Most glacier tours turn around at Falljökull. Ours keeps going.

On this 5.5-hour hike from Skaftafell, you'll cross two outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap. You'll meet your certified glacier guide at the Arctic Adventures hut for a safety briefing and full gear fitting: crampons, harness, helmet, and ice axe. A 4x4 bus then takes you on a scenic 25-minute drive to the glacier edge, closer to the ice than the main walking trail allows.

You'll step onto Falljökull, the “Falling Glacier,” and follow your guide across its lower ice, learning to read the surface and move safely between crevasses. From there, you'll continue onto Virkisjökull, the quieter “Fortress Glacier” where most of the hike unfolds.

Roughly 3.5 to 4 hours of walking takes you through a glacier valley framed by towering ice formations, tumbling icefalls, and dark basalt columns, with views opening up to Öræfajökull, Iceland's highest peak at 2,110 m (6,923 ft). Far from the standard glacier routes, you'll have this section of ice almost to yourselves.

Toward the end, you'll retrace your steps across Falljökull to the glacier edge, where the 4x4 bus is waiting. The return drive lands you back at the Arctic Adventures hut around 5.5 hours after setting out.

Glacier Beyond is the wilder, more secluded alternative to a standard glacier hike. Moderately challenging, small group, and a glacier almost to yourself.