Vatnajökull Glacier & Ice Cave Tours -FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We are Local Guide of Vatnajökull - a team of experienced glacier guides and supported by a dedicated office.
Find clear answers to the most common questions about glacier hikes and ice cave tours in Vatnajökull National Park.
FAQ About Our Vatnajökull Glacier Tours
TRAVEL & LOGISTICS
These questions help you plan your trip, get to the right place on time, and know what to expect.
Where do your glacier and ice cave tours meet?
Summer Glacier Tours:
During the summer months, April – September, our meeting point is at Freysnes gas station. It is located on road number 1, the main „ring road“ highway of Iceland, 320km east of Reykjavík. If coming from Reykjavík, it’s around a 4 hour drive and you will find Freysnes gas station on your right hand side, just a few minutes after passing the sign for Skaftafell nature reserve.
Winter Ice Cave Tours:
During the winter season 2025/2026 we will be meeting you for the ice cave tours at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon main parking lot.
If you are taking a private tour it may be possible to collect you from the hotel in the local area so please ask us about this option.
Do you offer a pick up in Reykjavík?
We do not provide pickup from Reykjavík or hotels.
Public transport in Iceland is verylimited. Most visitors reach our meeting points by:
Renting a car (recommended)
Booking a private transfer from Reykjavík or nearby towns
Joining a transport-inclusive tour package
Our meeting locations are close to the ring road and can be reached with a car. Due to the distance to Reykjavik, we recommend staying at least one night in the area.
What time should I arrive for my tour?
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. If road or weather conditions are challenging (especially in winter), you should plan to arrive 20–25 minutes early.
This allows us to check you in and prepare you for the tour so we can leave on time.
There is a cafeteria and public bathrooms in Jökulsárlón (winter meeting location) and a service station (summer meeting point) where you will be able to grab a hot drink and snack, but also use a restroom during their opening hours.
Keep in mind these areas see high traffic and waiting times as well as parking should be considered.
The tour departs at the scheduled departure time and no refund is eligible if you are running late.
What should I wear on the glacier?
Dress in warm layers and waterproof outerwear — avoid jeans, as they don’t insulate when wet. We recommend:
✔ A warm base layer
✔ Waterproof jacket and trousers
✔ Warm hat, scarf, and gloves
All tours include helmets, crampons, and other safety gear. You may rent hiking boots on site for a small fee, but clothing rentals are not available.
Bring a small backpack so you can always take a layer off if you get too warm.
For more local tips check out our recent blog on where we share our knowledge with you!
What equipment is included in the tour?
Included with every glacier tour:
✔ Highly qualified local glacier guide
✔ Transfers to/from the Local Guide meeting point
✔ Safety equipment — helmet, crampons/microspikes, harness or ice axe (if needed)
You can rent sturdy hiking boots if needed for a small fee. Warm and waterproof clothing and food must be brought by you.
What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policies differ for public and private tours:
Public tours: Full refund available if canceled at least 24 hours before departure. For Ice Cave Discovery tours, a 72-hour notice is required due to logistics and planning.
-
Private tours & groups (8+):
≥1 month before: 0 % fee
1 month–2 weeks: 25 % fee
2 weeks–1 week: 50 % fee
<7 days: 100 % fee
In rare cases (e.g., unsafe conditions), we may cancel and offer rescheduling or a full refund depending on availably and your travel plans.
Feel free to review also our cancellation policy here.
Will I get a refund if it rains or if the weather changes?
We do not expect to cancel the tours due to rain. Normal rain or snow does not automatically cancel tours — we will cancel a tour if the conditions are unsafe. In such cases, we offer rescheduling or a full refund.
Do you provide food or drinks during tours?
We do not provide snacks or drinks on our tours.
For our longer hikes (Glacier Discovery and Ice Cave Discovery), we recommend bringing snacks or sandwiches, a water bottle, and—on cold days—a thermos with hot tea or coffee.
There are cafés and services near the meeting points (e.g., Jökulsárlón parking area and Freysnes service station) but urge you to check on seasonal opening hours beforehand.
Where should I stay nearby to join your tour?
We highly advise you to be staying in the area of Vatnajökull before or after the tour. Our recomendation would be to consider the area of Skaftafell, Öræfi, Glacier Lagoon, Höfn as the closest to both of our meeting points.
Check out some of our recommendations if you haven’t found a place to stay yet. And we promise the views in this area are worth an extra night or two!
What happens if the Ring Road is closed due to weather?
