Full-Day Glacier Kayak and Hike Tour in Iceland5.0(41 Reviews)7 hours
From€238.01per person
Listing ID : 57613
5.0(41 Reviews)
Full-Day Glacier Kayak and Hike Tour in Iceland
7hDuration
EnglishSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration7 Hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtReykjavik
LanguagesEnglish
Southeast Iceland — Glacier Adventure
Fláajökull Kayak and Glacier Hike: Full Day Combo Tour
Paddle across a secluded glacial lake, then strap on crampons and explore one of Iceland's most remote outlet glaciers.
This full-day combo tour delivers an extraordinary encounter with Fláajökull glacier, combining kayaking on a hidden glacial lake with a guided hike across ancient ice — all in a landscape that sees very few visitors.
The journey begins at Smyrlabjörg Hotel with a weather briefing before a 4x4 drive along gravel roads to the trailhead. A 30-minute hike through moss-covered terrain leads past Bólstaðafoss, a triple-drop waterfall that plunges 100 metres down the mountainside.
At the lake's edge, inflatable kayaks are readied for a 30-minute paddle directly alongside towering walls of glacier ice. The paddle brings you to the terminus of Fláajökull, where the glacier hike begins in earnest.
Crampons are fitted before the group ventures onto the ice to inspect deep crevasses and moulins, moving through a frozen landscape that is accessible exclusively through this operator. The return follows the same route in reverse, finishing back at the starting point.
Tour Highlights
Kayak metres from a massive glacier wall on a secluded lake rarely visited by travellers.
Hike on Fláajökull, an outlet glacier where this operator holds exclusive access for guided tours.
Explore dramatic glacial features including crevasses and moulins up close with a qualified guide.
Pass through a seldom-visited landscape of green moss and cascading waterfalls on the approach hike.
Travel far off the main tourist route in southeast Iceland for an uncrowded, authentic wilderness experience.
Reach remote terrain via 4x4 vehicle, making this adventure accessible from the Ring Road corridor.
Itinerary
1
Briefing at Smyrlabjörg Hotel
The group meets at Smyrlabjörg Hotel for a briefing covering weather conditions, safety procedures, and what to expect throughout the day. Equipment is distributed before departure.
2
4x4 Drive to the Trailhead
The group travels by 4x4 vehicle along a gravel road for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, reaching the starting point of the hike in a remote corner of southeast Iceland.
3
Hike Through Moss and Waterfalls
A 30-minute hike crosses a landscape of green moss and dramatic scenery, passing the triple-drop waterfall Bólstaðafoss, which cascades 100 metres down the mountainside.
4
Kayak Across the Glacial Lake
Inflatable kayaks are launched on the secluded lake directly beside Fláajökull's ice wall. Around 30 minutes of paddling brings the group to the glacier terminus.
5
Glacier Hike on Fláajökull
Crampons are fitted at the glacier's edge before the group ventures onto the ice to explore crevasses, moulins, and the extraordinary glacial landscape unique to this location.
6
Return Paddle and Hike Back
The group paddles back across the lake, then hikes to the vehicle for the return drive to Smyrlabjörg Hotel, completing the full-day circuit.
What Is Included
Included
Professional glacier guide throughout
Crampons and glacier safety equipment
Inflatable kayaks and paddles
Life jackets and paddling gear
4x4 transport to and from trailhead
Pre-tour safety briefing
Not Included
Personal travel insurance
Food and beverages
Accommodation
Transport to Smyrlabjörg Hotel meeting point
Important Information
This is a challenging full-day tour. Participants should have a reasonable level of physical fitness and be comfortable hiking on uneven terrain and paddling a kayak.
Duration
The total tour duration is approximately 7 hours, including transport, hiking, kayaking, and time on the glacier.
Meeting Point
Smyrlabjörg Hotel, southeast Iceland. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transport to the meeting point.
What to Bring
Wear warm, waterproof layers and sturdy hiking boots. Bring a packed lunch, water, sun protection, and a camera. Avoid cotton clothing.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms apply as stated at the time of booking. Tours may be cancelled or modified due to weather or safety conditions at the guide's discretion.
Accessibility
This tour involves challenging terrain including uneven rocky paths, kayaking, and glacier walking. It is not suitable for participants with limited mobility.
Age Range
Participants must be of a suitable age and fitness level for challenging outdoor activity. Please consult the operator directly for minimum age requirements.
Book Your Glacier Adventure
Secure your place on this exclusive full-day expedition to Fláajökull and experience a corner of Iceland that almost no one else reaches.
Do I need previous kayaking or glacier hiking experience?▼
No prior experience is required for either activity. The guide provides full instruction on kayaking and crampon use at the start of each activity.
Where exactly does the tour start?▼
The tour begins at Smyrlabjörg Hotel in southeast Iceland. Participants must arrange their own transport to this meeting point before the tour departs.
Is this tour suitable for children or elderly participants?▼
The tour is rated challenging and involves significant physical activity across difficult terrain. It is not recommended for very young children or those with limited fitness. Contact the operator directly to discuss suitability.
Are other tour operators active on Fláajökull?▼
No. This operator is the only company running guided tours on Fláajökull glacier, which means group numbers remain small and the experience is largely crowd-free.
What happens if weather conditions are poor on the day?▼
The guide assesses weather and safety conditions before departure and reserves the right to modify or cancel the tour if conditions pose a risk to participants. In the event of cancellation, rebooking options or refunds are handled according to the operator's policy.
How physically demanding is the hike to the glacier?▼
The approach hike takes approximately 30 minutes each way across mossy and uneven ground. Combined with paddling and glacier walking, the full day requires a good level of physical fitness and stamina.
Glacier Hike IcelandFláajökullKayaking IcelandSoutheast IcelandAdventure TourOff The Beaten PathGlacier KayakIceland OutdoorsCrampon HikingHidden IcelandFull Day TourGlacial Lake
This tour operates in southeast Iceland, a region renowned for its concentration of outlet glaciers descending from the vast Vatnajökull ice cap. Fláajökull is one of these outlet glaciers and sits in a remote, lightly visited area accessible from the Ring Road (Route 1) corridor near Höfn. The landscape combines glacial ice, moss-covered lava fields, and steep waterfall-draped mountainsides characteristic of this part of the country. The meeting point, Smyrlabjörg Hotel, serves as a practical base for travellers exploring the eastern and southeastern highlands of Iceland.
Type: Full Day Guided Combo Adventure Tour | Location: Fláajökull Glacier, Southeast Iceland | Region: Vatnajökull Area, East Iceland | Activity Level: Challenging | Activities: Glacier Hiking, Kayaking, Waterfall Trekking | Exclusive Access: Yes — sole operator on Fláajökull | Season: Summer / Shoulder Season
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