Skaftafellsjokull is a glacier tongue, or outlet glacier, that flows down from the Vatnajokull ice cap in southeast Iceland. A marked, mostly level trail leads from the Skaftafell visitor centre to a viewpoint near the glacier snout. In front of the glacier is a lagoon of meltwater dotted with small pieces of ice.
Skaftafellsjokull at a glance
Skaftafellsjokull is in southeast Iceland. The glacier has a viewpoint near its snout. The lagoon in front of the glacier contains meltwater and small pieces of ice.
An outlet glacier of Vatnajokull
Skaftafellsjokull flows down from the Vatnajokull ice cap. It is one of several tongues descending from Vatnajokull near the Skaftafell area.
The walk from Skaftafell
The marked trail starts from the Skaftafell visitor centre. The trail is mostly level. The route leads to a viewpoint near the glacier snout. Like many Icelandic glaciers, Skaftafellsjokull has been retreating. The distance from the path to the ice has grown over the years.
Visiting Skaftafellsjokull and South Coast tours
Walking onto the glacier itself is done only with a guide and proper equipment. The ice and the lagoon edge are dangerous without them. You can compare South Coast tours to see the current options.
Plan the journey
The Driving Distance Calculator can help you sequence Skaftafellsjokull Glacier Iceland with nearby sights without overfilling the day.
