Skaftafell National Park: Falljokull Glacier Easy Hike

If you’re looking to add a memorable adventure to your Iceland trip without the need for advanced mountaineering skills, the Falljokull Glacier Easy Hike in Skaftafell National Park might just be your perfect fit. This guided tour offers a chance to walk atop Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, with breathtaking views and plenty of interesting geology thrown in.

What we love about this experience is how accessible it is — it’s designed to be easy and safe while still offering the wow factor of standing on ancient ice. Plus, the knowledgeable guides really enrich the journey with their local insights, making it both fun and educational. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the glacier hike only lasts about an hour on the ice, which might feel a little short if you’re craving more time on the ice itself.

This tour suits travelers who want a low-challenge, high-reward adventure, families with children over 8, or anyone curious about glaciers but not ready for a technical climb. It’s an experience that balances spectacular scenery, safety, and value — perfect for those seeking a memorable Icelandic highlight.

Key Points

• Accessible Adventure: Suitable for most fitness levels, with gear provided on-site.
• Stunning Scenery: Views of Vatnajökull and the surrounding mountains are unforgettable.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides enhance the experience with local geology and safety tips.
• Time on Ice: About 1 hour of actual glacier walking, with plenty of time for photos and exploring crevasses.
• Value for Money: At $132, including gear, guide, coffee, and chocolates, offers good value.
• Family Friendly: Recommended for ages 8 and up, making it a fun family outing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins at Troll Expeditions Skaftafell, a well-organized meeting point that’s easy to find. You’ll meet your guide there, who will prepare you with all the necessary glacier-hiking gear — crampons, helmets, harnesses, and ice axes. This preparation ensures you’re ready for the icy surface and safe throughout.

After the gear distribution, a 30-minute coach ride takes you into the heart of Vatnajökull National Park. The scenery en route is stunning, with views of the vast glacier and rugged mountains that define this landscape.

Safety Briefing and Preparation

A 30-minute safety briefing is your next stop, where guides explain how to move on the ice, what crevasses and moulins are, and how to use your equipment properly. This step is crucial, especially for those new to glacier hiking, but even seasoned hikers appreciate the clear instructions and safety emphasis.

The Guided Glacier Hike

Once geared up, you’ll set out on the glacier — about 60 to 90 minutes of actual walking on ice. This part of the journey is where the real magic happens. Walking on the impact marks of the glacier, you’ll see deep crevasses, moulins (vertical shafts formed by melting water), and sometimes small ice tunnels.

Guides are experts and gladly share stories about the glacier’s history, how it’s changing because of climate factors, and the science behind its structure. As one reviewer put it, “Our guide was experienced and quite funny,” which helps keep the mood light even when traversing the crevassed surface.

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The Blue Heart of the Ice

The highlight for many is gazing into the blue depths of the ice in the tunnels, especially in winter when the blue is more vivid. It’s a chance to see the intricate beauty of glacier ice up close, something most travelers don’t get to do without a dedicated ice cave tour.

Views of Skaftafell and Surroundings

After your time on the ice, your guide will lead you to vantage points overlooking the mountains of Skaftafell National Park. The contrast of the icy expanse against the rugged peaks is truly striking.

Return and Reflection

The tour concludes with a 30-minute coach ride back to the starting point, giving you time to reflect on your experience. Many reviews mention how well-organized the process is, with timely pickups and gear distribution making the whole day smooth and enjoyable.

Pricing and Value

At $132 per person, the tour includes all necessary gear, an experienced English-speaking guide, and small touches like coffee and chocolates. This makes it quite competitive, considering the high cost of equipment rentals if you were to do it independently.

While the actual time on the glacier is about an hour, many reviewers feel it’s enough to see the highlights and get a good sense of what glaciers are like. For those who want more time or a more advanced experience, other tours, like the advanced glacier hikes or ice climbing, might be worth considering, but for a beginner-friendly outing, this is a top choice.

