Skaftafell: Blue Ice Maze Small Group Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull
Description
Leave the standard tourist trails behind and step into a surreal world of deep blue canyons and frozen corridors. This is not your average glacier walk. The Crevasse Labyrinth is an exclusive route through the ice of Falljökull, where Europe’s largest glacier (Vatnajökull) spills down the mountainside. Led by certified glacier guides, you’ll navigate a maze of shimmering blue ice walls and jagged formations that most visitors only see from a distance. Towering blue ice walls and winding crevasses create a surreal, immersive experience. This tour combines the wonder of a glacier hike with the beauty of blue ice caves - accessible year-round and perfect for all experience levels. Whether you're a nature lover, first-time explorer, or photographer, safely discover Iceland’s icy heart up close. Don’t miss one of the most unforgettable and photo-worthy adventures in Iceland.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Our journey begins at the Arctic Adventures Skaftafell Booking Hut , where you’ll meet your guide and fellow explorers. From here, we drive about 11 km to the Fallsjökull glacier tongue, gear up, and set off on a ~4 km adventure through the glacier labyrinth.
Vatnajökull, in the Vatnajökull National Park, is the second largest glacier in Europe, and largest glacier and National Park in Iceland! We explore Falljökull, an outlet of the mighty Vatnajökull.
Falljökull (''Falling Glacier'') is the beautiful glacier outlet where Vatnajökull spills down the mountainside. This is where we hike. Your guide will lead you onto the ice and ensure everyone is comfortable with their crampons and gear. Next, the guide leads you to the Labyrinth, a section of the glacier where the ice is pushed and pulled into deep cracks and narrow alleys. You’ll weave through these blue-tinted corridors, learning about the geology of the ice and the impact of climate change on Iceland’s giants.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Travelers should be prepared to walk approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) with an elevation gain of 200-250 meters (650–820 ft). While the tour is rated as easy and suitable for most fitness levels, there is a moderate amount of walking over uneven glacier terrain.
- We provide all safety gear. Please note that our specialized glacier crampons are only available for shoe sizes 35-50 EU. Those with a shoe size beyond these are unfortunately unable to participate.
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory for this adventure. Rentals are available for a fee if required.
Reviews(22)
We had a good time even though it rained heavily. Unfortunately the hike through the Crevisse is extremely short since one section broke off and it was not passable. Otherwise good tour and nice guides!
Hi Stefanie, thanks for taking a moment to write this. Glaciers really do move and shift, so route changes when a section becomes impassable are part of how these hikes work. Glad you still had a good time despite the rain, and that the guides made the day. Hope Iceland pulls you back. Arctic Adventures Team
A unique experience this 3-hour walk on the glacier. A timeless moment in a grand setting.
Hi Evelyn, much appreciated. Glad the glacier walk was such a memorable experience and that the guide brought real care to the group. Come back any time. Arctic Adventures Team
Absolutely brilliant experience getting to hike a glacier and actually use the gear (even if at a beginner level). Will definitely do the next level if I come back.
We had a wonderful time with Veronica Yarza Ortega on the Vanatjökull Glacier in Iceland. A fantastic adventure with a cheerful and professional guide. She provided excellent explanations and helped us feel confident for what was, after all, a pretty impressive activity. She was very attentive to the group, reassuring, confident, and made us feel safe. A pleasant memory for four Frenchies—even the sun was out to join us. Thanks so much Veronica Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Hi there, always good to hear this. Feeling safe and confident on a glacier isn't a given, and glad the guide brought that for all four of you. Arctic Adventures Team
The hike to the foot of the glacier was a little strenuous. The hike on the glacier was a little challenging. Our guide, Phillipe, was EXCELLENT! He made sure we were all safe, explained all the safety precautions, and checked everyone's equipment. During the hike he explained a lot of the features of the glacier and the effect of the glacier on the mountains around us. He was good natured and made the hike very rewarding. He even took several group photos of us. On our way down, some of us were thirsty. We got the chance to taste some of the meltwater, which was very refreshing. I highly recommend this tour!
Hi Janet, thank you for the kind review. A glacier day done well isn't just about the ice itself, it's the way the guide talks you through what you're looking at while keeping the group safe. Lovely to hear yours did both. Arctic Adventures Team
Booked this last minute the night before and very much worth it. Beta and Lily were great guides and very upfront with potential weather and risk and we're lucky enough to go on the glacier. Beta was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the glacier and we learned a lot. Even drank the glacial water.
Hi Matt, thank you for the kind review. Honest communication about weather and conditions is a standard we hold our guides to on glacier tours, and we're glad it set you up for a great day. Hope to host you again! Arctic Adventures Team
We were in a small group of 12 people, including two teenagers. There were 3 guides present. The hike was beautiful, but a lot of time was lost for individual photos. Due to the repeated standing and waiting, it also became cold and almost boring. Some participants - including the teenagers - did not follow the guides' instructions, which created a bit of tension. The guides should show more authority. We had booked the labyrinth tour, but we only saw about two ice caves, and only from the outside. According to the guide, it looks less spectacular in summer than in winter. However, for me, there was a significant discrepancy between the described tour and the actual offering. It was great to see such a glacier up close and learn something about it. However, I would have expected a bit more for the price: Smaller groups, announcing rules and enforcing adherence to them, providing more information about the glacier, and delivering what was promised at the time of booking.
We did the glacier wonders tour yesterday. The guide Ola was great. Very friendly and gave a good explanation, nice tour and tips. Also the service with books!
Dear Eddie, Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful feedback! We are excited to hear that your Glacier Wonders tour was such a beautiful and enjoyable experience. It is fantastic to know that our professional guide made such a positive impression with a friendly approach and helpful explanations, adding even more value to your adventure. We are grateful for your kind words and for sharing your journey with us and hope you will join us again for another memorable journey in Iceland. - Arctic Adventures Team
Superb experience!!! The guide was very professional, competent and friendly. This is a unique excursion to do absolutely when you are in Iceland!
Dear Laura, Thank you very much for your kind words! We are delighted to hear that your Blue Ice Maze Glacier Hike was such a superb experience. It is fantastic to know that your guide made such a positive impression with their professionalism, knowledge, and friendly approach. How wonderful you found the excursion so unique and memorable. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us and look forward to seeing you again for more amazing experiences in Iceland. - Arctic Adventures Team
Had so much fun exploring the glacier and our guide Martin was great, very kind and informative. So happy we decided to do this tour !
Dear Traveler, Thank you for your kind review. We are glad to hear that you had a great time exploring the glacier and that Martin made the experience both enjoyable and informative. We truly appreciate you choosing Arctic Adventures and hope to welcome you on more tours in the future. - Arctic Adventures Team
