Region
Southeast Iceland
About 410 km from Reykjavik
Skalafell: Farm Settlement in Glacier Country
A tiny Southeast Iceland hamlet near Heinabergsjokull glacier, with glacier walks, ice-cap views, and Jokulsarlon lagoon a short drive away.
Population
~20
Southeast Iceland • Vatnajokull Region
Skalafell is a historic farmstead below Vatnajokull, the large ice cap. This settlement of around 20 people in Southeast Iceland has been farmed for centuries beside the outlet glaciers. Today Skalafell is a base for travelers exploring the glacier country between Hofn and Jokulsarlon, with the Hjallanes hiking loop starting beside the farm.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Skalafell is a farming settlement at the edge of Vatnajokull National Park.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Population
~20
Historic farming hamlet near Vatnajokull
Known for
Glacier Walks
Base for Heinabergsjokull and Vatnajokull exploration
Top Attractions near Skalafell
Hjallanes Hiking Loop
An 8 km circuit from Skalafell car park toward Skalafellsjokull; the national park grades it challenging and estimates 3–4 hours
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Iceland's best-known glacier lagoon, where icebergs calve from Breidamerkurjokull and float toward the sea. Amphibian boat tours and zodiac rides operate among the icebergs in summer.
Diamond Beach
The black sand beach at the mouth of Jokulsarlon, where clear ice chunks wash ashore, the 'diamonds' of the name. One of Iceland's most photographed locations.
Vatnajokull Ice Caves
Natural ice caves form inside Vatnajokull's outlet glaciers each winter (November-March). Guided tours enter the blue-walled chambers, which form differently each season as the glacier shifts.
Hofn Town
A service town east of Skalafell. Confirm the actual meeting point when booking a glacier excursion; it may be elsewhere along the coast.
Heinabergslon Lagoon
A less-visited glacial lagoon near Skalafell, smaller and much quieter than Jokulsarlon. Icebergs float in the water beneath the glacier face.
How to Get to Skalafell
From Reykjavik: Drive the Ring Road (Route 1) east through Vik and past Skaftafell. The guesthouse lists about 410 km from Reykjavik; allow additional time for stops and road conditions. The road passes coastal cliffs, glacial outwash plains, and lava fields.
From Hofn: Follow Route 1 west toward the Skalafell farm guesthouse. Use the property’s exact location when navigating and allow for the revised road approach around Hornafjordur.
Best Time to Visit Skalafell
Summer (June-August): Glacier walks run in the easiest conditions, Jokulsarlon boat tours operate, and the long summer days give time of light for photography. Temperatures reach 8-13 degrees C. Check the trail conditions and the actual operating dates of any tour. This is peak season, so book activities in advance.
Winter (November-March): The main season for natural ice caves inside Vatnajokull's outlet glaciers. Northern lights appear over the glacier on clear nights, and low winter light suits photography at Diamond Beach. Roads may be affected by weather but Route 1 is generally maintained. Temperatures hover around -2 to 3 degrees C.
Find the farm, then allow time for Hjallanes
The guesthouse’s map coordinates are 64.247716, -15.686434, between Jokulsarlon and Hofn. Use that farm location when searching: Skalafell is a repeated place name in Iceland, and an unrelated mountain pin will send you to the wrong part of the country.
The national park’s Hjallanes/Skalafellsjokull route is an 8 km circuit from Skalafell car park, graded challenging and estimated at 3–4 hours. Close the gates you pass through. This is a substantial walk toward the glacier landscape; plan it separately from any guided activity on the ice.
For an overnight stay, the guesthouse information, checked September 10, 2026, says there is no shared kitchen. Check-in is listed as 15:00–22:00, and the Icelandic instructions ask guests arriving after 18:00 to contact the property beforehand. Arrange dinner and late arrival before extending an afternoon hike.
Planning help
Skalafell FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Skalafell?
Skalafell has approximately 20 residents and is primarily a farm settlement in the Vatnajokull glacier region.
Where is Skalafell?
Skalafell is in Southeast Iceland near Heinabergsjokull glacier, one of the outlet glaciers of the Vatnajokull ice cap.
How far is Skalafell from Reykjavik?
Guesthouse Skalafell lists about 410 km from Reykjavik. Allow for stops and current road conditions on the South Coast drive.
What glaciers are nearby?
Heinabergsjokull, Skalafellsjokull, and Flaajokull are nearby outlet glaciers of Vatnajokull, with glacier hiking and ice cave tours available.
Is Skalafell a good base for glacier exploration?
Yes, Skalafell is well placed for exploring the eastern outlets of Vatnajokull glacier.
What is the landscape like?
The area has glacier views, outwash plains, and moraines, a landscape still being shaped by glacial activity.
What can I do near Skalafell?
Glacier walks, ice cave tours (winter), hiking, and photography in the glacial landscape of Southeast Iceland.
When should I visit?
Summer for glacier walks and hiking. Winter for ice cave tours. The glacier scenery along Route 1 is there year-round.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.