Skaftafell: Extra Small Group Glacier Adventure

The Skaftafell Extra Small Group Glacier Adventure offers travellers a chance to experience the grandeur of the Falljökull glacier up close. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, participants can expect an intimate exploration of this natural wonder, learning about its intriguing history and geological significance. Though the 4.5-hour tour may seem brief, the carefully curated itinerary ensures a well-rounded glacial adventure, complete with safety briefings, a moderate hike, and a scenic lunch stop. For those seeking a unique and memorable encounter with Iceland’s stunning landscapes, this small-group expedition could be the perfect fit.

Key Points

• The Skaftafell Glacier Adventure offers a guided 4.5-hour tour to explore the less crowded Falljökull glacier in small groups of up to 8 participants.
• The tour includes transportation in a modified 4×4 vehicle, a 3.5-hour guided glacier walk, a safety briefing, crampon fitting, and a lunch break at the highest accessible point.
• The guided glacier walk is led by expert instructors, who share the rich history and unique features of the Falljökull glacier.
• The tour is suitable for healthy adults and experienced hikers, with a moderate difficulty level involving a 6 km hike and 250 m elevation gain.
• The tour operator closely monitors weather conditions and may cancel the tour for safety reasons, with a full refund provided in such cases.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This guided Skaftafell Glacier Adventure tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore a less crowded section of the Falljökull glacier.

The tour costs SEK 1,942 per person and lasts 4.5 hours, with a group size limited to 8 participants. Guests will travel to the glacier in a modified 4×4 vehicle, then embark on a 3.5-hour guided glacier walk led by expert guides.

During the tour, you will learn the glacier’s history, receive a safety briefing and crampon fitting, and enjoy a lunch break at the highest accessible point.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and the difficulty level is moderate, requiring a 6 km hike with a 250 m elevation gain.

Itinerary

The tour begins with a 15-minute drive to the Falljökull glacier in a modified 4×4 vehicle. Guests then embark on a 3.5-hour guided walk on the glacier, led by expert guides who share the history and significance of this natural wonder. Following the glacier exploration, the tour returns to the Skaftafell Terminal.

Transportation	Stops	Activities
Modified 4×4 (Land Rover Defender)	15-minute drive to Falljökull	Learn glacier history from expert guides
	3.5-hour guided walk on the glacier	Safety briefing and crampon fitting
	Return to Skaftafell Terminal	Explore less crowded parts of the glacier
		Lunch break at the highest accessible point

Transportation and Stops

The tour begins with a 15-minute drive to the Falljökull glacier in a modified 4×4 vehicle.

Guests then embark on a 3.5-hour guided walk on the glacier, led by expert guides who share the history and significance of this natural wonder.

During the glacier exploration, you will have the chance to explore less crowded areas and enjoy a lunch break at the highest accessible point.

Following the glacier adventure, the tour returns to the Skaftafell Terminal, completing the immersive Skaftafell Glacier Adventure experience.

Guided Walk on Glacier

Guided by expert instructors, participants embark on an engaging 3.5-hour trek across the captivating expanse of the Falljökull glacier. The guides share the glacier’s rich history as the group navigates the ice, learning about its formation and unique features.

Donning provided crampons, participants explore less crowded areas, marveling at the glacier’s ever-changing landscape. At the highest accessible point, the group pauses for a lunch break, taking in the breathtaking views.

Throughout the journey, the guides ensure the safety and comfort of the small group, offering insights and fostering an immersive, educational experience. The moderate difficulty level challenges participants, leaving them with a profound appreciation for the power and beauty of this natural wonder.

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Inclusions and Recommendations

As part of the Skaftafell Glacier Adventure, the tour package includes a set of hiking boots available for rent, allowing participants to explore the glacier comfortably.

On top of that, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance provides flexibility for travelers.

To fully prepare for the excursion, guests are advised to bring the following:

1. Warm clothing to stay comfortable in the chilly glacier environment.

2. Sunglasses to protect their eyes from the bright, reflective surface.

3. Ample food and drinks to sustain them during the strenuous hike.

Suitability and Difficulty

Suitability and Difficulty

Participants’ physical capabilities and age must align with the tour’s moderate difficulty level, which involves a 6 km hike on uneven terrain with a 250 m elevation gain. Children under 12 years and individuals with mobility impairments are not recommended for this adventure. Hikers should be prepared for a challenging yet rewarding experience, as the glacier exploration requires a good level of fitness and endurance.

Suitable For	Not Suitable For
Healthy adults	Children under 12
Experienced hikers	Those with mobility issues
Participants in good physical condition	Individuals lacking hiking experience
Adventurous travelers	Unprepared or unfit guests
Thrill-seekers drawn to glacial landscapes	Those seeking an easy, leisurely excursion

Weather Policy

The tour operator closely monitors weather conditions and reserves the right to cancel the glacier adventure if they deem the weather unsafe for participants. In the event of a cancellation, customers will receive a full refund. The weather policy is in place to prioritize safety:

1. Dangerous winds, heavy rain, or snowstorms can make the glacier hike treacherous and increase the risk of injury.

2. Extreme cold temperatures can also pose a threat, as they can lead to hypothermia and frostbite.

3. Poor visibility due to fog or blizzard conditions can make navigation on the glacier challenging and hazardous.

Ultimately, the tour’s weather policy is designed to protect both customers and guides, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the glacier.

Customer Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Skaftafell Glacier Adventure, with an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 57 reviews.

Reviewers consistently highlight the expertise and passion of the guides, who bring the glacier’s history to life. The small group size is also praised for enhancing the overall experience and engagement with the surroundings.

While the hike is described as challenging, with a 6 km trek and 250 m elevation gain, participants recommend wearing thick socks to avoid blisters from the crampons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Hiking Gear Instead of Renting?

Yes, you can bring your own hiking gear instead of renting. The tour allows participants to use their own equipment, as long as it meets the safety requirements specified by the operator.

Do the Guides Speak English?

The guides on this glacier adventure tour are knowledgeable English speakers. They provide safety briefings and lead the hike in English, ensuring participants can fully understand and engage with the experience.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With a Fear of Heights?

The tour may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights, as it involves hiking on uneven, elevated glacier terrain. Participants must be able to navigate moderate difficulty levels and feel comfortable on higher ground.

Can I Take Photos on the Glacier?

Yes, visitors can take photos on the glacier during the tour. The guides encourage participants to capture the stunning glacial landscapes, as long as it does not interfere with the safety of the group. Photographers should exercise caution on the uneven terrain.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour operator doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. The glacier adventure is a 4.5-hour experience, and the itinerary is fixed. Extending the tour would require booking a separate, longer excursion.

Recap

The Skaftafell Extra Small Group Glacier Adventure offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the breathtaking Falljökull glacier.

With a maximum of 8 participants, this guided tour provides an intimate and immersive experience, featuring a comprehensive glacier walk led by expert guides.

Ideal for adventurous travelers seeking a unique and unforgettable glacial exploration, this tour delivers an unparalleled connection with the natural wonder of the Icelandic landscape.

You can check if your dates are available here: