Skaftafell Glacier Hike | 5-Hour Adventure on Falljökull

5 hoursGroup: Small groupModerateMeet on locationAge 12+All year

A 5-hour glacier hike in Skaftafell for people who want real time on the ice. You spend 3.5 to 4 hours on Falljökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull, walking further up the glacier than the shorter hikes go.

Hof in ÖræfiFalljökull glacierVatnajökull National ParkIcefall and ice formations

3.5 to 4 hours on the ice, more than twice as long as the 3-hour hike
Go further up Falljökull, towards the icefall
Crampons, ice axe, helmet and harness provided
Small group with a certified glacier guide
Hot drink and chocolate when you come off the ice

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.

1Meet at the base in HofArrive 20 minutes early to check in and get fitted with gear.

Group in helmets at the foot of the icefall

Drive and walk to the iceA 15-minute drive and a 15-minute walk to the edge of the glacier.

From the base in Hof you drive about 15 minutes to the car park below Falljökull, then walk about 15 minutes on a path to the edge of the ice. Your guide gives the safety briefing on the way. It is worth taking a layer off before you start, since you warm up quickly.

Drive · about 15 minutesWalking · about 15 minutes on a path

Crampons and briefingLearn to walk in crampons and use the ice axe.

At the edge of the glacier you put on crampons, helmet and harness, and your guide shows you how to walk on the ice and use the ice axe. Take a layer off before you start, as you warm up fast once you are moving. The pace is set by the group.

Gear · crampons, ice axe, helmet and harnessTip · take a layer off before you start; you warm up fast

Deep on FalljökullHours on the ice among ridges, crevasses and blue ice.

The long walk lets you go well beyond the edge of the glacier. Your guide chooses a route based on the day's conditions and stops often to explain how the glacier moves and how fast it is retreating.

Time on the ice · about 3.5 to 4 hoursWalking · steady pace on uneven ice, some short climbsFacilities · no toilets on the glacierTip · bring snacks and water in a small backpack

5Back to HofWalk off the ice and return to the base for a hot drink.

About the 5-hour glacier hike in Skaftafell

The 5-hour hike is for people who want more than a taste of the glacier. After a short drive and a 15-minute walk from the base in Hof, you put on crampons and spend 3.5 to 4 hours on Falljökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap by volume.

With more time, your guide can take the group further up the glacier, towards the broken ice below the icefall. Expect ridges, crevasses, moulins and deep blue ice, and ash layers from past eruptions. The route changes with the ice, so it is never quite the same twice.

The walking itself is not technical, but it is a long time on your feet on uneven ice, often in wind and cold. You should be in good shape and used to hiking. The weather in Öræfi changes fast, so good boots and waterproof layers make a big difference. The meeting point is about 5 hours' drive from Reykjavík, so most people stay nearby the night before.

Make it your own

Optional extras, at extra cost

Hiking boot rental
Waterproof jacket and trousers rental
Hat and gloves to buy
Cap to buy

Included

Certified glacier guide
Crampons, ice axe, helmet and climbing harness
Transport from the base to the glacier
Coffee and chocolate

Not included

Transport to Hof
Rental of boots and waterproof clothing
Lunch and snacks

What to bring

Hiking boots with ankle support
Warm base and middle layers (wool or synthetic, no jeans)
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Hat and gloves
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Water and snacks

Good to know

Total time is about 5 hours, with 3.5 to 4 hours on the ice
Start times are 9:00, 10:30, 14:00 and 14:30; see the booking calendar for the day
Minimum age is 12, and the minimum shoe size is EU 34
Moderate difficulty: you need to be fit and comfortable hiking for several hours
Meet at the base in Hof, next to Route 1, 20 minutes before the start
Boots must have ankle support; jeans are not suitable
There are no toilets on the glacier; use the facilities before you leave
Runs all year; weather in the south east changes quickly and winter roads can be icy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start (a 3% card fee is not refunded)
Open the meeting point in Google Maps

Questions people ask

Is the 5-hour hike much harder than the 3-hour hike?

The walking is similar, but you are on the ice for much longer and go further up the glacier. You should be fit and used to hiking.

Do I need glacier experience?

No. Your guide teaches you everything you need, but this is not the right choice if you have trouble walking on uneven ground for hours.

What should I eat?

Eat a good meal before you start and bring snacks and water. Lunch is not included, and there is nowhere to buy food on the glacier.

Can children join?

Yes, from age 12 with a shoe size of at least EU 34. For younger children, the 3-hour hike accepts ages 8 and up.

Can I rent boots?

Yes. Boots, a waterproof jacket and trousers can be rented for an extra fee when you book.

Reviews

A local reads every review before it is shown.

No reviews of this tour yet. If you have taken it, other travellers would like to hear how it went.

From20,037 ISKPer person