Iceland · Hiking

Glacier Discovery

4 Hours Round trip from Skaftafell Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Falljökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull
02 Hike across glacier ice with crampons and an ice axe
03 Look for crevasses, moulins, waterfalls, and blue ice formations
04 Learn about the area's geography, history, and glacial features
05 Travel by 4×4 transfer from the meeting location
06 Small-group experience with a fully trained local glacier guide
07 Carbon-neutralized tour in Skaftafell

Discover the dramatic landscapes of Vatnajökull on this extended half-day glacier adventure in Skaftafell. Travel to Falljökull, an outlet glacier known for its striking blue icefall, then set out on foot with crampons, an ice axe, and a trained local guide to explore this ever-changing frozen terrain.

As you hike higher onto the glacier, keep an eye out for crevasses, moulins, waterfalls, and other natural ice formations while learning about the geography and history of the area. Ideal for active travellers looking for a deeper glacier experience, this tour combines adventure, scenery, and insight in one unforgettable outing.

Travel to Falljökull, an outlet glacier known for its striking blue icefall, then set out on foot with crampons, an ice axe, and a trained local guide to explore this ever-changing frozen terrain.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Skaftafell

Languages English, Icelandic

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

We ask you to please arrive promptly 15 minutes before the start time of your tour.

Our meeting point is at Freysnes Service Station. You will see there our big black van marked with a Local Guide logo. You can purchase a coffee or any snack at the station as well as use the toilets before and after the tour.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Skaftafell 1 city · 4 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

We will go to Falljökull glacier on this tour
Experience walking on a glacier
Local and fully trained glacier guide
4×4 transfer to and from our meeting location
Crampons and all safety equipment included
Small group size
Supporting a small local family company
This tour is carbon neutralized

What to bring

Hiking boots with ankle support, outdoor clothing appropriate to the weather as well as a hat, gloves (sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended if sunny)
Hiking boots can be rented on location for 1000 ISK.

Know before you go

Please be at the meeting point at least 15 min before the departure.
Meeting point for our Glacier Discovery tour: Freysnes Gas station Parking Lot.
The Local Guide base is at Freysnes petrol station, 320km east of Reykjavík.
It is located by the main highway road number 1, across the road from Hótel Skaftafell.
When driving the ring road from Reykjavík direction it is on your right, five minutes after passing a sign for Skaftafell Nature Reserve.
Google Maps: Freysnes (Orkan / Shell petrol station) GPS: , -
All of our tours are fully carbon neutralized.
We offer a 24h cancellation policy with a full refund on our public tours.
Local Guide and its guides reserve the right to refuse service to anyone they deem unfit to participate in the activities they have enrolled in.
Local Guide reserves the right to change the tour itinerary and chosen route with safety in mind due to environmental factors and other factors outside human control.
Furthermore, we don’t repay the fee if the client is late, or doesn’t show up even if the weather is very bad, in case we can offer the trip.
So we recommend staying in a hotel or guesthouse east of Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park, and west of the town of Höfn.