Valley glacier
Parking
Viewpoint
Accessible
Accessible by car
Glacier hiking
Guided tour recommended
Safety
Glaciers are constantly changing environments with crevasses, unstable ice and variable conditions. Do not travel onto a glacier without suitable equipment, experience and professional guidance where appropriate.
Geology
Skaftafellsjökull is an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull that has carved its valley and transported large quantities of sediment towards the lowlands.
Visit tips
View the glacier from safe designated areas. Travel onto the ice should only be undertaken with proper equipment and guidance.
About Skaftafellsjökull
Skaftafellsjökull is an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull located beside Skaftafell. The glacier has shaped the valley in front of it through ice movement, erosion and sediment transport. It is one of the most accessible glaciers in the Skaftafell area and is popular with visitors who want to see an outlet glacier at close range.
Last verified 16 September 2026