From $643
Per Person
Secret Glaciers of Vatnajökull
#614482
8 hours
Age 10+
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec
Availability 13
Discovering Vatnajökull’s hidden glaciers. Where they are, directions, advice, and more!
The largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull, will reveal its tongues of secret glaciers to you on this journey. We will travel to the Vatnajökull National Park after leaving Höfn.
On this day, we will explore three to four secret glaciers, depending on the weather and state of the roads. The majority of these glacier tongues are difficult to reach. You will have an unforgettable excursion to these breathtaking glaciers with our knowledgeable driver-guide.
Join our guided trip, The Secret Glaciers of Vatnajökull, if you want to see some of these hidden glaciers.
Secret Glaciers of Vatnajökull
Heinabergsjökull
Heinsbergsjökull is our favorite of all the hidden glaciers. The only and exclusive explanation is that it is immeasurably lovely. It has a viewpoint, you may stroll around the lagoon, and the glacier tongue is visible behind the lagoon. It is also reachable by automobile. This area is almost too picturesque to be true because the lagoon nearby is frequently packed with intriguing icebergs.
It is not difficult to reach in the summer, but getting there in the winter can be a little challenging. A 44 vehicle is required to drive this. Despite the fact that the road itself does not require a 44, if you are not driving a 44 vehicle, you will run into a lot of difficulties.
If you are approaching from the east, you will find a little road off to the right with a sign that reads “Heinabergsjökull” after traveling about 3 km beyond the farms at Flatey. This path will lead you into some really interesting terrain. Observe the red-colored route below.
At each intersection, a small marker is located at the side of the road. Drive all the way to the end of the road, and a parking space with a hiking trail next to it will be found. The glacier and lagoon are visible from the parking area. If you want a closer view, you can go to Heinabergsjokull by using the hiking trail that runs just in front of the parking area.
Don’t worry if you made a mistake; all the other roads go to nowhere; simply go back the way you came. Or otherwise, you might wake up somewhere else fascinating and extraordinary.
Next to the parking lot and restroom is a picnic area. In this region, there are many hiking trails. Nearly a whole day might be spent here investigating.
Kvíárjökull
Although not particularly large, this glacier tongue is significantly easier to approach and does not require a 44.
You will reach a bridge over Vestari-Kvá if you are coming from the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, which is located about 20 kilometres to the west of Jökulsárlón. There is a little road on the right not far from the bridge. The distance to a parking space is not too far. Following the hiking trail for about 300 meters from here will put you in front of the glacier tongue, Kvárjökull.
Fláajökull
Fjallsjökull has a unique quality. It is divided into two parts: East and West.
Most people are familiar with the east section of Fjallsjökull, which is visible from road 1, but since the pedestrian bridge to this area of the glacier was damaged a number of years ago, you can only view it from a distance.
So let’s discuss Fjallsjökull’s western side instead. Few people are aware of Fjallsjökull’s west side. Even many residents of the area are unaware of it or have not considered visiting it. It is impossible to see the west side of Fjallsjökull from route 1. It resembles a lost treasure. One can only presume that not many individuals have hiked those paths as even the hiking trails are not clearly marked.
You can discover a little road with the sign Heinabergsjökull around 3 km west of Flatey. You can find a parking space at the end of this road by following it as shown on the map above. Since there is no network once you reach the back of Flatey, it is advised to buy an offline map and mark out the track. Alternatively, you can simply follow the tiny signage that directs you to Bolstaarfoss at each intersection.
A hiking trail is directly in front of the parking space.
The J2 path should be followed eastward. After taking this path for around 500 meters, you will reach a stony riverbed. This river was long since dry and was only left with several enormous rocks. You will be directed up the hill and across the river via the trail. That will lead you to a waterfall, from which you may see the Fjallsjökull. This is a secure route to follow. It is advised to travel with an experienced guide if you want to get really close to the glacier.
Skálafellsjökull
It’s kind of unusual, this glacier tongue. You can view the majority of the glacier tongues from the front, across the glacier lagoons. However, Skálafellsjökull’s front is inaccessible because a river separates it from the nearby glacier lagoon. You can drive up to it and view it from the top, which is wonderful news.
For this route (F985), a 4×4 vehicle is required. This route is incredibly steep, and snow makes it quite dangerous, so it is not advised to drive on it. Despite the lengthy travel there, it is unquestionably worthwhile. The scenery is breathtaking the entire route, and there are a number of waterfalls to enjoy along the way. Skálafellsjökull will be visible as you approach the road’s finish. Nearly the entire Skálafellsjökull glacier tongue and the mountain summits Hafrafell and Litlafell are visible on clear days.
