Glacier Hike and Visit to the Ice Caves of the Svínafellsjökull Glacier from Skaftafell

Known as a land of fire and ice, Iceland leaves a lasting impression on every visitor with its remarkable volcanoes and glaciers. On the island, you’ll find Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier and one of the biggest in Europe. Needless to say, this glacier is a must-see, and exploring it—along with its ice caves—accompanied by a local guide is an experience you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Vatnajökull National Park.

For this activity, you’ll meet your expert glacier-hiking guide in Skaftafell, near the Svínafellsjökull glacier tongue. Before setting off, your guide will provide all the necessary equipment (harness, ice axe, helmet, and crampons) and brief you on safety instructions. Once you’re fully prepared, it’s time to head out and discover the ice caves of the Svínafellsjökull glacier!

A truly enriching experience, this glacier hike from Skaftafell is not only a chance to walk safely on the ice with your guide but also an opportunity to learn how the glacier, its caves, and its ice tunnels were formed. Inside the ice caves, you’ll be able to take photos in an extraordinary setting that shifts with the seasons and reveals stunning shades of blue. Visiting the Svínafellsjökull ice caves feels like stepping into another world, thanks to the remarkable calm that reigns within them. After exploring the caves, you’ll finish your glacier hike back in Skaftafell with a view over the sandy shoreline stretching out toward the Atlantic.

Accessible and ideal for a different kind of hiking experience, this glacier hike with a visit to the Svínafellsjökull ice caves is the perfect activity to deepen your understanding of glaciers during your stay in Iceland!