Iceland · GLACIER HIKES IN VATNAJOKULL

The 15 Best Glacier Hikes in Vatnajökull

25 tours  ·  from $116

The 15 best glacier hikes in Vatnajökull you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Skaftafell: Blue Ice Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull - From Skaftafell Base Camp to the glacier edge
Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in Vatnajokull, Hiking & Trekking, Tour Reviews, Vatnajokull Tours

Skaftafell: Blue Ice Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull

1.Blue Ice Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,045 reviews · 4 hours · from $116Our pick

Join Arctic Adventures for a four-hour walk on Falljökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull. Your guide fits crampons, leads you across blue ice and past crevasses, and explains the glacier as you go. No experience is needed, but ankle-support hiking boots and reasonable fitness are essential.

“this was our first experience on a glacier and it was extraordinary!! many thanks to our super guide, Lucy! she was fantastic! she is very kind, professional and really enganged on her job showing us the best parts of the glacier.”

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Skaftafell: Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull - From Skaftafell Base Camp to the glacier
Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in Vatnajokull, Hiking & Trekking, Ice Cave Tours, Ice Cave Tours in Vatnajokull, Tour Reviews, Vatnajokull Tours

Skaftafell: Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull

2.Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 643 reviews · 4 hours · from $163

Walk across Falljökull with crampons, helmet, harness, and ice axe, then enter a natural blue ice cave selected for current conditions. A 20-minute 4x4 ride and small groups of up to 12 keep this four-hour Arctic Adventures outing focused and personal.

“Amazing tour! James was the best guide — friendly, funny and very professional. The glacier hike and ice cave were out of this world. 100% recommend!”

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Skaftafell Glacier Hike 3-Hour Small Group Tour - Learning the crampon steps before moving higher
3-Hour Experiences, Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in Vatnajokull, Hiking & Trekking, Tour Reviews, Tours, Vatnajokull Tours

Skaftafell Glacier Hike 3-Hour Small Group Tour

3.Skaftafell Glacier Hike 3-Hour Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 580 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $117

Walk across Vatnajökull from Skaftafell with a certified guide, crampons, helmet, harness, and ice axe. Expect a short transfer, a walk to the glacier, ice formations and moulins, and coffee with chocolate. Guides such as Maria, Martin, Atilla, and Anna have earned strong praise.

“We loved our time on the glacier. Our guide, Martin, was knowledgable and also took care to ensure we were safe while also seeing as much as possible. His passion for hiking, nature, and immense care for his guests shined through. His knowledge and joy for learning made this such a memorable and exceptional experience. Thank you Martin!”

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Blue Ice Discovery – Guided Glacier Hike from Skaftafell - What the 3.5-hour schedule really includes
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Blue Ice Discovery – Guided Glacier Hike from Skaftafell

4.Blue Ice Discovery – Guided Glacier Hike from Skaftafell

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 532 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $116Top rated

Meet guides such as Rob, Emilia, Przemyslav, or Angelika at Skaftafell, then ride to Falljökull for a beginner-friendly glacier walk. Practice with crampons, explore crevasses and blue ice, and hear how Vatnajökull changes. Expect about two hours on the ice within a 3.5-hour tour.

“Amazing experience. Norin was awesome and a very elite guide. Walked us through a lot of cool structures and views.”

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Skaftafell: Extra-Small Group Glacier Hike - Meeting Melrakki Adventures in Skaftafell
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Skaftafell: Extra-Small Group Glacier Hike

5.Extra-Small Group Glacier Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 501 reviews · 3 hours · from $162

Meet Melrakki Adventures in Skaftafell for a three-hour glacier hike on Falljökull. A modified 4x4 takes you to the ice, where an English-speaking guide fits your crampons and leads a group of no more than eight through blue pools, moulins, crevasses, and striking ice formations.

“This Glacier hike was amazing ! We were in a small group of 4 and our guide (Kathi?) was very nice and so interesting, she explained a lot of things to us ! We got to see a small ice cave and then walked on the glacier for about 1,5 - 2 hours I think. It was really fun, thank you so much !”

