blue ice discovery
A half-day Blue Ice Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull, exploring vivid crystal blue ice features on a small-group guided tour.
PRICE
24.900 ISK
| 200 $
173 € |
Why Blue Ice Instead of an Ice Cave?
Blue ice is one of the main reasons travelers come to explore glaciers in Iceland, and over the years we’ve seen a growing demand for a half-day experience that still delivers this highlight without committing to a full-day adventure. The Crystal Blue Ice Glacier Hike was developed to meet that need.
This tour sits naturally between our most popular Ice Cave Tour and the longer Ice Cave Discovery full-day experience. It offers a focused glacier hike combined with visits to striking blue glacier features, making it an ideal option for guests who want to explore Vatnajökull up close but prefer a shorter, more manageable itinerary.
During this half-day Blue Ice Discovery, groups hike on the glacier itself and experience the constantly changing ice landscape, including naturally formed blue ice features that reflect the glacier’s current conditions. The route and features visited vary throughout the season, allowing the experience to evolve while keeping the tour accessible within a 2.5-4h timeframe.
SEASONAL UPDATE:
This tour will operate between October and April each season. The glacier hike and visit to one or more striking crystal blue glacier tunnel can differ between the time of a year, weather and glacier conditions. For any recent updates is best to follow us on our instagram: www.instagram.com/localguide Look for the most recent higlights.
Blue Ice Discovery - tour higlights
- Duration: 2.5 -4 hours
- Distance: 1.4 – 4 km hike.
Activity level: moderate – suitable for anyone with fitness for a regular hike.
Elevation gain: 10 -70 m
be prepared for your
adventure
Icelandic weather, especially in winter, can change quickly and without much notice. Conditions may include wind, snow, rain, or cold temperatures, sometimes all in the same day. For this reason, proper clothing is essential. We strongly recommend wearing warm, layered clothing, including a waterproof and windproof outer layer, along with a hat and gloves. Dressing appropriately ensures comfort and safety throughout the glacier hike.
The experience includes time both off and on the ice. After arriving at the glacier area, groups walk from the parking area toward the glacier before stepping onto the ice itself. While the exact distance and timing can vary depending on conditions, participants should be prepared for a steady approach hike followed by guided glacier walking. The total glacier hike distance is longer than on standard sightseeing stops and forms a key part of the Blue Ice Discovery experience.
Throughout the tour, certified glacier guides adapt the route to current conditions, selecting the safest and most interesting areas to access blue ice features. As glaciers are constantly changing, the specific features visited may vary, but the focus remains on providing a high-quality Blue Ice and Glacier Hike experience within a half-day format.
The Blue Ice Discovery tour is best suited for participants who are comfortable with moderate physical activity, can walk independently on uneven terrain, and are prepared for winter outdoor conditions.
Please keep in mind that our public tours offer a 24h cancellation policy with a full refund.*
*Local Guide and its guides reserve the right to refuse service to anyone they deem unfit to participate in the activities they have enrolled in. Local Guide reserves the right to change the tour itinerary and chosen route with safety in mind due to environmental factors and other factors outside human control. Furthermore, we don’t repay the fee if the client is late, or doesn’t show up even if the weather is very bad, in case we can offer the trip. So we recommend staying in a hotel or guesthouse east of Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park, and west of the town of Höfn.
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