Ice Caves in Iceland: A Surreal Glacier Activity
Iceland’s ice caves are some of the country’s most sought-after natural wonders, and each glacier offers a different experience. Breiðamerkurjökull is one of Iceland’s most popular destinations for ice cave exploration, home to the world-famous Crystal Blue Ice Cave and the dazzling Sparkle Ice Cave. These natural formations showcase the glacier’s vivid blue ice and attract visitors eager to experience its ever-changing beauty.
On the South Coast, the Katla Ice Cave in Mýrdalsjökull is accessible year-round, making it a rare option outside the winter season. In addition, Skaftafell and Sólheimajökull glaciers often reveal seasonal ice caves that change from year to year, offering unique formations that can only be explored for a limited time.
All tours are guided by certified glacier experts and include the safety equipment you’ll need to enter these natural ice formations. Whether you’re starting from Jökulsárlón, Skaftafell, Vík, or Reykjavík, there’s an option to suit your itinerary. Since ice caves are constantly changing and often only accessible from October to March, booking early ensures you won’t miss your chance to step inside one of Iceland’s most remarkable and short-lived wonders.
Top Rated Ice Cave Tours in Iceland
From the ethereal blues of Vatnajökull to the gothic ash-layered depths of Katla, these are Iceland’s most show-stopping ice cave experiences. Scroll below and pick your poison—each cave is a portal into something ancient, eerie, and utterly unforgettable.
Prepare for an epic journey through Iceland's breathtaking landscapes! You will ride in a powerful 4x4 Super Jeep, conquering pristine wilderness, venture into the heart of a glacier, and explore the stunning Blue Ice Cave, renowned as the "Crystal Palace." Before your eyes, shimmering shades of blue ice, millennia-old crystalline domes, and ever-changing glacial crevasses and tunnels will create a once-in-a-lifetime moment frozen in time.
Jökulsárlón
Super jeep from Meeting Point
Easy
2 to 3 hoursJoin an unforgettable adventure on Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, located in the beautiful Skaftafell area. The highlight of this tour is the chance to step inside a naturally formed blue ice cave, an experience very few people ever get to have.
Skaftafell Meet on location Medium 4 HoursAre you ready to turn into an adventurous "Ice-cave Explorer Troll" 🧌 ? Come join our Tröll Expeditions team on an extraordinary journey to the majestic Katla Ice Cave. This unique experience is perfect for those who are seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure away from the crowds and looking forward to being lost in the wild, breathtaking landscapes of Icelandic nature. Our experienced glacier guides will lead you through the mysterious wilderness in a Super-jeep from Vik, sharing fascinating tales about the area, interesting facts related to the Katla volcano, and geological insights along the way. Safety is always our priority: our guides will provide you with helmets, headlamps, and crampons to ensure a smooth journey. Witness the awe-inspiring combination of fire and ice as you explore the volcanic glacier outlets of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, a remote location inaccessible to most. With panoramic views, stunning ice formations and tunnels, and the chance to see real Game of Thrones Dragon-Glass, this tour is one of Iceland's best-kept secrets.
Vik 3 Hours Easy
All YearKatla Ice Cave Tours (starting from Vík)
The Katla Ice Cave in Mýrdalsjökull Glacier(Approx. 3 hours from Reykjavík) is one of the few ice caves in Iceland that can be visited year-round, making it a popular choice for travelers who aren’t visiting in winter. Tours typically depart from Vík and take you into a natural ice cave formed by the volcanic glacier that sits above the infamous Katla volcano. Inside, you’ll find a striking mix of blue ice, black volcanic ash layers, and unique formations that make it very different from the seasonal caves in Vatnajökull. Guided by expert guides and equipped with helmets and crampons, visitors can safely explore this rare natural wonder while learning about the powerful forces that shaped it.
Are you ready to turn into an adventurous "Ice-cave Explorer Troll" 🧌 ? Come join our Tröll Expeditions team on an extraordinary journey to the majestic Katla Ice Cave. This unique experience is perfect for those who are seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure away from the crowds and looking forward to being lost in the wild, breathtaking landscapes of Icelandic nature. Our experienced glacier guides will lead you through the mysterious wilderness in a Super-jeep from Vik, sharing fascinating tales about the area, interesting facts related to the Katla volcano, and geological insights along the way. Safety is always our priority: our guides will provide you with helmets, headlamps, and crampons to ensure a smooth journey. Witness the awe-inspiring combination of fire and ice as you explore the volcanic glacier outlets of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, a remote location inaccessible to most. With panoramic views, stunning ice formations and tunnels, and the chance to see real Game of Thrones Dragon-Glass, this tour is one of Iceland's best-kept secrets.
