Intro to Glacier Packrafting on Europe's Largest Glacier
Paddle glacial lakes, hike ancient ice, and discover a landscape carved by thousands of years of natural force.
This glacier packrafting experience offers a hands-on introduction to navigating icy glacial waters at the edge of one of Iceland's most dramatic landscapes. Suitable for beginners, the tour combines hiking, paddling, and glacier access into a single immersive outing. It is a rare opportunity to engage directly with a living, shifting body of ice.
The tour departs from Smyrlabjörg Hotel, where participants receive a full weather and safety briefing before traveling by 4x4 vehicle along a gravel road to the glacier access point. A 30-minute hike leads through a mossy trail past the cascading Bolstaðafoss waterfall to the edge of a glacial lake. The surroundings shift noticeably as the trail approaches the ice, giving a clear sense of how the glacier shapes the terrain around it.
At the lake, guides inflate the packrafts and participants put on drysuits before receiving paddling instruction and a safety briefing. The group then paddles across the lake, taking in views of surrounding mountains and glacier formations. A landing on a skerry still emerging from the receding ice provides a striking vantage point over the lake and the glacier face.
Subject to safety conditions assessed by the guide on the day, participants may briefly walk onto the glacier itself. The glacier is in constant motion and its surface changes from trip to trip, meaning access cannot be guaranteed in advance. The guide's decision on ice access is final, and all safety assessments are made with participant welfare as the primary consideration.
Tour Highlights
Paddle across a glacial lake surrounded by mountains and ice formations in a packraft.
Hike a green mossy trail past the scenic Bolstaðafoss waterfall to reach the glacier edge.
Step onto the largest glacier in Europe, subject to on-the-day safety conditions.
Wear a full drysuit and receive thorough safety and paddling instruction before entering the water.
Land on a skerry still emerging from the retreating glacier for an up-close view of the ice face.
Travel to the glacier access point in a 4x4 vehicle across rugged Icelandic terrain.
Tour Itinerary
The tour begins with a weather and safety briefing at the meeting point. Guides outline what participants can expect on the day before everyone boards the 4x4 vehicle.
A 20-minute drive along a gravel road brings the group to the starting point for the hike. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic as the glacier comes into view.
A 30-minute hike along a moss-covered trail passes the Bolstaðafoss waterfall before reaching the shore of the glacial lake. The route is accessible for most fitness levels and offers strong views along the way.
At the lake, the packrafts are inflated and participants put on drysuits. Guides deliver paddling techniques and a full safety briefing before the group enters the water.
The group paddles across the lake, taking in the surrounding peaks and ice. A landing is made on a skerry still emerging from the glacier, followed by a 10 to 15 minute hike for elevated views.
Where safety allows, participants may briefly walk onto the glacier surface. Access is assessed by the guide on each trip and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
What Is Included
Included
- Professional glacier guide
- 4x4 vehicle transport to glacier access point
- Packraft and paddle
- Drysuit and safety equipment
- Paddling and safety instruction
Not Included
- Personal travel insurance
- Food and beverages
- Gratuities for guides
- Glacier walk (subject to conditions)
Important Information
Ready to Paddle Iceland's Glacial Waters?
Secure your place on this introductory packrafting experience and discover Iceland's most iconic glacier from a perspective few visitors ever reach.
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