crystal cave tour iceland

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Ice Cave Tours

Crystal Ice Cave Tour Iceland

Crystal Ice Cave Tour with Super Jeep Ride

Bluest ice cave in iceland from jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

• Interactive map

Have the experience of a lifetime as you witness crystal blue ice unlike any other in Iceland. This tour is a must-see for people who want to witness the country’s bluest, most captivating ice cave in recent years. Get up close and personal to incredible shades of icy blue while you walk into the depths of the mighty Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest Glacier. Grab at the chance to take fantastic photos to make this special ice cave adventure last a lifetime!

• Crystal Ice Cave
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Vatnajökull - Europe's largest glacier
• Ride in a Super Truck to the Glacier
• Super Jeep transfer to & from a Crystal Blue Ice Cave
• A Guided Visit to an Ice Cave
• All Necessary Glacier Gear
• All Required Safety Equipment
• English Speaking Licensed Adventure Guide

What to bring

• Warm and waterproof jacket and pants
• Hiking boots

Tour Snapshot

• Expert Guides
• Best Price Guarantee
• Small Group Experience
• No Booking Fees
• Fast & Secure Payment
• Free Cancellation

Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon is a grand natural spectacle. Its visitors are left in complete awe and if there is ever a moment to bring out your camera it is at the moment you visit the lagoon. An outlet of the vast and magnificent Vatnajokull Glacier, called Breiðamerkurjökull, has retreated back from the edge of the Atlantic carving into the soil beneath it and creating a depression. The meltwater from the glacier then started to fill up the depression and the size of the lagoon has been growing rapidly since then. Icebergs constantly break off the glacier's tip (a process known as ‘calving’), floating majestically in the lagoon before they find their way out to the Atlantic Ocean constructing the most magical display for those who visit.

Crystal Blue Ice Cave

A visit to a naturally formed Ice Cave is a once in a lifetime experience! The astonishing blue glacial ice caves are only found deep inside of glaciers. They formed by the power of meltwater as it travels through the crevasse channels of a glacier, as the meltwater carves out huge tunnels and holes deep inside the ice. When the cold season comes, the caves that the water left behind freeze completely so that they become stable and safe to visit.

The natural light seeping through the dense ice is unique and it gives the cave an adventurous atmosphere. This is definitely a must-see for everyone and especially photographic enthusiasts!

Crystal Blue Ice Cave Tour from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

We pick you up at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in a super jeep and drive to the edge of the glacier where we gear up and get ready for the caving. After a short hike (approx. 20-30 mins), we'll arrive at the magnificent ice cave where you will explore its wonders at your own pace. You will be wearing a helmet so a smaller hat is recommended for it to fit underneath the helmet.

After we have explored the cave we will start making our way back to the location where you were picked up.

We recommend that you spend the night in the vicinity of Vatnajökull because the road and weather conditions can be unpredictable during winter in Iceland.

The Jokulsarlon Ice Cave tour departs from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon which is located 379km from Reykjavik which means, at least, 4.5 hours drive from Reykjavik in  best conditions. Staying close to the glacier lagoon for one night, either before or after you visit the ice cave is therefore not a bad idea.

Return time:  You will return to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon approximately 2-3 hours after your pick-up.

Please note

Check-in is no later than 15 minutes before the tour starts.

Ice caves are ever-changing natural phenomena that are only accessible during winter when the temperature drops well below zero so the water from the rivers that run underneath the glacier freezes and leaves us with this phenomena to explore. Each year new unique caves are formed in different locations. We will visit one naturally formed ice cave during this tour and the cave we visit is chosen based on conditions and safety each time. We cannot guarantee that the actual view during your visit will match the photographs, how the ice cave looks may vary depending on the season, time of the day, lighting, and other factors.

Warm and preferably water-resistant clothing along with good hiking shoes are very important so you can enjoy the tour to its fullest.

Please make sure to follow weather and road conditions before you take off – the weather can be very different just out of the city. Safetravel.is gives warnings for the whole country.

Attractions map

What is a super jeep.

A Super Jeep is a highly modified vehicle equipped with 38" to 50" tires and a robust suspension system, uniquely designed to handle Iceland's diverse terrains and conditions. Dive deeper into the world of Super Jeep Tours .

What is the difference between 4x4, SUV, Super Jeep and Super Truck?

A 4x4 is a vehicle with four wheels that drive together, suitable for mild off-roading. An SUV is a spacious vehicle designed for light off-roading and various terrains. A Super Jeep is a heavily modified vehicle, built for challenging terrains with features like large tires and snorkels. A Super Truck is a large vehicle modified like a Super Jeep but designed to carry up to 58 passengers. Explore the distinctions in our Super Jeep Tours section.

Are Super Jeeps safe?

Yes, Super Jeeps are designed and modified to handle the challenging terrains of Iceland, ensuring safety during tours. For a secure adventure, check out our Super Jeep Tours .

How many people fit in a Super Jeep?

A Super Jeep can accommodate up to 19 riders, making it ideal for large families and small tour groups. Discover group adventures with our Super Jeep Tours .

What is the difference between the Into the Glacier tour and Crystal Ice cave tour?

The Into the Glacier tour  departs from the Glacier Guides booking hut in Skaftafell National Park and is up to 4 hours in duration. After gearing up for our glacier adventure, we jump on a bus for a short drive to Falljökull glacier (approx. 15-20 minutes). This tour is perfect for those looking to try hiking on a glacier, exploring the crevasses and fascinating ice formations as well as experience what it’s like to be inside a glacier ice cave. This tour is rated easy (2 / 5) and no prior glacier experience is needed to participate on the tour. Participants need to be in good walking condition and be able to walk for 1.5 – 2  hours at a low pace with short breaks.

