easily.

Please note that Skaftafell is located about 4.5 hours from Reykjavík (203 miles / 327 km). The nearest towns are Kirkjubaejarklaustur, 43 miles (69 km) to the west, and Hofn, 81 miles (130 km) to the east.

We recommend bringing a snack and a bottle of water, as there are no food stops during the glacier hike.

Guide to Iceland’s glacier hiking study rated this tour 4.84, and it is the lowest-priced five-hour glacier hike in the country, so the longer route costs you nothing extra in value. Longer hikes rate higher than short ones almost everywhere in Iceland. See how the five-hour glacier hikes compare.
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Price per person by month

Lowest prices: June, July, and August, from about US$106.

US$106Lowest priceJun, Jul, and Aug
US$165Average priceAcross the season
JunCheapest monthAverage US$154
Jan, Feb, and AprMost expensiveAverage US$173
JanUS$173
FebUS$173
Mar
US$165US$139
AprUS$173
May
US$164US$147
Jun
US$154US$106
Jul
US$160US$106
Aug
US$155US$106
Sep
US$161US$111
OctUS$169
NovUS$169
DecUS$172
Lowest price per personAverage price per personTypical price range

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Who books this tour

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

Who books

2.6travelers per booking on average
Couples58%
Groups of 3 or more34%
Solo travelers8%

Couples make up the largest share of bookings, at 58%. Groups of 3 or more follow, at 34%.

Where travelers come from

Taiwan24%from Taiwan
TaiwanTaiwan24%
United StatesUnited States14%
ChinaChina14%
Hong Kong SAR ChinaHong Kong SAR China9%
GermanyGermany6%
South KoreaSouth Korea6%

The largest share of travelers, 24%, comes from Taiwan, followed by the United States and China.

Busiest days of the week

TuebusiestSatquietest
Mon
14%
Tue
19%
Wed
14%
Thu
17%
Fri
13%
Sat
10%
Sun
13%
Busiest daysQuietest days

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

Verified reviews

What travelers love

More than half of reviews mention the ice and glaciers.

  • Guides explaining glacial geology
  • Deep blue crevasses and icefalls
  • Routes away from crowded areas
  • Views of surrounding mountain peaks
  • Small group hiking pace

Most common complaint: Travelers sometimes report that the total time spent hiking on the ice is shorter than expected. Factor in that the total scheduled time includes the transport drive, gear distribution, and trail walks to and from the glacier edge.

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