The Fláajökull is one of the many glaciers in Iceland, but it’s truly a special place. It’s one of the glaciers in Iceland that you can actually climb with a guide! The glacier is covered with a thick layer of ice and features many cracks and crevasses. Some parts of the ice are so clear that you can see through them. Walking on a glacier is incredibly unique, but sadly, you can also see the impact of climate change here very clearly.
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Fláajökull: a glacier tongue of the mighty Vatnajökull glacier
Fláajökull is one of the glacier tongues of the mighty Vatnajökull glacier in Iceland. Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Europe and covers an enormous area. Fláajökull stretches out like an expansive ice river, surrounded by rugged mountains and breathtaking nature. The ice of Fláajökull is impressive and incredibly beautiful. It sparkles in the sunlight and creates a magical atmosphere.
Climbing the glacier with a guide
You can book a guided glacier hike starting at €100. The guide takes you to the glacier, provides the right gear, and explains everything about it along the way. Our guide at the time was Italian and had fallen in love with Iceland. You’ll often find many international guides working in Iceland’s tourism sector.
Tip: make sure to go early onto the glacier. It’s a popular hike. Our guide told us that before COVID, there could be up to 200 people on the glacier at once, mostly Chinese tourists. Going early gives you the chance to take the most beautiful photos.
Is a guide really necessary?
- You need the right equipment
Chances are slim that you’re carrying your own spikes, helmet, and small ice pick on your Iceland road trip. For your safety, it’s crucial to have these. In addition, your guide always carries emergency gear. The spikes attach easily under your shoes. Hiking boots with ankle support are recommended. - You can’t or aren’t allowed to drive to the glacier with your rental car
You have to drive on an off-road track to get there, which is usually not allowed with a rental vehicle. - Is it safe to walk on a glacier?
Yes – as long as you go with an experienced guide and follow safety precautions. The guide helps you walk safely on the ice and avoid dangerous areas.
What to expect from the Fláajökull glacier hike
From meeting point to the foot of the glacier
You start, as usual, at the meeting point. From there, you join your guide who carries all the required equipment. He or she then drives you to the foot of the glacier. We were dropped off a few hundred meters away. Be sure to ask your guide how far the glacier used to reach – the effects of climate change are very visible here. The guide parked the car where ice still covered the ground just a year earlier.
Safety instructions before setting foot on the glacier
Don’t expect to step directly onto the glacier. First, you’ll receive all necessary safety instructions and your spikes will be secured. Then the group climbs the glacier together. From there, it’s all about enjoying the moment. Just look at our view in the video below!
Enjoy it – it’s truly a breathtaking experience to witness!
