WE ARE LOCAL GUIDE OF VATNAJÖKULL
since 1991

A small family run glacier guiding company - local experts for Ice Cave Tours & Glacier Hikes in Iceland.

GLACIER HIKE
IN ICELAND

GLACIER ENCOUNTER

16.900 ISK

MAY – SEPT.

This short glacier hike is the perfect introduction to glaciers in Vatnajökull National Park. By driving to the glacier in our 4×4 cars, we save your hiking legs and time for up on the ice. We fully carbon offset the tours, making the glacier hiking experience accessible and carbon neutral.

GLACIER DISCOVERY

21.900 ISK

MAY – SEPT.

Experience a longer glacier hike on mighty Vatnajökull, the biggest glacier in Europe. On this extended half-day tour we head higher up on a nearby outlet glacier called Falljökull, named for the incredible icefall full of blue ice and specatacular ice formations. Perfect for adventure seeking a deeper glacier exploration!

GLACIER ICE CLIMBING

31.900 ISK

JUNE – SEPT.

Join us on a 4-hour ice climbing adventure. Combining both glacier hiking and technical climbing this tour is ideal for adventorous travelers looking for more challenging glacier experience. A good level of fitness and enthusiasm is recommended but no prior experience is necessary.

CRYSTAL BLUE
ICE CAVE IN ICELAND

THE ORIGINAL ICE CAVE TOUR

23.900 ISK

OCT. – APR.

Join our signature Ice Cave Tour, a favorite among our guests! We were the first to to offer an ice cave tour in Iceland and we have been leading the way since! Explore a naturally shaped, ever-changing blue ice cave. On this tour in small group setting our team of expert ice cave guides will share their local knowledge and bring you to the best ice cave available in Vatnajökull, Iceland.

BLUE ICE DISCOVERY

24.900 ISK

OCT. – APR.

Experience a true blue ice adventure on Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier. This small-group tour combines a glacier walk with the exploration of stunning blue ice formations, tunnels, and natural ice features. Perfect for travelers looking for a more immersive glacier experience beyond a standard ice cave tour.

ICE CAVE DISCOVERY

34.900 ISK

OCT.- NOV. & FEB.- MAR.

5-7H

Embark on an intimate glacier hike experience and ice cave exploration with our premium small-group tour! Limited to only 8 guests per guide, this adventure takes you to amazing viewpoints and untouched glacial terrain on Vatnajökull ice cap. Perfect for adventurers seeking a more personal connection with Iceland’s ice-carved landscape.

Reviews and guest stories

      Excellent rating  
 Based on 510 reviews 
    
  
 
 
      My family and I did the Glacier Encounter tour with Hannka. She was an excellent, knowledgeable, and helpful guide. We found the 3 hour tour to be plenty of time to explore, although we may have benefitted from being a small group (only 6) and we had a guide who was mindful of other larger groups on the glacier and hitting the hot spots strategically to avoid crowds or having to wait for our turn. The crampons were great, after the first few steps, it was easy to settle in. We had a gray day so we were glad to have layered up. On a sunny day, i would imagine you might overheat, and possibly sunburn. SPF and coverage needed for sure!
     
   Lindsay Loyd 
 2 September 2026
 
 
 
 
    The glacier hike was absolutely the highlight of our ring road trip. Hanka (sorry, I'm not sure on spelling) was a fabulous guide. The glacier itself was incredibly beautiful.
     
   Aarica Cleveland 
 2 September 2026
 
 
 
 
    Just finished the four hour glacier tour and having nothing but the high praise for the quality and awesomeness of this experience. Michal was an incredible guide providing us with an amazing narrative of glacial history and ecology. Highly recommend this company and getting close up and personal with Vatnajökull!
     
   Leslie Berman 
 27 August 2026
 
 
 
 
    On a adoré l'expérience ! On a pris par local guide parce que notre livre de voyage le proposait. Notre guide était adorable et nous a donné pleins d'informations sur le glacier et il était content qu'on lui pose des questions. On est monté haut sur le glacier, plus haut que les autres groupes avec d'autres guides, c'était génial car on était seul dans l'immensité de la glace. On peut louer des chaussures pour 16 euros environ et ils nous prêtent des pantalons imperméables si besoin. Groupe de 8 ou 10. On recommande !
     
