skaftafell national park
traveler on skaftafell excursion
skaftafell hike to glacier
skaftafell glacier hike
treveler on Skaftafell Glacier
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Skaftafell Glacier 5 Hours - Exploration Hike

The long and most complete version of the trekking on Skaftafell Glacier.

Skaftafell
1 day
English
Starts: From the meeting point "Skaftafell Terminal" (depending on option selected) at 10:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m.
Ends: 5 hours later at the same meeting point
Free cancellation!

Briefing

Experience the Thrill of the Skaftafell Glacier – 5-Hour Exploration Hike!

Discover the breathtaking Skaftafell Glacier, nestled within Vatnajökull National Park, on this epic 5-hour guided adventure! The Skaftafell Glacier 5-Hour Exploration Hike is the ultimate glacier tour, offering a more immersive experience compared to the 3-hour version. You'll explore higher and more remote parts of the glacier, with expert guidance every step of the way.

Your tour includes all necessary gear – crampons, helmet, and ice axe – and your certified guide will teach you how to use it, ensuring a safe and unforgettable experience.

Ready to step onto the ice? Here's all the info you need to join this incredible adventure 👇

Tour details

Included

  • Certified glacier guide
  • Glacier equipment: helmet + ice axes + headlamp + crampons

Not included

  • Transportation to Skaftafell

Important information

The minimum age for this activity is 12 years old.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellations!

If you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour begins, you will be refunded 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of a no-show, no refunds will be provided.

Tour itinerary

Skaftafell Glacier 5 Hours Hike

📍 Skaftafell Nature Reserve - Vatnajökull Glacier
🔺 Difficulty: Moderate - Demanding
🕗 Tour duration: 5 hours.
👣 Time on glacier: 3 hour

Meeting point - Skaftafell Terminal

Skaftafell Terminal will be the meeting point, where you will meet your guide. Skaftafell is part of the Vatnajökull National Park, the largest glacier in Europe. When the group is assembled, you will get into the vehicle that will take you to the glacier. You will leave the vehicle and walk to the glacier.

Once there, you will be equipped with everything you need, helmet, ice axe, headlamp and crampons, while the guide gives you a short safety talk.

skaftafell glacier crevases

Falljökull Trekking

Ready to board the Skaftafell Glacier Trek? Here we go!

Falljökull is a part of the Skaftafell Glacier translated as The Falling Glacier. The formations you will see as you traverse this area will leave you speechless. Crevasses, vertical shafts and fissures. If you travel in winter, you will be able to poke your head into the ice tunnels that will show you their bluish interior of the ice.

Your glacier adventure will continue to the icefall. As you will be climbing quite high, you will be able to see incredible views of Skaftafell National Park.

skaftafell hike

Return to the meeting point at Skaftafell terminal.

After spending about 3 hours discovering this immense glacier, your adventure will come to an end. You will return to the vehicle that will take us to the Skaftafell Terminal where you will say goodbye to the guide and this incredible glacier experience.

skaftafell hike to glacier

What to bring to Skaftafell Glacier 5 Hours - Exploration Hike tour

  • Warm clothing
  • Waterproof clothing
  • Hiking boots (available for rent as an extra)
  • Gloves and hat

Where does the tour Skaftafell Glacier 5 Hours - Exploration Hike start

The Skaftafell Glacier Trek starts and ends at the Skaftafell Terminal and does not include the transfer to Skaftafell.

Driving from Reykjavik to Skaftafell will take you 5 hours. Once you arrive at the Skaftafell National Booking, you can leave your vehicle parked at the Skaftafell Terminal (the meeting point), which offers free parking and has restrooms.

Questions & Answers

  • What is the minimum age for the Skaftafell Glacier Hike?

    Travelers must be at least 12 years old.

  • What is the group size for this trek?

    The maximum group size for this trek is 10 people.

  • How long does this activity last?

    This complete Skaftafell Glacier Trekking has a duration of 5 hours. We will stay on the glacier for approximately 3 hours.

  • How can I know the exact meeting point?

    The meeting point is at the Skaftafell terminal. In the booking confirmation, you will be provided with all the exact details to find the meeting point easily.

  • How should I dress during the glacier hike?

    During the winter we recommend you to bring: warm clothes as a first layer, waterproof outdoor jacket and pants, hiking boots with ankle protection, warmth and gloves. During the summer we recommend you to wear: outdoor waterproof jacket and pants. Be sure not to wear jeans for glacier hiking activities. Once wet it will take quite a while to dry and therefore leave you cold.

  • Can my tour be cancelled due to weather conditions?

    Wind, rain and snow are characteristic of Iceland, so the tour will not be cancelled due to this. In case of extreme weather conditions that prevent the tour from running, an alternative date or a full refund will be offered.

  • Do I need to bring food and drink?

    Yes, we definitely recommend you bring a snack and drinks. As you can see in the picture, some people like to bring their own liquor or other small alcoholic beverage to drink at the top of the glacier while enjoying the views.

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