An amazing sight to behold. The icefall stretches 20 kilometres from the slopes of Vatnajökull glacier down to a small lagoon below. The stunning icefall is a natural wonder that has been formed by the movement of the glacier. The towering walls and enormous crevasses have been sculpted by wind and water over thousands of years and are constantly changing as the glacier moves, creating new shapes and patters in this powerful scenery.
Skaftafellsjökull
South East Coast, Iceland
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Climate
The weather in the South East Coast is known for its unpredictability and harshness. The region experiences a subarctic climate, with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The temperature can drop as low as -10°C during winter months at low altitudes. The region is also known for its strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Data source Temperature averages
Lighting
The longest day in Iceland is multiple days from May through July when the sun doesn't set. The daylight hours in Iceland on the shortest days of the year are 4-5 hours per day (December to January).
Data source Accessibility
From route no 1, you drive 2 kilometres to the Skaftafell Service Centre and from there it is a 2 km easy hike towards the lagoon. The trail is paved half of the way, with the latter half a comfortable gravel road, suitable for 4-wheelers.
There is an old service road that you could, with permission, use, that will take you more than half of the way to the lagoon with equipment.
Permits
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Basecamp and facilities
Skaftafell Service Centre is at the start of the trail that leads to the glacier tongue. There is a canteen and basic facilities. Phone coverage is good.
Risk factors
Icefall glaciers are constantly moving from the pressure above, they are also covered in crevasses, deep and narrow. Ice blocks can collapse without warning and the temperature is cooler than elsewhere with a risk of hypothermia. Climbing the glacier should not be attempted without climbing guides and a safety team. The lagoons tend to be deep, and the water is cold and not suitable for swimming.
Visitors
Skaftafellsjökull is a popular area for tourists who often stop for a day or two to explore everything that the national park has to offer. With a permit from the environmental agency and park rangers you could manage this location easily. There are tourist companies that take hiking tours to and upon the lower icefalls.
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