Falljökull Glacier is a striking outlet of the vast Vatnajökull ice cap. Jagged ridges and towering ice formations spill from its dramatic icefall, making it a favorite among hikers and glacier guides. Known for its accessible yet otherworldly terrain, Falljökull is especially popular for glacier walks, ice cave explorations and even crevasse tours. Beneath its sculpted surface lie compressed layers of centuries-old ice, shaped by constant motion and melt. Exploring it reveals the quiet force of a living glacier—complex, raw, and always changing. Dig deeper into the history, movement, and mystery of Falljökull.
Falljokull is one of the most popular Southeast Iceland attractions. Source: Gunnar Gaukur.
Falljökull glacier tongue or glacier outlet is part of the enormous glacier Vatnajökull. The ice field flowing down the valley earned it the "Falling Glacier" name in Icelandic. Below the snow, Falljökull ice caves emerge every winter, welcoming visitors with new striking blue sights. While the outlet is melting, it's not retreating, one of the few of the 269 glaciers in Iceland to do so.
History is silent on any recorded Falljokull eruptions, with most of the volcanic activity occurring in the neighboring Öræfajökull, with the last eruption happening in 1728. All these factors make this ice fall an exceptional destination in one of Iceland’s national parks.
The Falling Glacier is part of Vatnajökull Glacier, located in the Southeastern part of Iceland’s map. This outlet is nestled in the nature reserve of Skaftafell, which is also home to fellow Svínafellsjökull tongue. Some of the most famous East Iceland attractions surround it, including Svartifoss Waterfall and Hofskirkja church. The closest town of Hofn in the east is 126 km (78 mi) away, while Vik in the west is 147 km (91 mi). Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, is around 335 km (208 mi) from the tongue. To get to Falljokull Glacier, follow Route 1 east and drive for around 4 hours and 27 minutes.
Hiking among the crevasses of Falljokull glacier in spring 2025. Captured during one of our tours by Gunnar Gaukur.
Among southeast Iceland’s attractions, Falljokull remains a must for icecap leapers and adventure seekers. Besides the beauty, which will shock you at first sight, the rugged and expansive landscape is filled with ice formations and crevasses that will spark your brain and rush you with unforgettable memories. From hiking to ice caving and even some light ice climbing, there’s a Falljökull glacier tour for every type of adventurer!
Thanks to its scenic displays, Falljokull remains Iceland's best glacier to hike on. Specialized glacier gear, including crampons, helmets, and axes, are required to scale this imposing beast. The exertion is well worth it, as scaling this ice field will provide up-close looks at wondrous, naturally formed ice sculptures and views across Iceland’s southeast coast. One of the most popular Arctic Adventures glacier hiking tours is the moderately difficult walk on Falljokull, lasting around 5 to 6 hours, with an easier one lasting up to 4 hours. In addition to the longer hike through the rugged terrain, you’ll learn more about glaciers and their formation from the professional guide leading the expedition.
Natural ice caves form each winter within the Falljökull glacier. Captured by Gunnar Gaukur.
Ice caves in Iceland are worth seeing for late and early-year vacations. If not for the views, then for the experience of walking the narrow paths that lead to more striking images with every step. These natural formations melt in summer and freeze in winter, making each visit memorable as the walls create new patterns or take on deeper blue shades. Falljokull caverns are no different, and some of the ice cave tours in Iceland lead to this outlet. Although safety equipment, including crampons, is assured, access to the depths is not guaranteed, as their entry depends significantly on external factors such as temperatures.
Launched in 2025 and offered exclusively by Arctic Adventures, the Crevasse Labyrinth tour invites you deep into one of Iceland’s most surreal glacier landscapes. This guided hike leads through a maze of towering ice walls and narrow crevasses carved into Falljökull, an outlet glacier of the mighty Vatnajökull. Beneath your feet, centuries-old ice groans and shifts; above you, the glacier catches the light in shades of blue and silver. This is not a tourist trail—it’s a path scouted by glacier experts and offered nowhere else. Available year-round, it’s a rare chance to walk inside a living, moving glacier—an experience raw and unforgettable.
