The Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour | Easy & Safe Adventure on Europe’s Largest Ice Cap

A group of people are standing on a glacier in Skaftafell, Iceland, wearing crampons and helmets for safety.
The Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour | Easy & Safe Adventure on Europe’s Largest Ice Cap
The Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour | Easy & Safe Adventure on Europe’s Largest Ice Cap
Likely to sell out soon
Likely to sell out soon
The Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour | Easy & Safe Adventure on Europe’s Largest Ice Cap
The Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour | Easy & Safe Adventure on Europe’s Largest Ice Cap
The Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour | Easy & Safe Adventure on Europe’s Largest Ice Cap
The Skaftafell Glacier Hiking Tour | Easy & Safe Adventure on Europe’s Largest Ice Cap
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Travel details

Dates
Time
Travelers
1
From: Skaftafell Airport, Flugvallarvegur, Öræfi, Iceland

When to book

Most travelers book about 4 weeks ahead. January is the cheapest month, from US$57 per person, and August and September are the busiest months.

Description

Summary

Tour starts
Skaftafell Terminal - Tour Center, Flugvallarvegur, Öræfi, Iceland
Duration
3.5 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Languages
English
Available
All year
Minimum age
8 years old

When to book

Most travelers book about 4 weeks ahead. January is the cheapest month, from US$57 per person, and August and September are the busiest months.

3,789 reviews

Description

Join the best-rated glacier hiking tour in Skaftafell Nature Reserve, part of Iceland’s beautiful Vatnajokull National Park!

On this tour, you’ll hike on top of an outlet glacier of Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier. It’s the perfect way to add action to your travel itinerary in Southeast Iceland.

You’ll meet your certified glacier hiking guide at the Skaftafell Terminal Airport in Southeast Iceland, just off the Ring Road. After gearing up with crampons, helmets, and ice axes, you'll take a short drive to the edge of the glacier. There, your guide will explain the basics of glacier safety and hiking technique before leading you onto the ice.

Your glacier hike in Skaftafell begins with a gradual ascent over the frozen landscape, where deep crevasses, jagged ice ridges, and brilliant blue formations reveal the glacier’s raw and ever-changing beauty. With every step, you'll learn more about Iceland’s geology and glaciology from your expert guide.

The contrast between the stark white glacier and the surrounding black sand plains creates an otherworldly backdrop, making Skaftafell one of the most photogenic hiking spots in Iceland. On clear days, you may even spot Hvannadalshnukur, Iceland’s highest peak, rising over the horizon.

Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, this Skaftafell glacier hike is a rare chance to experience the icy wilderness of Vatnajokull up close. The terrain is beginner-friendly, making it an excellent option for active travelers seeking a safe and unforgettable adventure in Iceland.

If you're visiting between October and April, you can upgrade this tour with an ice cave experience that takes you inside the glacier. This add-on lets you witness the striking blue ice formations of the Skaftafell Ice Cave. The upgrade adds an extra hour to the tour, extending the total duration to 4 hours.

Don’t miss your chance to explore one of Iceland’s most iconic glaciers. Check availability now by selecting your preferred date, and join us for the ultimate glacier hiking experience in Skaftafell on the South Coast of Iceland!

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Iceland's leading travel agency

Included

All necessary safety gear: harness, helmet, crampons, and ice axe
Experienced English-speaking guide
Small group experience

Activities

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

Attractions

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

Tips from travelers

  • Wear stiff ankle-high hiking boots

    Put on sturdy hiking footwear that fits crampons securely and protects your ankles across uneven rocky ground.

  • Park at the Skaftafell airfield

    Meet the crew at the airfield parking area, where parking is free, before boarding transport to the glacier.

  • Keep your camera securely attached

    Secure your phone or camera with a wrist strap or lanyard so your hands remain free while navigating icy slopes.

  • Bring a bottle for meltwater

    Carry an empty refillable bottle to sample cold, pure water directly from running streams along the ice.

  • Prepare for brisk glacier wind

    Check the weather and road forecast before driving out, and pack a windproof outer layer to block sudden drafts on open ice.

