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Ultimate Iceland Airplane Tour from Skaftafell – Craters, Glaciers & Black Sands
Perfect for Seniors
Skaftafell, Iceland
Skaftafell Popular tours and activities
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Laki Craters Airplane Tour from Skaftafell
Take off from Skaftafell Terminal on this up to 50-minute airplane tour in Iceland to the Laki crater chain, one of Iceland’s most significant volcanic regions in the highlands. This flight combines glacier views with remote highland landscapes shaped by volcanic eruptions.What to ExpectAfter departure, your pilot will guide the route based on weather and visibility, heading west toward the highlands and the Lakagígar crater row. Formed during the 1783 eruption, this 25 km-long fissure system stretches across the landscape and reveals its full scale from the air.On the way, you’ll fly over parts of Vatnajökull’s southern outlet glaciers before reaching the moss-covered lava fields and crater formations of Laki. From above, the scale of the eruption becomes clear, with crater after crater extending across the vast highlands.You may see:Lakagígar (Laki crater chain)Moss-covered lava fields from the 1783 eruptionVatnajökull’s outlet glaciersHighland mountains and volcanic terrainWhy Choose This TourThis tour takes you into Iceland’s remote highlands, where volcanic landscapes dominate the terrain. Flying over the Laki crater chain is one of the few ways to fully appreciate its scale and formation, making it a strong choice for those interested in volcanic activity and Iceland’s geological history.
Lagoons, Glaciers & Colorful Mountains Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell
Take off from Skaftafell Terminal on this up to 75-minute helicopter tour in Iceland and explore a varied landscape shaped by glaciers and volcanic activity. This route combines colorful mountain terrain, outlet glaciers, and nearby lagoon areas within the Skaftafell region, along with a landing in a remote location.What to ExpectAfter departure, your pilot will guide the route based on weather and visibility, focusing on the most visually striking conditions of the day. You’ll fly over Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers and surrounding valleys, where ice flows down toward lower elevations.The flight continues across areas where smaller glacier lagoons can form along the glacier edges, while nearby mountain terrain shows distinct color variations created by volcanic minerals.The tour includes a landing at a carefully selected location, often near colorful ridgelines or open terrain with views toward the surrounding glaciers. Here, you can step out, take photos, and experience the landscape from the ground in a remote setting. The exact landing site varies depending on conditions.You may see:Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciersFjallsárlón and nearby glacier lagoons (conditions permitting)Colorful Mountain formations and ridgelinesGlacier valleys and surrounding terrainWhy Choose This TourThis tour combines a range of landscapes within a single helicopter flight, with time on the ground in a remote setting. It’s ideal if you want to experience both the color and contrast of the Skaftafell region, along with the prospect of stepping out into the landscape.
Landmannalaugar & Highland Wonders Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell
Take off from Skaftafell Terminal on this up to 120-minute helicopter tour in Iceland and travel deep into Iceland’s highlands. This route focuses on Landmannalaugar and the surrounding highland landscapes, combining colorful mountain terrain, volcanic formations, and remote highland areas with a landing along the way.What to ExpectAfter departure, your pilot will guide the route based on weather and visibility, heading west from Skaftafell across Vatnajökull’s southern outlet glaciers toward the highlands.As the landscape changes, you’ll pass over volcanic terrain shaped by past eruptions, including crater rows, lava fields, and wide-open valleys. The flight continues toward Landmannalaugar, known for its distinctive rhyolite mountains, where mineral-rich rock creates natural colors ranging from reds and yellows to greens and blues.The tour includes a landing at a carefully selected location in the highlands, often near colorful terrain or open areas with wide views. Here, you can step out, take photos, and experience the scale and stillness of the landscape from the ground. The exact landing site varies depending on conditions.You may see:Landmannalaugar and its colorful rhyolite mountainsLava fields and volcanic formationsVatnajökull’s outlet glaciersHighland valleys and remote interior terrainWhy Choose This TourThis tour offers a longer helicopter experience into Iceland’s interior, with a focus on colorful mountain landscapes and remote highland terrain. It’s ideal for those who want to explore deeper into Iceland’s interior and experience the highlands from both the air and the ground.
Glacier Edge Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell (No Landing)
Take off from Skaftafell Terminal on this 30-minute helicopter tour in Iceland and explore the edges of Vatnajökull from above. This flight focuses on glacier valleys, icefalls, and ridgelines, offering a close aerial perspective that’s only possible by helicopter.What to ExpectAfter departure, your pilot will guide the route based on weather and visibility, flying along several of Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers. You’ll pass through narrow glacier valleys and along steep ice formations where crevasses and icefalls shape the landscape.From the helicopter, you’ll experience the scale and texture of the glacier at close range, flying lower and closer to the terrain than is possible on fixed-wing flights, with views toward surrounding peaks and volcanic terrain.You may see:Svínafellsjökull and Skaftafellsjökull glaciersIcefalls and deep crevassesÖræfajökull volcanic glacier and surrounding peaksGlacier valleys and ridgelinesWhy Choose This TourThis tour offers a focused helicopter experience over Vatnajökull’s glacier landscape, with close-up views of ice formations and surrounding terrain. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a shorter helicopter experience without a landing, while still enjoying detailed views of the glacier environment.
Private Glacier Hike Captured
One of the most popular tours is glacier hiking photoshoot. Your guide will drive you to Falljökull Glacier via a super jeep to begin your adventure. After a hike through an alien-like glacial tundra, we will arrive at the edge of the glacier where your guide will assist you in putting your crampons on.At the end of your tour, we will edit your photos and you will get a photo package within 14 days as the perfect souvenir to remember your epic adventure by!Optional: Pickup/Drop-off out of Reykjavik is available for an additional 175,000 ISK per group (max 6 pax) and would automatically make it a private tour. Pickup time would be 7 am from your accommodation and the duration of the tour would change to approx. 15 hours. When this option is available it will be visible once you click ‘continue’ at the checkout.
Glacier Discovery
Experience the mighty Vatnajökull, the biggest glacier in Europe. On this extended half-day tour we head higher up on the outlet glacier Falljökull, named for its incredible blue icefall.We depart from our meeting point at Freysnes Service station with all necessary glacier gear. After a super-jeep ride, which we carbon offset, we put on our crampons by the glacier’s edge, grab our ice axe and begin the ascent over 300 meters up towards the ice fall. Surrounded by blue ice and peaks carved by glaciers we will have our eyes peeled for crevasses, moulins, waterfalls and any other fun features that spring up in the dynamic glacial landscape.During the hike your guide will tell you about the geography and history of the area, and explain glacial features.This tour is for those looking for an in-depth glacier experience in Iceland, perfect for those who enjoy long hikes, or just looking for a bit of an adventure.What to bring:Hiking boots with ankle support, outdoor clothing appropriate to the weather as well as a hat, gloves (sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended if sunny)Hiking boots can be rented on location for 1000 ISK.This tour has a 24h cancellation policy with 100% refund. Please feel free to read more about our cancellation policy here.
Skaftafell Glacier Adventure
If you want to hike further into the glacier than most of the other tours do. If you are hoping to get close to the ice fall of Falljökull, outlet glacier of Vatnajökull (the largest glacier in Europe). If you wish to have a breathtaking view over the crevasses. Then this is tour is made for you! We will drive you all the way to the glacier in our 4×4 truck, teach you how to put on crampons, how to use an ice axe and then we will guide you through the labyrinth of crevasses, moulins and water streams of the glacier. We are not gonna rush our way to the ice fall, so you will have time to get used to walking on the crampons. We will do many stops on the way to explain all about how glaciers are formed, about their history and also a little bit about the area of Skaftafell and Öræfi. Of course the guide will assist you with taking many photos from this adventure.
