Quick take: This experience combines a guided glacier hike with an intro to ice climbing.
You’ll explore natural ice formations and moulins on Svínafellsjökull (an outlet of the Vatnajökull Icecap), then climb an ice wall using crampons and ice axes—with all safety equipment included.
Why you’ll love this Skaftafell glacier experience
Two adventures in one: glacier hiking + ice climbing, rather than choosing just one.
Up-close glacier features: explore constantly changing ice formations and moulins.
Real ice climbing: learn technique step-by-step and climb a glacier ice wall with expert supervision.
Iconic scenery: on clear days you can see Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s highest peak, from the glacier.
Beginner-friendly: never used crampons or an ice axe? Guides teach you what to do before you step onto the ice.
What to expect
You’ll meet your guide at the Skaftafell Information Centre parking lot, then travel to the foot of Svínafellsjökull, an outlet glacier of the Vatnajökull Icecap. Before stepping onto the ice, your guide will fit you with the required safety gear and run through how to use it.
The glacier hike focuses on exploring the natural “architecture” of the ice: dramatic formations, textures, and moulins (vertical shafts formed by meltwater).
Then comes the highlight—ice climbing. Using ice axes and crampons, you’ll get the chance to climb a glacier ice wall while your guide provides
clear, step-by-step instruction and keeps everything safe and controlled.
The overall vibe is adventurous but approachable: you’re here to do something epic, learn new skills, and experience a glacier from the inside out—without needing prior experience.
What’s included
Guided tour with a glacier expert
Glacier hike
Ice climbing experience
All necessary safety equipment (for glacier travel and ice climbing)
Meeting point
Meet here: Skaftafell Information Centre – Parking Lot (Skaftafell area, Iceland) How it works: Meet your guide at the parking lot, then travel onward to the glacier access point.
Who it’s suitable for
First-timers who want to experience a glacier safely with expert instruction.
Adventure travellers looking for a hands-on Iceland experience (not just viewpoints).
Active couples & friends who want a memorable “we actually did that” day.
Photography lovers chasing blue ice details, crevasses, and big mountain backdrops.
What to bring
Warm layers (weather on glaciers can feel colder than nearby areas)
Waterproof outer layer (recommended for wind/snow/rain)
Gloves (useful for handling cold gear and ice axes)
Water + a snack (always smart for an active outdoor tour)
Tip: Even if the day starts calm, glacier conditions can change quickly—dress like you’re going hiking in unpredictable weather.
FAQ
Do I need ice climbing or glacier experience?
No. The guide provides safety briefings and teaches you how to use crampons and an ice axe before you get on the ice.
How long does it take?
The listing notes the duration as flexible, which can vary depending on conditions and group pace.
Where do we meet?
At the Skaftafell Information Centre parking lot.
Sponsored Popular Items
Quick take: Trip.com offers a worldwide selection of tours and attractions and hotels
Reykjavik: Aurora Reykjavik The Northern Lights Center Entry Best deals for Reykjavik: Aurora Reykjavik The Northern Lights Center Entry. Ask our team! Our experts are happy to answer any northern lights questions;Explore northern lights folklore and science in our multimedia exhibition;Learn how to take photos of the Aurora and practice at our photo simulator Available from trip.com.
