Katla Ice Cave Tour & South Coast Day Trip from Reykjavík | Tröll Expeditions
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South Coast & Katla Ice Cave Small Group Day Tour from Reykjavik

Great value
Ice Cave Tour Included
2 Waterfall Visits

Tour Description

This 12-hour day tour combines the major attractions of the South Coast with an adventurous excursion to the Katla Ice Cave. Highlights include visiting the iconic waterfalls Seljalandsfoss (walk-behind) and Skógafoss, exploring the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (basalt columns), and an included journey via Super Jeep to the Katla Ice Cave. This unique activity allows travelers to witness the stunning blue ice and volcanic ash layers inside a naturally formed glacier tunnel, offering an efficient blend of sightseeing and high-adventure activity.

Join this full-day, all-year-round small group excursion departing from Reykjavík. This 12-hour tour efficiently covers Iceland’s famous South Coast landmarks and includes a specialized ice cave activity.

The journey begins with pick-up from Reykjavík and heads east along the scenic South Coast. The itinerary includes two of Iceland’s most magnificent waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss, where a path allows visitors to walk safely behind the cascade, and Skógafoss, known for its immense power and height (60 meters).

The tour continues to the village of Vík, where the day’s main adventure begins. Guests transfer to a powerful Super Jeep for an off-road ride across the wild, volcanic landscape to reach the Katla Ice Cave, located beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Once there, certified guides provide all necessary safety equipment and lead the group inside the cave. This is a unique opportunity to see the ice blended with layers of volcanic ash from the Katla volcano. The tour also visits the coastline at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, famous for its striking hexagonal basalt columns and dramatic Atlantic waves.

This tour is rated easy to moderate and offers a stress-free way to cover major sightseeing locations alongside a technical adventure activity, with transport and guidance provided throughout.

Start from

From Reykjavík

Open season

All Year

Duration

12 hours

Pick-up

Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included

Difficulty

Easy to moderate



Map and Itinerary

Explore the South Coast and Katla Ice Cave

The journey to Katla and Iceland’s South Coast is full of dramatic landscapes and unforgettable stops. Our itinerary has been carefully curated to make sure you experience the most iconic attractions along the way to the legendary Katla Ice Cave, giving you a full, balanced day of sightseeing, exploration, and glacier adventure.

Please note: The itinerary is subject to change due to weather, road conditions, and availability of activities. Your guide will always ensure the best and safest experience possible.

1

Pickup in Reykjavik

The day starts with pickup in Reykjavík. Once you have been picked up at your designated location, you head out of town. Pickup starts at 8:00 AM and can take up to 45 minutes.

2

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss is one of the South Coast’s most famous waterfalls, known for the cavern behind its 60-meter drop that lets you walk fully behind the cascade for an unforgettable, immersive view. Bring waterproof clothing, you might get soaked by the spray.

3

Skógafoss Waterfall

Your journey continues to the majestic Skógafoss, a 60-meter waterfall fed by the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers and easily accessible at its base. You can also climb roughly 500 stairs to view it from above and follow a scenic path along the Skógá River. After enjoying the sights, you’ll continue on for lunch.

4

Reynisfjara: the Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara, the world-famous Black Sand Beach, was formed over millions of years as volcanic lava eroded into fine black sand. The beach is known for its striking basalt columns (rare hexagonal formations created by slowly cooling lava) and offers views of the dramatic Dýrhólaey cliffs, which become a nesting haven for puffins and other seabirds in summer.

5

Included Activity: 3-hour Katla Ice Cave & Super Jeep Tour

The highlight of the day is a visit to the Katla Ice Cave, reached by Super Jeep from Vík í Mýrdal. Inside, you’ll see stunning blue and black ice formations in Kötlujökull Glacier, an outlet of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, which sits atop the mighty Katla volcano.

6

Back to Reykjavík

After a busy day, you will end back in Reykjavik. Expect to arrive around 8 pm, though this may be subject to change depending on weather and road conditions.



Available Add-ons

Support Shoes

Rent shoes for keeping your ankles safe to prevent injuries

$12
Waterproof Jacket

Rent a jacket to keep you dry

$12
Waterproof Pants

Rent pants to keep you dry

$12
Beanie and Gloves

Buy our Troll Beanie and Gloves to feel part of our winter Trolls and keep you warm in the Icelandic cold

$22
Neck-warmer

Buy our Troll Neck-warmer to feel part of our winter Trolls and and protect your face from cold wind

$4
Summer Cap

Buy our Troll Summer-Cap to feel part of our summer Trolls and protect yourself from the sun

$10
Price from
$269
/ traveler
Choose a date to start

Frequently Asked Questions

• Warm clothes (first layer) • Waterproof outdoor clothing (second layer) • Hiking boots above the ankle (available for rent when booking) • Joy and happiness!

The weather in Iceland is very unpredictable. For tours during winter, warm clothing as the first layer, a waterproof outdoor jacket and pants, hiking boots with high ankle protection, a hat and gloves are ideal. For tours during summer, bringing a light rain jacket and pants is in most cases enough protection. Icelanders often say, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes”. Jeans are not recommended for outdoor trips as they become very heavy and cold when they get wet.

This tour is easy to moderate.

The minimum age is 8 years old. If children under those ages are on the tour, then an adult needs to stay with them while others go to the ice cave.

Yes, pregnant women up to 6 months can join our ice cave tours, but it’s important to consider the nature of each tour before deciding.

  • Crystal Ice Cave Tour: This is the easier and more accessible option. It involves a bumpy ride in a super jeep but minimal walking. If you’re comfortable with the ride, this tour is generally manageable.
  • Katla Ice Cave Tour: This tour is more physically demanding, as it includes both a bumpy jeep ride and a moderate hike to reach the cave. If you’re pregnant, especially nearing the 6-month mark, please carefully assess your physical condition before booking.

We do not recommend these tours for those who are 7 months pregnant or more due to safety and comfort concerns.

We offer pick-up only from Reykjavik city greater area from designated locations found on a drop-down menu at the time of booking. We ask all our customers to send their pick up location at least 24 hours prior to the departure of their tour. We cannot be responsible if you do not provide your pick up location or miss the departure of your tour. Pick up starts at the scheduled departure time of your voucher and can take up to 30 minutes. We ask our passenger to be ready at their listed location so they can be easily found.

Pick ups are in downtown Reykjavík from 8:00 am to 8:30 am depending on where you are staying.

  • Not suitable for clients with mobility limitations.
  • Order or availability of attractions may change due to road or weather conditions, and we may have to adjust timings to the short daylight of winter days.
  • Pick-up is from designated locations in Reykjavík on a drop-down menu when booking. Pick-up is unavailable from Keflavik airport or outside the greater capital area.

• All-day tours can be cancelled up to 24 hours from the departure time by sending a written email to info@troll.is. You will receive a full refund except the 3% card fee. All cancellations requested less than 24 hours from the departure time are non refundable. • In the case of cancellation of the tour by the operator because of extreme weather, road conditions, or other factors, we will assist you with rescheduling to another date, booking other activity (price difference might apply), or providing a full refund.

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