Vatnajokull Glacier Hike: Small Group Tour & Crampon Walk

Summary

Walk deep into Vatnajokull’s blue silence with expert guides

You’ll set out from Skaftafell for a half-day hike on Vatnajokull glacier with a certified local guide in a small group—learning to use crampons and an ice axe as you walk past crevasses, moulins, and shifting blue ice. Expect quiet moments, real conversation, and plenty of chances to stop for photos or just take it all in.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice on the Vatnajokull glacier hike would be the sound — not wind or chatter, but this weird, soft crunch each time my crampons bit into the ice. Our guide, Anna (she grew up near Skaftafell), laughed when I asked if you ever get used to that sound. “You miss it when you’re away,” she said. We were just eight people, which felt right — nobody got lost in the shuffle or rushed along.

The drive out from Skaftafell was bumpy and kind of fun in that “are we really allowed to be here?” way. The 4x4 pulled up close to the glacier’s edge, so we didn’t waste time trudging through gravel. Anna handed out helmets and harnesses, then showed us how to strap on crampons and swing an ice axe (I was honestly nervous about both). She moved slow, checking everyone’s gear twice. The air smelled clean — like cold stone and something sweet I couldn’t place.

Walking on the glacier was nothing like hiking anywhere else. Sometimes the ice looked almost blue under our boots; sometimes it was streaked with black ash lines. We stopped a lot — partly for photos (Anna insisted on taking some for us), partly because she liked explaining how Falljökull moves and cracks open these wild crevasses. At one point she let us peer into a moulin — basically a hole where meltwater disappears into darkness. It made my stomach drop a little.

I still think about that view back toward Skaftafell as evening light slid over everything, making even our footprints look sharp and temporary. There was this hush — not total silence, but close enough that you could hear water trickling somewhere under the ice. It’s hard to explain why that stuck with me more than any big “wow” moment, but maybe that’s what makes this day trip from Skaftafell to Vatnajokull feel different.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Glacier hike and ice exploration

• Drive to Vatnajokull glacier
• Learn to use crampons and ice axe
• Hike through glacier crevasses
• Stop to learn about glacier formation
• Explore Skaftafell and Örævi area
• Take photos with guide assistance

Top questions

How long is the Vatnajokull glacier hike from Skaftafell?

The tour is a half-day experience departing from Skaftafell.

Is equipment provided for walking on Vatnajokull glacier?

Yes, helmets, harnesses, crampons, and an ice axe are included.

How many people are in each group?

The group size never exceeds 8 people.

Are there evening departures for this tour?

Yes, evening departures are available from June to August.

Is pickup included in Skaftafell?

The tour includes transport by 4x4 from Skaftafell to the glacier edge.

Do I need previous glacier hiking experience?

No previous experience is needed; guides teach you how to use all equipment.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with health concerns?

This tour is not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by 4x4 from Skaftafell right up to the edge of Vatnajokull glacier, all necessary safety gear—helmet, harness, crampons, and an ice axe—and guiding throughout by a certified local expert who’ll help with photos along the way.