Top Things to do in Vatnajokull National Park
Things to do in Vatnajokull National Park, East Region: The Best Tours
The largest national park in Europe, Vatnajokull combines thick blue ice caves, black sand beaches, waterfalls, and even lush green fields to create an otherworldly landscape that begs to be explored. Ásbyrgi, a canyon known for its distinct horseshoe shape, is a must for those hoping to discover local woodland. Whether climbing Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnúkur, or hiking to the Detifoss waterfall, the country’s scenic terrain and breathtaking geological formations can’t be missed.
1. Glacier Lagoon and South Coast Iceland: Private Tour from Reykjavik
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This is a very condensed tour, and is one of our longest day tours. The private tour covers most major sites along the South Coast of Iceland, including Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, black beaches and the magnificent Glacier Lagoon, Jokulsarlon. This day tour offers the busy traveler who wants to stretch the distance within a very short period of time the opportunity to do so in comfort.
Inclusions: Transport by private vehicle, Private professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By Swallowsnamazons
I booked two full day trips, transfers to and from airport and the Blue Lagoon with this company. We were a party of four adults that included two ‘seniors’ one of whom is disabled - me! All arrangements were agreed in writing and I was provided with a full, clear Itinerary for our stay. The drivers arrived at the expected time for each occasion and the vehicles were exceptionally good. They managed my scooter (and the luggage) cheerfully - both in actions and attitudes and I was treated with dignity at all times. The day trips in a 4 x 4 were outstanding and adjusted by agreement to meet the party’s desires and weather changes. Both of the young men who escorted our party were charming, informative and great company. By the end of both days, we were a family! Thank you so much Gisele and Audunn! Without doubt you can see the Golden Circle and the South Coast cheaper by coach tour or self-drive but neither can compare with the personal service and depth of knowledge about the island, it’s geography, society and culture provided by one’s own tour guide. The journeys in a 4 x 4 are more comfortable and exciting too!! If this is your first, your only or a special trip, don’t think twice about paying for the best if you can. This was my second visit to Iceland but hopefully not my last. Thank you Ao Thur for making it such fun and with more marvellous memories -again. Hugs Mary.
2. Glacier Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
This is a tour for those who wish to enjoy outdoor activities in the fresh mountain air and experience the unspoiled natural beauty of Iceland at its best. Breiðamerkurjökull is a part of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, and glacier hiking is the perfect way to get to know this magnificent natural phenomenon while at the same time enjoying the surrounding and majestic mountain views. We meet at Jökulsárlón and embark on a 30-minute jeep ride to where we start our walk, at which point all passengers receive necessary safety equipment and instructions from the guide, essential for glacier walks. During the tour, passengers will acquire knowledge about the glacier and view some unique ice sculpture and crevasse formations. Conditions for photography are exceptional in this unique landscape, and, again, there will be very few people around.
Inclusions: Crampons, helmet, ice axe, harness
Exclusions:
Reviewed By KarineP4
We really wanted to hike a glacier and see natural ice caves (NOT man made) in Iceland. Blue Iceland was the only company that would allow a 4 years old on a private tour. With a 4 and 7 years old, we were able to go at our own pace. Our guide was very patient and understanding. My 4 yo said "It's like I am in a book". Thank you for the memories!
3. Evening Glacier Walk from Skaftafell - Extra Small Group
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
• Certified guides Our guides have certification from AIMG (Association of Icelandic Mountain Guides). • Small groups The group size for our trips never exceeds 8 people. • 4x4 drive We will drive you all the way to the glacier. That means more time we can spend on ice. • Evening departure (June - August) If you want to avoid the crowds join us for our evening tour and enjoy the complete silence.
Inclusions: Harness, crampons and ice axe
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Jedihaha
Most memorable experience out of my 8 days in Iceland! We were a party of 3 and our guide Katerina was simply the best! She was very knowledgeable about glaciers in and out of Iceland, very safety-conscious, and offered to take many excellent pictures. I left the tour feeling very grateful that I could get up close to the World’s third-biggest glacier that is not expected to exist in another 100-120 years. Being in such a small group also meant that we had plenty of opportunity to talk about many other topics and received a local’s insight to touring Iceland. Another bonus from the tour- joy ride over rough, undulating terrain leading up to the start of the glacier hike. Taking you further in than most others. The team behind Melrakki Adventures were quick to respond to our last-minute request to reschedule… twice! Thank you Katerina and team for the second-to-none experience.
4. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour | Glacier Hike & Entire South Coast
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 78 reviews
This small group two day tour gives you the time to take in the impressive Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss waterfalls, the Black Sand Beach and basalt columns at Reynisfjara. You’ll hike on the Falljökull Glacier, getting unbeatable views of the ice fall. You’ll be mesmerised by the giant icebergs floating around the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, as well as the large crystals of ice washed up on the nearby Diamond Beach. You get to explore the moss covered Eldhraun lava fields and incredible Fjaðrárgljúfur gorge. Outside of months with midnight sun there’s a chance you’ll even be able to see the northern lights dancing across the sky. This tour includes accommodation and delicious buffet breakfast at the modern Lilja Guesthouse, which has spacious rooms and private bathrooms. All with our awarded guides! From November to March this tour changes to the winter version, which includes an ice cave tour. Check out our Glacier Lagoon & Ice Cave Discovery 2 Day Tour if travelling in winter!
Inclusions: Breakfast, Overnight accommodation, Buffet breakfast, Glacier Hike & Equipment , Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Professional guide
Exclusions: Food and drinks, except Breakfast., Sturdy Waterproof hiking boots needed for glacier hike. Can be rented for 1000 ISK (approx $10 US)
Reviewed By Destination428169
Ahhh. The tour not taken. I jumped on a great last minute airfare to Iceland from the US and had little time to plan, so I was panicking, a bit. I read reviews and decided to contact two tour companies, one being Hidden Iceland. They responded immediately with a detailed outline of a private tour that met EXACTLY what I asked for in terms of sights, type of accommodation, level of activity, adventure and flexibility specific to a mom traveling with teenagers. Family friends learned of our trip and decided to join us and ultimately the decision was made to self explore. However- this company’s response was very impressive and I will be envious of those who take a vacation with Hidden Iceland!
5. Iceland Glacier Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Discover the beauty of Iceland’s largest glaciers and highest volcanoes with professional guides that focus on providing the highest possible standard of experience. Gigantic rivers of ice are constantly pouring down from the Vatnajökull ice cap, flowing almost the entire way out to the ocean below. These powerful forces of nature have built and shaped the land within Vatnajökull National Park, subsequently creating formations that are unique only to this part of the world. Blue ice, green moss, volcanic rocks and pure drinking water. This is what the Iceland Glacier Walk is all about and what you will experience when you visit the glacier on a Iceland Glacier Walk with us. With safety as the highest priority at all times Glacier and Volcano Expeditions always endeavour to take their guests to the most interesting, beautiful and photogenic locations whilst also being on the lookout for new features that the glacier creates regularly. This is all part of the fun!
Inclusions: Crampons, Harness, Helmet, Ice axe/ pole (if necessary)
Exclusions: Boots/ Rain coat
Reviewed By darthmaul121083
Guđný and Rowan were awesome! Rowan was very nice and fun helping us get set up to go on the hike. Guđný was a very knowledgeable and helpful guide. We were the only ones on the tour so it was a very personalized tour. Totally worth the price!
6. Diamond Circle Day Tour from Akureyri
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Discover the incredible Diamond Circle of North Iceland with an experienced local tour guide in a small group. This tour uncovers the natural beauty of the utterly unique landscape of Northern Iceland. As we travel through the diverse glacial and volcanic geothermal areas we visit top attractions including the amazing Dettifoss waterfall in Vatnajokull National Park and an opportunity to enjoy the GeoSea Geothermal baths.This great value tour includes pick up and drop off. Our first stop is at Godadoss waterfall, the famous 'Waterfall of the Gods' and then we visit the Lake Myvatn area for photo stops. Next is Dettifoss Waterfall, Europe's most powerful waterfall and you can also visit Selfoss waterfall in Vatnajokull National Park, We also visit Jokulsargljufur Canyon, Hljodaklettar Echo Cliffs, Asbyrgi Canyon, Tjornes Peninsula Cliffs where Puffins nest in the summer and then Husavik town where you can use the GeoSea Geothermal Sea Bath (optional add-on, entrance fee not included)
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Transport, guided tour, pick up and drop off
Exclusions: Food and Drink, Entrance fee to GeoSea geothermal baths (optional add on)
Reviewed By Janice242
We saw some lights and Armann was amazing. It seems many people on other tours weren’t so lucky but I think it was our guides local knowledge that nailed it for us. What’s more we had a running commentary about the old Gods and local history that was fascinating. I would do this tour again.