   Nina Ceres 
 27 August 2026
 
 
 
 
    What an absolutely top day. The weather was perfect, the guides kind, calm, knowledgeable, genuinely passionate and experienced. Felt in safe, capable hands all the time and our small group really had the time to do some exploring. Can definitely recommend it.
     
   Eka Eiff 
 19 August 2026
 
 
 
 
    Enjoyed our 3 hour glacier hike with Local Guide.  Convenient meet up location, friendly and knowledgeable staff and unique experience.  Your guide will prepare you for the hike with all appropriate safety equipment.  Highly recommend having an expert guide who knows the terrain.  Such a fantastic otherworldly experience!
     
   Jennifer Starkey 
 15 August 2026
 
 
 
 
    Had a wonderful Glacier Encounter hike with Kish! A wonderful way to experience Iceland. Kish was super friendly and kind, and happy to answer any questions about Iceland we had. We rented hiking boots as ours were low cut and were happy we did!
     
   Lili Wong 
 14 August 2026
 
 
 
 
    Mijau (the polish guy) was an amazing guide, We'd love the experience and enjoyed the moment. Mijau was very proffessional and made the experience súper enjoyable. And my sister and brother in law were very exited. Thanks!!
     
   Santi Chancho 
 9 August 2026
 
 
 
 
    Één van onze hoogtepunten tijdens onze reis door IJsland: de glacier hike onder leiding van bekwame en gezellige gids Damian. Wij boekten de Glacier Discovery hike en hebben een schitterende klim gemaakt over de Falljökull gletsjer. Vanaf de verzamelplek werden we met een 4x4 bus in een korte rit naar de gletsjer gebracht. Na een korte wandeling deden we onze crampons aan en namen het pikhouweel ter hand. We oefenden eerst even hoe je moet stijgen en dalen en beginnen daarna aan onze klim. Er was veel aandacht voor veiligheid en tijd en ruimte voor uitleg over de gletsjer. We hebben genoten!! Dank Damian voor deze bijzondere ervaring die we nooit zullen vergeten!
     
   Fenna van Dijk 
 26 July 2026
 
 
 
 
    If you’re considering a glacier hike in Iceland, I can’t recommend Claudia with Local Guide highly enough! She guided our group of 11, ranging in age from an 8-year-old to grandparents, and somehow made the experience perfect for every single one of us. Claudia struck the perfect balance between being incredibly fun and making everyone feel completely safe and confident on the glacier. She was patient, knowledgeable, encouraging, and genuinely one of the friendliest people we met during our entire trip. It was obvious how much she loves what she does, and her enthusiasm made the experience even more memorable. Our glacier hike ended up being one of the absolute highlights of our Iceland vacation, and that’s largely because of Claudia. She made every member of our family feel included, comfortable, and excited from start to finish. Thank you, Claudia, for giving us such an unforgettable adventure. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide!
     
   Mara Lee Oleson 
 25 July 2026

      Excellent rating  
 Based on 627 reviews 
    
  
 
 
      
Good guide, worth it Our guide Thorir was amazing. He was knowledgeable, down to earth, experienced and safe and even took some pictures for us. There is a 25 minute drive from the pickup point and about an hour on the glacier. You learn a ton and we got to do two small ice caves.
     
   BigFamilyofTravelers 
 22 August 2026
 
 
 
 
    
Amazing experience! My family and I did the four hour glacier hike in July 2026 with Local Guide. The four of us were part of a group of eight (I believe that’s the max group size). Our guide was Michal (from Poland!) and he was simply excellent! From start to finish Michal was friendly, informative, patient and fun. The hike on the glacier and the scenery was stunning and was one of the highlights of our trip to Iceland - what a beautiful country. I would thoroughly recommend this experience to anybody thinking of doing it - thank you Michal for such a great experience.
     
   Mark D 
 17 July 2026
 
 
 
 
    
Great Guide, Highly Recommend We had a fantastic time walking the glacier and learning about many aspects of it, thanks to our guide. The beginner tour is not intense at all, just requires some light hiking. Shoutout to Barbara, 5/5 guide!
     
