Explore the most iconic and picturesque features of the glacial landscape. Please Note: access to the ice cave is temporarily restricted. However, we will still hike to the cave's entrance, where our guide will offer an external view and share valuable insights on safety and risk assessment.
Tour code: SKF02
On this unique day tour, we venture off the beaten path to explore an outlet glacier in Vatnajökull National Park. While reaching the Ice Cave is challenging, the reward is equally spectacular. We traverse stunning terrains, navigating through a labyrinth of towering glacial ridges and other remarkable glacial features.
The tour begins at our Skaftafell Base Camp, conveniently located next to the campsite by the visitor center, where you'll meet your expert glacier guide. After being equipped with all the necessary gear—crampons, harnesses, helmets, and an ice axe—we board our glacier bus and head towards the glacier.
The glacier hike is demanding, but the scenery is truly breathtaking. Depending on conditions, reaching the Ice Cave can take up to 2 hours. The journey across the outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull, surrounded by its awe-inspiring landscape, is an integral part of the experience.
Although access to the ice cave is temporarily prohibited, we will still hike to the cave, where our guide will provide an external view and share important insights about safety and risk assessment. This tour remains an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the majestic glacier landscapes that define this adventure.
After our exploration, we return to Skaftafell Base Camp, bringing back memories that will last a lifetime.
*Please note that your safety is our first priority, so sometimes, our tours may be cancelled with short notice due to weather conditions or safety concerns. If this happens, we will always do our best to offer you an alternative tour, if weather permits.
Skaftafell Base (20 min. prior to departure)
Our Skaftafell Base Camp is located on the campsite, close to the visitor center.
Up to 8 per guide
4.5 hrs
European 34 (U.S. - 2.5)
English
Challenging
Suites those that are physically active and have some background in basic traveling in mountainous terrain with a backpack. 6-7 hrs walks per day.
All Year*
5.5 hours
16 yrs
Ice Cave adventure starts off with meeting your certified glacier guide at the Skaftafell Base Camp.
There, you will be provided with a harness, ice axe, helmet and crampons. After a quick safety briefing, you will head off to the glacier on our glacier bus.
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 Welcome Centre 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.
From time to time we send updates about new routes and conditions
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.