Glacier Ice Climbing
Our ice climbing tour is perfect for those looking for a half-day out on the glacier, leaving no ice crystal unturned. Our most adventurous tour is suitable for those looking for both a challenge and a unique experience in Iceland. A good level of fitness and enthusiasm is recommended but no prior experience is necessary.The Glacier Ice Climbing tour goes beyond standard top-roping ice climbing and teaches you new hard ice skills. We can incorporate hiking, ice climbing, via ferrata, rope work and safety techniques for glacier travel. Our public ice climbing tour focuses on a small group experience with a maximum of 6 people in the group only. We value your time and we make sure to maximize your experience on ice, providing as many opportunities for climbing the glacier walls as possible. With just you and our highly skilled glacier guide, we make sure this tour will be the highlight of your holidays in Iceland.What to expect on the tour?First climb is a teaching climb. The guide will pick an appropriate wall and go over some ice climbing techniques. Whether the guests are beginners or experienced climbers, going over the technique is always a good way to start the day. Then we moved on to a more challenging climb and built up with more interesting climbs until the guest reached their energy limits or simply we ran out of time. Having this size of group makes every trip easily adjustable to the participants. For example, if you are a keen group of climbers you will be able to experience up to 2 climbs but if the participants want to walk more and climb less this would be also possible.Please keep in mind that walking time will change a lot as the glacier changes and the guide has to find the right challenge for his guests. It is also worth mentioning that the walk between climbing spots is a good time to rest up for the next climb! :)What to bring: Outdoor clothing appropriate to the weather as well as a hat, gloves (sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended if sunny) as well as food and water for the day carried in a small backpack.Included: Ice climbing boots, climbing crampons, Ice climbing axes, all the other safety equipment.Cancellation policy as for our public tours. Read more
Ultimate Iceland Airplane Tour from Skaftafell
Take off from Skaftafell Terminal on this up to 90-minute airplane tour in Iceland and experience the full range of landscapes that define South Iceland and the Icelandic highlands. This extended route combines glaciers, volcanic terrain, river systems, and remote mountain areas in a single flight.What to ExpectAfter departure, your pilot will guide the route based on weather and visibility, covering a wide area west and inland from Skaftafell. The flight begins over Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers before continuing into the highlands.Along the route, you may fly over volcanic features such as the Lakagígar crater chain, as well as colorful mountain areas around Landmannalaugar. The landscape shifts between lava fields, crater formations, and wide highland plains as the flight progresses.On the return, the route may include black sand plains and glacial river systems, where meltwater shapes the land into broad, braided patterns.You may see:Lakagígar (Laki crater chain)Landmannalaugar and colorful mountain terrainVatnajökull’s outlet glaciersBlack sand plains and braided riversHighland lakes and volcanic formationsWhy Choose This TourThis is the most extensive airplane tour from Skaftafell, bringing together a wide range of Iceland’s landscapes in a single flight. It’s well-suited for those who want a longer experience and a broad overview of glaciers, volcanic terrain, and highland regions from above.
The Ultimate Glacier Exploration (Full Day Hike, Ice Climb & Ice Cave*)
On this full day trip you will be guided through lesser explored glacier terrain by an experienced hard ice guide. The kind of terrain and landscape you will venture through would not be possible with any other kind of glacier tour in Iceland.Expect to explore the depths of crevasses (cracks in the glacier), walk amongst the ice towers known as ‘seracs’.You’ll gain coaching & instruction from the outset of how to use glacier travel equipment, and progress very quickly through to the most unreal ice formations hidden in crevasse fields and ice-falls. Here you’ll be ice climbing short pitches of crevasse walls and maybe even in meltwater holes. Having an experienced and qualified guide with a small group simply translates into being able to get more action packed in to the trip than any other in Iceland.There’ll also be moments to have a break, enjoy taking photos and take in the surrounding ice-scapes. As well as having a nice hot drink on the glacier.You'll be informed on the surrounding nature & landscape formation by experienced and knowledgeable guides to make your day meaningful and giving you a newfound love of glaciers.Each of our trips is a unique exploration as routes change often as the glacier melts and evolves.Ice Caves only available in the winter time Oct-April. (Tour is up to 7 hours in this period due to shorter daylight)Trip DifficultyNO TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREDChallenging hike, with some ice climbing requires good fitness and mobility.Able to hike with ease up to 12 km on uneven ground in hilly terrain.Able to spend a day (7hours) outdoors in sun, rain, wind and move without physical restrictions.Physically fit enough to have energy all day to move at a comfortable walking pace for example being able to recover quickly after short hills.Can personally manage being at heights and with the feeling of some minor exposure.
