Skaftafell National Park: Falljokull Glacier Advanced Hike

Planning a trip to Iceland and considering a glacier hike? The Falljokull Glacier Advanced Hike in Skaftafell National Park is one of those experiences that promises both adventure and a chance to connect deeply with nature. While we haven’t done this trip ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a clear picture of what you can expect.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the expert guidance ensures safety and enhances your understanding of glaciers and their environment. Second, the stunning scenery — from deep crevasses to ice sculptures — is truly awe-inspiring and worth every minute.

However, a key consideration is the level of exertion required. This isn’t a casual walk; it’s a challenging hike that demands good physical condition and proper gear. If you’re comfortable with some physical activity and want an authentic glacier experience, this could be perfect.

This tour suits travelers who crave a more immersive ice adventure, especially those with a sense of adventure and fitness. It’s also ideal for those interested in learning about climate change and glacier formation firsthand.

Key Points

• Guided expertise ensures safety and enriches your knowledge about glaciers.
• The scenery is breathtaking — from ice formations to panoramic mountain views.
• The duration is about 5 hours, offering a thorough, unhurried experience.
• The price of $153 provides good value considering equipment, guide, and the experience itself.
• It’s not suitable for children under 12, given the physical demands.
• Small group sizes (limited to 10) make it personalized and safer.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Getting to Know the Tour

The Falljokull Glacier Advanced Hike is designed for those ready to tackle a more serious glacier adventure. Starting at Tröll Expeditions in Skaftafell, the tour includes transportation, safety gear, and an expert guide — all for around $153 per person. With a 4.8/5 rating from nearly a thousand reviews, it’s clearly well-loved, especially for the knowledgeable guides and stunning landscape.

The trip lasts about 5 hours, which might seem long but allows ample time to explore, enjoy the views, and learn from your guide. It’s a small-group experience, capped at 10 participants, so expect personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

The Itinerary: What to Expect Step-by-Step

Meeting Point: Tröll Expeditions Skaftafell

The adventure kicks off here. You’ll start with a short bus or coach ride of about 30 minutes, giving you time to soak in the scenery and get into the mindset for your glacier journey.

Safety Briefing at Vatnajökull National Park

Once you arrive, expect a 30-minute safety briefing. This is a crucial part of the experience, where your guide will review safety protocols, demonstrate the use of equipment like crampons, helmets, and ice axes, and answer questions. This step is why choosing a reputable provider matters — safety and knowledge go hand-in-hand here.

More Great Tours Nearby

Guided Glacier Hike in Skaftafell

The core of the tour is the roughly 3-hour guided hike on the ice cap. During this time, you’ll ascend onto the Vatnajökull’s outlet glacier, putting on crampons for secure footing.

What you’ll see:
– Deep crevasses that reveal the glacier’s dynamic movement
– Ice sculptures that have formed over centuries
– Panoramic views of Skaftafell National Park, spreading in every direction

Your guide will point out the different formations, explain how glaciers develop, and share insights on how climate change is impacting these frozen giants. Several reviews highlight the knowledgeability of guides like Filip, who make the experience more meaningful with stories and explanations.

Exploring the Glacier’s Features

As you traverse the glacier, you’ll learn how these vast ice bodies are formed and hear about their fragile future. Some reviews mention drinking fresh glacier water— a cool perk and a memorable moment.

Additional Walk and Return

After the main hike, there’s about a 30-minute walk back to the bus, which provides a nice buffer to reflect on your experience. Then, the bus takes you back to Skaftafell, with an estimated total of around 5 hours.

The Experience in Detail

The reviews speak volumes about the quality of the guides and the overall adventure. People mention guides like Anna, Paula, and Rick, who are praised for their patience, knowledge, and ability to make everyone feel safe — even in challenging weather conditions like fog or rain.

Many reviewers highlight that the hike is more strenuous than they expected, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness. Still, most agree that it’s absolutely worth the effort. As one reviewer put it, “That was pretty one of the coolest things I’ve ever done,” underscoring how impactful the experience can be.

The landscape itself is a mix of rugged ice, deep crevasses, and shimmering ice sculptures. The chance to stand on a vast ice cap and see formations that look like sculptures is truly unique. The panoramic views are often described as breathtaking, especially when the weather cooperates.

Pricing and Value

At $153, this tour offers a solid value considering the included gear, expert guidance, and the duration of the experience. An important note from reviews is that the equipment like waterproof jackets and boots can be rented if you don’t have your own, which is convenient.

Given the small-group format, you’re unlikely to feel rushed or overwhelmed, making it a very personalized adventure. The inclusion of coffee and chocolates at the end adds a cozy touch, making it feel like a complete package.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers in decent physical shape who want a serious glacier hike. It isn’t recommended for kids under 12, given the challenging terrain and safety requirements.

If you’re someone who values guided expertise and loves exploring natural wonders in-depth, you’ll find this tour fulfilling. Plus, if you’re keen on learning about climate change and glacier formation from knowledgeable guides, this trip is a hit.

Final Thoughts

The Falljokull Glacier Advanced Hike in Skaftafell combines spectacular scenery, expert guidance, and a sense of achievement that makes it stand out among Iceland’s glacier adventures. It’s a great choice for those craving a more immersive experience than a simple walk on the ice, but with plenty of opportunity for photography and learning.

While it demands some effort, most reviewers agree that the experience’s richness and the views make it worth every ounce of exertion. It’s an adventure that’s both physically rewarding and visually stunning, perfect for travelers who genuinely want to get close to one of Iceland’s most impressive natural features.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 12 due to the physical demands and safety considerations on the glacier.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing in layers is essential. Waterproof pants, jackets, and hiking boots are available for rent if needed. Bringing water, snacks, and a small cup or bottle to drink glacier water is also suggested.

How long is the hike?
The core guided hike lasts about 3 hours, with the entire experience including safety briefing and transportation taking around 5 hours.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, like most outdoor activities, the tour can be affected by weather conditions. Guides will assess safety and may reschedule or modify the experience if necessary.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the guide, glacier equipment (helmet, harness, crampons, ice axes), parking, coffee, and chocolates. Transportation from the meeting point is also included.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to small groups of up to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and safety.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Booking now allows you to reserve your spot with the flexibility to pay later.

Is this experience physically demanding?
Yes, it involves some strenuous walking and climbing on ice, requiring good fitness and agility. Reviewers have described it as more work than a gentle walk, but most find it incredibly rewarding.

You can check availability for your dates here: