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48 Available Tour Excursions in Skaftafell
On this adventurous day, you will hike beyond the crowds to explore further reaches of an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. •Lowest guest to guide ratio (4:1) on the market, meaning we can deliver high quality adventures. •You'll venture through more difficult routes than typical tours and get into areas that larger groups cannot. •You'll be informed on the surrounding nature and landscape formation by experienced and knowledgeable guides. You'll be sure to have a newfound love of glaciers.
Price: $408.48
Duration: 24 hours
• Certified guides Our guides have certification from AIMG (Association of Icelandic Mountain Guides). • Small groups The group size for this tour never exceeds 6 people. • Exclusive cave The cave we visit is too far away for the big crowds, enjoy the crystal blue cave for yourself. • 4x4 drive We will drive you all the way to the glacier. That means more time we can spend on ice.
Price: $171.36
Duration: 4 hours
Fly over Vatnajökull and see the Grímsvötn eruption site from above on this 50-minute tour from Skaftafell. Grímsvötn is a basaltic volcano located on the northwestern side of the Vatnajökull ice cap. It has the highest eruption frequency of all volcanoes in Iceland. The most recent eruptions in Grímsvötn were in 2011, 2004, 1998 and 1996. Choose from multiple departure times to suit your schedule.
Price: $444.16
Duration: 0 hours
Experience this magnificent full-day tour of the wonders of Iceland’s south coast, including Jokulsarlon, the deep glacial lagoon and surreal place that will take your breath away. Take an hour boat ride through the lagoon to sail between icebergs of all shapes and sizes at the foot of Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier. Visit the South Coast’s main attractions, such as Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, and stroll along the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara and Diamond Beach.
Price: $980.00
Duration: 14 hours
Throughout this tour, your guide will also be your photographer. Meaning that they will take photos of you during all of these experiences. After the tour is over, we will edit and send them to you for you to keep as a memory of your epic adventure!
Price: $772.33
Duration: 6 hours
On this tour, we fly to the west of Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park, over the vast ice sheet of Skeiðarárjökull and to Grænalón glacial lake. From there we fly west over Síðujökull glacier before flying over the Lakagígar volcano craters. On the way back we go southeast along the edge of Skeiðarárjökull where you will get a panoramic view of its massive size.
Price: $444.16
Duration: 0 hours
Join Ice Pic Journeys for a bespoke full-day adventure through Iceland’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Begin with a private glacier hike across Vatnajökull, where you’ll explore shimmering ice formations and stunning views alongside one of our expert photographer-guides. Afterwards, enjoy a cinematic photoshoot at Diamond Beach and the Glacier Lagoon, capturing the contrast between volcanic black sand and glistening ice. Then, board a Zodiac boat for a thrilling ride among towering icebergs drifting through the lagoon. Throughout the day, we’ll document your journey with professional photos. Within 14 days, you’ll receive a custom photo package via private download—memories frozen in time. This is not just a tour, it’s your story written in ice, light, and movement—crafted exclusively by Ice Pic Journeys.
Price: $2,282.66
Duration: 8 hours
Dive into the extraordinary beauty of Iceland's blue glacial wonders with our thrilling Ice Cave Tour in the heart of the magnificent Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier! Embark on a mesmerizing journey where crystal-clear ice formations, tinted with enchanting blue hues, create a surreal underworld, which only exists in winter. Our expert guides will lead you safely into and through the cave sharing tons of geological facts and helping you capture Instagram-worthy moments surrounded by the otherworldly beauty of blue ice. You will create memories, which will last a lifetime.
Price: $143.00
Duration: 3 hours
Come along on a fantastic family-friendly Ice Cave tour in Vatnajökull glacier. Those travelling to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon should not miss this excursion as an ice cave tour is truly a unique experience.Your adventure starts at Jökulsárlón where your guides for the day will meet you and hand out equipment for the ice caves. You'll then board a modified 4x4, or a super jeep, to get to the caves. The drive up to the caves takes only about 30 minutes, but it is exciting, and the magnificent scenery on the way up there will surely take your breath away. The guides are very informative and entertaining; they will tell you facts about the area, stories from the community, fairytales and everything you would like to know. When you arrive, there is a short walk to the ice caves, and your guides continue to inform you about the great Vatnajökull glacier. Once in the cave, you will get a good time to explore, take pictures and just enjoy yourself on your vacation.
Price: $204.24
Duration: 2 hours
Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime when choosing this two-day tour of Iceland’s South Coast. The day’s stops are Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Gljufrabui Waterfall, Skogafoss Waterfall, and Reynisfjara black sand beach. Your hotel will be somewhere between the towns of Vik and Hofn, and your guide will tell you the Northern Light Forecast for viewing from the hotel. The second day begins with an Ice Cave, followed by Jokulsarlon and Diamond Beach, and additional stops at Eldhraun Lava Fields, and the Bridge of the Volcanoes. These stops may change based on time permitting and weather conditions. On our way back to Reykjavik we may stop in Vik if time permits. The minimum age for participants is eight years. Be sure to pack warm clothing and comfortable shoes to enjoy every aspect of this experience. Dinner can be late for some advise bringing snacks to prevent hungry spells. Please note that December is very busy on the South Coast, and this tour fills up quickly.
