Crevasse Labyrinth – Vatnajökull Glacier Maze from Skaftafell

If you’re dreaming of walking through a frozen maze carved by nature itself, the Crevasse Labyrinth tour could be just what you’re looking for. While I haven’t personally ventured into this specific adventure, I’ve gathered honest insights from travelers who have—and it sounds like a unique, accessible way to see Vatnajökull’s icy depths.

What we really love about this experience is its family-friendly vibe and the well-organized guides that make exploring glaciers safe and fun for most beginners. Plus, the stunning views of blue ice walls and winding crevasses promise some truly memorable photo moments. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that this tour is on the easier side, so if you’re craving something more challenging, it might not satisfy that urge.

This tour is best suited for those who want a beautiful, safe introduction to Iceland’s glaciers without needing prior experience or serious physical prep. It’s perfect for families, curious travelers, or first-timers looking to tick off a bucket list item with minimal fuss. If you’re after an accessible, scenic adventure that’s full of photo opportunities and knowledgeable guides, this could be a great pick.

Key Points

• Accessible for most with a rating as an “easy” glacier tour, but walking over uneven terrain requires a reasonable level of fitness.
• Includes all safety gear—crampons, helmet, harness, and an axe—making it straightforward for novices to feel secure.
• Small group size (max 12 travelers) ensures a more personal experience and better interaction with guides.
• Stunning scenery of icy blue walls and crevasses makes it a photographer’s dream.
• Great value for money at roughly $120 per person, considering you get a guided glacier walk with all equipment included.
• Weather dependent, with a clear policy for cancellations if conditions aren’t suitable, ensuring safety.

What to Expect During the Tour

Start at Skaftafell

Your adventure begins at the Arctic Adventures Skaftafell Booking Hut. Here, you’ll meet your guide and fellow explorers. It’s a friendly, organized start, with a short drive (around 11 km) to the Fjallsjökull glacier tongue. The drive itself offers a glimpse of Iceland’s striking terrain, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.

Gear Up and Head Out

Once you arrive, you’ll gear up with everything needed for safety—crampons that fit sizes 35-50 EU, a helmet, harness, and an axe. The guides are known for their professionalism and friendliness, making sure everyone is comfortable before setting out on the approximately 4 km walk through the glacier labyrinth. Expect a walk of about 2.5 miles over uneven terrain, which is manageable for most travelers with good footwear.

Exploring the Glacier Maze

This part is where the magic happens. You’ll traverse towering blue ice walls, winding crevasses, and sculpted ice formations. The guides will teach you about the glacier’s formation and the natural processes that created this icy maze. The landscape is surreal—think winding corridors of sparkling blue ice that seem almost otherworldly.

The Ice Caves and Blue Walls

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of hiking and viewing ice caves, accessible year-round. The constant movement of the glacier continually reshapes the maze, adding an element of unpredictability and freshness with each visit.

End Back at the Meeting Point

After about 4 hours, the tour concludes back at the starting point, giving you plenty of time to reflect or snap a few last photos of the striking landscape.

Real Traveler Insights

Many reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides and the beautiful scenery. One mentions, “Our guide Kevin was friendly, professional, and helpful,” emphasizing the importance of a good guide for your comfort. Others rave about the safe, well-organized experience—feeling well cared for and confident walking among the ice.

Some travelers note that it’s an ideal tour for beginners or families, describing the hike as “short and quite easy,” but still breathtaking. The comments suggest that with the right footwear and a reasonable level of mobility, most can enjoy this tour without difficulty.

However, it’s also clear that this isn’t a tour for those seeking more extreme glacier adventures. Several reviews mention the tour’s relaxed pace and manageable terrain, making it clear this is more about appreciating the scenery than tackling challenging ice formations.

The Itinerary in Detail

Skaftafell – The Starting Point

This is where your journey begins, in the heart of Iceland’s wilderness. The Booking Hut is the spot to meet your guide, and the short drive to Fjallsjökull provides a scenic prelude. The 30-minute free admission time is mostly for gearing up and introductions.

