Skaftafell: 4h Small Group Glacier Hike with Guide and Transfer
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
The Glacier Discovery tour takes you to a majestic glacier ice fall. With a maximum of 8 persons per guide, we prioritise comfort and safety. After a carbon-offset 4×4 ride, we gear up by the glacier’s edge, strap on crampons, grab our ice axes, and begin the hike—ascending over 300 meters towards the ice fall. Surrounded by blue ice and glacier-carved peaks, we explore crevasses, moulins, waterfalls, and other features that emerge in this ever-changing landscape.
This tour is perfect for those seeking an in-depth glacier hike in Iceland. Along the way, your guide shares insights into the geology, geography, and history of the area, while pointing out the fascinating, shifting features of the glacier. Its surface and colour change with the seasons, and formations like moulins and crevasses constantly evolve. No prior glacier experience is needed—just curiosity and a sense of adventure!
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
We meet up at Freysnes gas station by our equipment truck. There we will fit you with the equipment needed to hike a glacier confidently and safely. From there we drive our trusted super-jeeps to the glacier's edge. Then we will begin our hike towards the ice fall on the picturesque Falljökull. Going glacier hiking is a must do in Iceland. Being a local company we truly appreciate this area that we call our home and we love show people the stunning nature of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe.
What‘s Included
Local and Experienced Glacier Guide
Crampons, Ice Axe, Helmet & Harness
Supporting a Small Local Company
Carbon Neutralised Tour
4x4 Vehicle Transfer
Food & drinks are not included in the tour
Hiking boots can be rented on location for an additional charge
Our guides reserve the right to examine your footwear before the tour. If unsuitable for either the fitting or use of crampons you will be required to rent suitable boots for an additonal charge.
WIFI on board is not available
Limited rain gear available for rent on location
Options
Skaftafell: 4h Small Group Glacier Hike with Guide and Transfer
Reviews
87 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
1000% recommend!
Leslie M,,Aug 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Soffia was an excellent guide! She took us up a different part of the glacier so we felt like our excursion was very personal and fresh. She was actually chopping stairs with her ice ax for us to place our feet in some situations! She was very knowledgeable about the glaciers and Iceland in general. We felt very safe but were able to have a sense that we were doing something very adventurous and not like the other groups. Everyone in our group was an adult and healthy so we were able to go to a more rugged part of the glacier and do well. Of all the things our family did in Iceland, this was the one we liked the best!
Amazing Time on Glacier Hike
smits186,,Aug 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Family of 8 (Grandparents, Parents, Teens and a 7yr old). We had such an amazing time on our 1st ever glacier hike for the entire family. From the quick 4x4 transfer to get us close to the glacier to begin our hike, to the rental of last minute gear, to the simple instructions to gear up to enjoy our time on the ice… 1st class all the way. I wanted to make a point to call out our hiking guide who was so absolutely amazing, patient, joyful, and smiling our entire time we were with her…”Ms. Barbara” - as our 7yr old called her. She was so caring with our 70+ year old grandparents to help them with some special sections of the ice and was the absolute sweetest holding our 7yr olds hand the entire way to “lead” the group. You are truly a special person and a wonderful/talented guide! We so very much appreciate you and our experience!
Phenomenal experience
509beckyb,,Jun 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was a highlight of our trip! Spectacular views, and Jan, our guide was excellent and insightful. Highly recommend!
Great guide, Ketch is...
Corinne A,,Jun 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great guide, Ketch is passionate and explained everything with humor and professionalism. 3 hours of amazing ride! To be done. No less than 4 hours, because it would be frustrating.
Excellent glacier tour
Russellwmd,,Nov 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I can’t recommend this tour enough! Our guide Soffia was excellent. We were fitted with crampons and a belt, ice pick, and helmet prior to starting the tour. The equipment was very good and in great condition. I was nervous about walking with crampons on the ice but they worked really well and it was almost like walking on a normal surface. Soffia took us a very good way up the glacier. She made sure we could safely use the equipment and knew how to walk safely. She also taught us a lot about the glacier. We went through a cave and crevasses. I didn’t expect to get to see so much of the glacier - so this was really special. I would definitely do it again.
Amazing experience
853juliea,,Oct 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience hiking the beautiful and giant glacier. We did the shorter tour but our guide Sofia did an AMAZING job, showing us every detail, telling us stories, information and guiding us through this wonderful experience. Even though she was sick she did her best and we are very grateful for that. This is definitely one of the best experiences in Iceland. Communication with the company was also easy and fast. We highly recommend it!
Amazing glacier hike!
sarabW9586CC,,Oct 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience! Our guide, Arnaud, was very informative and also entertaning. Felt very safe during all tour. Highly recommend!
The best experience on the glacier.
martae142,,Sep 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great route through the glacier! A unique experience, with the best Guide you could expect. Marcus has wonderful humor and lots of interesting stories to tell. You can tell the experience. He took us to the group very well. It was a small group of 8 people. They give you all the necessary material. Very good excursion to see the glacier in about 2-3 hours. Recommended.
Fabulous hike on a glacier!
JANISATL,,Sep 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed our glacier hike with Local Guide. The scenery was beautiful, and our guide was knowledgeable, informative, and entertaining. She was patient with our slower pace (we are in our 70’s), and as a bonus, took lots of beautiful pictures! The crampons provided by the company were also helpful. I highly recommend this company!
Unforgettable
Matteo M,,Sep 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A unique experience, the hike allows you to reach the base of the wonderful ice pillars on the Vatnajokull outlet called Falljokull. Arnaud, the Guide, was exceptional in providing explanations and answering all kinds of questions and curiosities, no aspect was overlooked, especially regarding safety, the materials provided were of high quality.
From US$163.00
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Operated by Local Guide of Vatnajokull