Discover the Majestic Skaftafell Glacier: A Nature Lover's Paradise
Explore the breathtaking Skaftafell Glacier in Vatnajökull National Park, where nature's beauty and adventure await in Iceland's stunning landscapes.
Skaftafell Glacier, part of the larger Vatnajökull National Park, offers breathtaking landscapes, diverse hiking trails, and the chance to witness stunning glacial formations. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and adventurers, this location is a must-visit for anyone exploring Iceland's natural wonders.
A brief summary to Skaftafell Glacier
- Skaftafelljökull Trail, IS
Local tips
- Dress in layers to prepare for changing weather conditions, as temperatures can fluctuate rapidly in glacial areas.
- Start your hike early in the day to avoid crowds and experience a quieter atmosphere.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning vistas and unique ice formations that you’ll encounter along the trails.
- Consider a guided tour for safe glacier exploration, especially if you want to try ice climbing or other adventurous activities.
- Visit the Skaftafell Visitor Center for maps, information on trails, and details about guided tours available in the park.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Skaftafell Visitor Center, head east on Skaftafelljökull Trail. The trail is well-marked and takes you directly to the Skaftafell Glacier. It is approximately a 30-minute walk from the Visitor Center to the glacier viewpoint. Make sure to wear comfortable footwear as the path can be uneven.
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Car
If you're driving, park at the Skaftafell Visitor Center parking lot. The address is Skaftafelljökull Trail, 785. From the parking lot, follow the signs to the Skaftafell Glacier trailhead, which is a short walk from the Visitor Center. Note that parking may incur a fee, so check the signs upon arrival.
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Public Transportation
If you're using public transport, take a bus that services the area, such as the bus to Skaftafell from Reykjavík or nearby towns. Once you arrive at the Skaftafell bus stop, head towards the Visitor Center. The glacier is within walking distance from there via the Skaftafelljökull Trail. Be sure to check the bus schedule for return trips.
Discover more about Skaftafell Glacier
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Saatvik Restaurant (Kaffiterían Skaftafelli)
2.7 km
Discover Saatvik Restaurant in Skaftafell: your go-to spot for delicious meals and refreshments amidst Iceland's breathtaking landscapes.
Glacier Goodies
2.7 km
Discover Glacier Goodies, a fast food treasure in Skaftafell, serving delicious meals amidst Iceland's stunning landscapes.
Icelandic Mountain Guides by Icelandia - Skaftafell Base Camp
2.7 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Vatnajökull National Park with Icelandic Mountain Guides at Skaftafell Base Camp, where adventure awaits.
Arctic Adventures - Glacier Guides
2.8 km
Unleash your adventurous spirit with Arctic Adventures - Glacier Guides in Skaftafell, exploring Iceland's breathtaking glaciers and stunning landscapes.
Arctic Adventures (Skaftafell Base Camp)
2.8 km
Explore the breathtaking glaciers and stunning landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park with Arctic Adventures at Skaftafell Base Camp, Iceland.
Skaftafell & Svartifoss Parking
2.8 km
Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Skaftafell and Svartifoss, where nature's beauty unfolds at every turn in Iceland's stunning national park.
Skaftafell Airport
2.9 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Iceland at Skaftafell Airport, your gateway to glaciers, national parks, and unforgettable adventures.
Atlantsflug - flightseeing.is
2.9 km
Soar through Iceland's breathtaking landscapes with Atlantsflug, the premier flightseeing operator in Reykjavik, for an unforgettable aerial adventure.
Skaftafell tjaldsvæði
2.9 km
Discover the stunning beauty of Skaftafell Campground in Vatnajökull National Park, a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Skaftafellsheidhi
3.3 km
Explore the lush landscapes of Skaftafellsheidhi, a tranquil shrubbery haven in Iceland, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Svinafellsjokull
4.8 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Svinafellsjokull Glacier, a stunning natural wonder in Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland's largest glacier.
Morsaldalur
5.8 km
Explore the breathtaking Morsaldalur Ravine, a natural wonder in Iceland known for its stunning landscapes and unique geological formations.
