From Skaftafell

Private Glacier Walk Express – 2.5-hour Skaftafell Glacier Hike

A glacier hike in Skaftafell that's short on time but big on adventure. An easy 2.5-hour option for families, for anyone who'd rather not walk for hours, and for travellers who want to experience the glacier wonderland and still have plenty of time for other adventures.

Tour code: SKF19

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A group on Falljökull glacier in winter.

Bridge over a glacial river on Falljökull Glacier

Quick and Easy Glacier Walk for the Whole Family

This short and easy glacier hike is the perfect way to set foot on Europe's largest ice cap when you're short on time — or would simply rather not spend the whole day walking. In just 2.5 hours you'll visit Falljökull, one of Vatnajökull's many outlet glaciers, and still have plenty of the day left for other adventures.

Your Adventure

Your adventure starts at our Skaftafell Base Camp, on the campsite in Skaftafell National Park, where you'll meet your experienced glacier guide. After a short safety briefing, your guide fits you with crampons, an ice axe and a harness, and our glacier bus takes you close to the ice — so there's only a short walk before you step onto the glacier.

For roughly an hour, your guide leads you safely through an ever-changing world of crevasses, ice ridges and deep-blue ice. It's a genuine glacier experience — without the long approach hike of our longer tours.

Who It's For

Because the walking is kept short and easy, the Glacier Walk Express is a great choice for families with children aged 8 and up, for anyone who can't — or would rather not — hike for hours, and for travellers on the South Coast who want a real glacier adventure that still leaves time for everything else on their list.

Want more ice under your feet?

Because the Express leaves plenty of time in your day, it's easy to do more with your glacier trip. Go deeper into the ice on our Blue Ice Experience, or spend longer on the glacier with our Glacier Adventure.

Tour Overview

Language
English: On the Ice
1 hr: Group Size
Up to 15 per guide: Meeting Point
Skaftafell Base (20 min. prior to departure): Minimum age
8 years: Duration
2.5 hours: Difficulty
Easy

Contact Us

Note: Please feel free to contact our sales office if you have request for a group or private tour

Primary passenger information

Tour information

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Tour Highlights

Included

Experienced and qualified guide
Glacier gear
Safety equipment

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

Map & Itinerary

Private Glacier Walk Express – 2.5-hour Skaftafell Glacier Hike

Quick and Easy Glacier Walk for the Whole Family

Day Tour

The tour departs from our Skaftafell Base Camp, right on the Skaftafell campsite next to the visitor center.

20 minutes prior to departure, you will meet your experienced glacier guide, who will gear the group up with crampons, ice axes and harnesses.

When everyone is ready, you will take our glacier bus up to the glacier for an amazing adventure.

Skaftafell Base Camp

Directions

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 Skaftafell Base Camp in Skaftafell is located in the heart of the camping site, right next to the service center.

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

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

Keep informed about Glacier Walk Express

From time to time we send updates about new routes and conditions

Practical Information

FAQ

Equipment List

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

Before we head to the glacier for the tour we need to get everyone fitted with the equipment, crampons and harnesses. The crampons need to be adjusted to each persons shoe size so it is important that people arrive 20 minutes before so everyone is ready at the departure time.

What is the address of the meeting place?

There are no official addresses on our meeting points but you can see directions and GPS points if you click the map above.

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.

How long in advance do I need to book?

We always recommend to book as soon as you are ready especially if you have a strict travel schedule or a large group. It is easy to change or cancel 24 hours before departure by emailing us (info@mountainguides.is). Tours can also be purchased the day of as long as there are spaces available.

Is it possible to join a glacier hike while pregnant?

Your safety is our highest priority. Our guides are highly experienced in leading glacier hikes and will assess conditions on the day of your tour. Because glacier terrain and Icelandic weather can change quickly, participation during pregnancy will be decided by the guide on site, taking real-time conditions into account to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.