Skaftafell Travel Guides
Plan your trip to Skaftafell with accurate, up-to-date travel guides created with local insight — skip tourist traps, save time, and enjoy the city like it’s meant to be experienced.
Skaftafell by Your Mood or Interests
View allSkaftafell isn’t one-size-fits-all. Choose where to start:
Skaftafell Latest Travel Guides
View allDiscover the most recent travel guides for Skaftafell curated by our community and experts.
Ultimate Iceland Airplane Tour from Skaftafell – Craters, Glaciers & Black Sands
Perfect for Seniors
Skaftafell, Iceland
Skaftafell Popular tours and activities
View allDiscover and book popular tours and activities in Skaftafell to make the most of your trip.
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.
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.
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 Airplane Tour from Skaftafell
Take off from Skaftafell Terminal on this up to 50-minute airplane tour in Iceland and explore a diverse mix of landscapes shaped by glaciers and volcanic activity. This route focuses on colorful mountain terrain, nearby glacier lagoons, and outlet glaciers within the Skaftafell region.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 over smaller glacier lagoons forming at the glacier edges, where meltwater collects, and ice can break away into glacier lagoons.Along the route, you’ll also pass through areas of colorful mountain terrain, where mineral-rich formations and volcanic geology create distinct contrasts in the landscape.You may see:Fjallsárlón and nearby glacier lagoons (conditions permitting)Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciersColorful Mountain formations and ridgelinesGlacier valleys and surrounding highland terrainWhy Choose This TourThis tour brings together a balanced mix of landscapes within a single flight, combining glaciers, lagoon systems, and colorful mountain terrain. It’s a great choice if you want to experience the variety of the Skaftafell region from above in one route.
Black Sands & Riverbeds Airplane Tour from Skaftafell
Take off from Skaftafell Terminal on this up to 45-minute airplane tour in Iceland and explore the vast black sand plains of South Iceland. This flight focuses on Skeiðarársandur, where glacial rivers flow from Vatnajökull toward the coast, continuously reshaping the landscape.What to ExpectAfter departure, your pilot will guide the route based on weather and visibility, focusing on the most striking river patterns and conditions of the day. You’ll fly over Skeiðarársandur, where meltwater rivers spread out across the sand, creating intricate braided patterns that shift with the seasons.As the flight continues, you’ll see how these rivers connect back to the glacier, with views toward Skeiðarárjökull and nearby outlet glaciers feeding the plains below.You may see:Skeiðarársandur black sand plainsBraided glacial rivers and river systemsSkeiðarárjökull glacierSurrounding outlet glaciers of VatnajökullWhy Choose This TourThis tour focuses on the patterns and movement of water across Iceland’s volcanic landscape, where black sand plains and glacial rivers create continuously shifting formations. It’s a great choice if you’re interested in the visual contrasts of land and water, making it one of the most visually striking flights from Skaftafell.NoteThis is a scenic sightseeing flight. For dedicated aerial photography flights with flexible routing and shooting conditions, explore our Photo Flight options.
Scenic Airplane Tour from Skaftafell
Take off from Skaftafell Terminal on this 15-minute scenic airplane tour in Iceland and experience the landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park from above. This short flight offers a clear view of glaciers, volcanic terrain, and wide black sand plains — all within the immediate surroundings of Skaftafell.What to ExpectAfter departure, your pilot will guide the route based on weather and visibility, ensuring the best possible views on the day. You’ll fly above outlet glaciers flowing from Vatnajökull, with views toward Öræfajökull and Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s highest peak. Below, the Skeiðarársandur outwash plains stretch toward the coast, shaped by glacial rivers into constantly changing patterns.You may see:Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers Hvannadalshnúkur (Iceland’s highest peak) Öræfajökull glacier Skeiðarársandur black sand plains Why Choose This TourThis is the shortest and most accessible flightseeing tour from Skaftafell — ideal if you’re looking for a short and efficient way to experience the scale and contrast of Iceland’s landscapes from the air. It’s a great first flight for visitors who want a memorable experience without committing to a longer tour.
Black Sands & Riverbeds Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell
Take off from Skaftafell Terminal on this up to 65-minute helicopter tour in Iceland and explore the vast outwash plains shaped by glaciers and volcanic activity. This route focuses on black sand landscapes and braided river systems, with a landing in a remote location within the landscape.What to ExpectAfter departure, your pilot will guide the route based on weather and visibility, flying out over Skeiðarársandur, where glacial rivers spread across the plains in continuously shifting patterns.From above, you’ll see how meltwater channels divide and reconnect, forming intricate lines across the black sand. The surrounding landscape includes glacier views, volcanic terrain, and wide-open plains stretching toward the coast.The tour includes a landing at a carefully selected location within the black sand area. Here, you can step out, take photos, and experience the scale and openness of the landscape from the ground. The exact landing site varies depending on conditions.You may see:Skeiðarársandur black sand plainsBraided glacial rivers and river systemsVatnajökull’s outlet glaciersSurrounding volcanic terrainWhy Choose This TourThis tour combines aerial views with a landing in one of Iceland’s most visually distinct landscapes. It’s well-suited for those who want to experience the patterns and scale of glacial river systems from both the air and the ground.NoteThis is a scenic sightseeing flight. For dedicated aerial photography flights with flexible routing and shooting conditions, explore our Photo Flight options here.
Ultimate Iceland Helicopter Tour from Skaftafell
Take off from Skaftafell Terminal on this up to 150-minute helicopter 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, with two landings along the way.What to ExpectAfter departure, your pilot will guide the route based on weather and visibility, covering a wide area across glaciers, highlands, and volcanic terrain in a single journey.The flight begins over Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers before continuing inland toward volcanic regions, where crater formations, lava fields, and mountain landscapes define the terrain. Depending on conditions, the route may include colorful highland areas, black sand plains, and glacial river systems.The tour includes two landings at carefully selected locations, chosen for their surroundings and views. Each landing offers a different setting, allowing you to experience contrasting landscapes from the ground. Together, they give a broader sense of the scale and diversity of Iceland’s interior. The exact landing sites vary depending on conditions.You may see:Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciersVolcanic craters and lava fieldsHighland mountains and valleysBlack sand plains and braided riversColorful Mountain terrain and remote landscapesWhy Choose This TourThis is the most comprehensive helicopter experience from Skaftafell, combining a wide range of landscapes with two landings in remote locations. It’s ideal for those who want a longer, more immersive journey and the opportunity to experience multiple regions in a single flight.
Private Ice Climbing Captured in Skaftafell
Want to book an ice climbing experience but afraid that you will not be able to do it? We at Ice Pic Journeys know ice climbing is for everyone. With combined experience of years in the glacier industry and and literally thousands of glacier hikes, we have developed a unique ice climbing program that will allow even those who have never climbed before, to climb amongst the beautiful blue ice walls.Our day will start with a basic introduction to how to walk on ice and a basic climbing technique called front pointing. We will combine these two two techniques and with a very mellow ice climbing wall, we will put those skills to the test. Once you are confident, we will progress to different walls which offer various challenges until you are totally satisfied.See you on the ice for your first ice climb!!!5 Shot Photo Package Included (Per Person)
Eggtrip Glacier Hike Captured 3h
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.
Eggtrip Ice Climbing Captured
Want to book an ice climbing experience but afraid that you will not be able to do it? We at Ice Pic Journeys know ice climbing is for everyone. With combined experience of years in the glacier industry and and literally thousands of glacier hikes, we have developed a unique ice climbing program that will allow even those who have never climbed before, to climb amongst the beautiful blue ice walls.Our day will start with a basic introduction to how to walk on ice and a basic climbing technique called front pointing. We will combine these two two techniques and with a very mellow ice climbing wall, we will put those skills to the test. Once you are confident, we will progress to different walls which offer various challenges until you are totally satisfied.See you on the ice for your first ice climb!!!5 Shot Photo Package Included (Per Person)
Ice Climbing Captured in Skaftafell
Want to book an ice climbing experience but afraid that you will not be able to do it? We at Ice Pic Journeys know ice climbing is for everyone. With combined experience of years in the glacier industry and and literally thousands of glacier hikes, we have developed a unique ice climbing program that will allow even those who have never climbed before, to climb amongst the beautiful blue ice walls.Our day will start with a basic introduction to how to walk on ice and a basic climbing technique called front pointing. We will combine these two two techniques and with a very mellow ice climbing wall, we will put those skills to the test. Once you are confident, we will progress to different walls which offer various challenges until you are totally satisfied.See you on the ice for your first ice climb!!!5 Shot Photo Package Included (Per Person)
Full Day on Vatnajökull Adventurous Glacier Exploration Hike
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 hikes 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. 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.Trip DifficultyModerate to challenging hike, no technical experience need.Able to hike with ease up to 10 km on uneven ground in hilly terrain.Able to spend a day (7 hours) 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.
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.
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.
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
Want a fully-custom trip plan made just for you?
Our travel experts are ready to create the perfect itinerary tailored just for you.
- Day-by-day personalized schedule
- Dining, attractions & local gems
- Transportation tips & route maps
- Built around your budget and pace
- 1-on-1 expert support
- Insider-only insights
- Maps, Ratings, Photos