Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Tours

Explore breathtaking ice formations and glacier mills on this guided tour in Skaftafell. Marvel at a naturally-formed, blue ice cave and learn how glaciers are formed. A professional hiking guide will take you to the base of Falljökull, an outlet glacier of the Vatnajökull ice cap, and lead you up to the cave. On a clear day, be sure to look out for Hvannadalshnúkur in the distance.

THE TOUR Your journey starts by meeting your guide and boarding one of Iceland’s largest custom-made super jeeps! We’ll depart from Glacier Lagoon and drive approximately 40 minutes toward Breiðamerkurjökull, a glacial tongue extending from Vatnajökull. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights about the formation of ice caves, glaciers, volcanoes, and local culture. The caves we visit are 100% natural, constantly forming and changing with the seasons and weather conditions. As such, the cave we explore will depend on the conditions on the day of your tour. We may find ourselves at the edge of the glacier, or we might need to hike a short distance (500-700m) on the glacier to reach the cave. The walking distance on the tour therefore varies between 1-4 km so all participants should be in good health and comfortable with walking. Before entering the cave, your guide will provide a safety briefing and equip you with helmets and crampons/micro spikes if needed. Each tour is unique due to the ever-changing nature of the glaciers and caves. You’ll witness a variety of stunning ice formations and colors, from brilliant blue to emerald green and even striking black ice. Our guests often tell us that the diverse ice formations and colors are the most unforgettable part of their experience. WHICH ICE CAVE DO WE VISIT? We always aim to take you to the most beautiful and awe-inspiring ice caves available during the season. Since the caves constantly evolve, old ones disappear, and new ones form, each tour is a unique adventure. Rest assured, we will guide you to the best ice cave accessible at the time of your visit. If you’re looking for an extended experience, we also offer a 5-6 hour tour (Ice Cave & Glacier Exploration tour) that combines an ice cave visit with a glacier walk.

Explore the dramatic landscapes of the south of Iceland on a full-day sightseeing tour by bus. Go to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon outlet of the largest glacier in Europe, leaning about its history and formation from your local guide. Following a pickup from your hotel in Reykjavik, transfer to the southern coast and the dramatic Glacier Lagoon. Enjoy plenty of time to see the floating icebergs and enjoy the stunning scenery. During the season, make sure to reserve your ticket to the boat cruise on the Jökulsárlón and experience the unique Glacier Lagoon spectacle up close. When you prebook, your place is guaranteed. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is Iceland’s largest and deepest glacier lagoon. It branches from Breidamerkurjokull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier. Return to Reykjavik, stopping at the gorgeous waterfall Seljalandsfoss. You will visit the Diamond beach with black sand, and there will be an additional stop in Iceland's southernmost village at Vík for dinner.

On the Ice Exploration tour, you will spend approximately 2 hours (4-6 km) hiking on Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. During the tour, your guide will share their knowledge of how the glaciers form, how they are in constant change and how these changes affect the surrounding area. You will see numerous different natural attractions, from beautiful mountains to ashy ice and if you are lucky, some blue ice. On some days, we will prioritize walking further to cover a larger area of the glacier, while on other days, we will prioritize entering small moulins or crevasses. What we do on the tour depends on the conditions of the day as well as the group itself, but we promise to show you the best attractions available at each time and to make your day an unforgettable one. The tour is rated medium in terms of difficulty because you are required to walk 4-6 km on different types of terrain and in various types of weather conditions. To participate in this tour, you must be in good general health and able to walk 4-6 km. Most of our guests have never been on a glacier before so no previous glacier experience is needed. We provide everyone with crampons, helmets, and a safety harness. The guide will introduce you to the safety equipment and ensure you are ready before the adventure begins. We recommend that you dress according to the weather on the day of departure; the glacier is usually no colder than the meeting point at the Glacier Lagoon. Please wear comfortable, warm, yet breathable clothing and comfortable shoes. We recommend wearing hiking boots that cover your ankles, but in the summer most sturdy shoes will do. The meeting time is the time you see on your ticket; either 08:30, 12:00 or 13:45 – the tour will depart approximately 30 min after that, when everyone is geared up and ready. Tour structure: • We meet at our super jeeps near the WC and café at the Glacier Lagoon. • Gear-up takes approximately 30 minutes. • A 40-minute drive to the glacier is followed by a 15-minute walk. • You'll explore the glacier for about 2 hours. • The return involves walking back to the jeep and driving back to the Glacier Lagoon. Important information: When you book the glacier walk you should be in good health and able to walk 4-6 km in different types of weather. We operate in any type of weather (rain, wind, cold) so please dress appropriately. If you don't think walking 4-6 km on a glacier is something for you, please request a refund at least 24 hours before the tour. It is not possible to receive a refund if you cancel on the same day of the tour, or if you cancel mid-tour. Please read the description carefully, it is your responsibility to know your capacity and limits.

THE TOUR Embark on the Ice Cave Exploration Tour and spend 5-6 hours with one of our experienced guides as you hike Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of the renowned Vatnajökull. This glacier is also famous for its breathtaking views over the Glacier Lagoon. Throughout the tour, your guide will share insights into the area’s natural wonders and provide a glimpse into Icelandic culture. As you explore, you’ll witness the glacier’s stunning landscapes, including crevasses, moulins, and deep ice caves. Rated as a Medium-difficulty tour, the hike covers approximately 4-6 km, depending on the group’s pace and conditions. Before stepping onto the glacier, your guide will equip you with all necessary safety gear and ensure you’re well-prepared for the adventure. This experience primarily consists of visits to different ice caves and ice formations as well as a glacier walk, allowing you to discover the glacier’s unique formations up close. It is highly advisable to take a camera, or at least a phone to capture the amazing moments because it will not be long before the glacial formations change or even disappear as they normally do. WHICH ICE CAVE DO WE VISIT Since this is our most in-depth tour and we have more time to spend exploring, we always try to choose the most beautiful locations and ice caves to take our clients to. Keep in mind that from season to season, even within the season, the ice caves change, old ones disappear, and new ones form. The ice caves we visit therefore change, but we always take our clients to the best ice caves of the season.

You adventure begins with you being picked up in Reykjavík in a small and comfortable minibus before heading straight to the south. Your first stop will be the almighty Seljalandsfoss waterfall, bring a raincoat and you’ll be able to make the short hike behind the falls. Following this, you will progress onward to the Skógafoss waterfall. Tucked in a little gorge, the river Skógá tumbles down a 60-meter cliff before continuing down the landscape towards the Atlantic Ocean. You will then reach a blue ice cave, where you will have the opportunity to hike through this natural phenomenon Following the ice cave, you will hike an outlet glacier spawning from the one of the largest glaciers in the country. After meeting your highly trained glacier guides you will hike on the ice for 1.5 hours, a truly spectacular experience and opportunity to learn more about this breathtaking and increasingly rare natural phenomena. In the evening you will arrive at your hotel in the southeast, where you will have dinner before meeting your guide for further information about the Northern Lights. If the sky is clear and the forecast is good your guide will find a good spot to hunt the famous Aurora Borealis. You will then visit a black sand beach, home to many types of Iceland birds and other wildlife, before retiring back to your accommodation for the night. Day 2 will begin with a venture to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, a 200m deep glacial lagoon fed by Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Europe’s largest glacier. You will be able to witness icebergs floating from this glacier lagoon out into the Atlantic Ocean where they are quickly thrown back to shore by the tide and winds. This black sand beach is full of smaller ice rocks in all shapes and sizes, sparkling like diamonds in the daylight. The ice itself comes in all shades of white and blue forming beautiful contrasts. Your day will conclude with your return to Reykjavík.

Day 1 Your adventure begins with a pickup in Reykjavík, followed by a visit to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, head to the Geysir geothermal area, where erupting geysers, including the powerful Strokkur, will leave you in awe. Marvel at the iconic Gullfoss waterfall. Continue to the Seljalandsfoss and the Skógafoss waterfalls, and end the day exploring Reynisfjara’s black sand beach with its striking basalt columns. You'll then check into your South Coast hotel. Day 2 After breakfast, embark on another day of exploration. Visit the coastal village of Vík, renowned for its black sand beaches and dramatic scenery. The highlight of the day is the Katla Ice Cave (incl. in the Deluxe Tour), hidden beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, showcasing frozen formations. After visiting the ice cave, travel to the breathtaking Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, famous for its unique geological features. The journey continues eastward to Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon & the nearby Diamond Beach. You'll finish the day in Höfn. Day 3 Start the day with breakfast and a visit to the fishing village of Djúpivogur. Afterward, have lunch in Egilsstaðir. In summer, you’ll head to Borgarfjörður Eystri, home to puffin colonies. In winter, you'll explore East Iceland's fishing villages. In the afternoon, relax in the soothing Vök Geothermal Baths (incl. in the Deluxe Tour), then check into your hotel in Egilsstaðir. Day 4 Following breakfast, begin your day at the stunning Stuðlagil Canyon, famous for its striking basalt columns. Witness the immense power of Europe’s mightiest waterfall, Dettifoss, as its thundering waters cascade into a deep canyon. Continue to the Námaskarð geothermal area. Discover Dimmuborgir’s mystical lava fields, explore the Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters and visit the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall. End the day at Akureyri. Day 5 After breakfast, join a whale-watching tour (incl. in the Deluxe Tour) before enjoying lunch in Akureyri. Later, visit Borgarvirki, an ancient volcanic plug used as a fortress during Iceland’s Viking era. Proceed to Hvítserkur, a unique rock formation rising from the sea, and explore Kolugljúfur, a canyon named after the giantess Kola. You'll spend the night at Laugarbakki. Day 6 Start your final day with breakfast, then hike to the top of Grábrók, a famous volcanic crater. Continue to the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, where water cascades through ancient lava fields. Visit an Icelandic horse farm to learn about the cultural significance and charm of these unique horses. Make a stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, before returning to Reykjavík where you'll spend the last night of the tour. Day 7 Begin your final day by departing from Reykjavík along Iceland’s stunning western coast of Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This part of the journey showcases a wide variety of breathtaking natural wonders. Return to Reykjavík in the evening.

Day 1: South Coast Black Beaches, Waterfalls, and Northern Lights Be ready at your pickup location between 08:00-08:30 for an exciting journey along Iceland's south coast. Our first stop is the iconic Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, where you can walk behind the 60-metre cascade. Next, we'll visit the breathtaking Skógafoss Waterfall, a 60-metre high and 25-metre wide cascade, followed by a trip to the unique Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, known for its impressive basalt columns and powerful waves. We'll then travel through the picturesque village of Vík, nestled beneath Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, towards our accommodation. The drive offers stunning views of black sand deserts, moss-covered lava fields, and majestic glaciers, including Vatnajökull. Our accommodation is just east of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which we'll explore in detail on day two. Overnight, we stay in a country hotel, providing an ideal environment to view the Northern Lights if conditions are favourable. Day 2: The Realm of the Glacier Prepare for a day full of adventure as we explore Vatnajökull Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier. We'll visit the remarkable crystal blue ice cave, formed by the glacier's melting and freezing cycles. This journey offers exceptional photographic opportunities with deep blue ice, crevasses, moulins, and icefalls. We will travel from our hotel to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and then drive off-road to the glacier in a modified super jeep. Our experienced guides will lead you safely into this magical blue world. We'll also explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a 200-metre-deep lake filled with floating icebergs, and visit the stunning Diamond Beach, where ice fragments glisten like diamonds against the black sand. The tour concludes with a scenic return to Reykjavík. Why choose this tour? Snæland Travel is a pioneer in Icelandic tourism, established in 1945, a company with vast wealth of experience and experts in crafting the best experience and tours. Experienced drivers adept at navigating Icelandic conditions and expert local guides who possess in-depth knowledge of the country. Travel in a spacious, full-sized bus, ensuring more room and comfort for each passenger. Unlike operators with small buses, there are no limits on luggage allowance. We collaborate exclusively with professional and experienced local glacier experts. They have an intimate knowledge of the glacier, its behaviour, and the ice caves it forms. Avoid the crowds! Our local experts take you to explore the east side of Vatnajökull glacier, while the large day-tour companies stick to the west side. This means our tours operate in a less crowded area of the glacier.

Day 1 Begin with a Reykjavík pickup before heading to UNESCO site Þingvellir NP, which features a dramatic rift valley and rich Icelandic history. Continue to the Geysir geothermal area, where powerful geysers amaze with eruptions, including the scalding Strokkur geyser. Marvel at the iconic Gullfoss waterfall before a picturesque lunch. Proceed to the enchanting Seljalandsfoss and the towering Skógafoss waterfalls. Explore Reynisfjara's black sand beach with its basalt columns before ending the day at your South Coast hotel. Day 2 After breakfast, embark on another day of adventure. Explore the coastal village of Vík, famous for its black sand shores and dramatic landscapes. The day's highlight is the mystical Katla Ice Cave (incl. in Deluxe Tour). hidden beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, with stunning frozen formations. Following the ice cave, have lunch in Vík before heading to the magnificent Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, known for its geological wonder. Continue eastward to Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon with colossal icebergs, and the nearby Diamond Beach, where ice fragments juxtapose the ebony sands magically. Finally, you will reach Höfn, where you will check in to your hotel. Day 3 Begin the day with breakfast. Explore the charming fishing village of Djúpivogur, known for its picturesque harbor. Next, have lunch in Egilsstaðir. In summer, your journey then takes you to Borgarfjörður Eystri, renowned for its puffin colonies. Witness these endearing seabirds in their natural habitat. In the winter, you'll explore fishing villages in East Iceland. In the afternoon, soak in Vök Geothermal Baths (incl. in Deluxe Tour). Finally, check in to a hotel in Egilsstaðir. Day 4 After breakfast, continue your journey. Begin the day at Stuðlagil Canyon, famous for its stunning basalt columns and the blue glacial river. Next, reach Europe's mightiest waterfall, Dettifoss, and experience its thunderous power as water plunges into the canyon. Explore the surreal Námaskarð geothermal area with its bubbling mud pots. Visit Dimmuborgir, a mystical lava field, explore Skútustaðagígar, and don't miss Goðafoss Waterfall, In the afternoon check in at a hotel in Akureyri. Day 5 Start your day with breakfast, and then join a whale watching tour (incl. in Deluxe Tour). Enjoy a lunch in the city. Continue to Borgarvirki, an ancient volcanic plug once used as a fortress during Iceland's Viking Age. Next, head to Hvítserkur, a rock formation emerging from the sea. Proceed to Kolugljúfur, a canyon named after the giantess Kola. Finally, check-in to your hotel in Laugarbakki. Day 6 After breakfast, drive to Grábrók, a famous volcanic and take a hike to the top. Continue to Hraunfossar waterfalls, cascading through lava fields. Visit a traditional Icelandic horse farm to experience the charm and cultural significance of Icelandic horses. Stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe's mightiest hot spring. Lastly, drive back to Reykjavik, marking the end of the tour.

Experience the ultimate Icelandic adventure with our eight-day self-drive tour, showcasing the best of Iceland's landscapes and cultural heritage. Travel along the stunning South Coast to explore iconic waterfalls, black sand beaches, Europe's largest glaciers and the spectacular Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Drive through the serene East Fjords and discover the unique geological formations and cultural history of the region. Explore the volcanic wonders around Lake Mývatn and the powerful Dettifoss waterfall. Experience Icelandic saga history in Borgarfjörður and delve into the epic landscapes of the Golden Circle, including Þingvellir National Park, the eruptive Geysir area, and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. This self-drive tour offers freedom, adventure, and a deep dive into the natural beauty and history of Iceland. Day 1: Arrival Upon landing in Iceland, collect your rental car at the airport. Your first night will be spent in Reykjavík. Day 2: South Shore Driving along Iceland's south coast is an expedition through some of the most breathtaking scenery the island has to offer. Highlights are Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Skógafoss waterfall, Dyrhólaey promontory, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and the charming village of Vík. Day 3: Vatnajökull National Park Continue along the south coast and view the ice cap of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, Skaftafell area within Vatnajökull National Park, Svartifoss waterfall, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach. Overnight in Höfn. Day 4: East Fjords Travel through the East Fjords, a region famed for its landscapes, quaint fishing villages and hamlets, and roads that hug the coastline. Overnight stay in Egilsstaðir. Day 5: Lake Mývatn After driving through vast black desert of northeast Iceland you approach the Lake Mývatn area. Visit Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, Námaskarð geothermal area, Mývatn Nature Baths, the volcanic crater of Hverfjall, Dimmuborgir lava formations, and Goðafoss, one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls. Overnight stay in Akureyri. Day 6: Borgarfjörður Drive west to the valley of Skagafjörður, renowned for its horse breeding and significant role in Icelandic sagas. Visit the turf houses at Glaumbær and Reykholt, the home of Snorri Sturluson, a medieval historian, poet, and politician. Continue to Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, and Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. Day 7: Golden Circle Drive south towards Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Geysir geothermal area. A short drive from Geysir brings you to Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most stunning waterfalls. Day 8: Departure Depart from your lodging in Reykjavík and make your way to the airport. Accommodation Categories: Standard: Guesthouses and 3-star equivalent hotels. Comfort: 4-star hotels in Reykjavík, best hotels available in countryside. All rooms are standard.