Vatnajökull Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike, Skaftafell

4.3 (4 reviews)
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Gurshan
Gurshan S.
Jun 27, 2023
The guides were very resourceful and provided amazing information
Kayla
Kayla P.
Nov 12, 2022
Our guide, Pascal, was informative and awesome. We learned a lot about the landscape and how to climb safely. 100% recommend!
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Overview

If you've ever wanted to scale a glacier, this is your chance! This ice climbing adventure takes you up a glacial wall on Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. Set just north of Hof and about two hours from Vik, the activity takes you through the Skaftafell Nature Reserve.

After learning the basics of ice climbing and getting fitted with your equipment, a professional guide will help you thoroughly enjoy this exhilarating activity. After securing screws and safety rope, you'll rappel down into a crevasse and climb back up. 

Besides the thrill of climbing a glacier, you'll also enjoy some of Iceland's most coveted views. The surrounding scenery includes ice-capped mountain peaks that stretch more than 6,500 feet (2,000 m) above sea level. Several films and series, including Interstellar, Game of Thrones, and James Bond movies have featured this particular landscape.  

The activity also includes a glacier hike, where you'll walk atop the ice and view deep cracks, crevasses, and moulins (vertical shafts created by melting water).  In the wintertime, it's also possible to view ice tunnels with electric-blue hues. 

Discover more active excursions in Iceland. 

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Traveler reviews

4 total ratings, 3 with reviews
4.3
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
3.5
Guides, Drivers and Staff
5.0
Transport
5.0
Gurshan
Gurshan S.
Canada | Reviewed on Jun 27, 2023
The guides were very resourceful and provided amazing information Read more

The guides were very resourceful and provided amazing information

Tips for future travelers

Pack hiking boots that cover your ankles! (Even if you don’t have them, they are available to rent)

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kayla
Kayla P.
Orlando, FL | Reviewed on Nov 12, 2022
Our guide, Pascal, was informative and awesome. We learned a lot about the landscape and how to climb safely. 100% recommend! Read more

Our guide, Pascal, was informative and awesome. We learned a lot about the landscape and how to climb safely. 100% recommend!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
D
David S.
Watertown, WI | Reviewed on Jul 18, 2022
We and another family of four ended up on a tour with 16 others from a single group. We were split into two groups of 12 with 8 members from the large group paired with each of the separate families of 4. Together or apart, the large group commandeered the tempo of the tour being allowed to move slowly, secure gear improperly, over/under dress and stop to change, ask the guide to carry one of their water bottles, talk when they should have been listening, and take pictures when instructed... Read more

We and another family of four ended up on a tour with 16 others from a single group. We were split into two groups of 12 with 8 members from the large group paired with each of the separate families of 4. Together or apart, the large group commandeered the tempo of the tour being allowed to move slowly, secure gear improperly, over/under dress and stop to change, ask the guide to carry one of their water bottles, talk when they should have been listening, and take pictures when instructed not to (not just a group picture but each person individually). The trip could have gone twice as fast or twice as far without them. Patience was tested.

Quality of Experience
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Itineraries with Vatnajökull Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike

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Skaftafell Experiences

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