Top 5 Vatnajokull National Park Full-Day Tours: Reviews & Tips
Alright, so you’re planning a trip to Iceland and thinking about exploring Vatnajokull National Park? Very smart. It is the largest national park in Europe and offers scenery that is just breathtaking, literally and figuratively sometimes! I mean, think of yourself stepping onto ancient glaciers, peeking into radiant blue ice caves, and being absolutely gobsmacked by views that go on forever. I know, exciting, right? It sounds amazing, very. But choosing the perfect full-day tour can feel overwhelming. That is where I can assist you! I’ve put together a list of the five tours that are more popular, that give value, and are really memorable, that will make seeing this amazing location simpler. Hopefully this can bring down some of the feeling of being overwhelmed. Oh and hey, that link I am embedding at the bottom might come in handy.
1. Glacier Hike and Ice Cave Exploration
First off, is that classic Icelandic experience: a glacier hike combined with exploring an ice cave? Almost every traveler considers these tour experiences very classic. Typically, these tours are offered from towns located nearby, for example, Jokulsarlon or Skaftafell. You get all geared up by guides. Those guides, too it’s almost like they’re rock stars, know the glacier so well, you will hike across a glacier with ice axes and crampons. A must-do! These hikes usually take about three hours, yet you will feel like you are in some magical movie because of all that intense light reflecting around. Later, you get the unbelievable chance to go inside an ice cave, or a cave only seen in winter time due to warmer temps, because otherwise they are only safely accessible then. It’s just something that must be seen. Pictures never do it justice, you have to be present. You definitely feel that this activity is something that has earned its spot as first. What an unreal experience.
What’s Cool: So, like your chances of witnessing super intense blue ice in the cave are just something else, the hike feels reasonably hardcore while being quite safe and, seeing it on foot gives you the ability to take in things. very different than riding in a tour van.
Heads Up: It is good to know that ice cave access only can happen in winter time, roughly from November to March, so you’re able to plan your trip just so.
Read our full review: Glacier Hike and Ice Cave Exploration Full Review and Details
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2. Ice Climbing Adventure
OK, if you’re even a little bit more inclined to activities, maybe rock climbing, perhaps you need to add an ice climbing tour. Usually they start with instruction from accredited climbing guides for all skill levels and training. So in the end everybody can make their way up a giant ice wall, that usually involves using special boots and ice axes. Those same guides, by the way, they are incredibly aware of risk prevention and do really good jobs to show you. Most people who have gone have never done it before, yet almost everyone comes out feeling like they achieved something grand, like an insurmountable milestone, and super accomplished.
What’s Cool: The feeling of adrenaline, obviously, is a blast! Very fun! Plus, getting a chance to be on the glacier in such a small intimate group often really enhances the overall experience, just saying,.
Heads Up: It’s a physically strenuous activity so do consider it a bit if you’re on the less athletic side.
Read our full review: Ice Climbing Adventure Full Review and Details
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3. Snowmobiling on Vatnajokull Glacier
Anyone interested in getting the glacier tour yet preferring something slightly speedy or something less challenging may want to try some snowmobiling! Tours are usually set up to fit novices to experienced snowmobilers. So these include safety instruction, equipment like warm clothes or snowsuits, and of course a chance to rip across some glacier top! I really would suggest this even if you have never gotten on such vehicle, that view alone up there justifies the means!
What’s Cool: Oh getting the thrills from this activity is something! The views as well, so just unreal views over Iceland while you’re at it!
Heads Up: Obviously, you’re going to want a valid driver’s license. Certain companies or guides may also have specific age restrictions.
Read our full review: Snowmobiling on Vatnajokull Glacier Full Review and Details
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4. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach Tour
Now, you probably will find those lagoons on basically every other tourist destinations, however very few will include glaciers. Jokulsarlon is that one unique location to view glacier lagoons where icebergs, well, float, that have been broken from Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier. These glacier lagoons offer, is that a right word, incredible views and very photo-perfect times as well. It tends to include going to Diamond Beach to be just right by the lagoons. Diamond beach being, you know, it’s right where pieces of the icebergs, very gorgeous clear blue looking ones, that are deposited ashore that simply glisten in bright light, as diamonds!
What’s Cool: You are able to spot those seals sun bathing on top icebergs so just keep an eye!
Heads Up: The tours can, slightly, get super packed with tourists in that high season. You may wish to consider doing that same activity really early, or late in one day to try avoiding major crowd levels, if you value those perfect picture shots!
Read our full review: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach Tour Full Review and Details
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5. South Coast Waterfalls and Glacier Walk Tour
Anyone interested in that quintessential sight-seeing or just getting the more for that value, there’s also a Southern Coast excursion. That is also your chance of viewing glacier trekking, or glacier walking at Svinafellsjokull Glacier, and seeing amazing stops at Reynisfjara basalt beach or perhaps those waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss plus Skogafoss.
What’s Cool: Like, you will experience multiple activities from Iceland in such very quick action that is going to be some really well maximized use of your timing!
Heads Up: It’s good to consider weather could quickly be changing, I would be packing various warm clothing regardless if doing it during summer.
Read our full review: South Coast Waterfalls and Glacier Walk Tour Full Review and Details
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So here’s what you should be taking away. A visit to Vatnajokull offers some life experiences. Getting out, really seeing what makes it tick by booking those trips or walking on the glacier for your self could lead your experiencing what others have missed. So be sure your stuff gets scheduled!