Vik 3 Hours Easy All YearThis 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.
From Reykjavík 12 hours Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included Easy to moderateExperience an exclusive adventure into the heart of Iceland's volcanic wilderness. Join our Tröll Expeditions team for an extraordinary private tour to the majestic Katla Ice Cave. This is a truly off-the-beaten-path journey, perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the wild, breathtaking landscapes of Iceland with their own group.
Vik Super jeep from Meeting Point Easy 3 HoursReady to go deeper, stay longer, and explore further?
Vik 4 Hours Super jeep from Meeting Point EasyExperience the best of Iceland's "Fire and Ice" with this exciting combo tour. Your morning begins with a Super-Jeep ride to the Katla Volcano Ice Cave, where you'll explore vast, unique formations of ash and ice known as "Dragon Glass." Afterward, seek out an adrenaline rush with a thrilling Zipline adventure near Vík, featuring four different rides up to 240 meters long. You will hike a breathtaking river canyon and fly over stunning scenery, including the Hundafoss waterfall, offering an incredible bird's-eye view.
Vik 5 Hours Easy to moderate All YearExperience the powerful forces that shape Iceland with this unique Ice & Fire Combo Tour. Your adventure features a Super-Jeep journey to the stunning, natural Katla Volcano Ice Cave, where you'll explore magnificent formations of ash and ice. Afterward, witness the spectacular, world-renowned LAVA SHOW, the only live demonstration where real, molten lava (heated to 1100∘C) is poured before you. This tour is perfect for anyone eager to explore Iceland's volcanoes and gain a deep, educational understanding of its natural wonders.
Vik Super jeep from Meeting Point Easy All YearVatnajökull Ice Cave Tours
The Vatnajökull Glacier (Approx. 4.5–5 hours from Reykjavík), the largest in Europe, is home to some of Iceland’s most remarkable ice cave tours.
On the eastern side, tours from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon take visitors onto Breiðamerkurjökull to explore the famous Crystal Blue Ice Cave, a dazzling formation of translucent blue walls that has become the country’s best-known ice cave.
Further west, from Hof near Skaftafell, tours lead onto Falljökull Glacier, where the Blue Ice Cave and Glacier Hike combines a guided glacier walk with the chance to step inside a naturally formed cave.
Together, these tours offer two of the most iconic ways to experience Vatnajökull’s constantly changing landscape and its rare ice formations.
Prepare for an epic journey through Iceland's breathtaking landscapes! You will ride in a powerful 4x4 Super Jeep, conquering pristine wilderness, venture into the heart of a glacier, and explore the stunning Blue Ice Cave, renowned as the "Crystal Palace." Before your eyes, shimmering shades of blue ice, millennia-old crystalline domes, and ever-changing glacial crevasses and tunnels will create a once-in-a-lifetime moment frozen in time.
Jökulsárlón Super jeep from Meeting Point Easy 2 to 3 hoursJoin an unforgettable adventure on Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, located in the beautiful Skaftafell area. The highlight of this tour is the chance to step inside a naturally formed blue ice cave, an experience very few people ever get to have.
Skaftafell Meet on location Medium 4 HoursTroll.is Glacier Hike Meeting Points
We keep things simple: meet, gear up, hike out, and get wowed. Here's where the adventure begins:
- Sólheimajökull Meeting Point - The Troll.is meeting point is on the Sóheimajökull parking lot.
- Katla Ice Cave Meeting Point in Vík - The Troll.is meeting point for Katla Ice Cave tours is in Vík by the Vík Inn Guesthouse.
- Crystal Ice Cave (Vatnajökull – Jökulsárlón) – Ice cave tours in Breiðamerkurjökull start from the Jökulsárlón parking lot. It's a busy place, so be mindful of time.
- Troll.is Skaftafell Meeting Point – The Troll.is meeting point for Skaftafell tours is situated in Hof, close to the Falljökull glacier, where the ice cave and glacier tour takes place. Comes with free parking.
Always double-check your confirmation email for the precise time and place.
Multi-day tours with Ice Caves
Because some things are just too cool for a day trip.
If you're serious about Iceland’s legendary ice caves (and let’s face it, you didn’t come all this way for lukewarm thrills), multi-day tours are the way to go. These adventures give you more time, more landscapes, and a better shot at catching those elusive sapphire-blue ice chambers under ideal conditions—especially the ones tucked far into the glacier tongues of Vatnajökull.