Hidden Ice Cave & Glacier Hike - Full Day (Winter)
On this adventurous day, you will hike beyond the crowds to explore further reaches of an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull.We have the lowest guest to guide ratio (4:1) on the market, meaning we can deliver high quality experiences that involve more adventure. You could end up discovering temporary features on the glacier that you and no one else has ever ventured into or getting into tight places that larger groups cannot. The goal of the experience is to get to a remote ice cave, that is rarely ventured into, the reason being it takes a few hours to get there on foot. Expect to learn and use a whole range of crampon techniques to travel safely in technical terrain including the possibility of minor ice climbing if the route requires it.You'll be informed on the surrounding nature and landscape formation by experienced and knowledgeable guides to make the experience more meaningful and giving you a newfound love of glaciers.Each of our trips is a unique exploration as routes change often as the glacier melts and evolves.This Ice Cave tour is only available in the winter time Oct-AprilTrip DifficultyAble to hike with ease up to 15 km on uneven ground in hilly terrain.Able to spend a day (7hours) outdoors able to move freely.Physically fit enough to have sustained energy bursts, and able to recover quickly for example, walking up short steep hills.Can personally manage being at heights and with the feeling of some exposure. (Unsafe exposure would always be protected by ropework)
Landmannalaugar & Highland Wonders Airplane Tour from Skaftafell
Take off from Skaftafell Terminal on this up to 75-minute airplane tour in Iceland and travel deep into Iceland’s highlands. This route focuses on Landmannalaugar and the surrounding highland landscapes, where colorful mountains, volcanic formations, and remote lakes define the landscape.What to ExpectAfter departure, your pilot will guide the route based on weather and visibility, heading west from Skaftafell toward the highlands. The flight begins over Vatnajökull’s southern outlet glaciers before transitioning into remote volcanic terrain.You’ll continue toward Landmannalaugar, known for its distinctive rhyolite mountains, where mineral-rich rock creates natural colors ranging from reds and yellows to greens and blues. Nearby lava fields and geothermal areas add contrast to the surrounding valleys.Along the route, you may also pass over volcanic features such as crater rows and lava fields, as well as highland lakes like Langisjór, set within wide, open landscapes far from the coast and main travel routes.You may see:Landmannalaugar and its colorful rhyolite mountainsLava fields and volcanic formationsLangisjór and other highland lakesVatnajökull’s outlet glaciersWhy Choose This TourThis tour offers access to some of Iceland’s most remote highland landscapes from the air, combining colorful mountain terrain with volcanic features and glacier views in one route. It’s well-suited for those who want to experience the scale and diversity of the interior in a single flight.
Glacier Edge Airplane Tour from Skaftafell
Take off from Skaftafell Terminal on this 30-minute airplane tour in Iceland and follow the edges of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. This flight focuses on the dramatic outlet glaciers, where icefalls, deep crevasses, and calving fronts reveal the constant movement of the ice.What to ExpectAfter departure, your pilot will guide the route based on weather and visibility, focusing on the most impressive glacier conditions of the day. You’ll fly along several of Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers, including Svínafellsjökull and Skeiðarárjökull, where the ice flows down from the high glacier plateau into narrow valleys.From the air, you’ll see the textures and formations of the glacier up close — fractured ice, steep icefalls, and, where conditions allow, the calving edges where ice breaks away, sometimes forming glacier lagoons below.You may see:Svínafellsjökull glacierSkeiðarárjökull glacierSkaftafellsjökull glacierGlacier edges, icefalls, and crevasse systemsWhy Choose This TourThis tour focuses on Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers, offering a closer look at icefalls, crevasses, and glacier edges from the air. It’s well-suited for those who want a more focused glacier experience while still enjoying a straightforward airplane tour
Laki Craters Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell
Take off from Skaftafell Terminal on this up to 75-minute helicopter tour in Iceland and travel into Iceland’s remote highlands to explore the Laki crater chain. This experience combines a scenic flight over glaciers and volcanic terrain with a landing in the highlands near the crater system.What to ExpectAfter departure, your pilot will guide the route based on weather and visibility, heading west across Vatnajökull’s southern outlet glaciers toward the highlands. As the landscape changes, you’ll fly over lava fields and volcanic formations shaped by past eruptions.Approaching Lakagígar, the 25 km-long rows of craters become visible, stretching across the landscape. From the air, the scale of the eruption landscape becomes clear, with crater formations and moss-covered lava fields extending in all directions.The tour includes landing at a carefully selected location in the highlands near the crater system. Here, you can step out, take photos, and experience the scale of the surroundings from the ground. The exact landing site varies depending on conditions, but each location is chosen for its views of the surrounding highland scenery.You may see:Lakagígar (Laki crater chain)Moss-covered lava fieldsVatnajökull’s outlet glaciersHighland ridges and volcanic terrainWhy Choose This TourThis tour offers a combination of aerial views and time on the ground in one of Iceland’s most remote volcanic regions. It’s ideal for those who want to explore the highlands beyond the coast and experience the scale of the Laki crater system from both the air and the ground.
