8 National Park Tours in Iceland, Compared

1.Skaftafell National Park: Falljokull Glacier Easy Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,370 reviews · from $132Our pick

Meet your English-speaking guide at Troll Expeditions in Skaftafell, collect glacier gear, then ride to Falljökull for a guided walk among crevasses, moulins and blue ice. Expect roughly 60 to 90 minutes on the glacier, plus transport and a safety briefing. Boots can be rented; you must be at least 8.

“We don’t have glaciers back home, so being able to hike on one and seeing the beauty up close was incredible!”

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2.Skaftafell National Park: Falljokull Glacier Advanced Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,083 reviews · 5 hours · from $167

Spend five hours exploring Falljökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, with a certified guide and a group of no more than 10. You’ll get crampons, a helmet, harness and ice axe, then hike for about three hours on the glacier. Expect striking ice formations, glacier science and a solid physical workout.

“We had the best time on our tour with a wonderful guide named Lily! She was very nice, helpful, comforting and gave a lot of information. Definitely do the 5h instead of 3h tour, then you go a little higher on the glacier where there are fewer people. Very well organised.”

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3.Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 410 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $157

Meet at Jökulsárlón for a three-hour trip by modified super jeep to a natural ice cave in Vatnajökull National Park. Your guide chooses the cave according to conditions, explains the glacier, and provides safety gear. Expect a bumpy ride, a walk over rough ground, and a cave that may be blue, dark, crowded, or closed for safety.

“Very informative tour! Learned so many things and got to see so many sights! I did not expect to see the blue ice and I did not and that's okay! Global warming is a real threat and it's sad to see the very real effects. The car ride was so very bumpy but SO much fun! Would not advise if you have back issues..David our tour guide was so full of energy, fun and honest. I would have assumed our guide would stay with our group as we were hiking but he would often times walk ahead and then wait for us to catch up. He did stay by us…”

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4.Snaefellsnes National Park Small Group Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 323 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $145Top rated

Take a full-day trip from Reykjavík across the Snæfellsnes peninsula, with a group capped at 15. Stops include Ytri Tunga, Hellnar, Arnarstapi, Djúpalónssandur, Snæfellsjökull glacier, and Kirkjufell. Guides such as Dori, Dylan, and Inga have led the route, but your guide may vary. Bring food money, sturdy layers, and patience for a long day on the road.

“The views were amazing well worth the drive to get there. The tour guide Dori was excellent and very informative. I must do while in Iceland.”

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5.Small-Group Snaefellsnes National Park Day Trip from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 295 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $149

Travel from Reykjavik to Snæfellsnes in a small group of up to 19, with hotel pickup and a local English-speaking guide. Look for seals at Ytri Tunga, walk coastal paths near Arnarstapi, see Djúpalónssandur’s lifting stones and finish at Kirkjufell. Guides such as Christina, Siggi and Thor have shared local stories and folklore on past tours.

“This was a good trip. Be prepared for a long day. There were limited bathroom stops so if you have any issues with that be aware. Since it was a long day there was a lot of time driving but the sights were well worth it. Buy something to eat at the first bathroom stop so that you have it for later in the day. Our guide was good but actually talked a bit too much and was heavily into history. More than we needed to know.”

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6.Skaftafell National Park: Falljokull Ice Climb and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 78 reviews · 4 hours · from $259

Spend four hours at Falljökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, with a certified guide and a group of no more than six. Learn to use crampons and an ice axe, hike among crevasses and moulins, and climb an ice wall. Guides have included Jan, Diego, Lily, and Vincenzo; assignments vary.

“Very rigorous hike and climbing experience. Nothing quite like scaling a glacier wall with ice picks and crampons. Also felt safe the entire time.”

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7.Snaefellsnes National Park – Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · from $170

Travel by minibus from Reykjavík to Snæfellsnes National Park, stopping at Gerðuberg Cliffs, Ytri Tunga, Arnarstapi, Djúpalónssandur, Kirkjufell and Selvallafoss. The group has 4 to 17 people, with an English-speaking driver-guide. Guides Jonas, Gummi and Ian have been especially praised for their stories and care, though your guide may differ.

“Gummi was an exceptional guide. He is a very engaging storyteller who is knowledgeable and informative. We loved hearing his tales of Icelandic folklore. The tour itself, was breathtaking. Gummi knew where the best locations were for wildlife viewing. This tour exceeded our expectations. We were captivated by the beauty of Iceland and would highly recommend Gummi as a guide.”

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8.Skaftafell Nature Reserve: Highlights Scenic Airplane Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 6 reviews · 15 min · from $174

From Skaftafell Terminal, join a small group of up to five for a 15-minute flight over glacial riverbeds, black sands, green hills, and Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers. Your English-speaking pilot explains the route and safety basics before takeoff. You might see Hvannadalshnjúkur, Iceland’s highest peak.

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