Skaftafell airplane sightseeing: Vatnajökull glacier flight

See five volcanic and glacial landmarks from the air in one flight

This is a 90-minute airplane sightseeing flight from Skaftafell that takes you over Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, Grímsvötn volcano, the mossy Lakagígar crater chain, Landmannalaugar's colorful mountains, and the Tungnáa river valleys. A live guide in English narrates the route and points out landmarks as you fly. The flight departs from Skaftafell Terminal next to the private airstrip. All taxes and fees are included, and parking is free.

Step-by-step itinerary

Skaftafell sightseeing flight

• Meet at Skaftafell Terminal
• Flight over Vatnajökull glacier
• Fly above Skaftafell National Park
• View Grímsvötn volcano
• See Lakagígar mossy craters
• Fly over colorful Highlands mountains
• View Langisjór lake area
• See Tungnáa riverbeds

The experience

Skaftafell is the departure point for this flight, and you'll meet your pilot and guide at Skaftafell Terminal, located beside the private airstrip. They'll brief you on the route and what to expect before you board. The plane climbs over Skaftafell National Park and heads toward Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, which dominates much of the flight path.

From the air, you pass over Grímsvötn, a basaltic volcano mostly buried under ice that erupts more frequently than any other volcano in Iceland. The Lakagígar crater chain comes into view next: a chain of mossy cones that stand out against red and black rock. The flight then crosses into the Highlands, where Landmannalaugar's colorful mountains stretch across the landscape in shades of red, green, and gold. Langisjór, a 20-kilometer lake sitting 670 meters above sea level, appears as a striking blue expanse in the high terrain. The Tungnáa river valleys below offer dramatic patterns that photographers often frame from this vantage point.

The entire flight lasts 90 minutes and includes all taxes and fees. Parking at Skaftafell Terminal is free. The guide speaks English throughout and will answer questions about what you're seeing. Bring a camera with a good zoom if you want to capture detail from altitude, and note that the flight operates from Skaftafell's private airstrip, so you'll need to arrange your own transport to the terminal.

What’s included

• All taxes, fees and handling charges.
• parking at Skaftafell Terminal.
• live guide in English throughout the flight.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDepartures at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00

Book up to18h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (2 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 5

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Atlantsflug/Flightseeing

Is this one for you?This is a shared sightseeing flight with a guide narrating from the cockpit, so you're watching the landscape unfold rather than piloting. It suits anyone who wants to see five major volcanic and glacial sites in one flight without the cost or complexity of a private charter, and the 90-minute duration fits easily into a day spent elsewhere in East Iceland.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years); Infant (under 2).

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 Vatnajökull and why does it matter on this flight?

Vatnajökull is Europe's largest glacier and covers much of the landscape you'll fly over. It dominates the route because it's so vast and because Grímsvötn volcano sits beneath it, making the glacier-volcano interaction one of the most visually striking parts of the flight.

Can I take good photographs from the plane?

Yes, the tour description specifically mentions it's great for photography lovers. The Tungnáa river valleys, the colorful Landmannalaugar mountains, and the mossy Lakagígar craters all photograph well from altitude. Bring a camera with zoom capability to capture detail.

What happens at Skaftafell Terminal before the flight takes off?

You'll meet the pilot and guide at the terminal, which sits next to the private airstrip. They'll brief you on the flight route and go over everything you need to know before boarding.

Is hotel pickup included, or do I need to get to Skaftafell Terminal myself?

Hotel pickup is not included. You'll need to arrange your own transport to Skaftafell Terminal, where the flight departs from the private airstrip beside the terminal building.