Family Friendly Glacier Hike in Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Come along on an exhilarating and fun-filled glacier hike on Europe’s largest ice cap, Vatnajökull. Those travelling in South Iceland and are looking for an adventure suited for both kids and parents, need to look no further.

Skaftafell is a picturesque nature reserve, located under the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier. It is a great stop for those on a road trip to the nearby Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon or the remote Eastfjords of Iceland. On a glacier hike at Skaftafell, you will be privy to spectacular natural sceneries such as luscious forests, black sand deserts, glittering ice, towering volcanoes, and Iceland’s highest peak.

You will meet your guide at the Skaftafell Terminal Tour Centre. Here you will board a large 4×4 vehicle which will take you to one of Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers, Falljökull. En route, you’ll travel through rugged terrain, created by the movement of the glacier over centuries. Film buffs might recognise the scenery as background in such movies as Batman Begins, Interstellar or the TV series Game of Thrones.

Once at the foot of the glacier, your guide will explain the mechanics of glacier hiking and help put on your glacier equipment which includes crampons, a helmet, and a harness. No prior experience is needed, and although your first few steps might be a little shaky, your crampons will hold you steady and soon walking on the ice will become second nature to you.

As you ascend the glacier, you’ll notice that behind you are the green forests and black deserts of Skaftafell but ahead: nothing but seemingly endless ice. Vatnajökull is Europe’s largest glacier, covering about 8% of Iceland’s landmass, and your guide will tell you more about this massive ice giant as you navigate across the ancient ice.

There are several stops along the way so you can explore blue crevasses, deep glacier moulins, and other strange ice formations. You will spend around 1.5 hours on the ice, which gives you plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the magnificent view.

Explore Europe’s largest ice cap on this 3-hour family-friendly glacier hiking tour. Book now to secure your spot on this popular tour.