7. Iceland Volcano Hike
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
The Iceland Volcano Hike is a unique experience that features mind-blowing views of Iceland's tallest volcano and five major outlet glaciers. Hiking across the ridge top is challenging and exhilarating which makes for a very rewarding day in the mountains. You will experience amazing vistas throughout the entire trip which boasts a huge variety of landscapes. There really are surprises around every corner!
Inclusions: Safety Harness, Helmet
Exclusions: Outdoor clothing, raincoat, boots
Reviewed By darthmaul121083
Guđný and Rowan were awesome! Rowan was very nice and fun helping us get set up to go on the hike. Guđný was a very knowledgeable and helpful guide. We were the only ones on the tour so it was a very personalized tour. Totally worth the price!
8. Half-Day Glacier and Ice Cave Hike + Photo Package
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
We are the only glacier tour company in Iceland to give you a professional photo package with your tour.
Inclusions: Glacier Equipment: helmet, harness, crampons, and ice axe (hiking boots upon prior request) , 10 Shot Photo Package Per Person Package includes portraits, group, and landscapes shots
Exclusions: Proper layered clothing (come prepared for all seasons)
Reviewed By SergeyL_travel81
In October, I was with my group in beautiful Iceland. Ryan was our guide to the glaciers and caves.I t was an unforgettable experience and really a spectacular adventure! All this was thanks to Ryan. He loves his job very much, and it is also very interesting to talk to him about everything in the world! And sure Ryan is a very friendly guy who is ready to help you! I recommend anyone who wants to get the maximum of visiting glaciers and caves, contact Ryan!- You won't regret it! Sergey
9. Half-Day Vatnajokull Glacier Small Group Tour from Skaftafell
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
• Certified guides Our guides have certification from AIMG (Association of Icelandic Mountain Guides). • Small groups The group size for our trips never exceeds 8 people. • 4x4 drive We will drive you all the way to the glacier. That means more time we can spend on ice. • Evening departure (June - August) If you want to avoid the crowds join us for our evening tour and enjoy the complete silence.
Inclusions: Harness, crampons and ice axe
Exclusions: Weather dependent clothing, Hiking boots, Small backpack with extra clothing layers, bottle of water and small snacks, Sunglasses
Reviewed By Jedihaha
Most memorable experience out of my 8 days in Iceland! We were a party of 3 and our guide Katerina was simply the best! She was very knowledgeable about glaciers in and out of Iceland, very safety-conscious, and offered to take many excellent pictures. I left the tour feeling very grateful that I could get up close to the World’s third-biggest glacier that is not expected to exist in another 100-120 years. Being in such a small group also meant that we had plenty of opportunity to talk about many other topics and received a local’s insight to touring Iceland. Another bonus from the tour- joy ride over rough, undulating terrain leading up to the start of the glacier hike. Taking you further in than most others. The team behind Melrakki Adventures were quick to respond to our last-minute request to reschedule… twice! Thank you Katerina and team for the second-to-none experience.
10. Glacier Kayaking Iceland
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Experience the freedom of floating on a glacier lagoon gliding in between icebergs that come from Vatnajökull, Icelands largest glacier. The Glacier Kayaking Iceland tour leads you on a hike to a glacier lagoon, followed with kayaking between ancient glacier icebergs, and finish by paddling back down the river to where you started from! The kayak is an inflatable boat called a packraft. Our packrafts are single-person boats that are extremely buoyant as they are a pontoon-style design, which also means they are incredibly stable. Packrafts are easy to paddle and there is very little chance that novice users will tip out. Weighing under 10kg including your drysuit, paddle and PFD, all of this equipment is very portable and easily carried in a backpack. You will be issued all of this equipment at the beginning of the tour, and you will need to carry the equipment in the backpack to the glacier lake. The walk to the lake is 2km long and takes approximately 30-40 minuets.
Inclusions: Packraft (boat), Drysuit, PFD, Paddle, Backpack
Exclusions: Private transportation
Reviewed By darthmaul121083
Guđný and Rowan were awesome! Rowan was very nice and fun helping us get set up to go on the hike. Guđný was a very knowledgeable and helpful guide. We were the only ones on the tour so it was a very personalized tour. Totally worth the price!