The potato storage
6.1 km
Discover the charming Potato Storage guest house in Svínfell, your gateway to Iceland's stunning Skaftafell and glacier lagoons.
Glacier Horses
7.4 km
Explore breathtaking Icelandic landscapes on horseback with Glacier Horses, an unforgettable adventure in the heart of nature.
Unmissable attractions to see
Skaftafellsjökull gönguleið
1.3 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Skaftafellsjökull, a premier hiking destination in Iceland's stunning landscapes.
Skaftafellsstofa
2.7 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park at Skaftafellsstofa Visitor Center, your gateway to Iceland's natural wonders.
Svartifoss Trail
2.7 km
Experience the breathtaking Svartifoss Trail in Skaftafell National Park, where stunning waterfalls and unique basalt columns await every hiker.
Svartifoss
2.8 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Svartifoss, Iceland's iconic Black Waterfall, surrounded by striking basalt columns in Vatnajökull National Park.
Melrakki Adventures
2.9 km
Experience the majesty of Iceland's glaciers with Melrakki Adventures, your gateway to unforgettable outdoor explorations and breathtaking natural beauty.
Skaftafell Terminal - Tour Center
2.9 km
Discover Iceland's stunning landscapes at Skaftafell Terminal, your premier tour center for incredible outdoor adventures in Vatnajökull National Park.
Magnúsarfoss
3.1 km
Discover the stunning Magnúsarfoss waterfall in Skaftafell National Park, where nature's beauty meets serene hiking trails and breathtaking landscapes.
Hundafoss
3.2 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Hundafoss Waterfall, a must-visit natural wonder in Iceland's stunning landscapes.
Þjófafoss
3.2 km
Explore the enchanting Þjófafoss Waterfall, a hidden gem in Iceland's wilderness, perfect for hiking and breathtaking views.
Svínafellsjökull Glacier
3.3 km
Explore the breathtaking Svínafellsjökull Glacier, a stunning outlet of Vatnajökull, offering unforgettable views and unforgettable experiences in Iceland's wilderness.
Svínafellsjökull útsýnisstaður
3.3 km
Explore the enchanting Svinafellsjokull Glacier in Iceland, a breathtaking destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Sel
3.6 km
Explore Sel, a captivating historical landmark in Iceland, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage waiting to be discovered.
Skaftafellsjökull
5.0 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Skaftafellsjökull, a stunning glacier in Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland, ideal for adventure and nature lovers alike.
Skeiðará Bridge Monument
5.1 km
Discover the Skeiđará Bridge Monument, a historical landmark offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Iceland's rich engineering heritage.
Skaftafell
5.6 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and unique geological formations of Skaftafell National Park, a true gem in Iceland's natural beauty.
Essential places to dine
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
20.6 km
Discover tranquility at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon - your gateway to Iceland's stunning glaciers and breathtaking landscapes.
Fjallsárlón Frost Restaurant
26.9 km
Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine with breathtaking glacier views at Fjallsárlón Frost Restaurant.
Nailed It Fish and Chips
36.0 km
Savor the best fish and chips in Iceland at Nailed It Fish and Chips near Jökulsárlón - where fresh seafood meets stunning landscapes.
Þórbergssetur - Cultural Center & Restaurant
45.2 km
Explore Þórbergssetur: A unique blend of Icelandic culture and cuisine nestled in breathtaking Suðursveit.
Hali Country Hotel & Restaurant
45.2 km
Discover comfort and authentic cuisine at Hali Country Hotel & Restaurant, your perfect base for exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Höfn, Iceland.
Gígur
58.3 km
Discover authentic Icelandic flavors at Gígur, where local ingredients meet breathtaking views in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Restaurant Bistro Magma Hotel
60.1 km
Experience exquisite dining at Bistro Magma Hotel, where local flavors meet stunning Icelandic landscapes.
Systrakaffi
61.2 km
Experience the rich flavors of Iceland at Systrakaffi in Kirkjubæjarklaustur – where local ingredients meet culinary artistry.
Klaustur Restaurant & Bar
61.5 km
Experience the best of traditional Icelandic cuisine at Klaustur Restaurant & Bar in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Klaustur Restaurant
61.5 km
Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Klaustur Restaurant in Kirkjubæjarklaustur - where local ingredients meet tradition.
