Skaftafell Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
This unique tour gives you the opportunity to hike on an outlet glacier as well as climbing the ice walls. You will start with exploring the ice formations of the glacier and the moulins, then experience the amazing feeling of climbing a beautiful blue ice wall. For everyone, from first-timers to more experienced climbers, our expert guides will make this tour an adventure to remember. Max group size 6 people.
Additional Info
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately
Minimum age is 12 years
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
We will take you to an outlet glacier part of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, called Falljökull, where you may enjoy the breathtaking views of Iceland's greatest ice-covered peaks soaring more than 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) above your head. Numerous films, including James Bond, Interstellar, and Game of Thrones, have used these glaciers and their breathtaking landscapes as backdrops. You will receive all the necessary gear from your highly skilled glacier guide, including hiking boots, crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and helmets. After that, you'll board the troll bus and travel for roughly ten minutes to reach the glacier parking lot. After that, it's just a fifteen-minute walk to the ice's edge, where your guide will demonstrate how to put on crampons. Additionally, you will hike on the glacier for a while to observe the local ice formations, including crevasses, deep fissures in the glacier's surface, and so-called moulins, which are frequently vertical shafts in the ice created when melting water seeps into cracks and fissures. You will spend roughly three hours on the actual glacier.
What‘s Included
Certified Glacier Guide
Coffee and Chocolates
All necessary glacier equipment: harness, helmet, ice axe, crampons
Hiking boots
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Waterproof Jacket Rental (1,750 ISK)
Waterproof Pants Rental (1,750 ISK)
Hat and Gloves Combo with Logo (3,000 ISK)
Neck Warmer with Logo (500 ISK)
Summer Cap with Logo (1,500 ISK)
Options
Skaftafell Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike
Reviews
128 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience
Y315ARcarolinap,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! Super reliable and nice driving. Staff available. Hot chocolate at the end of the experience. Super recommended
Beautiful day for a glacier hike
Michele R,,Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a beautiful day and our guides were knowledgeable and patient and we had so much fun climbing and hiking
I did it
Anilkannambille,,Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had two minds when I saw the glacier. Am 68..but it was too inviting. Edgar , our tour guide looked confident to me, so I said let's do it..and what an experience it was ..can never forget this one , with crampons on your shores and ice axe in my hand, gave me al the confidence..and what a pleasure digging the ice and eating it..thanks Edgar
Great day on the glacier!
Nomad34738418080,,Jul 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Boy were we lucky to have such an amazing tour guide! Maria’s adventurous character kept us through the chilly but breathtaking experience we undertook. She shared amazing stories, facts, and made us feel like experiences glacier hikers (though that was definitely not the case!). The adventure was superiorly unique and unforgettable. The ice climbing was challenging but Maria helped us to feel comfortable and safe the entire time! I would highly recommend this tour to an active family such as ourselves. Be prepared and bring layers for sure!
Highlight experience
worldtravellerTom,,Jul 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00All well arranged: you get suitable shoes, crampons and gear. Then you are loaded into a bus with the “normal” hiking people. However you are special! As you will go with two guides to climb on the glacier. Really great experience. Rickhart and Mario were two excellent guides. Took the time to explain and helped us climb the ice wall. Highlight of the holiday so far.
An experience not to miss!
helenamW1193HF,,Jun 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome day out on the ice with Przemyslav and Isabella! We couldn’t recommend the Skaftafell Glacier Hike and Ice Climbing experience enough - it was a perfect combo of hiking, climbing, descending, using ice picks etc. Both Przemyslav and Isabella were super friendly and they gave us some great tips during the day to improve.
Unforgettable
F8485MTsimonem,,Jun 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience, our guide Naty made our adventure really exciting. She told us so many interesting facts about glaciers and most importantly she was able to make us feel comfortable throughout the experience. I wish you to happen with her if possible. Glacier climbing is one of the most beautiful experiences ever experienced.
Loved the glacier hike!
Lisa H,,Jun 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our family loved the glacier hike! It was a bit of a walk to get to the glacier but it was a beautiful spot and completely worth it! My kids enjoyed the climb and exploring in the crevices. I couldn't climb due to a wrist injury but wanted to still go and Andre was very helpful making sure I stayed safe and had no risk of falling. Also, the viking pushups (to drink from the cold glacier stream) was also a high point. Highly recommend!
Wonderful Ice Climbing Tour
Deborah G,,May 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Biscuit was our guide. He did an amazing job explaining our equipment and what we should expect. I always felt safe and the views are amazing. We had enough time to hike into a fissure.
Unique experience.
felidiazm,,Mar 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the hiking tour over the glacier and blue ice cave in Skaftafell. An amazing experience along with two wonderful guides, Mary and Elijah, who made the experience more enjoyable, close and instructive. Fully recommended!!
Related Experiences
Operated by Troll Expeditions