Day Trips

Skaftafell: Moderate Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing

Group hiking on Skaftafell glacier with ice climbing gear.

Guest ice climbing on a glacier in Skaftafell, Iceland.

Guests hiking and ice climbing on a glacier in Skaftafell, Iceland.

Guest holding ice axes on a glacier hike in Skaftafell, Iceland.

Duration

4 hrs 30 mins

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Trek across Skaftafell’s striking blue ice, surrounded by mountain peaks in Vatnajokull National Park.

Small groups (max 6 per guide) ensure a personalized glacier hike and ice climbing introduction, with all essential gear included.

Try your hand at ice climbing, guided by a certified expert who sets up ropes for a safe, thrilling ascent.

Immerse yourself in Iceland's raw beauty amid jagged peaks, deep crevasses, and sweeping glacier views in this stunning natural reserve.

Glacier hike on Skaftafell (small group – max 6 per guide)

Certified glacier guide

Ice climbing

Glacier gear & safety equipment

Rain gear (optional extra)

Hiking boots (optional extra)

Lunch

TOTAL DURATION4 hours 30 minutes
Timeline
Map
Start point
Skaftafell Visitor Centre
1. Falljokull Glacier
Free Admission
1 activity
Begin your ascent onto Falljokull, an impressive outlet of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap. Your guide leads you across blue ice, crevasses, and ridges while sharing insights into glacial formation and Iceland’s dynamic geology.
Things to do
Ice Climbing Session
Included in price
End point
Skaftafell Visitor Centre
Your ending point would be same as your start point

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

88 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Apr 2026
Honestly, I was a bit NERVOUS about the glacier hike but ended up LOVING it. Came with my girlfriend and neither of us had done anything like this before. Our guide, Jonas, was suuuper chill and explained everything, even when I asked too many questions (sorry Jonas!). Gear fit fine, and I could tell they checked everyone's crampons, which made me feel safe. The wind picked up halfway but that just made it feel even more EPIC. Not a huge crowd, maybe 10 of us, so it never felt rushed. Hot chocolate at the end was a nice touch. Would go again in a heartbeat.
Apr 2026
Went with my sister & our two teens. Vibe was friendly, staff all smiles. The glacier itself is STUNNING but I wish we got a little more time to just enjoy the view instead of moving all the time. Pretty cold (duh) but they provided good jackets. One thing: the helmet was a bit loose for my son, but guide swapped it quick. Our group was a bit big, so sometimes hard to hear the guide's facts. Still, solid experience. Would recommend, but dress warm and bring snacks!
Apr 2026
Never thought walking on a glacier would feel like THIS. It’s weirdly peaceful and wild all at once. I went solo (backpacking trip), and got paired with a group of Aussies who were hilarious. The guide, Olle, made sure even slowpokes like me didn’t fall behind. Learned a lot about the ice, saw some wild blue cracks that look unreal in photos. We weren’t allowed to wander off (for safety, obv), but honestly the main path was cool enough. Would 100% do it again.
Mar 2026
Took the glacier hike with my girlfriend and MAN was it cool. Got to use crampons for the first time, which felt a bit awkward at first but you get the hang of it quick. The guide, Alex, told us all sorts of random glacier facts (didn’t know ice could be blue??). We lucked out with weather, sunny and barely any wind. The hike wasn’t too hard, even if you’re not super fit. They even gave us some chocolate at the end, win!
Mar 2026
Booked this for my dad's birthday. He’s 70 and managed the whole hike with no problems! Staff were patient, especially with older folks. There were a few steep bits but our guide (Anna) was always nearby to lend a hand. Weather was COLD and kinda windy, but that's just glacier life I guess. The views are truly EPIC, especially when the sun hits the ice. Only downside: group was a bit big for my taste.

What to bring

Bring warm, layered clothing suitable for cold and wet conditions.

Wear a waterproof and windproof outer layer, sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support.

Bring rain gear, gloves, and a small backpack with water and snacks.

What’s not allowed

Jeans and non-waterproof clothing are not recommended as they can become cold and uncomfortable when wet.

Pets are not permitted on the glacier hike and ice climbing experience.

Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the activity.

Accessibility

This experience is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility.

Additional information

Minimum age to participate is 14 years.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for equipment fitting.

The tour starts at Skaftafell Base Camp; check Google Maps for directions.

Boots and rain gear can be rented on location.

The experience operates in most weather conditions; dress appropriately for rapidly changing Icelandic weather.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.