Skaftafell: Glacier Hike Small Group Tour & Ice Gear

Summary

Small group glacier hike from Skaftafell with gear included

You’ll lace up crampons at Skaftafell Base Camp and follow a local glacier guide across crevasses and sparkling ice ridges on this small-group hike. Taste ancient glacial ice, learn how to use an axe (without looking too awkward), and feel that strange hush only glaciers have. If you’ve never heard your own footsteps echo on blue ice—you will now.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice was the quiet. Not silence exactly—more like this soft hush that settled over us as we left Skaftafell Base Camp and rattled up in the little bus. Our guide, Kristján, handed me crampons and an ice axe (which felt heavier than I thought) and gave this quick grin when I fumbled with the harness straps. He said not to worry—everyone does that their first time. The air smelled sharp, almost metallic, and there was this weird excitement in my chest I couldn’t shake.

The walk up to the glacier was just muddy enough to make me wish I’d rented boots (I brought my own but they’re not exactly Iceland-proof). Kristján stopped us before we stepped onto the ice—he showed us how to kick our feet so the crampons bit in. It’s sort of like learning to walk again, honestly. The glacier itself looked nothing like what I’d seen in photos; more gray streaks than blue at first, rough patches where volcanic ash had settled. But then we crossed into these crazy blue ridges and narrow crevasses where you could see straight down into glassy darkness. Someone in our group tried to take a selfie and nearly dropped their phone—everyone laughed, even Kristján.

We spent a couple hours weaving through ice formations that looked almost fake (but cold if you touched them). At one point he chipped off a chunk of ice for us to taste—said it was probably older than anyone here. It tasted like nothing, but also somehow clean? My hands got cold fast, even with gloves on, but it felt good to move and hear boots crunching on the surface. There were moments when everyone just went quiet again—just wind and distant water trickling somewhere underfoot. That stuck with me.

Heading back down toward Skaftafell Base Camp, my legs were tired in a way I liked—the kind you feel later when you’re lying in bed and your mind is still replaying those blue shadows under your feet. Not sure if I’ll ever look at glaciers the same way now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Glacier hike from Skaftafell base camp

• Meet guide at Skaftafell Base Camp
• Get crampons, ice axes, and harnesses
• Take glacier bus to glacier
• Short hike to glacier roots
• Learn to use glacier gear
• Hike on glacier for two hours
• Explore ice ridges and crevasses
• Return to Skaftafell Base Camp

Top questions

How long is the glacier hike from Skaftafell?

The tour lasts about 4 hours total, including around 2 hours on the glacier itself.

Is equipment provided for the Skaftafell glacier hike?

Yes, all necessary glacier gear like crampons, harnesses, and ice axes are included.

What is the group size for this glacier tour?

The group is limited to 8 participants for a more personal experience.

Where does the tour start?

The tour departs from Skaftafell Base Camp next to the visitor center.

Is transport included from base camp to the glacier?

Yes, transport by minibus from Skaftafell Base Camp up to the glacier is included.

What should I bring for the hike?

You should bring warm clothing, rain gear, gloves, and sturdy hiking boots (available for rent).

Are there age restrictions for this tour?

The minimum age is 14 years old; children must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by minibus from Skaftafell Base Camp to the glacier roots and back again, all essential glacier gear like crampons, harnesses, and an ice axe (so you don’t have to pack your own), plus guidance throughout from a certified local expert who knows every icy ridge by heart.