Most reviewed hike here
Meeting point depends on the option
Three hours on Falljökull, with coffee afterwards
For a first hike here: the most reviews of any plain hike in Skaftafell, free parking, and about 1.5 hours on the ice.
Skaftafell glacier hike
16 tours on Falljökull and its neighbours compared from €87, with the time on the ice, the ages, the boots, and where each one meets.
- From
- €87
- Duration
- 3 to 4 h
- Best season
- All year
- Time on the ice
- 1.5 to 2 hours
Which glacier do Skaftafell hikes go on?
Mostly Falljökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull, often with a 4x4 ride towards it.
Vatnajökull National Park describes Falljökull as a creeping glacier coming down from the caldera of Öræfajökull. It splits in two around Rauðikambur, and the northern tongue is Virkisjökull. Many companies arrange hikes on it, says the park, which tells you to use safety gear and go with a guide experienced in glacier walks.
Skaftafell is on Route 1, 70 km from Kirkjubæjarklaustur and 130 km from Höfn. Troll puts it about 4.5 hours from Reykjavík, and none of the tours we compare goes there and back from the capital in a day.
A short or a long hike in Skaftafell?
A short one for a first time, a long one for more time on the ice.
| Short hike | Long hike | |
|---|---|---|
| From | €87 | €142 |
| Duration | 3 to 4 h | 4 to 5 h 30 |
| On the ice | 1.5 to 2 hours | 3 to 4 hours |
| Minimum age | 8 or 10 | 12 or 14 |
| Effort | No experience needed, say Arctic Adventures and Icelandia | Moderate, says Melrakki: 6 km and 250 m of climb |
Which Skaftafell hike should you book?
For a first hike, the one with the most reviews and free parking.
We earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Short hikes
7 hikes from €87, 3 to 4 h.
Park fee included
Base camp in Skaftafell
Four hours on Falljökull, with the park fee included
For a 4x4 bus and the park fee included, with 1.5 hours on the ice in its itinerary.
Lowest price
Skaftafell airport
Three hours from Skaftafell airfield
For the lowest price on this site.
A choice of lengths
Starts in Skaftafell
Three hours on the blue ice, with longer options
For a choice of lengths from 3 hours, with a 4x4 most of the way to the ice.
4x4 from Freysnes
Meets at Freysnes
Three hours from Freysnes, with a 4x4 transfer
For a 4x4 ride that saves 20 minutes on foot, it says, and one of the best ratings here.
8 people at most
Skaftafell airport
Three hours, 8 people at most
For a small group: 8 people at most, free parking, and up to 2 hours on the glacier.
Crevasse track
Base camp in Skaftafell
Four hours along a crevasse track
For a route between ice walls: about 4 km, with no technical experience needed, it says.
Longer hikes
5 hikes from €142, 4 to 5 h 30.
3 hours on the ice
Meets at Hof
Five hours, about three of them on the ice
For more time on the ice in half a day: roughly 3 hours, and the most reviews of the longer hikes.
5.5 hours
Base camp in Skaftafell
Five and a half hours, the longer Arctic hike
For a long hike with the 4x4 bus: 4 hours on the glacier in its itinerary.
8 people at most
Meets at Freysnes
Four hours from Freysnes, 8 people at most
For a small group with a top rating, and a 4x4 to the glacier.
Higher up
Skaftafell terminal
4.5 hours higher up the glacier, 8 people at most
For the higher part of the glacier, 8 people at most, with a top rating.
Two glaciers
Base camp in Skaftafell
Two glaciers in five and a half hours
For the longest time on the ice: roughly 3.5 to 4 hours, crossing Falljökull to reach Virkisjökull.
With ice climbing
2 tours from €210.
Most reviewed climb here
Base camp in Skaftafell
A hike and ice climbing, 7.5 hours, 6 people at most
For a full day on the ice: 7.5 hours, with climbing boots included for EU sizes 36 to 50.
From age 12
Meets at Hof
A hike and ice climbing, 4 hours, 6 people at most
For climbing at 12 years old, where the others here ask 14, in 4 hours with boots included.
With an ice cave
2 tours from €140.
Most reviewed
Meets at Hof
A hike with a natural ice cave, from Hof
For a hike with a natural ice cave, from age 8: the most reviewed tour on this site.
With a 4x4 bus
Base camp in Skaftafell
A hike with a blue ice cave, 12 people per guide
For a cave and a 4x4 bus to the foot of the glacier, with 12 people at most per guide.
From the lagoons
Further east, 5 tours from €115, from Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón.
Most reviewed here
Jökulsárlón
4.5 hours on Breiðamerkurjökull, from the main car park
For Breiðamerkurjökull if you are staying east of Skaftafell: about 2 hours and 4 to 6 km on the ice.
Lowest price here
Jökulsárlón
Three hours on Breiðamerkurjökull, by super jeep
For the lowest price from the lagoon, by super jeep.
With a boat
Fjallsárlón
A boat across Fjallsárlón, then a hike
For a boat across the lagoon as well as 2 hours of hiking, 10 people at most.
A remote cave
Jökulsárlón
Six hours: a hike to a remote ice cave
For a long hike to an ice cave: about 3 to 3.5 hours on the glacier and in the caves.
8 people at most
Jökulsárlón
Six hours: a walk and a blue ice cave
For a walk and a blue ice cave at a lower price than the other one, 8 people at most.
Compare in detail
Prices and ratings are read from GetYourGuide. Prices are rounded up. Last checked on 4 Nov.
Every tour here is free to cancel up to 24 hours before it starts.
| Tour | Duration | Starts | Min. age | Rating | From | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short hikes | ||||||
Most reviewed hike hereThree hours on Falljökull, with coffee afterwardsTroll ExpeditionsTime on the ice: About 1.5 hours, says its pageReaching the ice: Bus, then about 15 minutes on foot in its itineraryGroup size: Up to 14 peopleBoots: To rent on siteKeep in mind: Boots are extra, to rent on site. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
| 3 h | Depends on the option you choose | 8 years | €92 | See dates: Three hours on Falljökull, with coffee afterwards | |
Four hours on Falljökull, with the park fee includedArctic AdventuresTime on the ice: 1.5 hours in its itineraryReaching the ice: 4x4 bus, then about 30 minutes on foot in its itineraryGroup size: Up to 15 peopleBoots: To rent, 1,500 ISKSeason: All year, says Arctic AdventuresKeep in mind: Boots cost 1,500 ISK to rent. It runs all year, it says. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
| 4 h | Arctic Adventures base camp, Skaftafell | 8 years | €92 | See dates: Four hours on Falljökull, with the park fee included | |
Lowest priceThree hours from Skaftafell airfieldGuide to IcelandReaching the ice: “A short scenic walk” to the glacier's edge, says its pageKeep in mind: Its rating is below most others here. Transport to Skaftafell isn't included. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 3 h | Skaftafell airport, Flugvallarvegur 3 | €87 | See dates: Three hours from Skaftafell airfield | ||
Three hours on the blue ice, with longer optionsIcelandia (Icelandic Mountain Guides)Time on the ice: 2.5 hours in all in its itinerary, on the shortest optionReaching the ice: 4x4 most of the way to the glacier's edgeGroup size: Up to 12 peopleSeason: The ice cave option runs in winter onlyKeep in mind: From age 10. The ice cave option runs in winter only. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 3 h | Depends on the option you choose | 10 years | €99 | See dates: Three hours on the blue ice, with longer options | |
Three hours from Freysnes, with a 4x4 transferLocal Guide of VatnajökullTime on the ice: 2 hours in its itinerary, 3 in its textReaching the ice: A 15-minute 4x4 ride, which saves 20 minutes on foot, it saysGroup size: Up to 14 peopleBoots: To rent, 1,500 ISKSeason: April to September on its own siteKeep in mind: Its text says 3 hours of hiking, its itinerary 2. Its own site gives April to September. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 3 h | Söluskálinn service station, Freysnes | 8 years | €130 | See dates: Three hours from Freysnes, with a 4x4 transfer | |
Three hours, 8 people at mostMelrakki AdventuresTime on the ice: Up to 2 hoursReaching the ice: A 15-minute 4x4 rideGroup size: 8 people at mostBoots: To rent on site, from EU size 34Keep in mind: Its crampons fit from EU size 34. Boots are extra. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 3 h | Skaftafell airport, Flugvallarvegur 3 | 8 years | €145 | See dates: Three hours, 8 people at most | |
Four hours along a crevasse trackArctic AdventuresTime on the ice: About 4 km on the ice, 2 hours in its itineraryReaching the ice: A 4x4 bus for about 20 minutesBoots: To rent, with waterproofsKeep in mind: Its rating is below most others here. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 4 h | Arctic Adventures base camp, Skaftafell | 8 years | €122 | See dates: Four hours along a crevasse track | |
| Longer hikes | ||||||
Five hours, about three of them on the iceTroll ExpeditionsTime on the ice: Roughly 3 hours, says its pageGroup size: Up to 10 peopleBoots: To rent, with waterproofsKeep in mind: From age 12. Boots and waterproofs can be rented. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
| 5 h | Tröll Expeditions, west of Hofgarður, Hof | 12 years | €142 | See dates: Five hours, about three of them on the ice | |
Five and a half hours, the longer Arctic hikeArctic AdventuresTime on the ice: 4 hours in its itineraryReaching the ice: A 4x4 bus for about 20 minutesKeep in mind: From age 14. Boots are extra. What's includedIncluded
Not included
| 5 h 30 | Arctic Adventures base camp, Skaftafell | 14 years | €145 | See dates: Five and a half hours, the longer Arctic hike | |
Four hours from Freysnes, 8 people at mostLocal Guide of VatnajökullTime on the ice: 3 hours in its itineraryGroup size: Up to 8 peopleBoots: Proper boots required, or you may be turned awaySeason: April to September on its own siteKeep in mind: From age 14. Without proper boots you may be turned away. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 4 h | Söluskálinn service station, Freysnes | 14 years | €170 | See dates: Four hours from Freysnes, 8 people at most | |
4.5 hours higher up the glacier, 8 people at mostMelrakki AdventuresTime on the ice: 3.5 hours in its itineraryGroup size: 8 people at mostEffort: Moderate: 6 km on uneven ground, 250 m of climbKeep in mind: Rated moderate: 6 km on uneven ground and 250 m of climb. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 4 h 30 | Skaftafell terminal, Flugvallarvegur 5 | 12 years | €178 | See dates: 4.5 hours higher up the glacier, 8 people at most | |
Two glaciers in five and a half hoursArctic AdventuresTime on the ice: Roughly 3.5 to 4 hours, says its pageGroup size: 12 people at most per guideKeep in mind: Only 2 reviews so far. From age 14, and not for low fitness, back or heart problems. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 5 h 30 | Arctic Adventures base camp, Skaftafell | 14 years | €188 | See dates: Two glaciers in five and a half hours | |
| With ice climbing | ||||||
A hike and ice climbing, 7.5 hours, 6 people at mostArctic AdventuresGroup size: 6 people at mostBoots: Climbing boots included, EU sizes 36 to 50Keep in mind: From age 14. Waterproofs are extra, to rent. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 7 h 30 | Arctic Adventures base camp, Skaftafell | 14 years | €210 | See dates: A hike and ice climbing, 7.5 hours, 6 people at most | |
A hike and ice climbing, 4 hours, 6 people at mostTroll ExpeditionsReaching the ice: About 10 minutes by bus, then 15 on foot, says its pageGroup size: 6 people at mostBoots: Climbing boots includedKeep in mind: It costs more than Arctic's much longer day. Rain gear and gloves are yours to bring. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
| 4 h | Tröll Expeditions, west of Hofgarður, Hof | 12 years | €220 | See dates: A hike and ice climbing, 4 hours, 6 people at most | |
| With an ice cave | ||||||
Most reviewedA hike with a natural ice cave, from HofTroll ExpeditionsTime on the ice: About 1.5 hours with the cave, says its pageReaching the ice: A short ride, then a 20-minute walk, says its pageGroup size: Up to 12 peopleKeep in mind: About 1.5 hours with the cave, it says. Caves change from year to year. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
| 4 h | Tröll Expeditions, west of Hofgarður, Hof | 8 years | €140 | See dates: A hike with a natural ice cave, from Hof | |
A hike with a blue ice cave, 12 people per guideArctic AdventuresTime on the ice: 2.5 hours in its itineraryReaching the ice: A 4x4 bus for 20 to 25 minutesGroup size: 12 people at most per guideKeep in mind: Fewer caves can be visited in summer, it says. Boots and warm clothes are yours to bring. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
| 4 h | Arctic Adventures base camp, Skaftafell | 8 years | €154 | See dates: A hike with a blue ice cave, 12 people per guide | |
| From the lagoons | ||||||
Most reviewed here4.5 hours on Breiðamerkurjökull, from the main car parkIce ExplorersTime on the ice: About 2 hours, 4 to 6 kmReaching the ice: A 40-minute drive, then 15 minutes on footEffort: Rated medium by Ice ExplorersKeep in mind: No refund if you cancel on the day, and it runs in any weather. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 4 h 30 | Jökulsárlón main parking | 10 years | €134 | See dates: 4.5 hours on Breiðamerkurjökull, from the main car park | |
Lowest price hereThree hours on Breiðamerkurjökull, by super jeepTroll ExpeditionsReaching the ice: By super jeepKeep in mind: You need your own way to reach the car park. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 3 h | Troll, Jökulsárlón parking lot | 8 years | €115 | See dates: Three hours on Breiðamerkurjökull, by super jeep | |
A boat across Fjallsárlón, then a hikeFjallsárlón Iceberg Boat ToursTime on the ice: 2 hours of hiking in its itineraryReaching the ice: A 25-minute boat ride each wayGroup size: 10 people at mostKeep in mind: From age 14, and its page says to ask about younger children. What's includedIncluded
Bring
Not suitable with
| 4 h | Fjallsárlón, 785 Öræfi | 14 years | €210 | See dates: A boat across Fjallsárlón, then a hike | |
Six hours: a hike to a remote ice caveIce Walkers ToursTime on the ice: About 3 to 3.5 hours, on the glacier and in the cavesGroup size: 10 people at mostBoots: Stiff boots that cover the ankle, or you may be refusedEffort: Fit enough for 8 km with uphill sections, says its pageSeason: The ice caves it visits exist in winter only, it saysKeep in mind: In winter only, it says. You must be fit enough for 8 km with climbs. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
Not suitable with
| 6 h | Jökulsárlón main parking | 12 years | €250 | See dates: Six hours: a hike to a remote ice cave | |
Six hours: a walk and a blue ice caveGlacier TripsTime on the ice: About 1 to 1.5 hours of hiking, then the caveGroup size: 8 people at mostEffort: Moderate to hard, says its pageKeep in mind: From age 14. It rates the hike moderate to hard. What's includedIncluded
Not included
Bring
| 6 h | Jökulsárlón, 781 | 14 years | €217 | See dates: Six hours: a walk and a blue ice cave | |
Where do Skaftafell hikes meet?