Price: $660.00
Duration: 48 hours
This is one of our most photogenic tours. We fly over the coastline and Skeiðarársandur, a vast plain of black sand and ash covered with numerous small rivulets. It spans the entire range between the glacier and the sea. From there we fly over Skeiðarárjökull, a massive outlet glacier draining south from Iceland´s largest ice cap Vatnajökull.
Price: $418.09
Duration: 0 hours
On this tour, we fly over the colorful area of Kjós located at the head of Mosárdalur glacier valley on our way to the highest peak in Iceland, Hvannadalshnjúkur (2116m). Then we continue over Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, featuring huge floating icebergs. Along the way, You will enjoy the views of Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and Esjufjöll Mountains before heading back.
Price: $444.16
Duration: 0 hours
We are a small company with extremely experienced guides living in the area. we have a wealth of knowledge incomparable with large generic guiding companies. We have top certification for guiding in Iceland and pursue mountaineering and climbing in our free time. For us this is not just a job, it´s a passion and lifestyle. Here is a list of things you can expect on one of our trips; Explore a remote glacier where most other companies do not go. Experience an ice cave, even in summer Try your hand at ice climbing (beginners welcome) Enjoy small groups who are up for adventure Behold stunning views and a experience a real feeling of remoteness.
Price: $756.88
Duration: 4 hours
Discover the exhilarating world of ice climbing in Skaftafell, set within the stunning Vatnajökull National Park. This adventure takes you on a glacier hike where you can marvel at mesmerizing ice formations, including deep crevasses and water cauldrons. With an expert experienced guide, you’ll receive safety instructions and gear, including crampons and ice axes, before embarking on a journey over the glacier's blue ice. Perfect for adventurous travelers aged 14 and above, this tour promises a small group experience, ensuring personalized attention and ample time to enjoy the thrill of climbing. - Duration: 4.5 hours with 3 hours on the ice - Small group sizes of 2 to 6 per guide for personalized experiences - All necessary glacier gear provided, including crampons and ice axes - Suitable for ages 14 and above with moderate difficulty level
Price: $281.00
Duration: 4 hours
This tour takes you over the beautiful area of Lakagígar, a crater chain that created in 1783 by one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history. From there we fly over Landmannalaugar, the beautiful valley between the mountains,before returning to Skaftafell. On this tour passangers will see glaciers, volcanoes and the beautiful landscape north of Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
Price: $587.49
Duration: 1 hours
This 15 minute fixed wing tour takes you over the spellbinding scenery that surrounds us here in the Skaftafell National Park area, flying over the areas with the best conditions on the day. Wonderful change of perspective - see mountains, glacier patterns, lagoons, rivers, black sands from above. Enveloped by the Skeiðarársandur black sand beach to the south and west, with its majestic glacial riverbeds weaving abstract patterns in the sand, and Skeiðarárjökull glacier and Öræfajökull glacier volcano to the north, Skaftafell Terminal is truly located in a paradise on earth. Join us for an unforgettable sightseeing flight experience.
Price: $196.43
Duration: 0 hours
We specialise in full day adventurous glacier hikes and ice cave visits with a focus on delivering a more immersive experience on the ice. •Our guest to guide ratio is the smallest in the industry (4:1), •Minimum moderate fitness requirement, means more adventurous opportunities. •We're naturalists, so you'll hear facts and stories of the geological forces that produced this surreal part of the world. As well as the opportunity to get detailed explanations through the day of any questions you may have about glaciers and their impacts. •Even though it is not a requirement to have been on a glacier before, maybe this time you want to go further and 'do more'. •Expect to be outside all day in the wilderness ready to face wind, rain, snow, be lost in clouds and more. Icelandic nature at it's finest.
Price: $420.49
Duration: 24 hours
Experience the thrill of a one-hour ATV tour in the stunning Skaftafell area, where nature’s beauty unfolds at every turn. Your adventure begins as you navigate the rugged terrain, driving along river beds that carve through the landscape. As you journey, you’ll make a memorable stop at the historic Skeiðarárbrú, an old bridge with a rich legacy, offering you a moment to take in the surrounding beauty and perhaps capture some stunning photographs. Once you’ve soaked in the sights, it’s time to rev up your ATV again for the return trip. As you make your way back to the base, you’ll be treated to incredible views of the nearby glacier, a magnificent panorama that serves as a perfect backdrop to complete your exhilarating ride.
Price: $150.18
Duration: 1 hours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: ISK
- Languages: Icelandic, English, German, Danish
- Climate: Subarctic
- Timezone: Atlantic/Reykjavik
- Population: Skaftafell itself is not a populated town but part of a national park area; the nearest settlement is about 100 inhabitants.