If you are unable to reach our meeting location because of a road closure or weather alert, please reach out to us as soon as possible with an email to info@localguide.is
We will work with you to reschedule the tour. If rescheduling isn’t possible, we will issue a full refund.
Do you operate tours during Christmas and New Year’s?
We are closed on December 24th and 25th, as well as December 31st and January 1st.
Do you offer tours for families with younger children?
Yes — families with children below the minimum age for public tours are welcome to book a private tour.
Summer:
Private family glacier hikes are available from Freysnes for children from 5 years old.
Winter:
Due to changing glacier conditions, children must be at least 10 years old and have a minimum shoe size of EU 35 to join our winter ice cave tours.
Can I combine glacier tours with other activities on the same day?
Yes — it is possible to combine multiple activities in one day. Just make sure to allow enough time for:
Transfers between meeting points
A lunch break
Possible weather-related delays
We recommend keeping some flexibility in your schedule.
Here are our favourite partner tours for additional local experiences.
Are tours offered in other languages?
Our guides speak several languages. In addition to English and Icelandic, you may hear Spanish, Italian, German, Polish, Czech, or French among our team.
All safety briefings and instructions during public glacier tours are given in English as you will be part of an international group. We cannot guarantee a guide in a specific language, as assignments depend on qualifications and tour requirements.
How do you carbon neutralize your tours — what does that mean in practice?
At Local Guide, we offset our carbon footprint each year by planting trees in Iceland through Kolviður – the Iceland Carbon Fund (ICF). The ICF was founded by the Icelandic Forestry Association and the Icelandic Environment Association.
Since joining in 2018, we have offset all of our tours. Our most recent contribution (2023–2024) equaled 169 tons of CO₂. We do not charge guests extra for this—every kilometer we drive and every tour we run is carbon neutralized. We believe carbon-neutral glacier tours should be the standard for responsible travel in Iceland.
HEALTH & SAFETY CONCERNS
Your safety comes first — all our glacier hikes and ice cave tours are led by experienced local guides and operated under strict safety standards.
How does Local Guide of Vatnajökull ensure high safety standards on glacier hikes and ice cave tours?
At Local Guide of Vatnajökull, safety comes first — always.
Experienced local guides: All tours are led by certified glacier guides with extensive on-ice experience and regular safety training.
Professional equipment: We provide high-quality safety gear, including helmets, crampons, and technical equipment suited to current glacier conditions.
Local expertise: As a company based on location, we know the glacier in detail and operate on it daily throughout the year.
Constant monitoring: We continuously assess glacier movement, ice conditions, and weather forecasts and adapt routes or cancel tours if needed — even for small changes.
Responsible decision-making: If conditions are not safe, we do not operate. Your safety is never compromised.
This approach allows us to offer memorable glacier experiences while maintaining the highest safety standards in Iceland.
Can I join a glacier hike or ice cave tour if I am pregnant?
Glacier hiking involves walking on uneven, icy terrain with crampons, exposure to cold weather, and moderate physical effort. Tours also include a 4×4 transfer on rough roads between the meeting point and the glacier.
If you are pregnant, please consider:
4×4 transfers: The drive can be bumpy and may be uncomfortable depending on your stage of pregnancy.
Physical activity: Walking on ice and snow, gentle inclines, and occasional rocky sections are part of the experience.
Weather exposure: Conditions can change quickly, making proper layering essential.
Safety equipment: Helmets and crampons are required and must be worn comfortably.
If you feel fit and confident in your mobility, participation may be possible in early stages of pregnancy. However, if you are later in pregnancy or have any medical concerns, we recommend choosing a less demanding activity or joining us on a future trip.
We always advise consulting your healthcare provider before booking and informing our team in advance so we can help assess suitability.
Are glacier hikes and ice cave tours suitable for guests with mobility limitations?
Glacier hikes and ice cave tours take place on uneven, icy terrain and require good balance, ankle stability, and the ability to walk for extended periods. Crampons are worn throughout the tour, and public tours follow a fixed pace.
If you have:
Ankle, knee, or hip issues
Reduced mobility
A recent injury or surgery
We strongly recommend consulting your doctor before booking. A private tour may be a better option, as it allows for a slower pace and more flexibility.
If you’re unsure, contact us in advance and we’ll help assess whether the tour is suitable.
Can people with asthma join glacier hikes and ice cave tours?
People with well-controlled asthma can often join our glacier hikes and ice cave tours, but these activities involve moderate physical effort, cold, dry air, and changing weather conditions — all of which may trigger symptoms.