Virkisjökull: a glacier that has already retreated 500 m (1640 ft). The rate of melting picked up speed in the 20th century. International scientists are studying it through monitoring instruments.
Hvannadalshnúkur: Iceland’s only ultra-prominent peak and one of 120 in Europe. The summit emerges from the icy sheet of Öræfajökull and is 2,109 m (6,952 ft) above sea level.
Öræfajökull: an ice cap covering a volcano that last erupted in 1727. The original name of Knappafellsjǫkull was changed after the destructive 1362 eruption. Öræfajökull translates to “Wasteland Glacier.”
Svartifoss Waterfall: a waterfall in Skaftafell Nature Reserve. The black basalt columns behind the falling water earned it the nickname “black waterfall” and inspired Hallgrímskirkja Church architecture in Reykjavik.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: glacier lagoon formed from the meltwater of Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier. Icebergs from the outlet float on the water and act as obstacles you can swim around on kayaking tours.
Diamond Beach: black sand beach near Jökulsárlón, renowned for its beauty. As the icebergs float away from the lagoon, water erodes them into beautiful crystal specks.
Svínafellsjökull Glacier: an explorable glacier outlet in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. The landscape comprises black ash from the eruptions, white snow, and blue ice. The height allows you to enjoy panoramic views of the Icelandic interior.
Falljökull Glacier is part of Vatnajökull Glacier, located in Vatnajökull National Park in Southeastern Iceland. This outlet is nestled deep within the remote Skaftafell Nature Reserve.
Vatnajokull’s outlet is 335 km (208 mi) away from Reykjavik. The drive to it can take around 4 hours, depending on the weather conditions. The quickest way to reach Falljökull is by Route 1, commonly known as Ring Road.
Yes, glacier hiking is a safe activity if done correctly with specialized equipment and knowledge. Crampons and ice axes provide the needed grip on the slick, icy surface, while professional guides ensure you are on a safe path. Guided tours on Falljökull deliver the tools and experts to make every trip safe!
According to the Icelandic Met Office, if glaciers continue melting at their current pace, they could disappear within the next 100 to 200 years. Globally, this would contribute to sea level rise—by about one centimeter—potentially accelerating the melting of the Greenland and Arctic ice sheets, which could have far more severe consequences. In Iceland, the loss of glaciers would lead to increased flooding from rivers, disrupt water systems, and severely impact the country’s delicate ecosystems.
Yes, you can visit Vatnajökull by stepping onto one of its many outlet glaciers—where most tours and experiences take place. Options like Falljökull and Svínafellsjökull let you explore the glacier’s dramatic surface features on foot. In winter, the famous Crystal Ice Cave offers a rare chance to see the glacier from the inside, glowing with its signature blue ice. For a different perspective, you can kayak around Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs calve off Breiðamerkurjökull, another outlet of Vatnajökull.
Glacier hikes in Iceland range from easy walks to more demanding tours with ice climbing, depending on the tour. For beginners, we offer accessible options like our easiest Vatnajökull hike, which lasts about 1.5 hours on the ice, covering roughly 3 km (1.8 mi) with an elevation gain of 200–250 meters (650–820 feet). For those looking for more of a challenge, advanced tours include activities like ice climbing. While glaciers can be slippery and uneven, all tours include specialized gear—like crampons, helmets, and ice axes—along with expert guides to ensure safety and confidence every step of the way.
Sólheimajökull and Vatnajökull glacier hikes are among the most popular and loved by travelers. Sólheimajökull is closer to Reykjavík and great for a quick adventure, while Vatnajökull offers a wider range of options, especially in Skaftafell National Park, making it ideal for first-timers. One standout is Falljökull, known for its panoramic views over the South Coast and its dramatic crevasse formations that cut deep into the glacier.
Yes, in 2019, Iceland held a symbolic funeral for Okjökull, the first glacier in the country officially declared dead due to climate change. According to NASA, the ice cap once covered 38 square kilometers (15 square miles), but it had shrunk to just 1 square kilometer (0.38 square miles). During the ceremony, a plaque was placed at the site to acknowledge the loss and highlight the ongoing threat of global warming. The event served as both a memorial and a warning.
