Top Activities on the Ground in East Iceland

Trek deep into Skaftafell National Park and marvel at Iceland’s beauty on this adventurous glacier hike. Make your own way to Skaftafell and gear up for rugged trails to the tongue of the Falljökull Glacier, an outlet of the Vatnajökull ice cap. Along the way, discover crevasses, ice caves, and waterfalls while a guide explains the region’s geology—insights you wouldn't get on your own.

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.

The Vatnajökull glacier is widely considered the jewel in Skaftafell National Park’s crown, but the icy terrain holds hidden dangers. On this ice-caving tour, hike around and beneath the Vatnajökull glacier with your certified guide, and explore millions of years of natural geology. With crampons and safety equipment included, enjoy uninterrupted views over the icy landscapes for which Iceland is famous.

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.

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Iceland's Skaftafell National Park on this extended glacier hiking tour, which allows more time on this glacier than most other tours. As you hike over the ice, past deep crevasses, pale moulins, and ice sculptures, and take in panoramic views over the park, your guide shares insights into glaciers, how they are formed and impacted by climate change. Includes all necessary safety gear.

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.

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.

There's so much to see in Iceland, but it can be hard to know where to start. Take out the guesswork and join a small-group tour to journey through the scenic countryside of East Iceland, following the beautiful Jökuldalur valley. Stop to admire the Rjúkandi Waterfall before heading to Stuðlagil Canyon, one of Iceland’s most striking basalt rock formations—perfect for photos and unforgettable views. After you finish exploring, unwind at Vök Baths and soak in warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by nature.

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!

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.

Experience the stunning beauty of Vatnajokull National Park on a 5-hour Skaftafell glacier hike. Discover dramatic crevasses, striking blue ice ridges, and breathtaking glacier views while hiking on Europe's largest glacier. This immersive tour is designed for those seeking adventure, offering an intimate small group atmosphere led by a certified glacier guide. Enjoy approximately 3.5 hours on the ice, with a full safety briefing and all necessary gear included. Capture the captivating icefall of Falljokull and learn about the glacier's formation and history from your knowledgeable guide. - 5-hour glacier hike with 3.5 hours on the ice - Small group experience for personalized attention - All necessary gear provided, including crampons and ice axes - Learn from a certified glacier guide about Iceland's unique landscapes

The Laki Craters are famous for their beauty, but getting there is famously difficult. A guided full-day tour makes it possible to see the extraordinary landscapes safely, with all transportation provided by specialty Jeeps engineered for Iceland’s rugged environment. You can look forward to exploring glaciers and craters, visiting the Fagrifoss waterfall, and exploring the beautiful Fjadrargljufur Canyon with hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

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.

Join Ice Pic Journeys for a bespoke full-day adventure through Iceland’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Begin with a private glacier hike across Vatnajökull, where you’ll explore shimmering ice formations and stunning views alongside one of our expert photographer-guides. Afterwards, enjoy a cinematic photoshoot at Diamond Beach and the Glacier Lagoon, capturing the contrast between volcanic black sand and glistening ice. Then, board a Zodiac boat for a thrilling ride among towering icebergs drifting through the lagoon. Throughout the day, we’ll document your journey with professional photos. Within 14 days, you’ll receive a custom photo package via private download—memories frozen in time. This is not just a tour, it’s your story written in ice, light, and movement—crafted exclusively by Ice Pic Journeys.

This is the ultimate glacier and ice cave photography tour in Iceland. An adventure that is catered to those wanting to get the best shots for their portfolios on and inside of the glacier.

Making our way through the rural countryside of East Iceland, we’ll travel along the picturesque Jökuldalur valley to our first stop, the Rjúkandi waterfall, where a short, accessible path leads to the falls—a perfect introduction to Iceland’s natural beauty. From there, we continue to Stuðlagil Canyon, home to one of the largest and most breathtaking basalt column formations in the country. This photogenic canyon is especially captivating in early summer, when the Jökulsá river runs a striking turquoise, shifting to a silvery-grey by August as the Hálslón reservoir at Kárahnjúkar releases overflow water. Optional add-ons include visits to Vök Baths or The Reindeer Park.

We take you into the real, high, and wild part of Iceland on this trip where you will not see many other tourists all day. You will have to cross glaciers and step over deep crevasses. You will have to dig deep and find the energy to keep going up this frozen mountain. The views on top are mind-blowing if you are not in the cloud. Our guides are mostly local and have many years of experience in the mountains here, top qualifications, and also a passion for sharing facts and stories from the area. Safety is also our number one priority and unlike the larger companies, we pick and choose our guides based on their history and skill base. Also, we will aim for the best weather windows and do our best for a safe and successful day. We also offer ski summits at the same price.