Skaftafell: Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull
Overview
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, led by an experienced guide, you’ll walk across shimmering ice and journey to a natural blue ice cave. Towering ice ridges, dramatic crevasses, and sweeping glacier views make every step feel like you’ve entered another world. This tour safely blends the thrill of exploration with the raw beauty of nature.
What's Included
- Specialized glacier equipment (glacier crampons, walking ice axe, harness, helmet)
- Small group experience
- 4x4 bus transport from Skaftafell to the foot of the glacier
- Glacier hike & natural ice cave visit
- Certified glacier guide
- Food and drinks
- Clothing. Waterproof pants, jacket and hiking boots available to rent for a small fee
Meeting Location
228J+CPM
785 Skaftafell, Iceland
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Discover the magic of Iceland’s glaciers on this unforgettable ice cave and glacier hiking adventure in Vatnajökull National Park. Meet your certified glacier guide at our hut in Skaftafell, gear up with crampons, helmet, harness, and ice axe, then take a short 20-25 minute ride in our 4x4 bus, which brings us right to the edge of Falljökull, one of the most dramatic outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull.
Step onto the ice and explore a stunning world of deep crevasses, ice formations, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Follow your guide across the glacier to a naturally formed blue ice cave, where shimmering walls and unique ice textures create incredible photo opportunities. Learn how glaciers shape Iceland’s landscape while enjoying spectacular views throughout the hike.
With approximately 1.5-2 hours spent on the glacier, this tour is perfect for adventurous travellers seeking an authentic glacier experience. No previous glacier hiking experience is required, but a good level of mobility and comfort walking on uneven terrain is recommended.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Operates in cold weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Minimum age is 8 years old and minimum shoe size is 35 EU
- We provide all safety gear. Please note that our specialized glacier crampons are only available for shoe sizes 35-50 EU. Those with a shoe size beyond these are unfortunately unable to participate.
- Hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory for this adventure (rentals available for a fee)
- This tour is suitable for most people in fair condition, but guests should be prepared to hike ~4km over uneven terrain with moderate elevation changes.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Skaftafell: Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-5590P79
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Reviews
Average 4.71 out of 5 stars based on 130 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- 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).
- Specialized glacier equipment (glacier crampons, walking ice axe, harness, helmet).
- Small group experience.
- 4x4 bus transport from Skaftafell to the foot of the glacier.
- Glacier hike & natural ice cave visit.
- Certified glacier guide.
- Food and drinks.
- Clothing. Waterproof pants, jacket and hiking boots available to rent for a small fee.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 8. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Skaftafell: Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull is as follows:
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Skaftafell: Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Specialized glacier equipment (glacier crampons, walking ice axe, harness, helmet)
- Small group experience
- 4x4 bus transport from Skaftafell to the foot of the glacier
- Glacier hike & natural ice cave visit
- Certified glacier guide
- Food and drinks
- Clothing. Waterproof pants, jacket and hiking boots available to rent for a small fee
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Operates in cold weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Minimum age is 8 years old and minimum shoe size is 35 EU
- We provide all safety gear. Please note that our specialized glacier crampons are only available for shoe sizes 35-50 EU. Those with a shoe size beyond these are unfortunately unable to participate.
- Hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory for this adventure (rentals available for a fee)
- This tour is suitable for most people in fair condition, but guests should be prepared to hike ~4km over uneven terrain with moderate elevation changes.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
