The Vatnajökull Ice Cap is the largest in Iceland and the second biggest in Europe after the Severny Island Ice Cap in Novaya Zemlya, Russia. It covers an area of about 7700km2 which represents about 8% of Iceland’s land area. Beneath its surface hide seven active volcanic systems: Öræfajökull, Bárðarbunga, Kverkfjöll, Grímsvötn, Þórðarhyrna, Hamarinn and Esjufjöll. These sometimes cause some of the ice to melt creating floods known as jökulhlaups.
Impressive though it undoubtedly is, the ice cap is in retreat: over the course of the last hundred years, it’s lost more than 15% of its volume. Nevertheless, it is still an impressive body of ice from which numerous separate outlet glaciers extend. One of these is Fjallsjökull, which calves into the Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon.
What’s the attraction? Today, the Vatnajökull Ice Cap is an adventure playground for thousands of visitors who come in search of adrenaline-fuelled activities that take place against a strikingly scenic backdrop. So what can you do when you come here? Let’s take a look at the top activities and attractions that make this such a popular destination with tourists.
Ice cave tours
Ice caves develop where meltwater finds a route through the glacier and hollows it out from the inside. As summer temperatures rise, the surface ice turns to water. Under the influence of gravity, it works its way down through the cracks and crevasses that are created as the glacier flexes and bends as it slides over the uneven valley floor. Meltwater also forms circular holes known as moulins.
The caves that are made as a result of this process are perhaps the most dazzling landforms you could imagine. Even in a country such as Iceland, blessed with many jaw-dropping views, they standout because of their beauty. Their dimpled walls and translucent, vivid blue colouring renders most visitors speechless as they lay eyes on them for the first time.
Even the journey to reach them is remarkable; to get up on the glacier necessitates a thrilling ride in one of Iceland’s iconic super jeeps. With their souped up appearance and gigantic tyres, these vehicles really are something else. Fjallsárlón’s Vatnajökull Premium Ice Cave Tour departs daily from November to March, the focus being a splendid ice cave within the Breiðamerkurjökull outlet glacier.
Glacier hikes and ice climbs
Fjallsárlón offers two guided glacier hiking tours: the Arctic Glacier Hike and the longer Ultimate Glacier Adventure. Sign up for the Arctic Glacier Hike and we’ll escort you off the beaten track onto Fjallsjökull glacier. Available from May to October, you’ll be driven up onto the glacier and, outfitted with helmets and crampons, the group will spend about 60 to 90 minutes on the ice, exploring the features that makes it special.
The caves that are made as a result of this process are perhaps the most dazzling landforms you could imagine. Even in a country such as Iceland, blessed with many jaw-dropping views, they standout because of their beauty. Their dimpled walls and translucent, vivid blue colouring renders most visitors speechless as they lay eyes on them for the first time.
Even the journey to reach them is remarkable; to get up on the glacier necessitates a thrilling ride in one of Iceland’s iconic super jeeps. With their souped up appearance and gigantic tyres, these vehicles really are something else. Fjallsárlón’s Vatnajökull Premium Ice Cave Tour departs daily from November to March, the focus being a splendid ice cave within the Breiðamerkurjökull outlet glacier.
Glacier hikes and ice climbs
Fjallsárlón offers two guided glacier hiking tours: the Arctic Glacier Hike and the longer Ultimate Glacier Adventure. Sign up for the Arctic Glacier Hike and we’ll escort you off the beaten track onto Fjallsjökull glacier. Available from May to October, you’ll be driven up onto the glacier and, outfitted with helmets and crampons, the group will spend about 60 to 90 minutes on the ice, exploring the features that makes it special.
The hiking portion of our Ultimate Glacier Adventure is much the same, but we package it up with a boat tour out on the lagoon so that you can appreciate this remarkable glacier from all angles. On either tour, you’ll cover 6-7km of this icy paradise, making it accessible to most people in reasonable shape. Up here, amid this frozen landscape, you’ll be able to appreciate the characteristics of a glacier and will relish the feeling of isolation and tranquillity that comes from being far from the busy coastal lowlands.
Ice climbing is technically more tricky but with full tuition it’s a fun sport to have a go at. While you’re up on the Vatnajökull ice cap, learn how to climb up crevasse walls and perhaps even out of a moulin. Activities are tailored according to the levels of experience of those who participate, so whether you’re an advanced practitioner or a complete novice you can join in. It’s an exhilarating way to test your own limits and appreciate the ice from a different perspective.
Boat trips
For some travellers, getting up onto the ice is physically impossible, but that doesn’t have to mean missing out entirely. If you’re happy to admire the outlet glaciers of the Vatnajökull ice cap from a distance, then a boat trip out on one of the extraordinary glacier lagoons is just the ticket. Fjallsárlón’s tours depart daily from the beginning of April until the end of November, though you can view the lagoon from the shore year-round.
Many visitors to Iceland visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Yet this striking place, beautiful though it most certainly is, can be thronging with tourists, especially during the summer season. Fortunately it’s also possible to take a tour in a Zodiac boat on neighbouring Fjallsárlón, just 10km away. Getting out on the water not only gives you an up-close look at the icebergs that float on the lagoon, you’ll also be much nearer to the glacier from where they calved.
Snowmobile rides
From spring until autumn, why not suit up for an adrenaline-fuelled ride on a snowmobile? These speedy vehicles are ideally suited to traversing the glacier’s uneven surface. Periodically, the guide leading your group will signal for you to pause as they tell you about the glacier and help you understand more about the Vatnajökull ice cap and its impact on the landscape.
By using motorised transport in this way, you’ll be able to cover more ground and see more of the glacier than you would on foot. Full instruction is given prior to setting out and if you don’t drive, you’ll have the option of riding pillion behind someone who does, meaning this can also become a family adventure suitable for children aged six and above. The tour operator will provide warm overalls so all you have to do is turn up with a can-do attitude and have some fun.
Summit Iceland’s highest peak
Hvannadalshnúkur is Iceland’s highest peak, reaching a maximum height of 2110 metres above sea level. The mountain peak is located on the north-western rim of Öræfajökull volcano and though no technical skills are required, you’ll still need the services of a qualified local guide if you are to make it safely to the top. It’s a challenging hike, both physically and mentally, so you’ll need to be sure you’re capable before setting out.
In all, the climb typically takes around 15 hours and there’s a mandatory safety briefing the night before to ensure everyone is prepared for what’s to come. But make it to the top and you’ll be treated to truly breathtaking views across the outlet glaciers of the Vatnajökull ice cap and the immense outwash plains of sand and gravel that lie beneath it.
As you can see, the Vatnajökull ice cap is a versatile adventure playground with many possibilities for activities on, under and beside the glacier. Whether you’re looking for a challenge or simply want to enjoy yourself in a magical setting, there’s an activity to suit. Why not take a look at the Fjallsárlón website and see what takes your fancy?
