Iceland is famous for its natural miracles, including glacial mountains, hot springs, majestic waterfalls, and beautiful landscapes all around the country. Over the years, it has become a popular destination for another miracle, known as the Ice Caves. Iceland has a wide variety of ice groves that allow exploring in a unique context.
Ice cave tours of Iceland take you through serene landscapes and awe-inspiring sites. It takes you through the auspicious lands, mountains covered with green moss, lunar surroundings, and sights of glaciers. These ice cave tours also combine with Northern Lights, snowmobiling, glacier hiking, sightseeing at the South Coast, and more.
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience while in Iceland, these ice cave tours are for you.
1. Katla Ice Cave
Discover the enchanting Katla Ice Cave, a rare gem among ice caves globally. With its luminous internal structure, this cave stands out for its accessibility throughout the year, making it a must-visit even in the summer. Perfect for those seeking the allure of a natural wonder, the Katla ice cave is a unique experience with its black ice covering.
Embark on a three-hour Katla ice cave tour departing from Vik. This adventure is designed for all, requiring minimal effort, and welcomes anyone above the age of six. Operating in small groups, this self-drive day tour offers an intimate exploration of the cave, distinct from the traditional blue and crystal ice caves found in Iceland.
Named the Dragon Glass ice cave after its appearance in the Game of Thrones series, Katla Ice Cave is nestled within the Katla volcano, boasting an eerie charm. Departing from Vik, renowned for its black sand beach, the journey unfolds towards the remote wilderness in a super jeep. Your destination: the Katla volcano beneath the Kötlujökull glacier, an outlet of the fourth largest glacier in Iceland, Mýrdalsjökull.
Immerse yourself in the adventure as you drive in a Super Jeep for approximately 45 minutes through volcanic sand plains in South Iceland. The guide ensures your comfort with equipment assistance throughout. The tour promises a blend of activities, including glacier hiking, a super jeep tour, and exploration of the ice cave. Along the way, discover attractions like Vík í Mýrdal, the South Coast, Mýrdalsjökull glacier, and the Katla volcano.
Visiting Katla Ice Cave is also possible from Reykjavik. This full-day excursion combines the natural beauty of two stunning waterfalls, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, with the awe-inspiring experience of exploring the mysterious Katla Ice Cave.
2. Crystal Ice Cave
The Crystal Ice Cave in Vatnajökull, Iceland, stands as a mesmerizing testament to the frozen wonders of nature. Nestled within Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, this ice cave is renowned for its ethereal beauty and captivating crystal-like formations.
Accessible during the winter months when the glacial rivers freeze, the Crystal Ice Cave offers a unique opportunity to explore an ever-changing, icy landscape. The cave’s interior is adorned with stunning blue and crystal-clear ice, creating a surreal and enchanting atmosphere. The play of light within the cave illuminates the intricate details of the ice formations, casting a magical glow throughout the space.
Guided tours to the Crystal Ice Cave typically depart from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. These tours are led by experienced guides who are well-versed in the ever-evolving conditions of the glacier, ensuring a safe and informative journey.
Exploring the Crystal Ice Cave involves traversing the icy terrain, sometimes requiring visitors to wear crampons for added stability. The journey into the heart of the glacier is an adventure in itself, offering breathtaking views of the glacier’s vast expanse.
Photographers and nature enthusiasts find the Crystal Ice Cave particularly captivating due to its unique colors and formations. The interplay of natural light and the translucent ice creates a surreal and photogenic environment, making it a haven for capturing the beauty of Iceland’s glacial landscapes.
It’s essential to note that the Crystal Ice Cave is subject to the dynamic nature of glaciers, and its accessibility may vary each winter. Local tour operators provide up-to-date information on conditions and offer a memorable experience for those seeking to witness the magical allure of the Crystal Ice Cave in Vatnajökull.
To visit the Crystal Ice Cave you can choose between:
- Renting a car and driving to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon where you will do a guided tour to the Crystal Ice Cave
- Do a Multi Day Tour from Reykjavik that includes sightseeing and the Crystal Ice Cave
4. Blue Ice Cave in Skaftafell
Skaftafell Nature Reserve, nestled within Vatnajökull National Park in southeastern Iceland, is a captivating haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Renowned for its diverse landscapes, Skaftafell showcases a harmonious blend of lush greenery, powerful waterfalls, and majestic glaciers.
At the heart of Skaftafell are its awe-inspiring glaciers, with the most prominent being Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Skaftafell offers a gateway to the icy wonders of Vatnajökull, providing access to various glacier tongues, including the famed Svínafellsjökull. These glaciers are dynamic and ever-changing, shaped by the forces of nature and offering a glimpse into the geological processes that have shaped Iceland over millennia.
Visitors to Skaftafell have the opportunity to explore glacier-carved landscapes, witness crevasses and ice formations, and even embark on glacier hiking adventures. The glaciers of Skaftafell not only contribute to the breathtaking scenery but also play a crucial role in the region’s ecology, influencing the flow of rivers and supporting unique ecosystems.
During the winter time, from October to April, you can embark on an unforgettable Glacier Hike Tour in Skaftafell, featuring a visit to the mesmerizing Blue Ice Cave. This four-hour adventure, available from October to April, immerses you in Iceland’s rugged beauty, surrounded by incredible mountains and virgin landscapes. Perfect for those seeking a glimpse into Iceland’s geography, geology, history, and biodiversity while trekking on the world’s largest glacier.
Departing from the Skaftafell terminal, this self-drive day tour operates in small groups, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. The glacier hike is accessible to a wide range of participants, with an easy-to-cover trail, but a minimum age requirement of 8 years. The Blue Ice Cave, nestled inside the Vatnajökull glacier, promises unique curvatures and challenging landscapes, creating unforgettable memories for all who venture within.
The Skaftafell Blue Ice Caves offer travelers and admirers a chance to witness ever-changing structures and formations, shaped by the glacier’s interaction with the river. Located on the tongue of Vatnajökull, the largest European glacier and home to Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s tallest peak, the blue ice caves provide an accessible yet captivating experience. It’s crucial to note that reaching the caves involves a glacier hike, emphasizing the importance of having an experienced glacier guide to ensure safety.
Langjokull Ice Cave
The Langjökull Ice Cave, accessible by Monster Truck or snowmobile, offers a thrilling and unique adventure into the heart of Iceland’s second-largest glacier. Situated in the Langjökull Glacier, this ice cave provides an extraordinary opportunity to explore the frozen wonders beneath the surface.
Departing from the base camp, visitors embark on an exhilarating journey aboard a Monster Truck specially designed to traverse the icy terrain. The colossal wheels of the Monster Truck effortlessly navigate the snowy expanse, providing a safe and comfortable ride as you approach the entrance of the ice cave.
Alternatively, the option to explore the Langjökull Ice Cave on a snowmobile adds an extra layer of excitement to the experience. Riding a snowmobile across the pristine glacial landscape enhances the adventure, allowing for a more immersive connection with the frozen surroundings.
Upon reaching the entrance of the ice cave, visitors are greeted by a mesmerizing world of shimmering blue and white ice formations. The cave’s interior reveals a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers, showcasing the remarkable beauty of nature’s frozen artwork. The interplay of light on the glacial ice creates a surreal atmosphere, making it a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Guided tours of the Langjökull Ice Cave provide insights into the geological processes that shape these icy wonders. The experienced guides share knowledge about the glacier’s history, formation, and the unique features found within the cave.
Guided tours of the Langjökull Ice Cave provide insights into the geological processes that shape these icy wonders. The experienced guides share knowledge about the glacier’s history, formation, and the unique features found within the cave.
Whether by Monster Truck or snowmobile, the journey to the Langjökull Ice Cave promises an unforgettable adventure through Iceland’s pristine winter landscapes. This accessible and thrilling experience allows visitors to witness the magic hidden beneath the glacier, making it a must-do for those seeking a combination of adrenaline and natural beauty in the Land of Fire and Ice.
The tours are available as a self drive tours – but also with a pick up in Reykjavik.
Into the Glacier Ice Cave
Into the Glacier is a remarkable man-made ice cave located in Iceland, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the icy depths of Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier. Crafted beneath the glacier’s surface, this extraordinary ice cave allows for a fascinating journey into the heart of one of the country’s most iconic natural wonders.
The adventure begins at the Into the Glacier base camp, where visitors board specially modified glacier vehicles that transport them across the snow-covered expanse to the entrance of the ice cave. These impressive vehicles are designed to handle the challenging glacial terrain, providing a safe and comfortable ride for guests.