Golden Circle Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss + Kerið Crater) The Golden Circle in one day: national park history, erupting geysers, a powerhouse waterfall, and a volcanic crater lake. Quick take: If you’re only doing one classic day tour in Iceland, the Golden Circle is the one. This guided group trip takes you to Þingvellir National Park (UNESCO-listed), the Geysir geothermal area (watch Strokkur erupt), Gullfoss waterfall, and the volcanic crater lake Kerið. View tour details on Musement At a glance Duration: up to 8 hours Language: English Type: Guided tour • Group tour Provider: Bustravel Iceland Cancellation: 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience…
Glacier Lagoon Jökulsárlón Day Tour from Reykjavik (South Coast + Seljalandsfoss) A full-day “wow” trip from Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón’s floating icebergs, South Coast scenery, and a waterfall stop on the return. Quick take: Spend a full day travelling Iceland’s dramatic South Coast to reach Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon—the country’s largest and deepest glacier lagoon—where you’ll have time to explore and watch icebergs floating in the lagoon. On the way back, stop at Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall you can walk behind. View tour details on Musement Source: Musement listing At a glance Price: from $165.00 Duration: up to 14 hours Language: English Type: Guided tour • Group tour Provider: Bustravel Iceland Voucher: Mobile voucher accepted…
Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour from Reykjavik (Full Day) – “Iceland in Miniature” One day, many landscapes: lava fields, black-sand beaches, fishing villages and the Snæfellsjökull area—often called “Iceland in miniature.” Quick take: If you want a single day tour that shows off Iceland’s variety—coastlines, cliffs, volcano vibes, and charming villages—Snæfellsnes is a standout. This guided trip takes you around the peninsula, sometimes nicknamed “Iceland in Miniature” for how much it packs into one region. View tour details on Musement Source: Musement listing At a glance Price: from $138.00 Duration: up to 11 hours Language: English Type: Guided tour • Group tour Provider: Bustravel Iceland Voucher: Mobile voucher accepted Cancellation: 100% refund if…
Nature in Reykjavik Nature in Reykjavik Discover the best deals for Nature in Reykjavik. Get tickets for Nature in Reykjavik with secure booking, price match guarantee and 24/7 customer support. Available from. For schedules, inclusions, and current pricing, see the official supplier: https://www.musement.com/us/reykjavik/nature-c/. You can also view availability and details on our page: https://unusedrooms.com/product/nature-in-reykjavik-musement/.
Countryside in Reykjavik Countryside in Reykjavik Discover the best deals for Countryside in Reykjavik. Get tickets for Countryside in Reykjavik with secure booking, price match guarantee and 24/7 customer support. Available from. For schedules, inclusions, and current pricing, see the official supplier: https://www.musement.com/us/reykjavik/countryside-c/. You can also view availability and details on our page: https://unusedrooms.com/product/countryside-in-reykjavik-musement/.
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
Hiking & bike tours in Reykjavik Hiking & bike tours in Reykjavik Discover the best deals for Hiking & bike tours in Reykjavik. Get tickets for Hiking & bike tours in Reykjavik with secure booking, price match guarantee and 24/7 customer support. Available from. For schedules, inclusions, and current pricing, see the official supplier: https://www.musement.com/us/reykjavik/hiking-bike-tours-c/. You can also view availability and details on our page: https://unusedrooms.com/product/hiking-bike-tours-in-reykjavik-musement/.
Folklore in Reykjavik Folklore in Reykjavik Discover the best deals for Folklore in Reykjavik. Get tickets for Folklore in Reykjavik with secure booking, price match guarantee and 24/7 customer support. Available from. For schedules, inclusions, and current pricing, see the official supplier: https://www.musement.com/us/reykjavik/folklore-c/. You can also view availability and details on our page: https://unusedrooms.com/product/folklore-in-reykjavik-musement/.
Off-road in Reykjavik Off-road in Reykjavik Discover the best deals for Off-road in Reykjavik. Get tickets for Off-road in Reykjavik with secure booking, price match guarantee and 24/7 customer support. Available from. For schedules, inclusions, and current pricing, see the official supplier: https://www.musement.com/us/reykjavik/off-road-c/. You can also view availability and details on our page: https://unusedrooms.com/product/off-road-in-reykjavik-musement/.
City in Reykjavik City in Reykjavik Discover the best deals for City in Reykjavik. Get tickets for City in Reykjavik with secure booking, price match guarantee and 24/7 customer support. Available from. For schedules, inclusions, and current pricing, see the official supplier: https://www.musement.com/us/reykjavik/city-c/. You can also view availability and details on our page: https://unusedrooms.com/product/city-in-reykjavik-musement/.
Cruises in Reykjavik Cruises in Reykjavik Discover the best deals for Cruises in Reykjavik. Get tickets for Cruises in Reykjavik with secure booking, price match guarantee and 24/7 customer support. Available from. For schedules, inclusions, and current pricing, see the official supplier: https://www.musement.com/us/reykjavik/cruises-c/. You can also view availability and details on our page: https://unusedrooms.com/product/cruises-in-reykjavik-musement/.
Hop-on hop-off in Reykjavik Hop-on hop-off in Reykjavik Discover the best deals for Hop-on hop-off in Reykjavik. Get tickets for Hop-on hop-off in Reykjavik with secure booking, price match guarantee and 24/7 customer support. Available from. For schedules, inclusions, and current pricing, see the official supplier: https://www.musement.com/us/reykjavik/hop-on-hop-off-c/. You can also view availability and details on our page: https://unusedrooms.com/product/hop-on-hop-off-in-reykjavik-musement/.
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
