Katla Ice Cave Tours
Step into a world of black and blue ice beneath the mighty Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Our Katla Ice Cave tours take you by super jeep across Iceland’s South Coast to explore this rare natural wonder—where volcanic ash and crystal-blue ice create a cave unlike any other.
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What Travelers say about Katla Ice Cave 🌟
Unforgettable day from Reykjavik
Long day but so worth it
Easy to join from Vík
Quick but unforgettable
Great family adventure
Beautiful but cold – bring layers!
Best part of our 2 day tour
Great mix of sights and adventure
A real adventure from Reykjavík
Perfect tour for us
About the Katla Ice Cave
The Katla Ice Cave lies under Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which sits atop the powerful Katla volcano near the town of Vík. This incredible cave is one of Iceland’s most dramatic ice formations, famous for its black volcanic ash streaks intertwined with shimmering blue ice. The result is a surreal frozen world that looks like nature’s own artwork.
Unlike most ice caves in Iceland, which can only be visited in winter, the Katla Ice Cave is accessible year-round. Its unique conditions make it possible to explore even in summer, making it one of the most popular ice caves for travelers who want this experience outside of the main ice cave season.
How to Get to Katla Ice Cave
Katla Ice Cave tours usually start in Vík, about 2.5 hours from Reykjavík. Some operators also offer pickup from Reykjavík, making it a full-day adventure from the capital.
The journey to the cave is an adventure in itself: you’ll travel by super jeep across the rugged South Coast and out onto the glacier, passing black sand plains and volcanic landscapes. Once at the glacier, your guide provides crampons, helmets, and other safety gear before leading you into the cave.
What Makes Katla Ice Cave Unique
Year-round accessibility – Unlike most ice caves, Katla can be visited in summer as well as winter.
Volcanic colors – Layers of black ash from past eruptions are frozen into the ice, giving the cave its dramatic striped look.
Adventure approach – Reaching the cave involves a thrilling ride in a super jeep across glacial terrain.
Proximity to South Coast attractions – Tours are often combined with visits to Reynisfjara black sand beach, Dyrhólaey cliffs, or other nearby sights.
Best Time to Visit Katla Ice Cave
The cave is technically open all year, but the experience varies by season:
Winter (Nov–Mar): The ice is at its bluest, and the cave is most stable.
Summer (Apr–Oct): Still accessible, though the structure may be smaller, and you’ll see more contrast between black ash and clear ice.
Either way, visiting Katla offers something unique no matter the time of year.
Safety and Guided Tours
Like all glaciers, Katla is constantly moving, and caves can shift quickly. For this reason, joining a guided tour is essential. Certified glacier guides ensure your safety, provide equipment, and share fascinating stories about the volcano, the glacier, and the forces that shaped the cave.
Your guide will also explain the history of Katla volcano, one of Iceland’s most powerful and closely monitored volcanoes, adding depth to your adventure.
What to Expect on a Katla Ice Cave Tour
Meeting your guide – Either in Vík or Reykjavík (depending on your tour).
Super jeep ride – Travel across volcanic landscapes and glacial terrain.
Gear up – Put on crampons, helmet, and other provided glacier gear.
Ice cave exploration – Step inside the shimmering black-and-blue cave, with time to explore and take photos.
Optional sightseeing – Some tours add visits to Reynisfjara Beach, Skógafoss, or Seljalandsfoss along the way.
Tours typically last between 3–10 hours, depending on whether you start from Vík or Reykjavík.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
The Katla Ice Cave is a truly unique phenomenon in Iceland—a place where ice and fire meet. Its striking colors, thrilling access, and year-round availability make it one of the best glacier experiences in the country.
If you want to explore an ice cave but don’t plan to travel all the way to Vatnajökull, Katla is the perfect choice. It’s close to Reykjavík, pairs easily with a South Coast road trip, and offers a rare glimpse into the living history of Iceland’s glaciers and volcanoes.
Frequently asked questions
The Katla Ice Cave is a natural ice cave located under the Kötlujökull Glacier, which is part of the larger Mýrdalsjökull Glacier in South Iceland. It is formed by glacial ice mixed with volcanic ash from eruptions of the Katla Volcano, creating stunning layers of black and blue ice.
Yes! Katla Ice Cave is the only natural ice cave in Iceland that is open year-round, including during the summer months. This makes it a unique experience for travelers visiting Iceland outside of winter.
Yes, it is safe when visited with a certified guide. All tours include safety equipment like helmets and crampons, and guides are trained to assess the cave’s conditions daily.
No special experience is needed. The tours provide all necessary safety equipment and are suitable for most fitness levels. You’ll need sturdy shoes and warm layers, but no glacier hiking experience is required.
You can join a guided tour from Vík (the closest town) or Reykjavík. The cave is only accessible by Super Jeep due to rough terrain and glacier conditions – it cannot be visited on your own.
Most tours last between 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the departure location. The actual time spent inside the ice cave is typically around 30–60 minutes.
Yes, children are welcome, but age limits may vary depending on the tour provider. Most tours are suitable for children aged 6 years and older. It’s always best to check specific age requirements before booking.
We have a tour to Katla Ice Cave that is focused on families.
Unlike other ice caves that melt and collapse in summer, Katla’s structure allows it to remain stable throughout the year. It’s also known for its dramatic contrast of black volcanic ash and crystal-clear ice, which is rare to see elsewhere.
Yes, temperatures inside the ice cave are usually close to freezing, even in summer. Be sure to dress warmly with insulated layers, gloves, and a hat.
Absolutely! The cave is a dream for photographers. Just be sure to listen to your guide’s instructions and respect the natural formations.