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is from May to September for accessible trails and milder weather.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter Iceland visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. Others may require a Schengen visa. E-visa options are not available for Iceland as it is part of the Schengen Area. Visa on arrival is generally not offered. Travelers must have a valid passport and may need proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.
About Skaftafell
Skaftafell is a stunning nature reserve located within Vatnajökull National Park in Southeast Iceland. It is renowned for its dramatic landscapes that combine glaciers, rugged mountains, lush birch woods, and cascading waterfalls. This unique blend of natural features makes Skaftafell a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors are drawn by the opportunity to explore glacier tongues of Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest ice cap, and to hike scenic trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. The area’s accessibility and well-marked paths make it an ideal destination for both casual tourists and serious hikers. Skaftafell’s appeal lies in its pristine environment and the chance to witness Iceland’s raw natural beauty up close, including the famous Svartifoss waterfall, known for its striking basalt columns. The reserve also offers educational visitor centers and guided tours that deepen understanding of the region’s geology and ecology. For those seeking adventure, glacier walking and ice climbing are popular activities. Skaftafell’s combination of tranquility, dramatic scenery, and outdoor activities makes it a must-visit destination in Iceland.
Skaftafell Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of East Iceland
- Duration Range: 2-8 hours
- Group Size: Small groups (up to 15 people)
- Difficulty Level: All Comfort Levels
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is from May to September for accessible trails and milder weather. Pack layered clothing suitable for variable weather, sturdy hiking boots, and waterproof gear. Respect local nature by staying on marked trails and following park rules. Carry cash or cards as most places accept credit cards, but remote areas may have limited payment options. Safety tips include informing someone about your hiking plans and being prepared for sudden weather changes. Icelandic culture values politeness and environmental care, so be mindful of these customs.
Average Tour Price: $75
Lowest Price Tour: $45
Highest Price Tour: $250
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Top Attractions
1. Svartifoss Waterfall – A striking waterfall framed by dark basalt columns, offering a unique and photogenic natural spectacle. 2. Skaftafellsjökull Glacier – A glacier tongue extending from Vatnajökull, perfect for glacier hiking and ice exploration. 3. Kristínartindar Peaks – A mountain range offering challenging hikes with panoramic views of the park. 4. Visitor Center – Provides educational exhibits about the park’s geology, flora, fauna, and history. 5. Morsárdalur Valley – A scenic valley with diverse landscapes, ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting.
Popular Activities
Visitors to Skaftafell can enjoy glacier hiking and ice climbing on the Vatnajökull glacier, guided nature walks, and bird watching. Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging climbs, including routes to waterfalls and mountain peaks. Photography enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to capture Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. In winter, ice cave tours become a highlight. The visitor center offers cultural and natural history insights, enhancing the experience. Recreational options also include camping and picnicking in designated areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
The local cuisine around Skaftafell reflects traditional Icelandic fare, emphasizing fresh seafood, lamb, and dairy products. Signature dishes include smoked lamb (hangikjöt), fresh Arctic char, and skyr, a creamy dairy product similar to yogurt. Dining options near Skaftafell are limited but include cozy cafés and restaurants offering hearty Icelandic meals. Noteworthy places include the Skaftafell Bistro and nearby eateries in the town of Höfn, famous for its lobster dishes. Visitors should try local specialties like Icelandic rye bread and wild berries when in season.
Getting Around
Skaftafell is accessible by car via the Ring Road (Route 1) in Southeast Iceland. The nearest airport is in Reykjavík, about a 4.5-hour drive away. Local transportation is limited, so renting a car is the most convenient way to reach and explore the area. There are some bus tours and shuttle services from major towns during peak seasons. Walking and hiking are the primary means of getting around within Skaftafell itself. Fuel and services are available in nearby towns, but travelers should plan accordingly for remote areas.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is from May to September for accessible trails and milder weather. Pack layered clothing suitable for variable weather, sturdy hiking boots, and waterproof gear. Respect local nature by staying on marked trails and following park rules. Carry cash or cards as most places accept credit cards, but remote areas may have limited payment options. Safety tips include informing someone about your hiking plans and being prepared for sudden weather changes. Icelandic culture values politeness and environmental care, so be mindful of these customs.
Culture & Customs
Icelandic culture in Skaftafell is deeply connected to nature and outdoor life. Social customs emphasize friendliness, respect, and modesty. Visitors should greet locals politely and remove shoes when entering homes or some establishments. Important festivals in Iceland include Þjóðhátíðardagurinn (National Day) and various midsummer celebrations, though Skaftafell itself is more nature-focused than event-driven. Environmental stewardship is a strong cultural norm; visitors are expected to leave no trace and protect the fragile landscape.
About The Author
Calvin has loved travel and adventure since first visiting Los Angeles with a suitcase in 1992 at the age of 20. He ditched the suitcase and got a backpack pretty fast.
He hates leaving after any trip and has to console himself by writing and sharing articles on it. You can find and connect with him on linked in here.
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Travel, Gaming, Scuba Diving, Skiing and anything to do with water.
Dislikes
Exact luggage sizing police and being tired in an airport and many more..