Each itinerary typically includes guided ice cave excursions, glacier visits, waterfall stops, black sand beaches, comfy countryside hotels (with heating, thankfully), and the kind of road-trip drama Iceland is famous for—minus the stress of driving. Pickup is from Reykjavík, and everything from helmets to glacier crampons is sorted for you.
Heads-up: Blue ice caves are seasonal (Oct–Apr). Katla Ice Cave is open year-round. Just pack your warmest layers, waterproof boots, and a camera with serious storage space.
Join us for a two-day adventure to Iceland’s spectacular South Coast. The journey's highlights include visits to the iconic Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, a guided glacier hike on ancient ice, and the opportunity to enter a natural blue ice cave (Oct-Mar). You will explore the surreal beauty of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach, followed by a stop at the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. In the evenings, you’ll have a prime chance to spot the Northern Lights thanks to a remote countryside hotel stay.
Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included
Included: 1 Night & Breakfast Winter 2 Days在我们三日的旅行中，我们将会探索冰岛最著名的黄金圈和南岸精华景点。其中包含权利与游戏的拍摄地辛格维利尔国家公园（Thingvellir National Park），盖歇尔地热区（Geysir），黄金瀑布（Gullfoss），玄武岩黑沙滩，冰川徒步项目，蓝冰洞，杰古沙龙冰河湖（Jökulsárlón），刘昊然同款钻石沙滩以及壮观的塞里雅兰瀑布（Seljalandsfoss）和斯科加瀑布（Skógafoss）。如果天气条件允许， 客人可以在下榻酒店就可欣赏到美丽的北极光。
From Reykjavík Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included Included: 2 Nights & BreakfastThis multi-day tour combines some of Iceland’s most popular regions into one practical and scenic journey. Starting in Western Iceland, you’ll explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a region known for its variety of landscapes — from black sand beaches and lava fields to volcanic craters and glacier-covered peaks. Highlights include the Snæfellsjökull Glacier and the dramatic coastal cliffs that inspired Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included Included: 3 Nights & Breakfast Winter 4 DaysThis fully guided, 6-day minibus tour offers a pragmatic and comprehensive exploration of Iceland, covering all major regions—the Golden Circle, South Coast, East Fjords, and North Iceland—in a single trip.
Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included Included: 5 Nights & Breakfast Winter 6 Days搭乘这趟独特的冰岛小巴之旅，从雷克雅未克出发，用整整六天时间周游冰岛最受欢迎的目的地，参观环岛公路周围颇负盛名的景点，其中包括黄金圈、南岸风光，以及冰岛北部隐藏的瑰宝。
From Reykjavík Minibus tour: Pick up & Drop off included Included: 5 Nights & BreakfastFAQs About Ice Caves in Iceland
We’ve crawled through the ice, argued with the volcanoes, and survived tourist questions in all caps. Here’s what you need to know before entering Iceland’s coldest cathedrals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most natural ice caves, like the ice caves in Breiðamerkurjökull and Skaftafell, are strictly operated during the winter season, typically from October through March. The Katla Ice Cave, however, is operated all year round.
Bear in mind that the Ice Caves are dynamic and are assessed daily for safety.
You bring the warm layers, we bring the crampons, helmets, and ice axes.
Yes — but check age limits on each tour. Some easy walks allow kids 8+, others require 10–12+ depending on the terrain. If your kid is adventurous, dressed warm, and not prone to licking glacial walls, they’ll be fine.
We make sure your tour to our Ice Caves is extremely safe by monitoring each cave every day. We constantly check the thickness of the roof and make sure you will have a safe and enjoyable time in the Ice Caves.
Ice caves are not easily accessible and their situation needs to be monitored by professional. You should go with an expert guide.
Only when the weather goes full Iceland (which happens). Heavy rain, high winds, or unstable cave conditions can cancel or reschedule your tour. If a tour gets cancelled, you will generally be offered a chance to rebook.
Absolutely. You can find day tours and multi-day tours departing from Reykjavík that include ice caves. . The most popular tours are the South Coast & Katla Ice Cave from Reykjaík (open year-round) and the 3-Day South Coast & Golden Circle winter tour. Pickup is usually included from major hotels or designated bus stops, and tours come with all necessary gear.
Got More Questions?
Our team of Iceland experts is just a message away. Whether you’re curious about tour details, weather prep, or which adventure suits you best, we’re here to help. Chat with us or Contact our support team and let’s plan your perfect Iceland experience.
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