Into the Icefall: Extended Glacier Trek
A comprehensive 4.5-hour glacier expedition led by Laurent, a certified technical guide. This tour goes beyond the basic "glacier walk" loop, taking you deep onto Falljökull—one of Vatnajökull’s steepest and most dramatic outlets. It is a thorough exploration of the ice, designed for those who want to see crevasses, moulins, and ice towers at a relaxed, flexible pace without the technical demands of vertical climbing.
While most tours stick to the flat tongue of the glacier, this expedition aims for the dramatic "icefall"—the jagged, chaotic section where the glacier descends from the volcano above.
Starting with a short drive from the terminal to the glacier's roots, you will hike through the terminal moraine before stepping onto the white ice. The focus here is on discovery. Your guide will navigate the group through a labyrinth of features: bottomless sinkholes (moulins), towering seracs, and deep blue crevasses. Because this is a boutique tour, the pace is dictated by the group. You might use ropes and ice screws not for climbing, but to safely access hidden areas or get closer looks at deep fissures that regular groups pass by. It is the perfect choice for hikers who want to truly understand the anatomy of a glacier.
- AIMG Certified Glacier Guide
- Transport from basecamp to the glacier roots
- Extended duration (4 - 4.5 hours total)
- Specialized technical gear: Helmet, crampons, harness, and ice axe
- Introduction to glacier safety and equipment
- Sturdy Hiking Boots: High ankle support and stiff soles are required for crampons.
- Warm Outdoor Clothing: Waterproof jacket/pants and thermal layers (No jeans).
- Backpack: With water and snacks for the longer duration.
- Gloves and Hat: Essential for comfort on the ice.
Meeting Point
TripAdvisor 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.
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