Fjallsjökull Glacier Tongue

This is the launch point for the adventure. It’s an accessible entry into Vatnajökull National Park, the largest glacier in Europe. The drive here is part of the charm, as you leave the more populated areas behind and enter a landscape of ice and volcanic terrain.

The Walk Through the Ice Maze

The main event involves walking approximately 4 km through winding ice passages, with towering blue walls that are actually frozen water. The guides’ explanations about glacier formation and the ice cave system help deepen your appreciation of what you’re seeing.

The Ice Caves

While not all ice caves are included, the tour highlights the year-round accessibility of these formations. You’ll see the beautiful blue hues of the ice, which are created by the compression of snow and the absence of air pockets.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour offers excellent value, with all safety equipment provided—crampons, helmet, harness, and an axe—plus fees for Vatnajökull National Park. Guides are certified professionals, ensuring your safety and enriching your experience with their knowledge.

On the downside, snacks and bottled water aren’t included, so plan to bring your own if you need a boost during or after the walk. Also, sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory—rentals are available if you don’t have suitable footwear. Keep in mind, crampons are only available for sizes 35-50 EU, so if you wear smaller or larger shoes, you might need to skip this tour.

Practical Tips for Booking and Participation

• Book in advance—this tour is booked over 5 times just last week, and spots fill up quickly, especially in peak seasons.
• Arrive prepared with sturdy hiking boots and warm clothing, as the glacier can be chilly and uneven terrain can be tricky.
• Check the weather forecast before your trip, as the tour is weather-dependent and may be canceled if conditions aren’t safe.
• Consider your fitness level—most people can do this tour, but walking 4 km over uneven terrain requires a reasonable amount of mobility.
• Group size is small—max 12 travelers, which makes for a more intimate experience and better guide interaction.

Final Thoughts: Is this Tour Right for You?

This glacier maze adventure offers an accessible yet breathtaking glimpse into Iceland’s icy wilderness. It’s especially suitable for those new to glacier hikes or with young travelers who want to experience Vatnajökull without the physical challenge of a more demanding tour. The guides’ professionalism and the stunning scenery make it a worthwhile option if you’re looking for a safe, informative, and visually striking experience.

If you’re after an adventure that balances beauty, safety, and ease, this tour checks those boxes. Expect to walk through winding ice passages, learn about glaciers from knowledgeable guides, and come away with plenty of photos of the surreal blue ice walls. Just remember, it’s a manageable walk—not an extreme expedition—so temper your expectations accordingly.

The Crevasse Labyrinth tour is a solid choice for anyone wanting a memorable ice experience in Iceland with a focus on scenery and safety.

FAQ

Do I need experience to join this tour?
No, it’s rated as an easy tour suitable for most travelers, including beginners. However, you should be comfortable walking about 4 km over uneven terrain.

What safety equipment is included?
All necessary gear—crampons, helmets, harnesses, and axes—are provided, making the experience straightforward and safe for those unfamiliar with glacier walks.

Can I rent hiking boots if I don’t have suitable footwear?
Yes, rentals are available for sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, but keep in mind that crampons only fit sizes 35-50 EU.

Will the tour be canceled if weather is bad?
Yes, the tour depends on good weather conditions. If canceled due to weather, you’ll get an option to reschedule or a full refund.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes, including transportation, gear-up, and the glacier walk.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-focused, most travelers find it manageable for older kids and teenagers, especially those comfortable with walking on uneven terrain.

What’s the best way to prepare?
Wear sturdy, ankle-supporting hiking boots, dress warmly in layers, and bring a sense of adventure. Arrive a little early to gear up and meet your guide.

Can I see ice caves on this tour?
Yes, the tour offers access to ice caves that are accessible year-round, and guides will share information about these stunning formations.

How many people will be in the group?
The maximum group size is 12 travelers, ensuring a personalized, attentive experience.

If you’re after a scenic, beginner-friendly glacier walk with knowledgeable guides and stunning views, this Crevasse Labyrinth tour from Skaftafell could be just the thing. It’s a chance to step onto ice that looks like it belongs on another planet, safely and comfortably, with plenty of room for photos and learning. It’s not a high-octane adventure, but for many, that’s exactly what makes it special.