In four different places, so check your ticket.
In Skaftafell
Arctic Adventures, Icelandia
Icelandic Mountain Guides meets next to the service centre, and its 1,000 ISK parking fee isn't included. Arctic Adventures has its own base camp, and includes the park fee.
Skaftafell airport
Melrakki, Guide to Iceland
On Flugvallarvegur, with free parking at Melrakki's meeting point.
Hof
Troll Expeditions
West of Hofgarður, with free parking.
Freysnes
Local Guide of Vatnajökull
At the service station, with a 4x4 ride that saves 20 minutes on foot, it says.
Who can hike in Skaftafell?
From age 8 on most short hikes, 12 to 14 on longer ones.
Age
8 with Arctic Adventures, Troll, Local Guide and Melrakki on their short hikes, 10 with Icelandia. On longer hikes, 12 with Troll and Melrakki, 14 with Arctic Adventures and Local Guide.
Boots
Arctic Adventures and Local Guide rent them for 1,500 ISK. Local Guide warns it may turn you away on its longer hike without suitable boots. Melrakki's crampons fit from EU size 34.
Effort
Icelandia calls its easiest option ideal for beginners. Melrakki rates its longer tour moderate. Arctic Adventures rules out low fitness on its two-glacier hike.
Weather
The park says the area can be reached all year when the weather and the roads allow, and that conditions outside summer change fast. Melrakki says dangerous weather can cancel a tour, with a full refund.
How does a Skaftafell hike work?
A short ride, a short walk, then 1.5 hours or more on the ice.
Times vary by operator: here is what their pages say.
Meet
Troll asks you to arrive 20 minutes before departure.
Ride
A 4x4 bus for 15 minutes with Arctic Adventures, 15 minutes by 4x4 with Melrakki.
Walk to the ice
About 30 minutes each way in Arctic Adventures' itinerary, 15 with Troll's climbing tour.
Hike
About 1.5 hours on a three-hour tour with Troll. Roughly 3 hours on its five-hour tour.
What if you stay off the ice in Skaftafell?
A trail leads close to Skaftafellsjökull, and the park rates it easy.
Trail S1 is a 4.1 km loop from the visitor centre, with 80 m of climb, in 1 to 1.5 hours. It ends close to Skaftafellsjökull. The park says short, easy trails also lead to Svartifoss.
Those who go closer are asked to follow the warning sign at the end of the trail. For the ice itself, the park says to go with a guide.
How long is a Skaftafell glacier hike?
3 to 4 h on a short tour, 4 to 5 h 30 on a long one.
About 1.5 to 2 hours of a short tour are on the ice.
How much does a Skaftafell glacier hike cost?
From €87 on a short hike, €142 on a long one. With an ice cave, from €140; with ice climbing, from €210. Per person.
Is a Skaftafell hike the same as a Vatnajökull hike?
Falljökull, where most of these tours go, is a glacier of Vatnajökull National Park, coming down from the caldera of Öræfajökull. GetYourGuide and operators often sell it as a Vatnajökull hike.
Can you do a Skaftafell glacier hike from Reykjavik?
Not in a day on the tours we compare: Troll puts the drive at about 4.5 hours. For a day from Reykjavik, the tours go to Sólheimajökull.
Day tours from ReykjavikCan you see an ice cave on a Skaftafell hike?
Two tours here include one, from €140. Arctic Adventures says fewer caves can be visited in summer, and Troll says they change from year to year.
When can you hike in Skaftafell?
Arctic Adventures says all year. Local Guide of Vatnajökull gives April to September on its own site.
What is the longest hike in Skaftafell?
Arctic Adventures' two-glacier hike gives roughly 3.5 to 4 hours on the ice, in 5.5 hours in all. It has few reviews so far.
Still choosing?
Compare it with Sólheimajökull, closer to Reykjavik.