   Benjamin H 
 13 July 2026
 
 
 
 
    
Merveilleuse sortie pour débutant! Superbe sortie sur le glacier avec notre guide Barbara. La description du tour est vraiment à point. La guide va a un rythme adéquat pour débutant et a à cœur la sécurité de tous. Merveilleuse sortie sur un site d'une beauté grandiose. J'en garderai un très beau souvenir. Je recommande!
     
   Marc-Antoine B 
 9 July 2026
 
 
 
 
    
Doesn’t get better than this!! We lucked out with has to be the best guide ever! Michal’s knowledge of glacial history was phenomenal. His instructions on everything from crampon to position of stepping (up slope, down slope, on gravel vs. rock vs. ice ensured a safe and easy trip for all of us. He took pictures of all of us, let us repel downslopes, and just…made the trip one to remember. Forever!! Will recommend this to anyone I know coming to Iceland! Hope to see you again, Michal!! Ellin Van Leeuwen
     
   Connecticutgoodtogo 
 11 June 2026
 
 
 
 
    
Grwst experience Great experience. Great location for pickup, knowledgeable guide and perfect sight seeing. We loved it.
     
   Sanjay N 
 7 June 2026
 
 
 
 
    
Excellent - wouldn't do a 4-hour tour with anyone else Outstanding experience. Would highly recommend Local Guides. First they drive you in a four wheel drive vehicle directly to the glacier so you avoid hiking unless then optimal areas. Our guide took us and much better way than we saw other groups going where we got to be on the glacier much more. Great setup to fit you with crampons; great gear. Didn't waste time standing around talking... Truly outstanding glacier experience maximising time moving on the glacier. Can't imagine it being any better.
     
   Valerie from PA 
 7 June 2026
 
 
 
 
    
The once in a lifetime experience What an adventure. I highly recommand Local Guide. Our guide was awesome. Since the caves weren't as extraordinary as usual, Mike took the time with our small group (about 11 people) and brought us to two small caves, we had a nice hike on the glacier. He taught us a lot about the region. The tour that was expected to last 3 to 4 hours lasted 5 hours. That was definitely a great experience
     
   Teddy H 
 4 May 2026
 
 
 
 
    
Do not miss this one Beautiful caves, we saw four and hiked the glacier while walking from cave to cave. Takes about 3 hours and they are very well organised. Timely, proffessional and our guide Mika was great. He is full of stories just ask a question and he goes on. May seem pricey but this one is worth that price.
     
   Alma G 
 21 March 2026
 
 
 
 
    
Unbelievably Was really nice adventure! I really recommend!
     
   Sorin R 
 16 March 2026

PRIVATE GLACIER TOURS

If you are not sure if any of our public tours meet your expectations or you simply prefer an individual itinerary – feel free to explore our private tours offers. As a team of local experts for ice cave tours & glacier hikes in southeast Iceland we are able to accommodate various requests. This alternative is the perfect solution for a special occasion, small or big groups travelling together and families with children below our age limit for public departures. Private tours could be also ideal for those looking to customize the length of the tour or combine activities. Our guides have a wide range of experience in working with small children, organizing big groups, speak multiple languages, adjusting the accessibility on our tours and on film sets. We can ensure a safe, memorable and personalised experience for your group.

OUR expert glacier guides

WE SHARE PASSION TO OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND WE LOVE TO SHARE OUR EXPERIENCE OF iCELAND WITH YOU.

We operate our tours on the southern side of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Iceland and Europe. Through guiding, training and recreation we have gained an extensive knowledge of the area and a deep understanding of the glacier.

We are the third generation of the family to operate the glacier tours since they began in 1991. Today, we work with guides who are local to the area and those with special ties to the Öræfi community and glaciers.

We provide our team with up to date certifications as well as the best and the most reliable glacier equipment available. In investing in our people and our community, we ensure our clients are taken on adventure with professionals and people who love what they do and where they live.

WE ARE LOCAL GUIDE OF VATNAJÖKULL
since 1991

A small family run glacier guiding company - local experts for Ice Cave Tours & Glacier Hikes in Iceland.