Guided Tours

Skaftafell: Vatnajokull Small Group Glacier Hike

Guests hiking on Vatnajökull Glacier in Iceland, wearing helmets and winter gear.

Guests hiking on Vatnajökull Glacier in Iceland with ice climbing gear.

Vatnajökull Ice Cap with jagged ice formations under clear sky.

Guests hiking on Vatnajökull Glacier in Iceland.

Duration

4 hrs

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

Transfers available

Traverse Vatnajökull’s icy landscapes, with transfers from Skaftafell included, exploring blue ice formations and dramatic crevasses up close.

Small group glacier hike led by a certified expert, with all essential gear and safety equipment provided.

Marvel at towering icefalls where centuries-old glacier ice tumbles dramatically down volcanic slopes in a breathtaking natural display.

Learn about glacier movement and climate change as you hike through Vatnajokull's serene icy landscapes and capture stunning glacier vistas.

Small group Vatnajokull glacier hike

Certified glacier expert guide

Transfers from Skaftafell

Specialized glacier gear (crampons, ice pick, helmet, harness)

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support (available to rent for 1500 ISK)

Food & drinks

TOTAL DURATION4 hours 10 minutes
Timeline
Map
Start point
Skaftafell
1. Vatnajokull (Easy Route)
Tickets included
1 activity
Step onto the ice for a guided hike across the smooth, stable sections of Vatnajokull—Europe’s largest glacier. Your guide leads the small group through crevasses, ridges, and blue-ice features while sharing stories of Iceland’s glacial history and natural forces.
Things to do
Time to explore and photograph
Included in price
End point
Skaftafell
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.

100 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
Last week
I went on the glacier hike with my boyfriend last week and honestly, it was out of this world. Our guide, Matti, was so chill and made sure even the clumsiest among us (me) felt safe the whole time. The views from the top? EPIC. At one point we got to drink the coldest water straight off the ice, which somehow tasted better than any bottled stuff. Bring a windbreaker, it gets real breezy higher up! Only thing—wish we coulda stayed longer at the crevasse, felt a bit rushed. Still, 100% worth it.
2 weeks ago
Brought my parents and little sister on this hike & it was amazing for all of us. The guides helped us with everything (even tying my dad’s boots, haha). The glacier is soooo much bigger than it looks from the parking lot. We learned about the layers and the blue ice—honestly didn’t expect it to be THAT blue in spots! Our group took loads of photos but you can’t take pics inside the ice cave, which was a bummer. Still, memories for days!
Last week
First time on a glacier and WOW. It’s so much more wild in person than in the pictures. Our guide, Marta, made sure we all felt safe and even showed us how to spot fresh cracks in the ice. The gear is a bit clunky but you get used to it. Best part was sliding down a little ice slope at the end—felt like a kid again. Bring snacks, you’ll get hungry!
Last week
Did this with my teenage son and it was the best bonding moment we’ve had in ages. Guide was knowledgeable and funny. We saw some crazy deep crevasses (don’t drop your phone!). Would recommend to families for sure.
2 weeks ago
Once-in-a-lifetime for sure! The ice formations were stunning and I learned a ton. Our guide, Soren, was super patient. The hike does get steep in spots, so wear good shoes. Bring a hat, the wind is real.

What to bring

Bring warm clothing, including a hat and gloves, and hiking shoes.

Food and drinks are not included; please bring your own if desired.

What’s not allowed

Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited.

Littering is strictly prohibited on the glacier and within the national park.

Participation is not permitted for children under 8 years old or for those with a shoe size outside the range of 35–50 EU (specialized glacier crampons are only available for these sizes).

Accessibility

This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

Participants must be able to walk approximately 3 km (1.8 miles) over uneven terrain.

Additional information

All required glacier safety equipment is provided.

Please arrive at the meeting point on time, as late arrivals may not be accommodated.

The tour is rated as easy, but a basic level of fitness is required.

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.