From Skaftafell

Blue Ice Experience - Glacier Walk

Popular

Embark on the original and legendary "Blue Ice Experience - Glacier Walk", an epic family-friendly adventure that's been enthralling visitors since 1994.

Tour code: SKF21

A group of hikers touching a blue glacier ice on Falljökull glacier

Björgvin Hilmarsson

A group on Falljökull glacier with the massive ice fall in the background

Björgvin Hilmarsson

Immerse yourself in an epic journey across an outlet glacier of the Vatnajökull, Europe’s greatest ice cap.

Your Adventure

Your guide will welcome you warmly in Skaftafell and give you a comprehensive introduction to your equipment - including crampons and an ice axe - ensuring you're safe and fully prepared before you set off for your adventure.

The adventure starts with a short ride on a robust vehicle, which takes you close to the glacier's edge and maximises your time spent on it.

On this Premium Blue Ice Glacier Hike, you will venture deep into the glacier, far beyond the limits of standard tours, allowing you to experience the solitude and tranquillity of this icy wilderness.

Feel the exhilaration as you leave the other groups and the more crowded parts of the glacier far behind!

Each expedition is intentionally intimate, catering to small groups of up to 15 passengers. This way, our guides can offer you a personalised experience and share their extensive knowledge of local flora, fauna, geology, and glaciology.

Your Mountain Guide

Each Icelandic Mountain Guide holds a Wilderness First Responder certification and completed the rigorous Hard Ice glacier training program, a world-class curriculum developed in partnership with New Zealand's most esteemed guides and instructors.

Many of our guides are active members of the local search and rescue teams, and some are passionate scientists. They bring not only their expertise but also their dedication to safety to your journey.

Your Footprint

We are profoundly committed to respecting the pristine landscapes we explore. Our ethical approach involves leaving no trace behind, moving harmoniously across the glacier without carving unnecessary stairs or steps into the ice.

Discover the true meaning of Blue Ice, and take home memories that will last a lifetime!

Tour Overview

Language

English
Group size

Up to 15 per guide
On the Ice

1.5 - 2 hrs
Meeting point

Skaftafell Base (20 min. prior to departure)

Meeting point

Our Skaftafell Base Camp is located on the campsite, close to the visitor center.
Difficulty

Easy

Difficulty

Accessible to all people in good health.
Availability

All-year
Duration

3.5 hours
10

Minimum age:

10 yrs

Book this tour

Customer Reviews

Last Saturday I booked a last minute glacier walk - being myself a scuba diving instructor I was not expecting anything too exciting, but I was wrong. Hiking to the top of the glacier is just as good as diving under it - possibly even better. The views from the highest point of the glacier were spectacular and our guide Deividas gave us lots of information about the glacier and the site in general. The group (prob 12 people) was made up of people of different ages and different sizes and some of them were actually scared to do the hike. Luckily our guide was the friendliest, nicest and most down to earth guy we could have hoped for m, and thanks to his brilliant attitude everybody including the seniors got to enjoy the blue ice. Making these amazing natural wonders accessible to everyone - well done, Deividas!

What an amazing experience!! This was a highlight of our trip. Our guide Michel was absolutely fantastic, friendly and full of info about all things Icelandic. We hiked all the way up to an ice wall and saw a unique cave like formation where we stopped for once in a lifetime photos! We really enjoyed it

We are a spanish couple and we did the blue ice experience trip with Sophie, who was our guide, and two other couples. We really enjoyed the experience, it is really worth it to have the feeling of walking through the glaciar with all the equipment they provide that makes you feel really safe. Sophie was amazing! She explained us a lot about the glacier and you could feel how passion she put on the trip.
100% recommended.

Tour Highlights

Breathtaking Surroundings

Thrilling Ice Formations

Hike on Europe's Biggest Glacier

Experience the Blue Ice

Hike with Iceland's most skilled mountain guides

Included

Experienced and qualified guide
Glacier equipment and safety gear
Modified vehicle ride to the glacier
Small groups
Access to exclusive areas thate other groups can't reach

Not Included

Rain gear
Hiking boots
Warm clothing

Optional Extras

Rain gear (jacket or pants)
Hiking boots

Tour Map and Itinerary

Click map for detailed itinerary

The tour will start with a safety briefing: your guide will familiarise you with the necessary glacier equipment, which, coupled with our unmatched safety standards and small group sizes, ensures that your expedition is both secure and memorable.

The adventure itself starts with a short monster truck ride, taking you right to the edge of the glacier ice and maximising your time spent on the ice.

With the stage set, you'll step onto the icy expanse. A chill of excitement runs through you as the world transforms into an ethereal icy planet. You're now embarking on a journey that takes you further into the glacier, towards exclusive areas that other tour operators can't.

Our certified guides are equipped with the highest glacier training. They will ensure your safety while enriching your expedition with their extensive knowledge of local flora, fauna, geology, and glaciology.

This journey isn't just about the thrill of exploration; it's about respecting the environment we traverse. Our careful approach ensures we leave no trace, preserving these icy landscapes for future generations.

Driving time
From Reykjavík: 5 hrs
From Vík: 2.5 hrs
From Höfn: 1.5 - 2 hrs

GPS point for Skaftafell
N 64.016217
W 16.966664

Our Base Camp in Skaftafell is located right next to the service centre.

The park is by the end of road no. 998 that branches off the main road no. 1.

The parking fee (1000 ISK) must be paid at the location and is not included in the price.

Please be there 20 min before the departure of your tour.

Day Tour
Directions

Click to activate the map

How long in advance do I need to book?

What is the address of the meeting place?

Why do I need to arrive 20 minutes before departure time?

What is the difference between Sólheimajökull and Skaftafell?

Sólheimajökull and Skaftafell are two different locations in Iceland, each having its own unique characteristics and attractions.

Sólheimajökull is a glacier tongue that extends from the mighty Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Iceland's 4th largest ice cap. It is located on the south coast of Iceland between the volcanoes Katla and Eyjafjallajökull. The area is renowned for its beauty and is perfect destination for glacier hiking and ice climbing due to its easily accessible location and terrain. We offer a variety of tours at Sólheimajökull, which are especially suited for families and those seeking a more relaxed experience.

Skaftafell is a nature reserve located in the Vatnajökull National Park in the south-east of Iceland. It is a green oasis nestled under the white expanse of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. Skaftafell is a hiker's paradise, with trails leading to stunning attractions and picturesque glacial tongues.

Skaftafell's glaciers are known for their rugged terrain and fantastic views. The tours we operate here are particularly designed for those with an adventurous spirit. If you're a keen hiker or climber, you'll find the challenging landscapes of Skaftafell incredibly rewarding.

Boots and Clothing

Hiking boots that reach over your ankle are a must on our glacier walks.
Other clothing should be picked according to weather that day, you will not get much colder on the glacier as on the ground.