Glacier hike and iceberg boat tour in East Iceland

Two ways to meet Iceland's frozen giants in one morning

A four-hour activity in East Iceland combining a Zodiac boat tour through Fjallsárlón Iceberg Lagoon and a guided hike on Fjallsjökull glacier, with certified guide, crampons, helmet, harness and life vest included. The boat navigates through towering icebergs while the glacier section offers private access to crevasses and icy ridges away from crowds. English-speaking guide leads both parts. Minimum age is 14. Waterproof jacket and pants are optional add-ons at checkout.

The experience

If you've got a free morning in East Iceland and want to see glaciers without spending a full day on logistics, this combines two perspectives on the same frozen landscape. You start with a Zodiac boat on Fjallsárlón Iceberg Lagoon, weaving between massive icebergs with views of Vatnajökull behind them. The boat docks at the glacier's edge, where you step onto Fjallsjökull itself for the hiking portion. The private access means you're not queuing with tour groups. Instead, your certified guide leads you across crevasses and icy ridges in a secluded area of the glacier.

The hike is the part that demands fitness. You'll wear crampons, a helmet, harness and life vest, and carry an ice axe while crossing terrain that shifts underfoot. The guide handles the technical decisions (where it's safe to go, how to move across the ice), but you're doing the walking and the climbing, not watching from a distance. Afterward, you cruise back across the water and can relax at the Frost Restaurant if you want to warm up before heading elsewhere.

All safety gear is included: micro spikes, crampons, helmet, harness, life vest and warm flotation jacket. Hiking boots can be rented on location for a small fee if you don't have your own. The whole experience runs four hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Certified glacier guide in English.
• life vest.
• micro spikes and crampons.
• helmet.
• warm flotation jacket.
• ice axe.
• harness.
• Zodiac boat through Fjallsárlón Iceberg Lagoon.
• private access to Fjallsjökull glacier hike.
• relaxation time at Frost Restaurant afterward.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Fjallsarlon Iceberg Boat Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're comfortable with active hiking and want to experience glaciers from two angles in one morning. The private access to the glacier means smaller groups and fewer crowds than standard tours, but the hike itself demands moderate fitness and comfort on steep, icy terrain.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Fjallsárlón Iceberg Lagoon like when you're on the water?

Fjallsárlón is a glacial lagoon where icebergs calve from Fjallsjökull and drift in the water. On the Zodiac, you navigate through a labyrinth of these massive chunks of ice with views of the Vatnajökull glacier rising behind them. The boat docks at the glacier's edge so you can transition directly to the hiking portion.

How difficult is the glacier hike itself?

The hike requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. You'll be crossing crevasses and icy ridges while wearing crampons and carrying an ice axe, so you need to be comfortable with steep terrain and exposure. Your certified guide leads the way and makes the safety calls, but this is active hiking, not a gentle walk.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes a certified glacier guide, life vest, micro spikes, crampons, helmet, warm flotation jacket, ice axe and harness. Hiking boots can be rented on location for a small fee. You can add a waterproof jacket and pants at checkout if you don't have your own.

Is there an age limit for this activity?

The minimum age is 14. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health, so consider your fitness level before booking.

How long does the whole experience take?

The activity runs four hours total, including the Zodiac boat tour, the glacier hike and the return to the restaurant area. Your guide speaks English and leads both the boat and hiking portions.