
Everything you need to know about Ice Caves in Iceland
Troll team
When most people think of Iceland, they think of a beautiful island void of trees, yet full of volcanoes, geysers, snow and ice as far as the eye can see. But below the surface, and hidden away in ice pockets around the country, lies one of Iceland’s greatest hidden gems.
Today we are talking about ice caves, pristine and magical wonders of the natural world. In this cold paradise with gorgeous crystal blue colors, enormous tunnels have formed naturally, and tall frozen waterfalls seem to have stopped in time. If you are looking for a great photo opportunity and a mystical place to explore, perhaps you should consider the ice caves of Iceland for your next trip.
What are Ice Caves
These wonderful attractions are mountains of ice, known as glaciers, that have tunnels that lead deep into the packed ice, underground and above ground, giving tourists and visitors great opportunities for stunning photography and a wonderfully frozen world to explore. Sometimes the caves are located so deep inside the packed ice, that very little light reaches the open area, yet light reflects beautifully on the crystal-like walls.
How are Ice Caves Formed
Melting water from glacier ice slowly erodes the large packs of ice during the summer months. This water runs inside the glacier, sometimes underground, and forms channels, pathways and tunnels. When the fall and winter seasons arrive, the melting water freezes over once more, allowing visitors to explore and experience the crystal clear wonderland.
These caves are naturally formed, sometimes only existing for a few weeks, while others can last several years, changing slightly from year to year once the melting and freezing occurs. Uniquely, there are no air bubbles in the water that freezes, meaning that the ice walls and caves become clear like glass or crystal, and carry a beautiful hue of blue.
Where are Ice Caves in Iceland
When planning your trip you could choose a guided tour, but if you want to discover an ice cave on your own, you will need to find a suitable area to explore. More than 10% of Iceland is covered by glaciers, so exactly where should you go if you wish to explore an ice cave yourself?
The most famous area has many different caves, and is called Vatnajökull. This is actually Europe’s largest glacier, and many of the ice caves here are hard to reach, often requiring special vehicles, while other caves change or collapse without warning. Your best chance is asking locals in the area you are visiting, and researching more in terms of safety and necessary equipment. If you want to explore some of the more well known caves, read below for our favorite ice caves in Iceland.
Best Ice Caves in Iceland
We have offered expeditions and guided tours to some of Iceland’s most pristine and beautiful ice caves. We even discover new ones from time to time, and have visited many different ice caves over the years. Below we have listed the very best that Iceland has to offer, so read on if you are interested in learning more about the best ice caves
Katla Ice Cave
Katla Ice Cave is one of the most visited Ice Caves in Iceland. This ice cave is very special all around the world because it’s the only place where the ice cave is actually covered with volcanic ash. And not only that, the ash dates back more than 800 years. This new three Katla Volcano Ice Caves were found in the beginning of December 2021 by Tröll guides, so very few people know about this place. It is inaccessible with a normal car because of the rugged terrain, meaning that only 4 wheel drive cars have a chance of getting to this secret and magical location.
The Katla Volcano Ice Caves are found in Solheimajökull Glacier, nearby a small village of Vik in the south of Iceland.
How to get there –
- You need a 4X4 car to get to the ice caves, and a very good GPS. It is however not recommended to go there even if you have a 4X4, due to large areas of quicksand close to the glacier.
- Mainly due to safety reasons, it is highly recommended for everyone to go with an expert of the area. Safest and easiest way would be driving to Vik, and joining a 4 hour Katla Volcano Ice Cave tour .
Solheimajökull Glacier
The largest glacier near Reykjavik. It is very easy to access it (around 2 hours of driving time from Reykjavik). The glacier offers a diverse types of activities – such as glacier hiking and ice climbing.
Skaftafell Ice Cave
Located next to the Diamond Beach, in the Vatnajökull National Park in the south coast of Iceland, this stunning ice cave offers plenty of headroom as well as ample space, beautiful blue ice walls and is guaranteed to make lasting memories for the entire family. This cave is relatively easy to access, meaning it is well suited for first-time explorers.
How to get there –
- It is not recommended to go there by yourself without glacier equipment (such as crampons, helmets, harnesses, etc).
- You can join the Skaftafell Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike activity, where you will go exploring one of the world’s largest glaciers. During your hike, you will stop by the Skaftafell Ice Cave, where you will go, explore and learn everything you need to know about Ice Caves on the Vatnajökull Glacier.
Crystal Blue Ice Cave
Also located inside Vatnajökull National Park, Crystal Blue Ice Cave is one of the most popular destinations during wintertime. This is a great place to visit if you want to explore an Ice Cave without having too many tourists around you, as it is a bit more difficult to reach. Therefore to get there, you will need to go on an adventurous ride with a 4X4 car.
How to get there –
- You cannot access the Crystal Blue Ice Cave without a Super Jeep. If you do have one, be careful not to get lost, sometimes signal is very poor in this area.
- Do not have a 4X4 car? Join an unforgettable Crystal Blue Ice Cave adventure – with a Super Jeep from Jökulsarlon.
Vatnajökull Glacier
Most of the ice caves can be found on the Vatnajökull Glacier – Europe’s largest glacier. Most of these ice caves form in winter, and depending on the weather, sometimes may also last the whole summer. There are a lot of other things to do on this glacier- such as ice climbing and glacier hiking.
The ice caves change all the time (especially in summer), therefore we recommend you to email us on info@troll.is and request the latest updates on the ice caves.