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Vatnajökull Glacier Walk from Hali - The super-jeep ride into Vatnajökull National Park
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Vatnajökull Glacier Walk from Hali

6.Vatnajökull Glacier Walk from Hali

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 479 reviews · from $143

From Hali, join guides such as Christina, Mihai, or Mike for a 3.5 to 4-hour glacier outing on Breiðamerkurjökull. A super-jeep carries you away from the busiest sights, then you spend about 1 to 1.5 hours on the ice with crampons, a helmet, harness, and ice axe.

“Great experience , I already recommend to my friends that are coming in October. Lovely guide, he explain us everything in detail so nice. Easy walk.”

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Glacier Hike from Skaftafell - Extra Small Group - What you see during the 90 minutes on Falljökull
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Glacier Hike from Skaftafell – Extra Small Group

7.Glacier Hike from Skaftafell – Extra Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 473 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $156

Walk Falljökull glacier in Vatnajökull National Park with a certified guide and no more than eight people. A 4x4 ride gets you close to the ice, where you will use crampons and an ice axe to explore crevasses, moulins, and blue ice. Guides include Kate, Kallia, Javi, and Antoine.

“This was an incredible experience. Our guide was knowledgeable, safety conscious, and connected really well with our child, making her feel welcome and kept her involved the whole tour.”

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Skaftafell: Blue Ice Experience Easy Glacier Hike - Meeting at Skaftafell Base Camp
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Skaftafell: Blue Ice Experience Easy Glacier Hike

8.Blue Ice Experience Easy Glacier Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 264 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $136

Join Icelandic Mountain Guides at Skaftafell for a 3.5-hour walk on Falljökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull. Your guide fits crampons, explains glacier safety, and leads a small group of up to 12 through blue ice and crevasses. Guides such as Kari, Elizabeth, and Matteo are praised for clear, friendly instruction.

“Great tour and absolutely nice and competent guide 😊 A fantastic experience!”

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Skaftafell Ice Caving & Glacier Hike - The 2.5-hour glacier walk
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Skaftafell Ice Caving & Glacier Hike

9.Skaftafell Ice Caving & Glacier Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 229 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $169

Walk about 2.5 hours across Skaftafell’s glacier to a blue ice cave with a certified English-speaking guide. Guides such as Fabian, Lucy, Clara, and Adam are praised for patient instruction, safety, and photo stops. The cave can be small, so book this for the glacier hike first.

“Lucy is a nice and patient guide that gave us a lot of time to took pictures. We got so much amazing experience with glacier. They provided equipment, coffee and chocolate for us.😄”

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Ice Cave and Glacier Walk into Blue Glacier Canyon - Meeting at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in Vatnajokull, Ice Cave Tours, Ice Cave Tours in Vatnajokull, Tour Reviews, Vatnajokull Tours, Walking Tours

Ice Cave and Glacier Walk into Blue Glacier Canyon

10.Ice Cave and Glacier Walk into Blue Glacier Canyon

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 224 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $259

Meet your guide at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon for a four to five hour journey across Vatnajökull. You’ll use crampons to reach a blue ice cave and may explore moulins, blue canyons, and other glacier features. Guides such as Stefan, Sindri, and Vigfús are praised for safety and storytelling.

“We were really looking forward to the tour, however, due to weather it had to be cancelled. Your company was VERY communicative and offered to rebook the following day but we had Other plans”

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Skaftafell: Blue Ice Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull - From Skaftafell Base Camp to the glacier edge
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Skaftafell: Blue Ice Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull

11.Blue Ice Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 174 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $119

Walk across Falljökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, on a four-hour guided trip from Skaftafell. You’ll ride a 4x4 bus, walk rocky ground, learn to use crampons and an ice axe, and explore the glacier with guides such as Ania, Francesco, Kamila, and Neil.

