Glacier hiking Skaftafell: Falljökull expedition with crampons

Walk into crevasses and past ice sculptures on a working glacier tongue

A 5-hour glacier hiking expedition from Skaftafell National Park onto Falljökull, a glacial outlet of Vatnajökull, where you walk on ice with crampons under professional guidance. The guide teaches you how to move safely on glacial surfaces, and you spend roughly three and a half hours on the ice exploring deep crevasses, moulins and formations unique to this icefall. Moderate fitness required; minimum age 14.

The Experience

You start with a short ride on the Tröll Bus to the glacier base, then hike a short way to the ice cap where your guide fits you with crampons and walks you through the techniques for moving safely on a glacial surface. Once geared up, you step onto the ice and begin moving deeper into Falljökull, a tongue of Vatnajökull that stretches across the landscape in a way found nowhere else on earth. The icefall here is the draw — the further in you go, the more the formations shift: pale moulins open up, deep crevasses cut through the ice, and sculptural formations rise around you.

Because you're high up on the glacier, the views open across Skaftafell National Park, the same terrain that has become a filming location for major productions. The walk itself is the whole point — three and a half hours of moving across ice, learning how it moves and breaks, and standing inside a landscape most people see only from a distance. A professional guide in English leads the group, and the expedition includes all safety gear, coffee and chocolates.

Dress for cold and wind, and bring energy snacks beyond what's provided. Hiking boots are not included in the rental — you'll need your own or arrange a separate rental before the day starts. The expedition suits anyone with moderate fitness who wants to spend a morning on ice rather than watching it from a viewpoint.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• all safety gear including crampons.
• coffee and chocolates.
• the Tröll Bus ride to the glacier base.

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by Troll Expeditions

Is this one for you?This expedition is for anyone with moderate fitness who wants to walk on ice itself rather than view a glacier from a distance — the guide handles safety and technique, so you focus on the landscape and the movement across it.

Traveler reviews

4.90★★★★★★★★★★

208 verified traveler reviews

5 ★195

4 ★10

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

How much time do I actually spend walking on the glacier itself?

You spend approximately three and a half hours on the ice during the expedition, exploring the formations and moving deeper into Falljökull.

What is the Tröll Bus and why do we take it?

The Tröll Bus is a specialized vehicle that takes you from the base of Skaftafell up to the glacier in a short 10-minute ride, getting you to the ice cap where the hike begins.

What makes Falljökull different from other glaciers?

Falljökull is a glacial tongue from Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, and the icefall in this area is unique on earth — the deeper you go, the more distinctive ice formations, crevasses and moulins you encounter.

Do I need my own hiking boots, or are they provided?

Hiking boots are not included; you need to bring your own or arrange a separate rental before the expedition. All other safety gear, including crampons, is provided.

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

The guide, all safety equipment, crampons and coffee with chocolates are included. Bring your own hiking boots, dress warmly for cold and wind, and pack energy snacks — the expedition does not include additional food or drinks beyond what's provided.

Is there a minimum age or fitness level required?

The minimum age is 14, and you need at least a moderate level of physical fitness to complete the 5-hour expedition, which includes hiking and moving across glacial ice.