Camping in Skaftafell National Park & The Best Glacier Hikes

If you’re looking to explore the wild beauty of Iceland on your own terms, look no further than camping in Skaftafell National Park. Nestled below the mighty Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, Skaftafell is a heaven for hikers. Whether you’re pitching a tent for the night or staying a few days, this is the ideal base for those planning a glacier hike in Iceland—especially from Freysnes, just minutes away. Let’s take a closer look why the Skaftafell campsite is one of the best spots for camping in Iceland and everything you need to know for your glacier adventure. Why Camp in Skaftafell? Skaftafell National Park is more than just Iceland’s largest national park—it’s a hub for outdoor lovers looking to connect with nature. At the base of Vatnajökull, Iceland’s biggest glacier, it offers a rare combination of the highest mountains, winding glacier rivers, and lush birch forests. If you are lucky you can spot wildlife or free roaming Icelandic sheep. Locals know Skaftafell for its good weather – and that says a lot in Iceland. Camping here gives you front-row seats to some of the most scenic landscapes in the country. You’ll be just steps away from countless hiking trails. Skaftafell campsite is within easy reach of Freysnes, the starting point of the best glacier hikes in the area.   What to Expect at the Skaftafell Campsite The Skaftafell campsite is run by Vatnajökull National Park and is open from May through September. The large campground doesn’t require advance reservations—though we recommend arriving early during peak season. Here’s what you’ll find: Local Tip: A less busy campsite in Svínafell If you’re looking for a quieter alternative, there’s a small and charming campsite in Svínafell. Located just a few minutes away from Skaftafell and Freysnes. Svínafell campsite has fewer facilities but it offers a peaceful and scenic setting. For movie enthusiast the proximity to Svínafellsjökull is another plus. The glacier outlet got famous by films like Batman Begins and Game of Thrones. While Svínafellsjökull is best observed from a distance because of changing conditions, Falljökull just next door is the glacier to be. If you are looking for a unique experience on the ice, Falljökull offers the most exciting and safe options for glacier hiking in Iceland. Glacier Hikes Near Skaftafell: Why Falljökull is the best Glacier in Iceland Just a short 5-minute drive from Skaftafell National Park lies the small community called Freysnes. This is the starting point for some of the best glacier hikes in Iceland—especially on Falljökull, known locally as the “Falling Glacier.” So what makes Falljökull the top choice? When the glaciers call, Falljökull is the one to answer. Our experienced guides at Local Guide of Vatnajökull lead small-group glacier tours that combine education, safety, and once-in-a-lifetime views. 🧭 Learn more or book your adventure right now with Local Guide of Vatnajökull. 📚 Not sure what to pack? We’ve got you covered with our blog on What to Wear on a Glacier Hike or keep reading for a few more local tips. Tips for Camping and Hiking in Iceland Before you roll out your sleeping bag or step onto the ice, here are a few essentials: 💡Insider tip: Get a discount on your parking pass in Skaftafell National Park! When visiting the famous Glacier Lagoon Jökulsárlón on the same day. Both destinations should definitely be on your Iceland bucket list. Top Hikes You Can Do Right From Your Tent Wake up, brew your coffee, and hit the trails! A Glacier Hike is a must in the area but Skaftafell National Park offers even more bucket list material. These popular hikes begin right from the Skaftafell Visitor Centre: Learn more about these hikes on our blog. And don’t forget to visit the excellent Skaftafell Visitor Centre, where rangers are available to help you. They’re a great resource for planning your hikes and understanding the conditions before setting out. Make Skaftafell Your Home Base for Glacier Hikes There are few places in the world where you can go from your tent to a glacier in under an hour—and Skaftafell National Park makes that possible. With scenic hikes, new facilities, expert advice from rangers, and easy access to glacier guides in Iceland, it’s the perfect stop on your ring road trip. So pitch your tent under Vatnajökull, the biggest glacier in Europe, explore Iceland’s most iconic trails, and take that glacier hike from Freysnes you’ve always dreamed about. 👉 Ready to explore? Book your glacier hike today and make your time in Iceland truly unique. For more impressions and inspiration, check out Local Guide’s Instagram or browse through glacier guides Iceland reviews from fellow adventurers. OUR RECENT POSTS

Day hikes from Reykjavík

Day hikes from Reykjavík Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and offers several fantastic day hikes within reach. We decided to highlight the most popular day hikes you can enjoy from Reykjavik: Reykjadalur Hot Springs: Located about a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik, Reykjadalur offers a scenic hike leading to natural hot springs. The trail takes you through a geothermal valley, and you can soak in the warm waters while enjoying the stunning surroundings. Mount Esja: Situated just a short distance from Reykjavik, Mount Esja is a popular hiking destination. The trail begins at the edge of the city and offers different routes for varying difficulty levels. The summit provides panoramic views of the city and the surrounding fjords. Glymur Waterfall: About an hour’s drive from Reykjavik, Glymur is Iceland’s second-tallest waterfall. The hike to Glymur takes you through a picturesque canyon and offers breathtaking views of the cascading waterfall and the surrounding landscapes. Þingvellir National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir is located approximately 40 kilometers from Reykjavik. The park offers several hiking trails that take you through dramatic volcanic landscapes, along with the opportunity to explore the historic site of the world’s oldest existing parliament. Snæfellsjökull National Park: While this may require a longer day trip, Snæfellsjökull National Park offers stunning landscapes and diverse hiking trails. The iconic Snæfellsjökull volcano, famous for its appearance in Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” is a prominent feature in the park. Hengill Volcano and Reykjadalur Valley: Located near the town of Hveragerði, around a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik, Hengill Volcano and Reykjadalur Valley provide a unique hiking experience. The trail takes you through geothermal areas, hot springs, and steaming rivers, with the option to relax in warm natural pools. Remember to check weather conditions, bring appropriate gear, and let someone know about your hiking plans. It’s also a good idea to research specific trails and obtain up-to-date information before embarking on any hike. OUR RECENT POSTS

Summer Solstice in Iceland

Summer Solstice in Iceland The summer solstice in Iceland typically occurs around June 21st each year. It is the longest day of the year, with the most daylight hours and the shortest night. During the summer solstice, Iceland experiences the phenomenon known as the “midnight sun,” where the sun remains visible throughout the night, creating a surreal and beautiful atmosphere. Due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle, Iceland experiences extended daylight hours during the summer months. On the summer solstice, the sun can stay above the horizon for nearly 24 hours in some parts of the country, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration during the nighttime. Many Icelanders and visitors take advantage of the extended daylight to celebrate the summer solstice with various festivals, events, and outdoor activities. It is a time when locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy music, dance, bonfires, and other traditional festivities, making it a vibrant and memorable experience in Iceland. If you plan to visit Iceland during the summer solstice, be prepared for the unique experience of the midnight sun and the lively atmosphere that accompanies this special time of the year. Solstice: The longest / shortest day of the year, when the sun reaches the highest / lowest point in the sky at noon. The sun “sits still” on this day, it is no longer rising higher / lower. Depends on leap year day, there are just over 365 days a year, they happen every 4 years (29th of February), resulting in 366 days in a year to compensate.  Summer solstice: brightest day of the year, 20-22nd June, mostly happening around the 20-21st June Winter solstice: darkest day of the year, 20-23rd December, mostly happening around the 21-22nd December First day of summer: is a public holiday in Iceland, held on the third or fourth Thursday of April. The rule for it is the first Thursday after 18th of April. Back in the days the old Norse calendar divided the year into only two seasons, summer and winter. In those days age was counted in winters instead of years. By old Icelandic tradition there is a saying “if summer and winter freeze together it is a good sign for a prosperous summer”. Meaning, if the temperature reaches below frost the night before the first day of summer, it’s a good sign.  To check this, a bowl of water was put outside to see if it would have a frozen top layer early in the morning. What does a prosperous summer mean? Well, back in the days it meant nutritious crops for the livestock. And it is in fact true, if grass fields are late to bloom, they will become more nutritious. Therefore, if it is a cool wet spring, there is frost on the night of the first day of summer, which commonly means a late blooming summer. OUR RECENT POSTS

Can I visit the ice cave on my own

Can I visit the ice cave on my own This time we decided to invite one of our guide to give us her own perspective on the whole ice cave hunting idea when in Iceland. Happy reading! Can I visit the ice cave on my own? I know how it feels when your inner Indiana Jones wants to go to the deepest parts of Iceland with NO OTHER people. I understand but let me tell you how it really is with all ice caves. Long time ago, someone saw how blue and magnetic glaciers are and since the first post on Instagram, we are dealing with a syndrome called: “NeedToGoOnTheGlacierItIsSoBeautiful”. Wanting to share the beauty of Icelandic nature and trying to have less rescue missions, we started tours to dangerous but beautiful places, making them look so easy. But they aren’t. Why would you like to go on your own? I guess it is because you want to see how far you can get on a rental car, avoid big groups in the cave and maybe save a bit of money (hey if there is any other reason, let me know, that could be a great talk)? Let’s start with a car. Getting to any ice cave is a challenge. We are going to the most beautiful and probably easiest to reach and still we are using super jeeps. Which are fun and necessary – unless you can drive very precisely, however that won’t help if there is snow and ice on the road…. Money? If ANYTHING happens to your rental car on a road like that, your trip becomes MUCH more expensive than a tour. You also have a teeny-tiny chance that any super jeep will help since there are some insurance issues. You would be on your own (as you wanted). Avoiding big groups. Honestly, the cave is popular, this is why you are reading this article, and I’m not surprised! It is amazing!  Are there any less popular but awesome caves? Yes, there are but first of all we don’t know about them or it takes forever to get near them (for some you need a helicopter ride). But if you book a tour with a small operator like us, I can guarantee you, we will do everything to give you some alone time in the cave. I’m a guide, trust me I also don’t like crowds. “Hey! I have seen this huge cave, I could see it from the road! Let’s go!” Well if there is no one going, there is a reason for it. It is not easy to find a good cave – a lot of them are not blue (plenty are just black because of how much ash and rocks we can have on the glaciers). So if you think you found a holy grail of ice caves just for yourself – don’t go (especially if you have never done things like that before). You also need plenty of equipment too.. Many of them are not safe. The structure of the ice is different depending on: movement of glacier, level of water inside, where the cave is situated. Approaching the cave might be a problem, in general approaching glaciers you need to be aware of rock falls, ice falls, sinkholes, quicksands – no, I’m not joking. Some of the caves are not safe due to volcanic activities in the area like possible earthquakes (just now one of the ice caves got closed for that reason!).  Basically getting on the glacier or into the glacier needs preparation and I mean more than watching a series of youtube videos. I could go on and on about glaciers and how much respect they need from us. But instead let’s talk about solutions. If you want to see a cool ice cave just book a tour. Guides know the area, we know how to get there and when it is not safe to go. The Ice Cave you will see is safe because we take care of it, we know it well and we see the changes. Don’t be silly, take a guide! The Icelandic Civil Protection is strongly advising to not visit glaciers on your own. To be aware. We believe in Iceland that people have equal rights to nature (unless it is private land, then no). Rather relying on stiff rules we believe in natural selection. While driving around Iceland, you will meet some other people. That makes everyone feel like you are gonna be ok even if something will happen. There are all topless vikings waiting to come to you on jet boats or other helicopters. You are right BUT you need to let them know – many places and especially glaciers, don’t have reception. Even if they know where you are it will take hours and I mean HOURS. We are doing our best but Iceland is the place with more sheep than people – resources are limited. Weather wise? Don’t do silly things. ALWAYS check road.is and vedur.is to make sure it is safe to drive. OUR RECENT POSTS

Handy hints for driving in Iceland

Handy hints for driving in Iceland Driving in Iceland can be daunting. The weather here is unpredictable and different to what most people will have experienced in their home countries. Driving for most tourists here comprises the Ring Road and exiting/entering the city, but there can be a lot to keep in mind for just one single carriageway road!  In this blog we’ll outline some of the basic rules that you might not be aware of, as well as listing some of the best resources you can use to plan your journey once you get to Iceland. Road rules to note that might differ from your country: We drive on the right hand side of the road in Iceland This isn’t a problem for most people coming from left-hand drive countries, but it can be a little intimidating when passing large vehicles on the Ring Road. Our advice is to focus on your position on the road as a driver. If you need your front-seat passenger to give you some calm advice about how close you are to the side of the road that can help too. The trick for both of you is just to breathe and remain calm when passing those big vehicles, and slow down gently if you need to.  The inner circle has right of way on a roundabout! This one can confuse even the people who live here. Imagine there are two lanes heading into a round-about. The right-hand lane is for those turning right immediately. The left-hand lane is for those heading straight ahead or taking the third- or fourth- exits – this is pretty standard in most countries. Sometimes as you’re using the outside lane, someone in the inside lane will need to exit and they have priority in Iceland. This means that they can cut across the outside lane and you’ll need to stop to let them do so. It also means that if you accidentally end up in the outside lane and need to keep going straight, you need to signal left as in ‘back in’ to the roundabout and you’ll have to wait for anyone on the inside lane to cut across you. Then you just continue in the outside lane to the next exit or keep signalling ‘back in’ and minding people on the inside until you reach your exit.  It can take a little bit of practice to keep your eyes out for people on your left. Thankfully, most people are aware of the fact not everyone knows these round-about rules and people will usually look you in the eye before driving in front of you on their way out. People are also used to cars in front of them braking in round-abouts. Just remember to check if someone needs to cross in front of you to exit from your left-hand side and you’ll be fine!  If you want to read more about this, check out an article from Iceland review on this unique driving rule. -Lights must be on at all times (most cars the lights will come on automatically but double check) -Wear your seatbelt at all times Stopping in the middle of the road One of the most important things to remember in Iceland is do not stop at the side of the road. This is a big problem here, especially in the summer as tourists pull over, stop suddenly, or stand in the road to take photos. If you want to stop you must pull into a slip road, picnic area or road off the main road. You must never pull over on the main road or stand in the road. Traffic moves fast at 90 km/h on most main roads and it is dangerous to you and the cars around you if you do this. Please bear this in mind and drive courteously. Look at the signs on the road The electric sign boards seen on the sides of the road will display the location and temperature but also wind gusts. These are marked in red and counted in metres per second. By paying attention to these, you can be prepared for upcoming conditions and make an informed decision of whether you would like to carry on or stop somewhere safely to assess the weather and make a new plan.  Plan your journey Weather in Iceland can be unpredictable and play a large part in hazardous driving conditions. Please visit the following sites before planning your trip as these will help you to be equipped with the best knowledge. You might have to be flexible in Iceland so always keep a contingency budget aside just in case. Do not put yourself in a dangerous position just to get to the next hotel as it might be safer to stay where you are.  Take note of the speed limit. Websites of note:  vedur.is This is the main meteorological site in Iceland and gives up to date weather reports and warnings. road.is This is the most important site to check before you go for a drive, here you can see up to date road conditions, any closures, webcams and wind speeds. It is especially important to check this when travelling in winter, so you are not caught by surprise by slippery conditions.  Safetravel.is This website publishes any official warnings and closures on their website, they will also have screens in petrol stations with any up to date warnings or changes.  Ask the locals: Speak to your hotel before setting off as they will always be able to check conditions for you. If you are coming on a tour with us, get in touch! We will always send communication about any unfavourable conditions the day before if they will affect the tour, however we are more than happy to help at any time so if you want a second opinion or information on the weather where we are just give us a call.  If you are just about to come to Iceland and rent the

Ice Caves: What? Where? How?

Ice Caves: What? Where? How?​ The chances are, if you have stumbled across our website it is because you are looking for an ice cave tour and perhaps you would like to know a bit more about where the caves are and how they are formed.  What are they? Ice caves are chambers that form in the ice within the outlet glaciers.  How are they formed? Ice caves are formed during the summer months when rivers and channels run through the ice, they carve tunnels and chambers among other formations within the dense glacier ice. Once the colder winter weather arrives and the rivers retreat we can access the caves and explore the icy blue underworld of the glaciers. Where can I find them? Ice caves can be found within any glacier in Iceland, there are many that will never be discovered in the more remote parts of the country.The most popular place to visit the caves is in the South East of Iceland in the outlets of the Vatnajokull glacier. Here there are caves that are often accessible within 1 hour from the main Route 1 making them a popular attraction with tourists in Iceland.  When can I visit them? Ice caves are normally accessible from late October to late March however the weather conditions play a big part in this and we have to monitor the caves constantly, perhaps we can visit them a bit earlier or perhaps we have to end the season early.  How can I get to them? You can visit Ice caves on organised tours. At Local Guide we offer daily tours both short accessible yours and longer tours aimed at the fitter more adventurous client. We use specially modified superjeeps to access the caves and highly experienced guides from the local area. Our meeting point is at the main parking area next to the Glacier Lagoon Jökulsárlón. It is very easy to see our big black van with the Local Guide logo on.  Can I go alone? No. It is very important that you visit the cave with a trained guide. They use their years of experience to monitor the conditions of the cave, know which areas are safe/unsafe to visit and they carry safety equipment with them at all times. Weather can change very quickly in Iceland and can lead to unpredictable and uncomfortable conditions if you do not have the correct vehicle to access the caves. OUR RECENT POSTS