Take your vacation in Iceland to new heights by joining this thrilling ice-climbing excursion in Vatnajökull National Park!
Calling all outdoor adventurers and adrenaline enthusiasts - if you're up for a challenge in Iceland, don't miss this exciting 4-hour-guided excursion, ice climbing at the Vatnajökull Glacier from Freysnes near Skaftafell! Welcoming beginners and experienced climbers alike, aged 16 and up.
Located in the southeastern part of Iceland, the remarkable Vatnajökull Glacier is situated in Vatnajökull National Park, one of Europe's largest and most stunning protected natural spaces. The Vatnajökull Glacier is Iceland's largest, covering an approximate distance of 8,100 square kilometres (3,127 square miles). As it is an ice-cap glacier, the Vatnajökull Glacier has several outlet glaciers and is even visible from outer space!
A guided excursion, glacier ice climbing at the Vatnajökull Glacier is an amazing way to explore Vatnajökull National Park from above and learn new skills while also having fun! With a maximum capacity of 6 people, this memorable ice-climbing tour includes hiking, via Ferrata, rope work, and of course, ice climbing with a seasoned professional.
The adventure, ice climbing at the Vatnajökull Glacier from Freysnes near Skaftafell, begins at the meeting point, where you'll be greeted by your instructor. After a short safety and itinerary briefing, you'll board the all-terrain vehicle and set off on the scenic drive towards the departure point and the Vatnajökull Glacier. Upon arrival, you'll receive your equipment, which includes a helmet, a harness, ice axes, and crampons. Next, you'll head to the first climbing site of the day, where you'll be provided with an in-depth introduction to ice climbing, ice climbing techniques, and ice climbing equipment.
With your equipment double-checked, it's time to get onto the ice and test your newly learned skills on a practice climb! As you climb higher using the ice axes, securely attached to your instructor's belaying device, you'll experience a thrill like none other while ice climbing the Vatnajökull Glacier! The first glacier ice climb completed, you'll congratulate yourself, and move onto a more difficult level if you wish. Moving between sites, you'll also enjoy some hiking in addition to the breathtaking scenery of Vatnajökull National Park.
Throughout the excursion, your instructor will also share fascinating insights into the region and its captivating landscapes. If you're energized and up to it, a total of 5 glacier ice climbs are yours for the taking with a well-deserved lunch break in between. At the end of the activity, you'll return to the original departure point with a newfound love of Iceland and ice climbing at the Vatnajökull Glacier from Freysnes near Skaftafell!
For an unforgettable adventure in Iceland, book this excursion, ice climbing at the Vatnajökull Glacier from Freysnes near Skaftafell today!
Book your activity
Practical information
- Arrival at the meeting point in Freysnes (please arrive 15 minutes before the departure time)
- Meet your experienced instructor
- Safety and itinerary briefing
- Scenic transfer to the departure point in Vatnajökull National Park
- Arrival
- Receive your equipment (crampons, helmet, harness, and ice axes)
- Introduction to glacier ice climbing, ice climbing techniques, and ice climbing equipment
- Instructor double-checks your equipment
- The adventure begins!
- Practice climb
- Walk to the next climbing site
- The adventure continues!
- Lunch break
- Return to the original departure point in Freysnes
Please be advised that all participants must be in good physical condition to take part in this excursion.
A minimum of 2 people is required to run this tour.
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the departure time.
This excursion's difficulty is labelled as 'challenging' and the total duration runs from 5-6 hours with 4 hours of glacier ice climbing. Walking between climbing sites is also a feature of this activity.
Participants can take part in as many climbs as they have energy for within the time limits of the tour.
If you are driving from Reykjavík, the Shell Gas Station in Freysnes is located 320 km (198 miles) east of the capital and is situated near the main highway (number 1), across the road from Hótel Skaftafell.
When driving the ring road from Reykjavík, it is on your right, five minutes after passing a sign for the Skaftafell Nature Reserve.
- Transfers to and from the departure point
- Instructor
- Harness
- Helmet
- Crampons
- Ice Axes
- Climbing equipment and belaying devices
- Hotel transfers
- Food and beverages
- Hiking boots with ankle support
- Wind and waterproof outer layers
- Warm underlayers
- Wool socks
- Scarf
- Hat
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Water
- Snacks
- Packed lunch
- Small backpack
- Camera