Fjallsjökull
Although Fjallsjökull is no longer a top-secret location, it is nevertheless a fascinating glacier tongue to explore.
West of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, you can notice a large signboard beside the intersection that directs you to the parking area. This signboard is visible from Highway 1. You may find a cafe and the Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tours reception in the building next to the parking space.
You can access the glacier lagoon’s front via a few short trails that can be found behind the structure. You will need to get back in your car and continue driving if you want to get any closer to the glacier. Returning to road 1, turn west and, 650 meters after passing the Fjallsá bridge, you will see a little road on the right. Once you reach the end of this road, you will be extremely close to Fjallsjökull and may even be able to view some of Hrtárjökull from here.
Hoffellsjökull
Hoffellsjökull is not particularly difficult to reach, but not very well-kept-secret. To drive the route, you will first and foremost require a 44. Even though the road is not designated as an F-road, driving without 4WD is practically impossible. You may occasionally need to cross tiny rivers after it has rained, and the ground may be soft and muddy. It’s highly likely that you will become stuck without a 44.
You can find the route to Hoffellsjökull on Google Maps, but you’ll need to look for Hoffellsfjöll’s viewpoint instead of Hoffellsjökull. There is a parking space and a hiking trail that crosses the hill at the end of the road. Over the hill is Hoffellsjökull.
Skaftafellsjökull
Although there is no road leading to Skaftafellsjökull, there are hiking paths that can take you close to this glacier tongue from Skaftafell National Park. You will reach the glacier tongue’s front via the very simple Trail S1. You will reach the glacier tongue’s side by using the S5 trail, then the S3 trail.
There are other further hiking routes in the vicinity that will take you to waterfalls and other attractions.
Morsárjökull
There is another glacier tongue accessible from Skaftafell that not many people have visited. The distance to get there is the only factor. This glacier is not reachable by car, thus you must hike 20.6 kilometers (roundtrip) on trail M2 from Skaftafell National Park to get there. Not for everyone because it is a small glacier tongue with tons of boulders and debris on it.
Svínsfellsjökull
Last but not least, Svnsfellsjökull is a glacier tongue that was once well-known due to the numerous blockbusters that were filmed there. However, because of landslides in recent years and the potential for more landslides, the area is currently closed, and there is a warning at the intersection of the road to inform drivers of this.
There is a new road and a small parking area at Svnsfellsjökull on the glacier’s front, but the area is still under a landslide warning, so you must go with caution. Visit the National Park’s official website to stay informed about the state of each glacier tongue at Vatnajökull.
Svnsfellsjökull is not recommended even though the road is not shut. You do so at your own risk because we have no idea when the landslide will occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Daily Departure Schedules
October to April; 9:00 am
How long is the tour?
8 Hours long.
How many glacier tongues will we visit?
We will visit 3 to 4 glaciers, depending on road and weather conditions 🙂
Do you offer pick ups?
Yes, we can pick you up from hotels in Hofn. You may choose your pick-up location during the check-out process.
Do you offer pick-up?
Yes, we can pick you up from hotels in Hofn. You may choose a pick-up location during the check-out process.
Is there a required dress code for this tour?
No matter where you’re going in Iceland, it’s crucial to dress appropriately for the weather. Layering your clothing makes it simple to remove or add garments as needed, depending on the weather conditions.
- Good hiking boots with ankle support and waterproofing layered clothing
- Wool and fleece middle layer for warmth
- Hiking Trousers.
- Waterproof Jacket and Pants
- Mitts and Hat
- (Wool or synthetic) Socks
- Sunglasses
- Backpack
- Water Bottle
- Little Snack
- Camera (Optional)
If a customer is not dressed appropriately for the conditions, Iceland Highlights maintains the right to decline their participation because doing so puts the client at risk. In such cases, refunds are not permitted.
What is the cancellation policy?
- If canceled by the client with more than 1-day notice – 96.5% of the payment will be refunded.
- 3.5% is a non-refundable merchant fee.
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DepartureHofn & Glacier Lagoon
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Departure Time9:00 am
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Return TimeAfter 8 Hours
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IncludedFully-Guided English TourPick up & Drop off from Hofn
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Not IncludedFood & Drinks
