Top activities
Top landmarks
Trip ideas
Nearby places
You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Skaftafell Glacier Hike & Natural Ice Cave Tour

97 Reviews 4.98 out of 5 stars Based on 97 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Skaftafell, Iceland
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.

3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Experience the best of Iceland’s frozen landscapes on an unforgettable glacier hike and ice cave adventure in Skaftafell.

Explore an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, where naturally formed ice caves and tunnels are shaped by meltwater flowing through the glacier. With the landscape constantly changing, every visit offers a unique glimpse into this dynamic world of ice.

Follow your certified glacier guide across the glacier, discovering crevasses, striking ice formations and the forces that shape the ice beneath your feet. Step inside a natural ice cave or tunnel and admire its textures, colors and fascinating formations, with plenty of opportunities for photos.

Beyond the ice, enjoy incredible views across the surrounding mountains and lowlands, stretching toward the black sands and Atlantic Ocean in the distance.

With expert guidance, glacier equipment provided and a vehicle transfer taking you close to the ice, you can spend more of your adventure experiencing the glacier itself.

What's Included

  • Glacier equipment, including crampons and ice axe
  • Vehicle transfer between the meeting point and glacier
  • Safety equipment, including helmet
  • Rain gear
  • Hiking boots
  • Warm clothing
See 2 moreSee 4 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

785
Iceland

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Meet your certified glacier guide at our Skaftafell meeting point and gear up with the necessary glacier equipment, including crampons, a helmet and an ice axe. Before setting off, your guide will give you a safety briefing and explain how to use the equipment and move safely on the ice.

Once ready, travel by vehicle with your group to the glacier. Step onto the ice and begin your guided glacier hike through an ever-changing landscape of crevasses, ridges and other natural ice formations.

Along the way, learn how glaciers form, move and change while taking in the dramatic scenery surrounding Skaftafell. Enjoy plenty of time to take photos, admire the surrounding mountains and experience the scale and beauty of one of Iceland’s spectacular glacier landscapes.

Explore a naturally formed ice cave, tunnel or other accessible ice formation, where you can see the textures, layers and colors of glacial ice up close and stop for photos.

As the glacier is constantly changing, the route and ice formation visited depend on conditions and safety on the day.

After your glacier exploration, return to the vehicle for the transfer back to the meeting point in Skaftafell.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Minimum age is 10 years old
  • Each adult may accompany a maximum of one youth
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Skaftafell Glacier Hike & Natural Ice Cave Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-23924P38

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.98
97 reviews

Average 4.98 out of 5 stars based on 97 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
95
4 stars
2
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Skaftafell Glacier Hike 3-Hour Small Group Tour

Come join a three-hour hike up an outlet of Vatnajökull glacier, Europe's largest glacier, located in Skaftafell National Park. Experience the breathtaking natural scenery that …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Come join a three-hour hike up an outlet of Vatnajökull glacier, Europe's largest glacier, located in Skaftafell National Park. Experience the breathtaking natural scenery that...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (476)
from
$111

2 Hour ATV adventure in the Skaftafell Area

Embark on an exhilarating two-hour ATV tour in the Skaftafell area, where adventure meets stunning natural beauty. Your journey begins as you set off, driving …More

Embark on an exhilarating two-hour ATV tour in the Skaftafell area, where adventure meets stunning natural beauty. Your journey begins as you set off, driving...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (16)
from
$191

Skaftafell Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike

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 …More

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...

4 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (117)
from
$251

Half-Day Vatnajokull Glacier Small Group Tour from Skaftafell

• Certified guides Our guides have certification from AIMG (Association of Icelandic Mountain Guides). • Small groups The group size for our trips never exceeds …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

• Certified guides Our guides have certification from AIMG (Association of Icelandic Mountain Guides). • Small groups The group size for our trips never exceeds...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (128)
from
$199

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Skaftafell Glacier Hike 3-Hour Small Group Tour

Come join a three-hour hike up an outlet of Vatnajökull glacier, Europe's largest glacier, located in Skaftafell National Park. Experience the breathtaking natural scenery that …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Come join a three-hour hike up an outlet of Vatnajökull glacier, Europe's largest glacier, located in Skaftafell National Park. Experience the breathtaking natural scenery that...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (476)
from
$111

Natural Blue Ice Cave Tour of Vatnajökull Glacier from Jökulsárlón

Depart from the Glacier Lagoon-Jökulsárlón cafeteria on a 3-4hour adventure where you will admire the spectacular spectrum of blue colors and nature's gems! …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Depart from the Glacier Lagoon-Jökulsárlón cafeteria on a 3-4hour adventure where you will admire the spectacular spectrum of blue colors and nature's gems!...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (230)
from
$195

Skaftafell: Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull

Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, on this unforgettable adventure. A 4x4 vehicle transports you from Skaftafell to the glaciers edge. Then, …More

Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, on this unforgettable adventure. A 4x4 vehicle transports you from Skaftafell to the glaciers edge. Then,...

4 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (130)
from
$166

Ice Cave and Glacier Exploration Tour of Vatnajökull from Jökulsárlón

Ride in a Super Jeep, explore the deep blue tones of the crystal ice caves, walk on the glacier and even stand on the edge …More

Ride in a Super Jeep, explore the deep blue tones of the crystal ice caves, walk on the glacier and even stand on the edge...

5 to 6 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (174)
from
$275

What's Included

Activity name

  • Glacier equipment, including crampons and ice axe
  • Vehicle transfer between the meeting point and glacier
  • Safety equipment, including helmet
  • Certified and experienced glacier guide
  • Rain gear
  • Hiking boots
  • Warm clothing
  • Snacks

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Minimum age is 10 years old
  • Each adult may accompany a maximum of one youth
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name