Join an adventure tour to experience the majestic features of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, in the Skaftafell area. The highlight of this tour is the chance to enter a naturally formed blue ice cave, offering a stunning view of crystalized ice. During the guided glacier walk on Falljökull, you will also explore other breathtaking ice formations, including deep crevasses (cracks in the ice) and vertical shafts known as moulins. This expedition allows you to witness the dramatic, carved landscapes of the glacier and learn about its continuous change.
This adventure offers a direct encounter with one of Iceland's most spectacular natural phenomena: a glacier and its crystal blue ice cave. The tour takes place on Falljökull, an accessible outlet glacier of Vatnajökull National Park in Southeast Iceland.
The tour begins at our comfortable meeting point in Hof, located very close to the glacier. Our indoor facility is cozy and offers free parking, which allows you to avoid the parking fees charged at the Skaftafell Visitor Centre. Please arrive 20 minutes before departure to meet your highly qualified English glacier guide. All essential safety gear is provided, including a helmet, crampons, harness, and ice axe.
After gearing up, you will walk for approximately 20 minutes toward the glacier's edge. Along the way, your guide will point out the visible effects of the receding ice, such as marks on the bedrock and a meltwater lagoon. Once at the ice, your guide will provide a full safety briefing and instruct you on how to walk safely with your equipment.
You will spend about 3 hours hiking on the glacier, exploring the uniquely carved landscapes of the Falljökull outlet. Your guide will lead you to the most magnificent parts of the ice, including fascinating geological formations like deep crevasses and moulins. The most memorable part of the tour is the opportunity to walk inside the naturally formed blue ice cave, giving you an up-close look at the dazzling blue ice. Throughout the excursion, you will learn about the formation and geology of glaciers and their constant change.After returning to the meeting point, enjoy a complimentary hot drink (coffee/hot chocolate) and a candy bar.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure exploring Iceland’s breathtaking natural wonders! On this tour, you’ll ride in a powerful 4x4 Super Jeep across rugged terrain, venture deep into a glacier, and step inside a stunning Blue Ice Cave — also known as the Crystal Ice Cave. Marvel at the shimmering shades of blue ice, unique formations, and ever-changing tunnels and crevasses that make each visit a one-of-a-kind experience.
Your journey begins at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon parking lot, where you’ll meet your expert guides and hop aboard a specially designed Super Jeep built to tackle Iceland’s challenging landscape. As you make your way up the glacier, prepare for a thrilling, bumpy ride while learning fascinating facts about the region from your friendly and knowledgeable guide.
Once you arrive at the glacier, you’ll step into a magical world of glittering blue ice. The caves are natural formations that shift and change each year, so the exact cave visited will depend on the day’s weather and safety conditions. Inside, you’ll be surrounded by otherworldly ice walls, stunning formations, and possibly even intricate tunnels or crevasses to explore.
To fully enjoy the experience, be sure to dress warmly in layers and bring a waterproof jacket, as this adventure takes place in the heart of winter. This tour offers an authentic Icelandic glacier experience that combines excitement, natural beauty, and unforgettable memories. Book today and step into the magical world beneath Iceland’s glaciers!
Join an extraordinary journey to the majestic Katla Ice Cave under the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. This remote adventure takes you through a unique landscape of volcanic black sand and towering, mossy mountains. The highlight is the chance to walk inside the natural blue ice cave, where you'll witness the stunning colors and shapes created by volcanic ash and ice. As you travel, you'll be treated to a scenic drive with a view of Mt. Hafursey, a famous filming location from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The tour includes a thrilling Super-Jeep ride and a discovery of "Dragon-Glass" while exploring a remote, off-the-beaten-path location that is one of Iceland's best-kept secrets.
This unique expedition takes you to the Katla Ice Cave, a stunning, year-round feature in the volcanic outlets of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, beneath the powerful Katla volcano.
The adventure starts in Vík at our meeting point, "Troll Expeditions Katla Ice Cave" (lobby of The Vik Inn). Our facility offers free parking. Please arrive 20 minutes before departure. Your highly qualified English-speaking guide will check you in and provide any pre-booked rental gear (waterproof clothing or boots).
Next, you will board our specialized 4x4 Super-Jeep for a thrilling 40-minute ride into the wilderness. The scenic drive includes a view of Mt. Hafursey, a mountain famously used as a film location. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating facts about the Katla volcano, its eruptions, and the unique geology of South Iceland.
The Super-Jeep ride ends at a black ash desert, where you will start an easy, 20-minute walk toward the cave. The hike is on an uneven, sandy path, offering breathtaking views of ash-covered glaciers and moss-covered mountains—a truly otherworldly scene.
At the cave entrance, your guide will provide all safety gear, including helmets, headlamps, and crampons, along with a safety briefing. You will then ascend a small slope to step onto the glacier ice for the first time. Inside the cave, you will explore its mesmerizing colors and formations, crossing small bridges and witnessing the striking combination of ash layers and blue ice. Your guide will ensure you have time for photos and to simply enjoy the magnificent environment.
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours (including the 40-minute drive each way). You will then enjoy a relaxing Super-Jeep ride back to our meeting point in Vík.
Ice Caves in the Summer
Last year, Katla and Crystal Ice caves were the only caves we could enter during summer time, because of the melting glacier water creating barriers and dangers for explorers. Each year brings different tunnels and channels formed by the melting water, and some caves are not safe during the summer because of the temperature meaning the cave can be unstable. If you are visiting Iceland in the summer and wish to explore an ice cave, please do your research before entering one.