If you have asthma, we recommend:
Consulting your doctor before booking
Bringing your inhaler or prescribed medication
Informing your guide before the tour
Taking breaks as needed and speaking up if you feel unwell
Your safety always comes first, and guides can adjust the pace when necessary.
Are ice cave tours suitable for people with claustrophobia?
Ice Caves come in all shapes and sizes. Our ice caves can be spacious, dome-shaped formations. However, ice caves change naturally throughout the season.
Depending on the ice caves that form, some caves can be narrower, more tunnel-like, or have lower ceilings and high walls. For safety reasons, all participants must stay with the group while inside the cave, and exits are not always immediately visible.
If you have claustrophobia, we recommend:
Assessing your comfort level in enclosed spaces
Checking current ice cave conditions with us before booking, as cave size and shape vary
Letting your guide know in advance so they can support you during the tour
If your claustrophobia is severe, an outdoor glacier hike may be a more suitable option.
GLACIER HIKES
Our glacier hikes on Vatnajökull range from easy introductory walks to advanced ice climbing, all led by experienced local guides and tailored to different fitness levels and seasons.
What glacier hikes do you offer on Vatnajökull?
We offer several glacier hiking experiences on Vatnajökull National Park, designed for different interests and activity levels:
Glacier Encounter – an easy, introductory glacier hike suitable for first-time visitors
Glacier Discovery – a longer hike with more exploration and varied terrain
Glacier Ice Climbing – an advanced experience that includes ice climbing techniques on real glacier ice
All tours include safety equipment and are guided by our certified glacier professionals.
What is the difference between Glacier Encounter and Glacier Discovery Tour?
The main difference is duration, distance, and depth of exploration.
Glacier Encounter is shorter and focuses on introducing you to walking on ice, glacier features, and safety basics.
Glacier Discovery is longer and allows for deeper exploration of the glacier, including more varied ice formations and terrain.
Both tours are suitable for beginners with a reasonable level of fitness.
Are glacier hikes suitable for beginners?
Yes. Most of our glacier hikes, including Glacier Encounter and Glacier Discovery, are designed for beginners. No prior glacier or mountaineering experience is required.
Our Glacier Ice Climbing Tour is also a great introduction to ice climbing for beginners. You don’t need any previous experience just the physical stamina to explore the glacier on foot.
Our guides provide a full safety briefing and teach you how to walk safely on ice using crampons before stepping onto the glacier.
How difficult are glacier hikes in Iceland?
Glacier hikes are considered moderate outdoor activities. They involve walking on uneven, icy terrain while wearing crampons and can include gentle ascents and descents.
Difficulty depends on:
The tour type
Weather and glacier conditions
Individual fitness level
If you’re unsure which hike suits you best, we’re happy to advise before booking.
What is the best glacier to hike on in Iceland?
Falljökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, is widely considered one of the best glaciers to hike on in Iceland.
Located near Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park, Falljökull offers:
Easy access year-round
A wide variety of ice formations, crevasses, and ridges
Excellent conditions for both beginner glacier hikes and advanced ice climbing
Because we operate daily on Falljökull, our local guides know the glacier in detail and continuously adapt routes based on conditions. This allows us to offer safe, varied, and high-quality glacier experiences throughout the year.
Most of our glacier hikes — including Glacier Encounter, Glacier Discovery, and Glacier Ice Climbing — take place on Falljökull.
Can you do glacier hikes in winter?
Yes — glacier hikes run year-round, including winter.
In winter, glacier hiking is often combined with ice cave exploration as part of our Ice Cave Discovery tours, where conditions allow. Winter glacier hikes may involve snow-covered ice, colder temperatures, and shorter daylight hours, but they also offer unique scenery, crystal blue ice and fewer crowds.
Do glacier hikes include ice caves?
ce caves are not part of our summer glacier hikes. During the warmer months, our tours focus on exploring the glacier surface, including ice formations, crevasses, and ridges, under safe and stable conditions.
If you’re visiting Iceland in winter, you can combine a glacier hike with an ice cave experience on our Ice Cave Discovery tour, where conditions allow. Ice caves are natural features that change every season and are only accessible when it is safe to enter.
Our guides monitor glacier and weather conditions daily and select routes accordingly to ensure the best possible experience.
How long do glacier hikes last?
Approximate durations:
Glacier Encounter: ~3 hours total (1-1.5h on ice)
Glacier Discovery: ~4 hours total (3 hours on ice)
Glacier Ice Climbing: ~4 hours total (3 hours on ice)
These times include safety briefings, gear fitting, transfers, glacier time, and return.
Thanks to our 4×4 vehicles, we can drive close to the glacier, minimizing the approach walk and allowing us to spend more time on the ice compared to longer walk-in routes.
Please note that timings are approximate and may change depending on the season, weather, and current glacier conditions. Guides may adjust routes or schedules on the day to ensure safety and the best possible experience.
Which glacier hike should I choose?
Choose Glacier Encounter if it’s your first glacier experience
Choose Glacier Discovery if you want more time and exploration
Choose Glacier Ice Climbing if you’re physically fit and looking for a technical challenge not a hike
If you’re unsure, contact us and we’ll help you decide.
What should I wear for a glacier hike?
You should wear:
Warm, waterproof clothing
Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
Hat and gloves
We provide all necessary glacier safety equipment, including crampons and helmets or flashlights.
Are glacier hikes safe?
Yes — when guided properly. All our glacier hikes are led by certified, highly experienced local guides who operate on Vatnajökull daily. Routes are adjusted continuously based on weather and glacier conditions, and tours are cancelled if safety cannot be guaranteed.
Safety always comes first.
What if I have children younger than 8 years old?
We would love to welcome you and your family on a glacier with us. We offer a private departure for children as young as 5 years old.
Please feel free to send us a message to info@localguide.is . Prior to sending us a request, we encourage you to check our page dedicated to private bookings.
What languages do guides speak?
Our guides speak several languages. In addition to English and Icelandic, you may hear Spanish, Italian, German, Polish, Czech, or French among our team.
Please note: all public tours are guided in English, as you will be part of an international group. We cannot guarantee a guide in a specific language, as assignments depend on qualifications and tour requirements.
ICE CAVE TOURS
Iceland’s ice caves are natural, ever-changing formations inside glaciers, and this section answers the most common questions about how they form, safety, timing, and what to expect on our ice cave tours.
What is a natural ice cave?
A natural ice cave is a temporary formation inside a glacier, created by meltwater flowing through the ice. These caves form naturally every year and change constantly as the glacier moves, melts, and refreezes.
Unlike man-made tunnels, natural ice caves are never the same from one season to the next — and sometimes not even from one day to the next.
How do ice caves form?
Ice caves form when summer meltwater flows through the glacier, carving tunnels and chambers in the ice. As temperatures drop in winter, these tunnels stabilize and become accessible.
Because glaciers are constantly moving, ice caves evolve quickly and may change shape, size, or collapse throughout the season.
When is ice cave season in Iceland?
Ice cave season typically runs from October to March, depending on weather and glacier conditions.
We begin scouting glaciers in late summer, and as soon as conditions are safe, we start operating tours. Some years caves are accessible earlier, while in others access may be delayed. Depending on the caves location and weather, we are sometimes able to extent the season into April.
From April to September there are Glacier Hikes available on the most beautiful glacier in Iceland.
Are ice caves safe to visit?
Ice caves are safe only when visited with experienced, certified glacier guides and when conditions allow.
At Local Guide of Vatnajökull:
Ice caves are assessed daily
Routes are chosen based on current stability
Tours are adjusted or cancelled if conditions are unsafe
Safety equipment and helmets are always provided
Safety always comes first, and a cave is not entered unless conditions are right.
Can i visit ice cave on my own?
No. Visiting ice caves on Vatnajökull without a guide is not allowed and extremely dangerous.
Ice caves are unstable natural formations, and conditions can change rapidly. Visiting with experienced glacier guides is essential for safety.
Which ice cave will we visit during the tour?
We usually visit one main ice cave, but this can change depending on weather and glacier conditions. Because ice caves are constantly evolving, we may switch caves during the season or even on the day of the tour.
For safety reasons, we cannot guarantee a specific cave in advance.
Can we visit the Blue Diamond Cave or Crystal Cave?
Ice cave names can be confusing. Some caves are temporarily named based on appearance or location, while older names may carry over to new formations.
It’s important to remember that each natural ice cave is unique to the season and day of your visit.
In past seasons, caves such as Blue Diamond, Sapphire, and Crystal Ice Cave have been accessible — but what matters most is safety, accessibility, and the quality of the experience, not the name.
How many caves are we going to visit on the ice cave tour?
We guarantee a visit to one natural ice cave on our ice cave tours.
Depending on conditions, guides may explore surrounding formations, but the main focus is spending quality time in the safest and best cave available.
WIll I be alone inside the Ice cave?
We schedule our tours to avoid peak traffic whenever possible, but we cannot guarantee having the ice cave to ourselves.
Even on private tours, other groups may be present. For photographers, early or late departures may increase the chance of fewer people, but weather and conditions always play a role.
Are the caves as blue as in photos?
The blue color of ice caves varies throughout the season. Light conditions, ice thickness, and weather all affect how the cave looks.
Professional photos often use long exposure, which enhances blue tones. We regularly share real-time photos and videos on our Instagram @localguide to show current conditions.
Do we visit the same cave every year?
Ice caves change every year. Some cave systems may last multiple seasons, while others exist for a few weeks.
Even when returning to a familiar location, the cave itself is usually different, as parts melt during summer and new sections form.
What ice caves has Local Guide explored in past seasons?
Over the years, Local Guide of Vatnajökull has explored and guided tours in many natural ice caves on Vatnajökull, each shaped by unique glacier conditions and seasonal meltwater.
Waterfall Ice Cave
three winter seasons between 2013 – 2016
Created by a stream coming from a side valley Veðurárdalur, melted snow from the mountains carved a cave into the side of the glacier.
Crystal Ice Cave
This was a beautiful cave which we had for a couple of seasons between 2013 and 2018.
It was located on the East side of Breiðamerkurjökull at the edge of the glacier
Sapphire Ice Cave
A cave located on the East side of Breiðamerkurjökull at the edge of the glacier. This cave has been used for guided tours for many seasons since 2015.
Blue Diamond Ice Cave
This was a smaller cave located on the West side of Breiðamerkurjökull that formed during the summer 2023. Blue Diamond was used for the tours in the winter season 2023/24 and it entirely melted the following summer.
These examples show why ice cave names change over time — what matters is visiting the safest and most impressive natural ice cave available on the day of your tour, guided by experienced local experts.
What should I wear, and what equipment do you provide?
Dress according to the weather, as you would for a winter hike. We recommend:
Waterproof and windproof outer layers
Warm layers underneath
Hiking boots (no sneakers or jeans)
Hat and gloves
Helmets and all necessary safety equipment are provided. An extra warm layer in your backpack is always a good idea.
What happens if the ice cave is closed due to unsafe conditions?
If we are unable to operate the tour safely, we will reschedule your booking (if suitable for both sides) or provide a full refund.
How large are the groups, and how many guides are present?
Our guide-to-guest ratio is:
12:1 on Ice Cave Tours
9:1 on Ice Cave Discovery tours
Private tours are available on request.
Can I bring a camera, tripod, or drone?
You are very welcome to bring a camera and tripod on the tour.
For safety and environmental reasons, drones are not allowed, as there is often a higher concentration of people and multiple groups in the area.
PRIVATE TOURS & GROUPS
Our private tours on Vatnajökull offer a fully personalized glacier or ice cave experience with maximum flexibility, comfort, and attention from experienced local guides.
What is a private glacier or ice cave tour?
A private tour means your group has an exclusive guide, with no other guests joining you on the glacier. The pace, focus, and route can be tailored to your interests, abilities, and schedule, while always prioritizing safety and current glacier conditions.
Private tours are available for our Glacier Hikes, Ice Climbing and Ice Cave Tours.
Find more information here and contact us for special requests.
Why choose a private tour instead of a group tour?
A private tour is ideal if you want:
More flexibility with timing and pace
Extra time on the glacier or inside the ice cave
A quieter, more personal experience
Focus on photography, learning, or adventure
To travel as a family with children, couple, or group
Private tours also allow guides to adapt more easily to weather, glacier changes, and group needs on the day.
Who are private tours best suited for?
Private tours are popular with:
Couples and honeymooners
Families with children or multi-generational groups
Photographers and content creators
Adventurous travelers seeking a tailored experience
Guests celebrating special occasions
No previous glacier experience is required — tours are adjusted to your comfort and fitness level.
How difficult is a Private Tour?
Private tours can be adapted to different fitness levels. The difficulty depends on the chosen activity, weather, and glacier conditions, and is always discussed before the tour.
Can the tour be customized?
Yes. While safety and glacier conditions always come first, private tours allow for:
Adjusted start times
Slower or faster pace
Extra time for photography
Focus on specific interests (ice formations, crevasses, geology)
Let us know your priorities when booking, and we’ll tailor the experience where possible.
Which glacier do private tours visit?
SUMMER
Most private glacier tours take place on Falljökull, one of the most scenic outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull National Park.
Falljökull is known for:
Dramatic ice formations
Crevasses and ice falls
Excellent access for glacier hiking and ice caves
The meeting location is next to Freysnes Service Station, close to Skaftafell National Park.
WINTER
In winter, private ice cave tours operate primarily on Breiðamerkurjökull, where natural ice caves form every year as meltwater carves tunnels into the glacier. These caves change constantly, and our locally based guides choose the safest and best option available on the day.
The meeting location is at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Our close proximity to the glaciers allows us to monitor conditions daily and adapt routes quickly — an important advantage in both summer and winter.
How long do private tours last?
Tour duration depends on the experience you choose:
Private Glacier Hikes: typically 3–5 hours
Private Ice Cave Tours: typically 3–7 hours
Extended or combination tours are possible on request
Thanks to our 4×4 super jeeps, we can get closer to the glacier, maximizing time spent on the ice rather than walking to it.
All timings are approximate and may change due to weather, season, and glacier conditions.
Are private tours safer than group tours?
All our tours — group or private — follow the same high safety standards.
Private tours offer:
A lower guide-to-guest ratio
More direct communication with your guide
Greater flexibility to adapt routes and pace
Our guides are highly trained, locally based, and experienced on Vatnajökull, with constant monitoring of glacier conditions.
What is the group size limit for private tours?
Private tours are typically booked for:
1–14 guests per guide depending on tour and conditions
Larger private groups may be possible with additional guides. Please contact us for custom arrangements.
What equipment is included on a private tour?
All of our glacier tours include transfers to and from our base, a qualified guide, crampons, helmet, harness, and ice axe and all safety equipment.
Hiking boots are included in private tours. Unfortunately, we are unable to rent clothing so please come well prepared for the tour with warm and waterproof clothing, hat, scarf and gloves.
Can private tours run year-round?
Private glacier hikes operate April to September, depending on conditions
Private ice cave tours are seasonal and typically run from October to March
In winter, private tours can sometimes combine a glacier hike and ice cave visit, depending on safety and conditions.
What happens if conditions are unsafe?
Safety always comes first. If conditions do not allow the tour to run safely, we will:
Offer a reschedule (subject to availability), or
Provide a full refund
Your guide will always make decisions based on real-time glacier and weather assessments.
How far in advance should I book a private tour?
We recommend booking private tours as early as possible, especially during:
Summer (June-August)
Winter ice cave season
Holiday periods
Last-minute requests are sometimes possible, but availability is limited.
How do I book a private tour?
Private tours can be booked directly through our website or by contacting us for custom requests.
SUSTAINABILITY & RESPONSIBLE GLACIER TOURISM
We believe that exploring glaciers comes with a responsibility to protect them for future generations.
How does Local Guide of Vatnajökull practice sustainable tourism?
As a locally based operator, we work directly on the glaciers we guide every day. This allows us to:
Adjust routes to minimize impact
Avoid fragile areas when conditions change
Operate small groups and private tours
Our decisions are always guided by safety, conservation, and long-term glacier health.
Are your tours carbon neutral?
At Local Guide of Vatnajökull, we offset our carbon footprint each year by planting trees in Iceland through Kolviður – the Iceland Carbon Fund (ICF), founded by the Icelandic Forestry Association and the Icelandic Environment Association.
Since joining in 2018, we have offset emissions from all our tours. For example our contribution for the season 2023–2024 covered 169 tons of CO₂.
We do not charge guests extra for this — every kilometer we drive and every tour we operate is carbon offset as part of our commitment to responsible glacier tourism. We believe this should be the standard in our industry.
Do glacier tours damage the ice?
When done responsibly, glacier tours have a very low impact.
We use established access routes, professional safety equipment, and follow strict guiding standards. We work closely together with the National Park. Our guides continuously monitor glacier changes and the top layer that we walk on melts any footprints quickly.
Why choose a local glacier guide for sustainability?
Being based next to Vatnajökull means we:
Know the glaciers intimately
React quickly to environmental changes
Reduce unnecessary transport and logistics
Local knowledge helps us operate more responsibly while offering a safer and more authentic experience.
What can guests do to support sustainable glacier tourism?
You can help by:
Choosing certified, experienced local guides
Following guide instructions on the glacier
Staying on designated routes
Respecting the natural environment
Small actions make a big difference in protecting Iceland’s glaciers.
Still unsure? If your question isn’t answered here, send us a message!