Skaftafell Glacier Hike: Blue Ice Walk with Gear & Guide

Summary

Small-group glacier walk on Vatnajökull’s blue ice with gear

You’ll gear up in Skaftafell for a guided hike across Vatnajökull’s wild blue ice, hearing stories from your local guide as you crunch over crevasses and volcanic ash lines. Expect laughter, unexpected silences, and moments when Iceland’s weather keeps you guessing — plus all gear included so you can just focus on where your feet land next.

What’s the experience like?

I was late to the meeting point in Skaftafell because I couldn’t decide if I’d need my thick socks — turns out, yes, always bring the socks. Our guide, Einar, just grinned and handed me crampons anyway. He had this calm way about him, like he’s seen every kind of weather Iceland can throw at you. The rest of our group was already stamping their feet, trying to keep warm in that weird in-between light you get here in early spring — not quite morning, not quite night.

Walking onto the glacier felt stranger than I expected. You hear “glacier hike” and picture something smooth and white, but Falljökull is all jagged blue creases and ridges that look almost fake up close. Einar stopped us by a deep crack (he called it a “moulin,” which sounds fancier than it looks) and tapped his boot against the ice so we could hear how hollow it was underneath. There was this sharp mineral smell in the air — like cold stone and something else I still can’t name. Every so often you’d hear water running somewhere below us, which made me step a little lighter.

I tried to say “Vatnajökull” right and got it wrong every time; Einar laughed but didn’t correct me, just kept pointing out little black streaks where volcanic ash had settled into the glacier over years. He told us stories about eruptions shaping the landscape — honestly, I lost track of which volcano was which after a while, but the way he talked about them made it feel like they were old neighbors or something. The wind picked up for a bit and everyone huddled together behind an ice ridge; someone pulled out chocolate from their pocket and passed it around without a word.

By the time we turned back toward Skaftafell, my legs were tired in that good way and my cheeks hurt from squinting at all that bright blue ice. I kept thinking about how temporary everything felt up there — like the glacier’s always moving under your feet whether you notice or not.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided glacier walk at Skaftafell

• Meet guide in Skaftafell
• Gear up for glacier walk
• Walk on Falljökull glacier
• Explore ice formations and crevasses
• Learn about glaciers and volcanoes

Top questions

Is glacier hiking from Skaftafell suitable for beginners?

Yes, no experience is needed for this guided glacier hike from Skaftafell.

What equipment is provided for the Skaftafell glacier walk?

All necessary glacier gear is included with your booking.

How old do you have to be for the glacier hike?

The minimum age is 10 years old; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Skaftafell where you meet your guide before gearing up.

Can I rent boots or rain gear on location?

Yes, boots and rain gear are available to rent at Skaftafell if needed.

How long is the walk on Falljökull glacier?

The main activity is a guided walk on Falljökull glacier; duration varies by group pace.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided hike on an outlet of Vatnajökull led by a certified glacier guide with all necessary equipment provided; just bring warm clothing (and maybe extra socks), plus boots or rain gear if you don’t have them—rentals are available right at Skaftafell before heading out onto the ice.