
Get ready for an exciting adventure on the stunning Vatnajökull glacier, the largest in Europe. This tour combines a thrilling ice climbing session with a scenic glacier hike, giving you the chance to explore one of Iceland’s most breathtaking natural wonders. You’ll be surrounded by incredible views of snow-covered peaks that rise high above the glacier. A friendly and experienced guide will teach you the basics of ice climbing, help you use the gear, and make sure you feel safe and confident throughout the activity.
You’ll ride in a special glacier bus, take a short walk to the ice, and then step onto the glacier with crampons securely fastened. Your guide will find the best ice walls and crevasses for climbing, set up safety ropes, and lead you on an unforgettable climb. Along the way, you’ll see amazing ice features like deep cracks, moulins, and small tunnels glowing with blue light.
Your adventure begins at the base camp of Troll Expeditions Skaftafell. Here you’ll meet your certified glacier guide, get checked in, and receive all the gear you’ll need for the day. The team will give a quick overview of the experience ahead and make sure everyone feels comfortable before heading out.
After gearing up, you’ll hop on the troll bus for a short scenic drive. The journey takes you through stunning landscapes with towering peaks and vast ice fields in the distance, setting the tone for the day’s adventure.
Once off the bus, you’ll take a gentle walk to the glacier’s edge. Your guide will help you fit your crampons securely and explain how to walk on the ice safely. This is the perfect moment to take in the incredible surroundings.
Now the real fun begins. Your guide will find the best spots on the glacier for climbing and set up all the safety ropes. You’ll have the chance to climb an ice wall or rappel into a crevasse, feeling the thrill of standing on ancient ice. After climbing, you’ll continue hiking across the glacier to explore deep crevasses, moulins, and shimmering blue ice formations.
When the adventure comes to an end, you’ll walk back to the bus and return to the base camp. A warm cup of coffee and sweet treats will be waiting for you—perfect after an action-packed day in Iceland’s icy wilderness.
The total duration is approximately 4 hours. This includes gearing up, transportation to the glacier, walking to the edge, climbing and hiking, and returning to base. You will spend around 3 hours directly on the ice.
The tour is rated as medium difficulty. You don’t need to be an experienced climber, but you should be in good physical shape and able to walk and climb for an extended period in outdoor conditions.
No experience is needed. Your certified glacier guide will teach you the basic techniques for climbing and using the equipment. The activity is designed to be suitable for beginners with a sense of adventure.
All technical climbing and safety equipment, including crampons, harness, ice axe, boots, and helmet, is included in the tour. Optional clothing add-ons like waterproof jackets and gloves are available for rent or purchase at the base.