Kjarr Restaurant & Bar
61.9 km
Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Kjarr Restaurant & Bar in Kirkjubæjarklaustur – where local flavors meet warm hospitality.
Kjarr Restaurant
61.9 km
Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Kjarr Restaurant in Kirkjubæjarklaustur—where local flavors meet stunning landscapes.
Cafe Munkar
62.0 km
Experience authentic Icelandic flavors at Cafe Munkar in Kirkjubæjarklaustur – where culinary tradition meets modern comfort.
Hunkubakkar Farm Restaurant
66.1 km
Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine surrounded by breathtaking landscapes at Hunkubakkar Farm Restaurant.
Jon Riki
74.9 km
Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Jon Riki in Höfn - where fresh local ingredients meet cozy ambiance.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Söluskálinn í Freysnesi
4.1 km
Experience the best of Icelandic cuisine at Söluskálinn í Freysnesi, a unique gas station, restaurant, and store offering local delights.
Orkan
4.2 km
Discover Orkan in Hof, Iceland—a vital gas station and convenience store, perfect for fueling up and finding local treasures on your journey.
Veitingasala Restaurant, Shop, And Gas
4.2 km
Discover the flavors of Iceland at Veitingasala Restaurant in Svínafell, where local ingredients meet a cozy atmosphere.
Glacier and Volcano Expeditions
4.2 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland with Glacier and Volcano Expeditions, where adventure meets natural beauty in unforgettable tours.
Hotel Skaftafell
4.2 km
Explore the beauty of Iceland while enjoying comfort and convenience at Hotel Skaftafell, your perfect base for adventure.
Litla-Herad EFH
16.1 km
Discover the charm of Litla-Herad EFH, a cozy coffee shop in Fagurhólsmýri offering delicious brews and stunning Icelandic views.
Vesturhus Hostel
16.7 km
Discover the charm of Vesturhus Hostel, where comfort meets affordability in the stunning landscapes of Iceland, perfect for adventurous travelers.
Hof
16.8 km
Explore Hof for a unique selection of Icelandic crafts and souvenirs, capturing the essence of Icelandic culture in every product.
Cafe Vatnajökull
20.9 km
Discover Café Vatnajökull: an artful café near Vatnajökull National Park, serving fresh pastries and coffee in a stunning natural setting.
Vatnajokull
44.4 km
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Glacier Adventure
45.2 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Iceland with Glacier Adventure, your gateway to unforgettable glacier tours and thrilling outdoor activities.
Random Klausturbúð
60.4 km
Explore the charm of Random Klausturbúð, a gift shop in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, offering unique Icelandic souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Gvendarkjör
61.2 km
Discover Gvendarkjör in Kirkjubæjarklaustur for local goods, fresh produce, and essential supplies during your Icelandic adventure.
Kjarval Klaustur
61.2 km
Discover local flavors and essentials at Kjarval Klaustur, your go-to supermarket in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland.
Pharmacy
61.5 km
Visit the Kirkjubæjarklaustur Pharmacy for essential health supplies and expert advice while enjoying Iceland's stunning scenery.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Fancy Sheep
36.0 km
Experience the unique flavors of Iceland at Fancy Sheep, a fast food restaurant nestled in the magnificent landscapes of Jökulsárlón.
Fosshótel Núpar
40.2 km
Experience the beauty of Iceland at Fosshótel Núpar, your perfect retreat surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and rich local culture.
Hótel Jökulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon Hotel
42.6 km
Discover the beauty of Iceland at Hótel Jökulsarlon, where luxury meets nature by the stunning Glacier Lagoon.
Guesthouse Gerði
45.4 km
Discover a cozy haven at Guesthouse Gerði, where comfort meets the breathtaking landscapes of Höfn, Iceland.
Fagrifoss
67.3 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Fagrifoss Waterfall, a hidden gem in Iceland's stunning landscapes, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Hafið
86.8 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Hafið in Höfn, where local drinks and a friendly vibe create unforgettable nights.
