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Skaftafellsjökull Glacier Hike

The Skaftafellsjökull hike takes you to the foot of this impressive glacier, one of the many extensions of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap, which covers 11% of Iceland's surface area.

This easy, accessible trail offers a real-life lesson in glacial retreat. You will cross landscapes shaped by glacial erosion, observe how vegetation changes at different altitudes, and discover a lake dotted with small icebergs at the foot of the glacier.

Remarks

Parking: paid parking at the Skaftafell Visitor Center (indicative price in 2025: 1,000 ISK, or about €7 per car).

Difficulties and description of the hike

This route presents no technical difficulties. The approximately 4.5-kilometer round-trip trail is well marked and almost entirely flat, with only 60 meters of elevation gain.

What you'll love

The proximity of the glacier: standing in front of the glacier and its lake dotted with icebergs is a remarkable sight, easily accessible.
A life-size geology lesson: you will find detailed information at the visitor center at the start of the trail and on the information panels along the route.