Region
East Iceland
380 km from Reykjavik
Skalafell: Farm Settlement in Glacier Country
A tiny East Iceland hamlet near Heinabergsjokull glacier, with glacier walks, ice-cap views, and Jokulsarlon lagoon a short drive away.
Population
~20
East Iceland • Vatnajokull Region
Skalafell is a historic farmstead below Vatnajokull, Europe's largest ice cap. This settlement of around 20 people in East 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 guided glacier walks on Heinabergsjokull and close views of the ice cap.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Skalafell is a farming settlement at the edge of Vatnajokull National Park.
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Population
~20
Historic farming hamlet near Vatnajokull
Known for
Glacier Walks
Base for Heinabergsjokull and Vatnajokull exploration
Top Attractions near Skalafell
Heinabergsjokull Glacier
An outlet glacier of Vatnajokull accessible near Skalafell. Guided glacier walks cross crevasses, blue ice formations, and moulins on this retreating tongue of ice.
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
The nearest service town (50 km east), known as Iceland's lobster capital. It has the Glacier Exhibition and good seafood restaurants, and many Vatnajokull tours start here.
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. Skalafell is approximately 380 km from Reykjavik, about 5 hours of driving. The road passes coastal cliffs, glacial outwash plains, and lava fields.
From Hofn: Drive west on Route 1 for about 50 km (40 minutes). Alternatively, fly from Reykjavik to Hofn (seasonal service) and rent a car. The stretch between Hofn and Jokulsarlon via Skalafell has continuous glacier views, with several outlet glaciers visible from the road.
Best Time to Visit Skalafell
Summer (June-August): Glacier walks run in the easiest conditions, Jokulsarlon boat tours operate, and the midnight sun gives long hours of light for photography. Temperatures reach 8-13 degrees C. Roads are clear and all services are open. 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.
Planning help
Skalafell FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.