Gear and Clothing Considerations

You’ll be provided with crampons and helmets, but hiking boots and clothes are not included. Many travelers rent boots on-site to ensure proper fit and safety. Be sure to wear warm, layered clothing and hiking pants, especially in winter, to stay comfortable on the ice.

What Our Reviewers Love

The most praised aspect of this tour is the knowledgeable guides. Reviewers repeatedly mention guides sharing fascinating facts, making everyone feel safe, and even adding humor to keep spirits high. Many describe guides as friendly, helpful, and professional.

The scenery is another standout. Travelers rave about the beauty of the glacier and mountain views, often calling it “incredible” or “breathtaking.” Seeing crevasses and moulins is a highlight that sticks with visitors, as it’s a rare opportunity to witness the raw power and fragile beauty of a glacier.

Authentic Experiences and Safe Exploration

Many reviews mention how the guides ensure safety without taking away the sense of adventure. A quote from a satisfied traveler sums this up: “Our guide kept a good pace that allowed us to enjoy the scenery while staying safe.” This balance is crucial, especially for those new to glacier hiking.

The Short Duration and Its Impact

While some might wish for a longer time on the ice, most agree that the hour-long glacier walk, combined with the informative safety briefing and scenic stops, makes for a satisfying experience. One reviewer states, “This really is a glacier hiking taster session,” which is perfect for those with limited time or new to glaciers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This outing is ideal for families with children over 8, thanks to the manageable pace and safety measures. It’s perfect for first-timers curious about glaciers but not interested in technical climbing or ice caving.

If you’re a nature lover, you’ll appreciate the stunning views and the chance to walk on a massive, ancient glacier.

However, if you’re looking for a more challenging or longer glacier adventure, this tour might feel a bit brief, and you might prefer an advanced hike or ice climb.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak season.
• Arrive prepared with warm clothing and hiking pants; gear like boots can be rented.
• The meeting point is at Troll Expeditions Skaftafell — easy to locate.
• The drive from Reykjavík is about 4.5 hours, so plan accordingly for early starts.
• Duration of 3 hours means you’ll spend about an hour on the glacier, plus transfers and safety briefings.
• Age suitability: Children must be at least 8 years old.
• Weather considerations: You might find that the weather affects visibility and comfort, so dress accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a guide, glacier hike equipment (crampons, helmets, harnesses, ice axes), plus coffee and chocolates to enjoy after your walk.

Do I need to bring my own hiking gear?
You’ll need to bring hiking shoes and pants. Hiking boots are available to rent on-site if you don’t have suitable footwear.

How long is the glacier walk?
You’ll spend approximately 60 to 90 minutes on the ice, exploring crevasses, moulins, and ice tunnels.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 8 years old are welcome, making it a family-friendly adventure.

What about the weather?
The tour operates in various conditions, but safety and comfort depend on the weather. Clear days often provide the best views and experience.

How fit do I need to be?
While the hike is described as easy and not very challenging, a basic level of fitness helps. The walk involves some standing and walking on uneven ice.

Can I do this if I have mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for those with mobility limitations due to the uneven terrain and physical nature of the ice walk.

What is the best time of year to do this?
The tour runs year-round, but winter offers the most dramatic ice formations and blue ice tunnels. Summer days are longer and may offer different scenic qualities.

This glacier hike in Skaftafell National Park offers a fantastic introduction to Iceland’s icy wilderness. It’s a well-organized, reasonably priced way to see Europe’s largest glacier up close, with a helpful guide to enrich the experience.

Travelers who want a family-friendly, accessible adventure with stunning scenery and expert guidance will find this tour to be a great value. It’s suitable for those new to glacier hiking but eager to see one of Iceland’s most impressive natural features.

While it’s a shorter experience, the quality of the scenery and the expertise of the guides make it a memorable highlight that fits well into most Iceland itineraries. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a first-time visitor, or simply someone wanting a unique activity, this tour delivers an authentic taste of Iceland’s glacial majesty.

Remember: Book ahead, dress warmly, and bring your sense of adventure — Iceland’s glaciers won’t disappoint.

You can check availability for your dates here: