Travelers visiting South Iceland now have a new way to explore the glaciers of Skaftafell following the launch of Glacier Beyond, a new guided hiking experience crossing two outlet glaciers within Vatnajökull National Park.

The new tour, created by Arctic Adventures, combines routes across both Falljökull and Virkisjökull glaciers, becoming the first scheduled guided day hike in the region to connect the two glacier tongues in a single excursion.

Skaftafell is one of Iceland’s most popular glacier hiking destinations and serves as a major gateway to the southern edge of the Vatnajökull ice cap.

New Route Expands Access Beyond Falljökull

Existing glacier tours from Skaftafell traditionally operate on Falljökull, also known as the “Falling Glacier” because of its dramatic icefall formations.

The new Glacier Beyond experience uses Falljökull as the entry point before continuing onto neighbouring Virkisjökull, a quieter glacier tongue that until now has not been included in scheduled guided tours departing from Skaftafell.

The expanded route is designed to offer visitors a more remote glacier experience away from the heavier guided traffic typically found on standard hiking tours.

Tour Includes Icefalls And Volcanic Landscapes

The experience begins at the Arctic Adventures base in Skaftafell before guests are transported by 4×4 vehicle to the glacier edge.

The full tour lasts approximately 5.5 hours, including between 3.5 and 4 hours spent directly on the ice.

Much of the glacier hiking takes place on Virkisjökull beneath the icefalls descending from Öræfajökull, the volcanic system containing Iceland’s highest peak at 2,110 metres.

The route also passes basalt columns and glacier formations rarely included on standard glacier hikes in Iceland.

Small Groups And Moderate Difficulty

Group sizes are limited to 12 guests per certified glacier guide.

The tour is rated moderately challenging and is suitable for travellers with good general fitness levels, although no previous glacier hiking experience is required.

The minimum participation age is 14 years old.

According to Arctic Adventures, the focus of Glacier Beyond is not speed or luxury but access to quieter glacier landscapes and more immersive exploration.

Tour Aims To Offer More Remote Glacier Experience

Francesco Li Vigni, Glacier Operations Manager and Guide at Arctic Adventures, said the new route transforms the traditional Skaftafell glacier experience.

“Most travelers who come to Skaftafell only set foot on Falljökull. Stepping across to Virkisjökull changes the day completely,” he said.

“The standard tour traffic drops away, the views open up, and you get a real sense of how an outlet glacier moves.”

Year-Round Departures Planned

Glacier Beyond departures are scheduled to begin on 15 June 2026 and will operate year-round subject to weather conditions.

Prices start from €188 per adult.

Travellers booking before 15 July 2026 can also use the promotional code GOBEYOND to receive a 15% launch discount.