Into the Icefall: Extended Glacier Trek
This is an extended glacier trek on Falljökull, one of Vatnajökull's steepest outlet glaciers in South Iceland. Rather than looping the accessible lower ice on the standard glacier walk, this trek pushes toward the icefall: the fractured, chaotic section where the glacier descends from the volcano above.
Overview
The Icefall
Most glacier hikes in the Vatnajökull region follow the same lower loop on flat ice, a short walk, and back to the car park. Falljökull is a different glacier altogether: one of Vatnajökull's steepest outlets, descending directly from Öræfajökull, Iceland's highest peak and most active stratovolcano. Where the gradient increases and the ice can no longer hold its form, it fractures into a cascade of seracs, crevasses, and moulins. That fractured zone is the icefall, and it is where this trek is headed.
The Exploration
The trek begins with a short drive from the Skaftafell area to the base of Falljökull, followed by a walk through the terminal moraine before stepping onto the ice. From there, the route moves toward the icefall through a shifting landscape of features: moulins, deep sinkholes carved by meltwater, alongside seracs and blue crevasses. There is no fixed itinerary. Ropes and ice screws may be deployed, not for vertical climbing, but to safely access sections of the glacier that standard groups walk past without stopping. Most people who do a glacier walk in this region never reach the icefall. By the end of this trek, you will have.
The Local Difference
The icefall section of Falljökull changes shape every season. Navigating it requires someone who reads the glacier in real time, not someone following last year's route. Your guide has spent close to two decades in the Skaftafell region, with a background in glaciology that shapes both the path and the context you receive along the way. The pace is the group's pace. The challenges are those the group wants to face. This is for travelers who want to understand a glacier, not just stand on one. It is not for those looking for a quick loop or a photo stop.
Included
- Expert glacier guide
- Transport from the meeting point to the glacier
- Full technical gear: helmet, crampons, harness, and ice axe
What to Bring
- Stiff-soled hiking boots with ankle support
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm wool or synthetic layers
- Gloves and a warm hat
- Small backpack for water and snacks
Meeting Point
Skaftafell Vatnajökull
Meet on Location
Meeting point is located in Skaftafell near Vatnajökull National Park (4.5+ hour drive from Reykjavík). Specific location will be given upon booking. We ask that you kindly arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of the tour.
Reviews(19)
We had a really amazing experience on the glacier in Vatnajökull National Park. Laurent was an excellent guide. He took us safely across the ice and explained many interesting things about the glacier, like the moulins and other formations. He managed very well to make the hike enjoyable for us while also paying great attention to our safety. The glacier is beautiful and impressive and Laurent handled everything with care.
We joined the 6-hour glacier hike today and had an amazing experience! Our guide, Ási, was super friendly, patient, and helpful throughout the tour. He always made sure everyone was safe and even pointed out the best photo spots. The scenery was absolutely stunning — from the sparkling blue ice to the vast glacier views. It was truly unforgettable and one of the best parts of our Iceland trip. Highly recommend both the tour and our fantastic guide, Ási!
Fantastic hike on the glacier! We were accompanied by Laurent, a passionate French guide who was very professional and also incredibly friendly. The exploration, the stories, and the beauty of the glacier made us forget about the rain. We highly recommend this excursion if you're ever in the area.