Skaftafell glacier hike: Blue ice cave on Vatnajökull

Walk inside a naturally formed blue ice cave carved into Europe's largest glacier.

Hike across Vatnajökull's ice on a 4-hour activity from Skaftafell with a certified glacier guide, crampons, helmet and harness provided. You travel by 4x4 to Falljökull, one of the glacier's outlet glaciers, then spend roughly 1.5 to 2 hours on the ice exploring crevasses and ice formations before reaching the blue ice cave. No prior glacier experience is required, though comfort walking on uneven terrain matters. Children from age 8 are welcome, and hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory (rentals available).

The experience

A 4x4 bus picks you up at the Skaftafell hut and drives you to the foot of Falljökull in about 20 to 25 minutes. Your certified glacier guide gears you up with crampons, helmet, harness and ice axe before you step onto the ice. The walk across the glacier takes you past deep crevasses and towering ice ridges, each step on uneven terrain, with the guide pointing out how glaciers have shaped Iceland's landscape as you move across the shimmering surface.

The natural blue ice cave is the centerpiece: shimmering walls and unique ice textures create the kind of light and color that photographs capture but don't quite explain. You spend roughly 1.5 to 2 hours on the glacier in total, which means time to move slowly, take in the views and shoot photos without rushing. The hike covers approximately 4 kilometers over moderate elevation changes, so steady footing and a willingness to walk on uneven ground matter more than speed or prior experience.

Dress warmly (the glacier stays cold even on clear days), and wear hiking boots with ankle support. If you don't have your own, rentals are available for a small fee. Shoe sizes 35 to 50 EU can be fitted with the specialized crampons. Those outside that range cannot participate. The activity runs year-round in cold weather conditions, so check the forecast and pack layers.

What’s included

• Specialized glacier equipment including crampons, ice axe, harness and helmet.
• 4x4 transport from Skaftafell to the foot of Falljökull.
• certified glacier guide leading the hike.
• roughly 1.5 to 2 hours on the glacier exploring crevasses, ice formations and the natural blue ice cave.

Options for this experience

2 options

Discounted Afternoon TourGuide in English · 13:30The glacier tends to be quieter in the afternoon, so take advantage of our reduced-price afternoon tour at 13:30 and pocket some savings.

Standard TourGuide in English · 09:00, 10:00 and 12:30

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 10:00, 12:30 and 13:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 to 80 years) · Child (8 to 15 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

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 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Arctic Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you're comfortable walking on uneven terrain and want to spend time actually on the ice rather than hiking to reach it. The 4x4 ride straight to the glacier's edge means more of your 4 hours goes to exploring the ice and the blue cave itself.

Traveler reviews

4.48★★★★★★★★★★

164 verified traveler reviews

5 ★130

4 ★10

3 ★7

2 ★6

1 ★11

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 15 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

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 do I actually do for those 4 hours?

You meet your guide at Skaftafell, gear up with safety equipment, ride the 4x4 to the glacier's edge (20–25 minutes), then hike across the ice for roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, exploring crevasses and ice formations before reaching the blue ice cave. The rest of the time covers gearing up, the drive and the walk back to the vehicle.

Do I need glacier hiking experience or special fitness?

No prior glacier experience is required. The activity suits most people in fair condition, but you need to be comfortable walking roughly 4 kilometers over uneven terrain with moderate elevation changes and to move steadily on ice with crampons.

What is Falljökull, and why does the hike start there?

Falljökull is one of the outlet glaciers flowing from Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. Starting at its edge means you reach the ice quickly and spend your time on the glacier itself rather than hiking to get there.

What happens if I don't have hiking boots?

Hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory for safety on uneven ice. Rentals are available at Skaftafell for a small fee if you don't have your own.