Skaftafell: Glacier Hike Small Group & Easy Route

Summary

Walk Skaftafell’s glacier paths with a guide sharing stories as you go

You’ll join a small group for an easy glacier hike in Skaftafell, with all gear provided and a certified guide leading you across Vatnajökull’s icy surface. Hear stories about glaciers’ slow movement, touch ancient volcanic ash, and pause for moments of pure silence surrounded by blue ice. This is less about conquering nature than feeling its quiet power up close.

What’s the experience like?

"Is it always this quiet out here?" I asked our guide, Jón, as we clipped on our crampons at the edge of the glacier. He just grinned and pointed to the blue crevasse ahead—honestly, I was half listening, half distracted by the weird squeaky sound my boots made on the ice. The air tasted cold and clean, like opening a freezer but better. There were only six of us in the group, so it felt more like wandering with friends than some big tour. I kept glancing back at the black volcanic sand behind us—such a wild contrast against all that white and blue.

Jón told us how Vatnajökull moves a little every day (I tried to picture it sliding along while we sleep). He showed us where ash from old eruptions gets trapped in layers—he even let me touch one; gritty and oddly warm from the sun. The wind picked up for a minute and I could hear someone laughing behind me when I nearly slipped (the crampons work, but you still have to trust your feet). It’s not hard walking—just about 3km all together—but you do feel tiny out there. At one point he had us stop and listen: nothing but our own breathing and a distant drip of meltwater somewhere below.

I didn’t expect to feel so small or so awake at once. Maybe it was just the cold or maybe something about standing on ancient ice that might not be here forever. On the way back, Jón tried teaching us an Icelandic word for “glacier”—I won’t embarrass myself by repeating what I said. But he laughed anyway, which made it less awkward. I keep thinking about that strange blue light inside one of the cracks we peered into—like something from another planet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Easy glacier hike at Skaftafell

• Meet certified glacier guide
• Explore Vatnajokull outlet glacier
• Enjoy panoramic glacier views
• Learn about glacier formation
• Complete easy glacier hike

Top questions

How difficult is the Skaftafell glacier hike?

This glacier hike is rated as easy and suitable for most people in fair physical condition.

How long is the walk on the glacier?

The total distance walked is about 3km (1.8 miles) over uneven terrain.

Is specialized equipment provided for the hike?

Yes, all necessary glacier gear including crampons is provided as part of your booking.

What’s the minimum age for this Skaftafell glacier tour?

The minimum age to participate is 8 years old.

Are hiking boots required for this tour?

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory; rentals are available if needed.

Is this a private or small group tour?

This is a small group tour with limited participants for a more personal experience.

Can people with large or very small shoe sizes join?

Crampons are available only for EU shoe sizes 35-50; those outside this range cannot participate.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided glacier hike in Skaftafell led by a certified local guide, use of specialized glacier equipment like crampons, plus the comfort of being in a small group so you can really take your time—and yes, sturdy hiking boots are required but can be rented if you don’t have your own.