Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing from Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park

Ice hiking can be done by beginners, but requires a decent level of fitness.
Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing from Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park
Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing from Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park
Likely to sell out soon
Likely to sell out soon
Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing from Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park
Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing from Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park
Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing from Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park
Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing from Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park
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Travel details

Dates
Time
Travelers
1
From: IMG lodge at Skaftafell visitor Ccentre

Description

Summary

Tour starts
Icelandic Mountain Guides by Icelandia - Skaftafell Base Camp, Skaftafell, Iceland
Duration
4.5 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
Languages
English
Available
Mar. - Dec.
Minimum age
14 years old
3,789 reviews

Description

Join this adventurous combo tour of both glacier hiking and ice climbing on a majestic outlet glacier of Vatnajökull during a small-group experience within Vatnajökull National Park. If you’re looking for the ice in the land of ice and fire, this is the excursion for you. 

Your adventure begins as you meet your certified glacier guides in Skaftafell, where you’ll check in and receive all the necessary gear for hiking up an ice cap, including crampons, helmet, harness and an ice axe. 

Once you have gone through the safety briefings, you will board a minibus with the rest of your small group of travel companions and drive to the foot of the glacier. 

Then, it’s time to snap on your crampons, sharpen your axes and begin your hike. Glaciers are powerful beasts in constant formation, and experiencing them from afar can never compare to walking across their surface. 

Be prepared to witness a wonderland of ice sculptures, narrow ridges and deep crevasses. Your knowledgeable guide will happily share with you the history and geology of this frozen natural marvel, as they bring you to the best viewpoints to enjoy the magnificent mountainscapes around you, including Iceland’s highest summit of Hvannadalshnúkur. 

What separates this tour from other glacier walks is that your guide will lead you to sturdy ice walls or sinkholes, where you can test your skills in ice climbing. No former experience is needed, and your guide will make sure to match the wall with your skill levels, allowing everyone to have a go at the climb. 

After approximately three hours of hiking and climbing on the ice, you will make your way back to the minibus and be brought back to base camp. 

Don’t hesitate in securing your spot on this fantastic combo tour, walking up an ice sheet and testing your luck at ice climbing. Check availability by choosing a date. 

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Iceland's leading travel agency

Included

Professional glacier guide
Crampons, ice axes, safety equipment

Activities

Glacier Hiking
Ice Climbing
Sightseeing
Iceland's leading travel agency
Traveler's Choice

Attractions

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

Tips from travelers

  • Wear the provided hiking boots

    Put on the boots provided at the base so your crampons strap on securely for walking on the glacier.

  • Prepare for uphill ice hiking

    Expect rough ground and climbing sections that require steady footing and coordination similar to scaling a ladder.

Pick-up information

Starting time

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

Starting location

IMG lodge at Skaftafell visitor Ccentre. Please arrive at the pick-up point on time.

How it works

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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 and waterproof clothing
Good gloves
Good hiking boots
Sunglasses
Water and snacks
Camera

Good to know

Please note that this tour starts at Skaftafell Park. Hiking boots and waterproof outer layers can be rented on location, but please dress according to weather.

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Verified reviews

16 reviews
9.8
All languages
All ratings
All ratings
Szu hsuan Chen
10
Amazing!

Szu hsuan Chen

Very good guild and amazing experience

Ethan Stone
10
Amazing!

Ethan Stone

This was such a cool experience, highly suggested!

I do recommend that you be at least somewhat fit and coordinated. This is uphill hiking on uneven ground. As far as the ice climbing goes, as long as climbing a ladder is easy for you, this should be fine as well - though it does take some more coordination and some more strength than a ladder.

Hungry Wallaby
10
Amazing!

Hungry Wallaby

Our guide August took a lot of time for each participant from the first moment. His individual help and control from the correct fit of the clothing to the safety equipment guaranteed a safe tour. August managed to challenge every single participant without overtaxing them and gave us all an unforgettable climbing experience. It was an indescribably great tour in a fabulous glacier. We had a lot of fun and learned a lot.

bob lin
10
Amazing!

bob lin

The travel is really wonderful!

However the stupid system send me many emails and hard to switch off. because of this, I don't like Guide to Iceland anymore, and suggest my friends not to use it - if you don't want to get so many disturbing.

Thomas White
10
Amazing!

Thomas White

Great tour, good amount of time on the glacier. Guide was wonderful. Only disappointment was only getting to ice climb once as we ran out of time to try again. Otherwise would highly recommend!

Sarita M
10
Amazing!

Sarita M

The tour guide was great! She explained ice climbing well and gave me opportunities to try it out. I had a lot of fun!

chloe
10
Amazing!

chloe

A wonderfull experience... unbelievable! Our guide, Michal, was extra. He loves this place and it feels through his explanations. It was perfect...

Brandon M. Kelley
10
Amazing!

Brandon M. Kelley

This is an experience that will be remembered! It is worth every penny! The views were breathtaking and it is not everyday you are walking on a melting glacier. Our guide was excellent and very knowledgeable, thanks Pete. We learned about the basics of ice climbing and like he said. It is all about technique. So just come prepared for the changing weather and then all will work out. I have even met an amazing older couple from Australia who were in our group, who done well with the tour.

-thanks

Zhao Peng
10
Amazing!

Zhao Peng

excellent experience

Danilo Cimadomo
8.0
Great!

Danilo Cimadomo

The glacier is impressive. Walking up there is a marvellous feeling. It is definitely a must-do experience in Iceland. Ice climbing though requires some previous practice if you really want to enjoy it. it is not for beginners.

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