Expeditions
Vatnajökull Glacier Expedition
The perfect combination of challenge, adventure and stunning nature. A dream tour for outdoor enthusiasts.
Tour code: EXPI51
Price from:
Book$4,726
Cross The Largest Glacier In Europe
Trekking across the vast Vatnajökull Ice Cap is an essential experience for every daring adventurer. Few places on Earth offer the opportunity for such a captivating expedition within a compact timeframe. This journey allows adventurers to gather rich experiences and skills in a matter of days, experiences that usually take weeks to amass, all powered by one's own strength and determination.
The moment we leave behind our specialised vehicle and step onto the Ice Cap, we are fully at the mercy of nature, depending entirely on our gear, expertise, training, and the guidance of our IMG guide.
As we traverse the boundless ice, we'll confront a spectrum of conditions, from biting cold and fierce winds to intense heat when the sun reflects off the snow. Rising from this vast snowy expanse is the Grímsvötn area, a geothermal haven in the heart of the glacier. Here, we'll discover an extraordinary hut, warmed naturally, complete with a shower and steam bath. Far from diminishing the expedition's challenge, this provides a moment to recharge and rejuvenate before we embark on the latter half of our adventure.
This journey isn't just an adventure; it's a transformative experience. As we approach the edge of the Ice Cap, we'll yearn for the comforts of a bed, the simplicity of not pitching tents or constructing snow walls, and the foods we've missed. Yet, deep down, there's a longing to turn back and relive the entire experience. When we next read about legendary explorers like Amundsen, Captain Scott, and Shackleton, we'll have a glimpse into their world and feel a kinship with the passion that drove these remarkable figures.
Be warned, Icelandic Mountain Guides cannot be held liable for the captivating allure of expedition life.
Tour Overview
- Pickup
- Included
- Group Size
- 4 - 12 participants (second guide for groups 7 - 12)
- Language
- English
- Accommodation
- Camping and mountain huts
- Walking per day
- 7 - 9 hrs
- Total Distance
- 110 - 130 km (68 - 81 mi)
- Max. Ascent
- 750 m (2460 ft)
- Minimum age
- 18 years
- Duration
- 9 days
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
18
Customer Reviews
“This was an amazing tour. The guides are very professional, knowledgeable and cautious with safety…”
Tour Highlights
Included
- Experienced and qualified guide
- Mountain hut sleeping bag accommodation in dormitories (3 nights)
- Camping accommodation in two persons tent (4 nights)
- Guesthouse sleeping bag accommodation (1 nights)
- Super jeep transport at the beginning of the tour
- Transport from Skaftafell to Reykjavík at the end of the tour
- Breakfast (8), Lunch (9), Dinner (8)
- Pulkas/sledges
Not included
- Sleeping bag
- Mattress
- Skiing equipment
- Accommodation in Reykjavík
Optional extras
- Skiing equipment
- Accommodation in Reykjavík before and after the tour
Tour Map and Itinerary
Click map for detailed itineraryMap & Itinerary
Vatnajökull Glacier Expedition
Preparation meeting with the guide - Day before departure
Day 0
Morning meeting with the guide where he will inspect the gear each expedition member has brought and introduce the itinerary. If something is missing, ski equipment has to be rented or something else has to be arranged, there is time for that during this day.
Reykjavík - Jökulheimar
Day 1
Pick up from accommodation early morning (time decided the day before) and transfer to Jökulheimar on the west side of the glacier. A super-jeep takes us from Reykjavík and up to snow line on the glacier, where we start the walk in the afternoon. First night in tents.
Distance: 5-10 km
Walking time: 4-6 hrs
Ascent to Grímsvötn
Day 2 & 3
We continue the ascent of the main glacier up to the vast plains of the Vatnajökull icecap. In the afternoon of day 3, our destination is in sight as we arrive to the Grímsvötn caldera near the center of the icecap. Second night in tents but the third in the comfortable Grímsvötn hut.
Distance each day: 15 km
Walking time each day: 6-7 hrs
Grímsvötn Caldera
Day 4
This day is devoted to the exploration of the magnificent volcanic caldera of Grímsvötn. This is a highly active volcanic area with frequent eruptions in the last century, the last one in 2011. The Grímsvötn caldera is actually a complex of calderas and the effects of the geothermal heat continuously melt the glacier ice to create a sub glacial caldera lake. We spend another night in the comfortable Grímsvötn hut.
Traversing to the ice cap towards Öræfajökull glacier
Day 5 & 6
After Grímsvötn we are following the glacier ridge southwards to the direction of Öræfajökull, aiming for Hermannaskarð pass. Iceland’s highest peak Hvannadalshnúkur (2110 m/6900 ft) and other peaks will seem to grow in size as we get further south. Nights in tents.
Distance each day: 20-25 km
Walking time each day: 6-7 hrs
Hermannaskarð pass to Esjufjöll mountains
Day 7
The past night has been spent either in Hermannaskarð pass or a bit further east under Mávabyggðir mountain range. We break camp and start our very so pleasant downwards cruise down to Esjufjöll Mountains. The day is not too long and the skiing less intense than the previous days so we might have time and energy to explore Esjufjöll a bit in the afternoon. Night in Esjufjöll hut.
Distance: 20-25 km
Walking time: 6-7 hrs
From Esjufjöll down Breiðamerkurjökull glacier
Day 8
The last leg of our journey is slightly downwards. There is no real rush in the morning and we can really enjoy the magnificent area with all the mountains, crevasse fields (safe distance away) and glacier moraines around. Last night is in a sleeping bag accommodation, in or close to Skaftafell.
Distance: 15 km
Walking time: 5-6 hrs
Return to Reykjavík
Day 9
We will be taken back to Reykjavík (private ride) in the morning of day 9 after a good night’s sleep and a breakfast. If, because of weather or other reasons, we can't descend until day 9, we head back to Reykjavík in the evening.
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Practical Information
FAQ
I do not have any experience of Nordic skiing. Can I go on this tour?
If you have winter experience and good fitness, we can add a day for ski training before the trip or you can do a Nordic / XC skiing course closer to home.
Booking
- The date I want to book is not available, can I still request to book?
It is not possible to book the expeditions online. Please contact us at info@mountainguides.is if you are interested in booking or if you have any questions. You are also welcome to contact us for a private tour if you cannot join on an available date.
Facilities (showers, water, accommodation, electricity)
- Will we be able to shower on the expedition?
Yes, the amazing hut in Grímsvötn has both a shower and a steam bath. - Will the huts have running water?
No you will need to melt snow for water on the expedition. - Do the mountain huts have dormitory rooms/private rooms?
The huts have no private rooms available, there are only dormitories. - Do I need to bring my own cooking equipment?
No, we will have all cooking equipment needed as well as gas and gas stove. - Can I charge my phone/camera in the hotels/huts?
We recommend bringing a power bank to charge your electronic devices. The huts do not have electricity.
Special diets
- I am a vegetarian/vegan/gluten intolerant, will there be a food option for me, what is it?
Special dietary supplement, such as vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, gluten free or other supplements, can be ordered at some extra cost. The supplement will include meals that meet the requirements of your diet.
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