Step into another world when you hike on the glacier, explore the fantastic features on the surface of the glacier and its naturally forming ice caves in Vatnajokull National Park.
Tour code: SKF01
On this action packed day tour, you will explore the naturally formed ice caves and ice tunnels of a stunning outlet glacier.
The ice caves, open up for exploration when the meltwater underneath the glacier freezes over or finds another route and leaves behind these ice tunnels.
After meeting your highly trained and certified glacier guide in Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park, you will be fitted with the required glacier gear we provide, like an ice axe, ice spikes and a helmet.
As your guide leads you on to the icy landscape for your glacier walk, you will learn about how they are formed. While in the ice caves, you will have plenty of time to take pictures of the breathtaking surroundings. The melting ice, vivid blue color and tranquility inside of the cave are what make these features of the glacier so spectacular.
After exploring the cave, you will return up to its surface. There, your guide will lead you through the ever-changing glacial landscape and crevasses. You end off with a view of low land, sandy beach by the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.
Please note that ice caves are a natural phenomenon and the conditions can change depending on the weather. Your safety is our first priority so sometimes our tours may be canceled 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 12 per guide
2 hrs
European 34 (U.S. - 2.5)
English
Moderate
Accessible to all those in good health, who are doing some sport regularly, and who are used to all-terrain walks. 4-6 hours walk per day, without much carrying.
Oct - Apr
3.5 hours
10 yrs
We were looking to go on an ice cave tour and stumbled upon this one last minute. They were happy to squeeze us in and we really enjoyed it!
Bring warm and waterproof/windproof clothing with you because the weather can change every minute. You also need good hiking boots, but you can rent them there if needed. They give you the crampons to walk on the ice.
The tour itself was fantastic. The glacier landscape and ice cave we visited were out of this world. Our Icelandic guide Henrik (sorry if I misspelled that) was very friendly and knowledgable about the Icelandic culture and geology. Felt safe on the ice at all times. Thanks for the great stories! :-)
Amazing tour, very informative tour guide with a great sense of humour.
My better half and I thoroughly enjoyed, we wished we’d gone for the full day rather than the half.
Outstanding scenery with plenty of opportunities for photos.
Very professional company with every precaution in place for your safety.
Would highly recommend this tour to anyone.
A++++
We did the glacier walk and ice cave tour (3-4 hours) this week. After looking through many different tours and companies, we chose this one as we wanted both the ice caves and time on the glacier. It did not disappoint.
Make sure to get there 20 minutes early (it’s not just a suggestion, you need this time to get your crampons, harness and helmet!). The great thing about this hike is that you are walking outside the whole time with a guide.
You do not hop on a bus- instead you walk straight to the glacier. It maximized time for pictures and to learn more about this landscape.
Our guide, Mike from New Zealand, was experienced, friendly, professional and most importantly made us all feel safe the entire time. He pointed out where NOT to walk, showed us ice walls, an ice cave, crevices and always stopped to point out the best view. There was plenty of time for photos- don’t waste time taking them as you approach the glacier, as the view only gets better.
It was a lot of exercise and a few inclines but the crampons really helped stabilize us. At one point on the walk to the glacier, my crampon broke, and Mike quickly retrieved a tool out of his backpack and fixed them in no time. I knew we were in good hands and he was prepared for anything!
We learned that this tour company traveled the world to find the best tours, and brought it back to Iceland. The guides all seem super experienced and highly trained.
I never felt crowded on the tour with other groups, and there was plenty of time to take photos. The ice cave was unique, but my favorite part were the ice walls which were so blue! It was also fun to be outside after our long drive to the glacier and to get some fresh air.
Wear comfortable shoes as you are walking for at least 3 hours. There were small children on our tour as well as adults, and everyone was able to keep up. Mike was always there to lend a hand if anyone needed it.
I didn’t wear waterproof pants but my friends did and were glad as we had some hail and snow and rain on the walk back. As with anything in Iceland, be prepared with layers so you can adjust (it got warm after walking on the ice and I didn’t need my scarf or gloves for a while but put them back on later).
We had the best time and would recommend to anyone. Be sure to ask for Mike from New Zealand!
Henrick was also helpful and friendly in fitting us for shoes and getting us all the gear we needed! Make sure to state which tour you’re going on as we almost got on a bus for a different tour before the guides realized we were in the ice cave and glacier hike tour.
Would do an excursion with this company again!
They were also super fast at responding to my questions via chat, unlike other tour companies.
Your Glacier Walk and ice cave adventure starts off with meeting your certified glacier guide at the Skaftafell Base.
There, you will be provided with a harness, ice axe and crampons. After a quick safety briefing, you will head off to explore an icy wonderland.
Following your exploration, of colors, crevasses and caves, you will head back to our lodge.
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.
Yes I would like to go get the tour info sheet, and receive information about Hiking and Trekking tours in Iceland.
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.
