Skaftafell Glacier Lagoon Flight: Fly Over Hvannadalshnjúkur & Jökulsárlón
A 50-minute scenic flight from Skaftafell that climbs over Hvannadalshnjúkur and sweeps past Jökulsárlón’s floating icebergs. Expect close-up views of Breiðamerkurjökull, Esjufjöll and the dramatic contrasts of volcanic rock and glacier ice—weather permitting.
The Experience
Before You Go
Arrive early to check in
Plan to be at Skaftafell Terminal at least 30 minutes before departure to complete weight checks and safety briefing.
Dress in warm layers
Temperatures at altitude can be noticeably colder than on the ground—bring an insulated midlayer and windproof shell.
Charge and protect camera gear
Cold drains batteries quickly; bring spare batteries and a padded case to stabilize gear against vibration.
Mind weight restrictions
Operators enforce strict weight limits for balance and safety—answer booking questions accurately and contact the operator if you have concerns.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Svartifoss waterfall in Skaftafell—an arresting basalt-column fall reachable by a short walk
- •Mosárdalur viewpoint—less-visited vantage for seeing glacial valleys and moraines from the rim
Wildlife
- •Seals loafing at the edge of Jökulsárlón
- •Arctic terns and other seabirds around the lagoon
Conservation Note
Flights cross a protected national park—stay on designated paths on the ground, avoid disturbing wildlife, and consider reducing your carbon footprint by combining activities to minimize extra flights.
Hvannadalshnjúkur sits atop Öræfajökull, a volcano whose historical eruptions reshaped local settlement; Vatnajökull has been central to Icelandic glaciology since the 19th century.
Photographer's Notes
- • Directly above Jökulsárlón for iceberg patterns
- • Along the flank of Breiðamerkurjökull to capture ice tongues
- • Approach to Hvannadalshnjúkur for ridge detail
What to Bring
Insulated jacketEssential
Keeps you warm during the flight and while waiting at the airstrip.
Windproof shellEssential
Protects against cold gusts on the tarmac and sudden temperature drops aloft.
Spare camera batteriesEssential
Cold reduces battery life—carry extras for uninterrupted photography.
Polarized sunglasses
Cuts glare from ice and water and improves visibility through windows.
Common Questions
How long is the flight?
The tour is approximately 50 minutes from takeoff to landing.
Where do flights depart from?
Flights meet at Skaftafell Terminal, adjacent to the private airstrip in Vatnajökull National Park.
Can infants travel on laps?
Yes—infants are permitted but must sit on an adult’s lap; include them in your booking information.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Operators may cancel or reschedule due to weather or insufficient passengers; full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours before departure or due to unsafe conditions.
Are there weight restrictions?
Yes—weight and balance safety limits apply; the operator will ask for passenger weights during booking.
Will we land on the glacier?
No. This is a scenic flight that passes over glaciers and lagoons without landing on ice.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
50 minutes
Location
Skaftafell, Suðurland
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; passengers must be able to board a small aircraft and follow safety instructions.
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