  • Step into carved footholds

    Walk directly in line behind your guide and use the notches they chop into steeper sections for solid footing.

Pick-up information

Starting time

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

Starting location

Skaftafell Airport, Flugvallarvegur, Öræfi, Iceland. Please arrive at the pick-up point on time.

How it works

Secure your spot with Iceland’s most trusted travel marketplace—instant confirmation, best price guarantee, and 24/7 local support.

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.
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 clothes
Sturdy hiking boots
Water and snacks

Good to know

Walking with crampons feels unfamiliar initially, but guides demonstrate the flat-footed stamping technique required to grip the hard ice. Harnesses and helmets are issued at the vehicle and checked individually for safety before anyone steps onto the glacier.

Temperatures drop noticeably once you approach the ice cap, where cold drafts flow continuously down the slopes even on clear days. Hikes continue in light rain, so waterproof outerwear is necessary to stay dry throughout the excursion.

This glacier hike is ideal for beginners and doesn’t require prior experience, but you should be in good overall physical condition to enjoy the adventure comfortably. The tour lasts about three hours, including gearing up and a short bus ride to the glacier, where you’ll spend roughly 1.5 hours walking on the ice with a guide.

From October to April, you can add an ice cave visit to your tour. This upgrade lets you see the vivid blue ice inside the Skaftafell Ice Cave and extends the tour duration to a total of 4 hours.

To stay warm and dry, wear weather-appropriate outdoor clothing. Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support and hard soles are essential; you can include rental boots during the booking process if needed.

Food is not included, so bring snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay energized during the tour. There are restaurants and grocery options in nearby towns if you’re driving in before or after the activity.

Guide to Iceland’s glacier hiking study named this the best value glacier hike in Iceland, and it was the clearest single recommendation in the study. It is the cheapest glacier hike in the country, and it still rates 4.77 across nearly 370 reviews, a fraction behind the highest-rated three-hour hike there is. See how it compares against every glacier hiking tour in Iceland.
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Price per person by month

Lowest prices: January and April, from about US$57.

US$57Lowest priceJan and Apr
US$105Average priceAcross the season
JanCheapest monthAverage US$92
MarMost expensiveAverage US$114
US$92US$57Jan
US$111Feb
US$114Mar
US$103US$57Apr
US$105US$94May
US$106US$94Jun
US$107US$94Jul
US$109US$97Aug
US$109Sep
US$110Oct
US$108US$76Nov
US$112US$102Dec
Lowest price per personAverage price per personTypical price range

Weather and cancellations

Called off on about 9.7% of dates. July is the safest month. January is the riskiest.

54.5%
Jan
31.0%
Feb
50.0%
Mar
7.7%
Apr
6.3%
May
5.4%
Jun
2.4%
Jul
6.2%
Aug
8.1%
Sep
22.3%
Oct
31.8%
Nov
23.5%
Dec
Fewer 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
Couples54%
Groups of 3 or more40%
Solo travelers6%

Couples make up the largest share of bookings, at 54%. Groups of 3 or more follow, at 40%.

Where travelers come from

United States23%from the United States
United StatesUnited States23%
South KoreaSouth Korea14%
ChinaChina10%
TaiwanTaiwan8%
GermanyGermany5%
JapanJapan5%

The largest share of travelers, 23%, comes from the United States, followed by South Korea and China.

Busiest days of the week

TuebusiestSatquietest
Mon
14%
Tue
17%
Wed
16%
Thu
13%
Fri
14%
Sat
12%
Sun
14%
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.

  • Dark bands of volcanic ash
  • Guides sharing glacier geology
  • Views into deep crevasses
  • Attentive guides assisting hikers
  • Small group sizes on the ice

Most common complaint: Travelers note that actual time spent hiking on the ice can feel brief due to gear fitting, travel, and the approach walk. Arrive promptly with your thermal layers already on so equipment fitting goes quickly.

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Book now to lock in the best price on your trip, with the flexibility to change or cancel later if your plans change.

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