“Our family of 4 - 2 adults, 2 kids aged 13 & 10 - went on this hike last week. We set out prepared for cold wet weather and ended up having to ditch the waterproofs, extra layers and buy sunglasses instead! This was an amazing experience. Everyone's favourite of the holiday. We were all a little apprehensive and not sure what to expect but our guide (Nicholas from Austria) was excellent - reassuring and sensitive to all in the group. The pace was just right to ensure everyone kept up easily (even me!) whilst seeing many features on the glacier. We loved filling our water bottle from the 'ice…”

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Skaftafell Glacier Hike – Small Group Trek on Vatnajökull - Starting at Skaftafell National Park
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Skaftafell Glacier Hike – Small Group Trek on Vatnajökull

12.Skaftafell Glacier Hike – Small Group Trek on Vatnajökull

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 158 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $168

Meet Arctic Adventures at Skaftafell, ride a 4x4 bus to Falljökull, and spend about five hours hiking blue ice, crevasses, and glacier-carved ground. A certified guide leads groups of up to 12, supplies crampons and helmets, and adjusts the pace for first-time glacier hikers.

“We were a bit worried when the weather wasn't looking great cold and rainy, but it turns out it had been so warm that our trip was cancelled for safety reasons. They were great about the process, and it turns out they were able to reschedule us on a later tour! The guides were great - funny, knowledgeable, knew where to take us on the glacier for the cool photos! We aren't big hikers and were worried that the 5 hr hike would be too much, but I think it was fine for us. We stopped a decent amount and went pretty slow since almost everyone was new to using…”

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Skaftafell Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike - Meeting in Skaftafell at 2 pm
Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in Vatnajokull, Hiking & Trekking, Iceland Ice Climbing Tours, Tour Reviews, Vatnajokull Tours

Skaftafell Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike

13.Skaftafell Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 128 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $266

Meet Troll Expeditions in Skaftafell for a four-hour outing on Svínafellsjökull. A certified guide leads your small group across changing blue ice, into crevices and moulins, then teaches you to climb an ice wall with crampons and axes. Guides such as Biscuit, Sam, Misha, and Vega have earned warm praise.

“If you’re booking this trip, you’ve probably never been on a glacier and it’s an experience you will never forget!”

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Skaftafell: Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull - From Skaftafell Base Camp to the glacier
Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in Vatnajokull, Hiking & Trekking, Ice Cave Tours, Ice Cave Tours in Vatnajokull, Tour Reviews, Vatnajokull Tours

Skaftafell: Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull

14.Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 114 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $167

Meet your Arctic Adventures guide at Skaftafell, gear up with crampons, helmet, harness, and ice axe, then ride by 4x4 to Fallsjökull. Hike about 3 kilometers across Vatnajökull’s uneven ice and visit a naturally formed blue ice cave. Guides such as Lucy, Bronwyn, and Thomas are praised for calm, clear instruction.

“The tour company Arctic does not specify the exact glacier hike and is not flexible at all to switch to different tour on the same day without charging the cancellation fees. I took the glacier hike with other company a day before and given Arctic adventures advertised the glacier hike trip without much details I booked it. Visiting there I was told I will be hiking the same glacier without much different experience. I was asked to talk to customer service and advised switch to crystal cave tour with Arctic scheduled in next 1 hr which was more expensive by Arctic guides. I am disappointed that customer service charged me…”

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Vatnajökull Guided Beginner Glacier Walk with 4x4 Transfer - Meeting at Freysnes and riding to the ice
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Vatnajökull Guided Beginner Glacier Walk with 4×4 Transfer

15.Vatnajökull Guided Beginner Glacier Walk with 4×4 Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 105 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $122

Meet your English-speaking guide at Freysnes, ride a SuperJeep to Falljökull, then spend time on the ice with crampons, an ice axe, and safety gear. Guides such as Kish explain the glacier clearly and adjust the pace for beginners. Morning and afternoon departures are available.

“Great for beginner hiker. My tour guide is great, she gave us great information about how different the ice and glacier was formed, also very nice and take her time to slow the speed when she saw some of us struggling. Great experience for beginner.”

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New in Glacier Hikes in Vatnajokull

★ 5.0Exclusive Ice Cave and Glacier Hike – Extra Small GroupFrom $14517 reviews
★ 5.0Glacier Hike: Summer Treasure – Glacier DiscoveryFrom $1964 reviews
★ 5.0Glacier Hike, Ice Cave, and Photoshoot PackageFrom $4364 reviews
★ 5.0Glacier Hike and Ice Climbing Guided ExperienceFrom $2409 reviews

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