Top East Iceland Nature Walks

Many glacier tours in Vatnajökull National Park require travelers to walk from the parking lot to the glacier terminus, eating into their time on the ice. On this tour, maximize your time on Falljökull glacier by traveling as near as possible in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Explore moulins, crevasses, and other formations in the company of an Association of Icelandic Mountain Guides-certified guide.

Iceland’s mighty glaciers boast some of the country’s most impressive scenery, but their isolated locations and icy terrain make exploring a challenge. On this beginner-level morning or afternoon hike, explore glacial landscapes around Falljökull with your guide. With safety equipment included, admire unrivaled views over the frozen wilderness.

The Svínafellsjökull glacier is part of Europe’s largest glacier and the icy landscapes offer a dramatic backdrop for a hiking adventure. This morning or afternoon guided glacier hike in the Skaftafell-Vatnajökull National Park ensures a personalized experience, with a small group of up to eight participants, and full instruction provided.

Enjoy a safe and stress-free visit to Vatnajökull Glacier with this guided half-day tour. No need to worry if you’ve never been hiking near glaciers before, as a harness, crampons, and an ice axe are provided, and a teacher shows you how to use the gear. During the trip, visit Vatnajokull Glacier, and spend time exploring the icefall of Falljökull.

Making your way through the rural countryside of East Iceland, we travel along the beautiful valley of Jökuldalur and stop at the picturesque Rjúkandi Waterfall before continuing towards Stuðlagil Canyon. At Stuðlagil, we visit the west side of the canyon, where accessible walking trails and scenic viewing platforms offer spectacular panoramic views over one of Iceland’s most impressive basalt rock formations. From this side, you’ll enjoy breathtaking perspectives of the dramatic columns and the glacial river below — perfect for photography and experiencing the scale of the canyon. Please note that this tour does not include the hike down into the canyon on the east side. After taking in the stunning landscapes, we continue to the ever-relaxing Vök Baths, where you can soak in naturally heated geothermal pools floating on Lake Urriðavatn. The warm, mineral-rich waters provide the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.

Experience the chilling beauty of Iceland’s glaciers on this small-group ice cave tour in Vatnajökull National Park. Meet your guide at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and travel by huge-wheeled super Jeep out to the glacier. With crampons, an ice axe, and other ice hiking equipment, make a 2.5-3.7-mile (4-6 km) trek across the glacier while exploring the mysterious crevices and ice caves of this sublime landscape.

Scenic shore excursion from Seyðisfjörður to Stuðlagil Canyon, one of East Iceland’s most striking natural wonders. Travel through dramatic fjord and highland landscapes before arriving at a hidden canyon known for its towering basalt columns and vivid glacial river. The water color varies depending on weather conditions and river flow, shifting between bright turquoise and silty grey. A perfect short adventure for photography and nature lovers seeking Iceland’s raw geological beauty.

Two glaciers in one day, and one of them is a glacier most visitors never see! While other tours stick to the standard route on Falljökull, this hike takes you across it to reach Virkisjökull (''Fortress Glacier''), a remote, secluded glacier hidden from view. You'll spend 3.5 to 4 hours on the ice, visiting a quiet glacier valley framed by towering ice formations, dramatic icefalls, and striking basalt columns, with sweeping views of Öræfajökull, Iceland's highest peak. It's the longer, wilder, more remote alternative to a standard Skaftafell glacier hike, built for travellers who want to leave the crowds behind.