Activity Snapshot
Activity description
Set off to conquer the gigantic Vatnajökull with an unrivalled guide on a day's glacier trek from Skaftafell!
Largest ice cap in the country, Vatnajökull is the ideal playground for adventurers wishing to go on an ice hike in Iceland. This one-day glacier trek on Vatnajökull, accompanied by an experienced and qualified guide, will allow you to spend 5 hours on the expanses of ice of one of the ice tongues of the cap, perfectly equipped to move around the terrain, between crevasses and plateaus, using crampons and ice axes.
You will meet the guide at the Söluskálinn í Freysnesi gas station, where you can do some last-minute shopping to top up your picnic, and then drive with the guide to the glacier car park where you will go hiking. You will then learn about the specific equipment you will need to make the most of your ice hike on Vatnajökull, and how to use it directly on the ice once you arrive on the glacier. Along the way, the guide will explain the history of Vatnajökull and the importance of glaciers for the environment, making this a very rewarding outing!
Taking place in a small group of no more than 4 hikers with the guide, your glacier hike on Vatnajökull will offer you a privileged experience to tackle ice walking in complete safety!
- Meeting with the guide at the Söluskálinn í Freysnesi gas station
- Drive to the glacier car park following the guide in your own vehicle
- Briefing on the day's programme and safety instructions, followed by equipment preparation
- Approach walk to the glacier
- Start of the glacier hike on Vatnajökull, with around 5 hours on the ice
- Walk back to the car park, return of equipment and end of the activity
Activity requirements
You need to be able to walk with ease for up to 15 km over hilly and uneven terrain, and be in sufficiently good physical condition to recover quickly.
On the day of the excursion, you must wear hiking boots that support the ankle, have a rigid sole and have been used before: wearing other footwear may result in the cancellation of the activity, without refund.
Special terms
Pregnant people and people with back problems are not advised to participate in this activity.
A form about your medical and physical condition will be filled on site.
- Guide
- All the necessary equipment for the hike (helmet, harness, ice axe/s and crampons)
- Coffee / Tea
- Snack
- Transfer
- Lunch
- Ankle-supporting hiking boots that you have used previously with good grip, stiff sole and preferably waterproof (mandatory)
- Good fitting hiking socks
- Breathable base layer top (merino or synthetic)
- Warm and waterproof jacket and pants
- Beanie
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Bottle of water (500 ml min.)
- Quick and easy to eat picnic lunch
- Backpack (40 liters max.)
