Do I need a guide for glacier hiking?

Yes, absolutely. Glacier hiking requires certified guides with proper safety equipment. Never attempt to walk on glaciers alone.

Are there accommodations in the region?

Limited options include hotels, guesthouses, and campgrounds in towns like Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Höfn, plus the Skaftafell campground. Book well in advance.

Can I see the northern lights here?

Yes, from September to April with clear, dark skies. The minimal light pollution makes it an excellent viewing location.

Is the Jökulsárlón lagoon accessible year-round?

Yes, though boat tours operate from April to October. The lagoon itself is always accessible from Route 1.

What should I pack for visiting?

Layered waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, sunglasses, swimsuit for hot springs, camera, and emergency supplies for remote travel.

Schengen area rules apply. Many nationalities (US, UK, Canada) get 90-day visa-free stays. Check with Icelandic Directorate of Immigration.

What currency is used?

Icelandic Króna (ISK). Credit cards are widely accepted; cash is rarely needed.

Can I drink tap water?

Yes, tap water is pure and delicious. No need to buy bottled water.

Is English widely spoken?

Yes, almost everyone speaks English fluently, especially in tourism services.

Waterproof and windproof jacket, warm layers, sturdy hiking boots, gloves, hat, and sunglasses. In winter, add thermal underwear and a down jacket.

Yes, in Höfn and larger towns, but carry some cash for remote areas. Cards are accepted almost everywhere.

Is it safe to drive in winter?

Challenging. Roads can be icy or closed. Check road.is and use winter tires. 4WD recommended.

What is the food like?

Local specialties include langoustine, lamb, and skyr. Restaurants are pricey; budget for groceries.

Do I need to book tours in advance?

Yes, especially for ice caves and glacier hikes in peak season. Book online ahead.

Is there mobile coverage?

Good in Höfn and along Route 1, but patchy in remote areas. Download offline maps.

What is the time zone?

Atlantic/Reykjavik (GMT+0, no daylight saving).

Austur-skaftafells

ProvinceIceland, Europe

Austur-skaftafells is a STATE in Iceland, Europe.

Austur-Skaftafellssýsla, a province in southeastern Iceland, is a realm of elemental contrasts where fire meets ice in spectacular fashion. This region is dominated by Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, which creates a breathtaking landscape of ice caps, glacial rivers, and dramatic outlet glaciers like Svínafellsjökull and Skaftafellsjökull. The area's crown jewel is Skaftafell, now part of Vatnajökull National Park, offering exceptional hiking trails through birch forests to panoramic viewpoints overlooking glacial tongues. Travelers can witness the surreal black sand beaches of Skeiðarársandur, formed by glacial outburst floods, and the mesmerizing Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon where icebergs calve from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and float toward the Atlantic. The region's volcanic activity is evident at Lakagígar crater row, site of one of history's largest lava flows. Austur-Skaftafells is a paradise for adventure seekers offering glacier hiking, ice cave explorations in winter, and northern lights viewing in darker months. The sparse population and minimal light pollution create exceptional stargazing opportunities, while the coastal areas provide chances to spot seals and diverse birdlife.

Best time to visit Austur-skaftafells

June to August offers the mildest weather (5-15°C), midnight sun, and access to all hiking trails. September provides fewer crowds, autumn colors, and beginning of northern lights season. Winter (December-February) is ideal for ice cave tours and northern lights viewing, though many roads and facilities may be limited. May and September offer a balance of accessibility and fewer tourists.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Cold 1-6°C, rain/snow, daylight 8-10 hours

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Mid

Autumn colors; road conditions worsen

Know before you go

Getting there

HFN

Hornafjörður Airport (Höfn)

Domestic

5 km away

EGS

Egilsstaðir Airport

Domestic

200 km away

KEF

Keflavik International Airport

International

400 km away

Getting around

"A rental car is essential for exploring Austur-Skaftafells. Route 1 (Ring Road) runs through the region. Four-wheel drive is recommended for F-roads to interior highlands (open summer only). Public transportation is extremely limited. Guided tours from Reykjavik or local operators provide transport to specific attractions like glacier hikes and ice caves. Fuel stations are sparse - fill up when possible. Download the '112 Iceland' app for emergency services and 'Vegagerðin' for road conditions. Taxis are unavailable in remote areas."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

25 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Available in hotels and cafes in Höfn and Skaftafell

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5 (Nova, Síminn)

Calling code

+354

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Natural hazards are the main risk. Crime is low. Scams are rare but watch for overpriced tours.

Night safety

7/10

Natural hazards are the main risk. Crime is low. Scams are rare but watch for overpriced tours.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"The primary risks are natural hazards: never approach glacier edges or ice caves without a certified guide due to collapse risks. Stay on marked trails as volcanic terrain can be unstable. Weather changes rapidly - always check forecasts and be prepared for all conditions. River crossings can be dangerous, especially after rain or snowmelt. Road conditions on Route 1 can be challenging with occasional flooding. There are no significant urban crime concerns in this sparsely populated area. Be cautious of strong winds when driving, especially with rental vehicles. Monitor volcanic activity alerts from the Icelandic Met Office. Avoid walking on black sand beaches during storms due to dangerous waves."

Police

112

Ambulance

112

Fire

112

Tourist Police

Entry and health

Health information

"Medical facilities are limited in this remote region. The nearest hospital with emergency services is in Höfn (approximately 1-2 hours drive). For serious emergencies, medical evacuation may be required. Travelers should carry comprehensive travel insurance covering adventure activities and medical evacuation. No special vaccinations are required for Iceland. Tap water is safe to drink. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions - hypothermia is a risk even in summer. Glacier travel requires professional guides with proper equipment. Those with respiratory issues should be cautious around volcanic areas. Bring any prescription medications as pharmacies are scarce."

Culture

Local customs

"Icelanders value personal space and quiet appreciation of nature. Remove shoes when entering homes. Tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service. Dress practically for weather conditions rather than fashionably. Respect 'No Trespassing' signs as most land is privately owned. Hot spring etiquette requires showering without swimwear before entering. Support local businesses in small communities like Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Höfn. Be patient with limited services in remote areas."

IcelandicEnglish

Costs and practicals

Currency

Icelandic Króna (ISK) · kr

Cost level

Luxury

Meals

$25 | a cheap local meal costs around $25

Hotels

$150-300 | budget hotels range $150-300/night

Local transport

$10 | local bus ride ~$10

Cost notes

Iceland is expensive. Budget for high food and accommodation costs. Grocery shopping can reduce costs.

Timezone

Atlantic/Reykjavik +00:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

2,000

Area

Approximately 6,500 km²

Government

Municipalities within a national unitary parliamentary republic

Type

Province

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Keblavik, Keblavikas, Keflavik, Keflavika, Keflavikur, Keflavík, Keflavíkur, Keflavīka, Kephlabik, Keplavik, kai fu la wei ke, kepeullabikeu, kepuravuiku, kyflafyk, Κεφλαβίκ, Кеблавик, Кеплавик, Кеплавік, Кефлавик, Кефлавік, Կեֆլավիկ, קפלאוויק, كيفلافيك, კებლავიკი, ケプラヴィーク, 凯夫拉维克, 케플라비크

Capital CityMajor HubGlacierNature ReserveHikingPhotographyAdventureWildernessIce CavesLagoon