Private Ice Cave Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell
Take off from Skaftafell Terminal on this private helicopter tour in Iceland and travel across Vatnajökull to a natural ice cave hidden within the glacier. This experience combines a scenic flight over glacier landscapes with a guided visit inside the ice cave, led by a professional glacier guide accompanying you throughout the journey.This tour is offered as a private experience only. Please contact us to plan your flight and ice cave adventure.What to ExpectAfter departure, your pilot and glacier guide will plan the route based on weather and visibility, flying across Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers toward a more remote ice cave location.Upon landing near the glacier, your guide will lead you on a short walk to the ice cave entrance. Inside, they will guide you through the cave, where natural ice formations, textures, and shades of blue are shaped by light and time within the glacier.After the exploration, you’ll return together to the helicopter for the scenic flight back to Skaftafell, with views over glaciers, valleys, and the surrounding terrain.You may experience:A helicopter flight over Vatnajökull’s glacier landscapesLanding near a natural ice caveGuided exploration inside the glacierAerial views on the return flightWhy Choose This TourThis experience combines helicopter access with guided glacier exploration in a private setting. It’s ideal for those who want to reach a natural ice cave without a long hike and explore it with a qualified guide, away from the more frequented cave locations
Glacier Edge Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell with Landing
Take off from Skaftafell Terminal on this up to 60-minute helicopter tour in Iceland and explore the edges of Vatnajökull from both the air and the ground. This experience combines a scenic flight over glaciers with a landing at a remote location near the glacier.What to ExpectAfter departure, your pilot will guide the route based on weather and visibility, flying along Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers and through surrounding valleys. You’ll see icefalls, crevasses, and glacier ridges from above before heading to a carefully selected landing area chosen for its views and conditions.The landing takes place at a scenic location close to the glacier, where you can step out, take photos, and experience the stillness of the landscape from the ground. The exact landing site varies depending on conditions, but always offers clear views of the surrounding glacier environment.You may see:Svínafellsjökull and Skaftafellsjökull glaciersIcefalls and glacier ridgesÖræfajökull volcanic glacier and surrounding peaksScenic landing area near the glacierWhy Choose This TourThis tour combines the perspective of a helicopter flight with the experience of stepping out into the landscape. It’s ideal for those who want both aerial views and time on the ground in a remote glacier setting.
Glacier Photoshoot Adventure in Skaftafell
One of the most popular tours is glacier hiking photoshoot. Your guide will drive you to Vatnajokull Glacier via a 4x4 vehicle to begin your adventure. After a hike through an alien-like glacial tundra, we will arrive at the edge of the glacier where your guide will assist you in putting your crampons on.At the end of your tour, we will edit your photos and you will get a photo package within 14 days as the perfect souvenir to remember your epic adventure by!Optional: Pickup/Drop-off out of Reykjavik is available for an additional 225,000 ISK per group (max 6 pax) and would automatically make it a private tour. Pickup time would be 8 am from your accommodation and the duration of the tour would change to approx. 15 hours. When this option is available it will be visible once you click ‘continue’ at the checkout.
Glacier Hike Captured in Skaftafell
One of the most popular tours is glacier hiking photoshoot. Your guide will drive you to Falljökull Glacier via a super jeep to begin your adventure. After a hike through an alien-like glacial tundra, we will arrive at the edge of the glacier where your guide will assist you in putting your crampons on.At the end of your tour, we will edit your photos and you will get a photo package within 14 days as the perfect souvenir to remember your epic adventure by!Optional: Pickup/Drop-off out of Reykjavik is available for an additional 175,000 ISK per group (max 6 pax) and would automatically make it a private tour. Pickup time would be 7 am from your accommodation and the duration of the tour would change to approx. 15 hours. When this option is available it will be visible once you click ‘continue’ at the checkout.
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