Your guide will take the time to explain to you the scenery that you are seeing and tell you all there is to know about glaciers.

The into the Glacier tour is a combination tour of glacier hiking and ice cave exploring.

The Crystal Ice Cave  tour departs from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and is up to 3 hours in duration. A large off-road jeep will take you to an ice cave located in Breiðármerkurjökull Glacier, an outlet glacier from Vatnajökull. This tour offers you the chance to venture inside one of Vatnajökul’s beautiful crystal ice caves and take photos of its picturesque crystal surroundings. You will then jump back on the super jeep which will return you safely back to Jökulsárlón.

This tour is rated easy and no prior glacier experience is needed to participate on the tour. You will not need to walk as much on this tour as it only includes a short walk to, in and around the glacier for up to approx. 20-30 minutes. 

This tour doesn’t include much hiking, it includes exploring the ice cave and offers you the opportunity to take photographs from inside the cave. The ice cave is very beautiful, which makes it very popular with many other operators and tourists, for this reason very reason it is therefore likely that you will be sharing the location with other groups.

If you are looking for a tour that combines a visit to an ice cave with glacier hiking then Into the Glacier is the tour for you.

If you are looking for a tour that will take you directly to an ice cave for some great photo opportunities inside an ice cave then the Crystal Ice Cave tour is the tour for you.

What does meet on location entail?

Meet on location  means travelling to the location of the tour yourself and then meeting our tour guides rather than being picked up and taken to the location.

Where is Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon located?

Jökulsarlon  is situated in the South East of Iceland on the edge of a glacier called  Breiðamerkurjökull. It is about a 4.5-hour drive from Reykjavik.

Does the ice cave always look exactly the same as on the pictures?

The caves are in a constant change so they might look different from what you see in the picture. Air temperature, sunshine, precipitation, geothermal activity, and many other factors cause significant changes in the formation of the ice caves and this process is exclusively controlled by Mother Nature.

We will visit the best available naturally formed ice cave during this tour and the cave we visit is chosen based on conditions and safety each time.

What should I wear on our glacier trip in Iceland?What should I wear on our glacier trip in Iceland?

Iceland is known for colourful weather. It can sometimes show you all 4 seasons in one day.

Dressing for this sort of weather can be a challenge so we always recommend dressing in layers.  3 or 4 upper layers are highly recommended such as a light t-shirt (preferably wool) next to the skin, then a fleece or heavy wool garment, topped off with a waterproof windbreaker.

Jeans are not recommended for our trips as they become very heavy, cold and uncomfortable to wear when they get wet.

Lightweight hiking pants, track pants or long cotton pants are best and then wind/waterproof pants over. We also recommend using sunglasses and sunscreen even if it is cloudy due to the high UV and sunlight reflecting off of the glacier.

You will need sturdy hiking boots that fit crampons for the glacier hiking tours. If you do not own a pair then we rent out good hiking boots as well as a waterproof raincoat and trousers.

Do I need to bring a backpack on a glacier trip in Iceland?

We recommend bringing your own backpack on our full day or 1/2 day tours. It’s great to carry a small lunch and some extra clothing.

Can I bring my camera along on an ice cave tour?

You can bring your camera along, and you should definitely bring one since the setting on the tour is full of amazing, scenic views.

I am pregnant, can I still join a glacier hike?

This is, of course, a personal choice, we have often had pregnant women on our trips. We recommend you take a close look at our trip description and  difficulty rating , they will hopefully give you a better idea. It is also good to contact your physician, pregnant women’s health can be quite different. Feel free to contact us if you have further questions or concerns.

Do I need to bring a lunch with me on the ice cave tours?

We do not provide lunch on any of our trips, so we recommend you bring your own lunch (for the longer trips), snacks and a bottle of water (you can refill it on the trip).

What are crampons?

Crampons are metal spikes that we attach to the soles of your hiking shoes, these enable you to walk on the glacier ice without slipping.

Is there a guide on each Arctic Adventures ice cave tour?

Yes, there is a specially trained and certified glacier guide on every ice cave tour that we offer.

Where can I find more information about Ice Caves?

The Ice Caves in Iceland are truly magical. If you want to learn more about them this information page on  Ice Caves  will be a great help.

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"Into the Glacier" Ice Cave Tour

Skaftafell Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike Tour

Contact us for more information about this tour.

Arctic Adventures offers pick up service from selected Reykjavík pick up points. Note that you can always update your pick-up / drop-off location through our customer portal: https://my.adventures.is You can press the login button in your confirmation email for an easy login to the customer portal. If you experience an error with logging into the customer portal or can't find your booking, please contact us on Facebook Messenger, or send us a message here below. Chat with us on Facebook Messenger

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Crystal Ice Cave in Iceland - GG-CIC

Unique blue ice cave tour from jokulsarlon lagoon.

• You are here： 
• Crystal Ice Cave

Visit Iceland’s bluest ice cave in years as you walk into the depths of Vatnajokull Glacier’s ancient ice. Depart from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon with a certified guide and head towards Europe’s largest glacier for the ultimate ice cave experience. The crystal ice cave’s captivating shades of blue and brilliant ice formations create a magical winter wonderland unlike any other. Grab your camera and become a glacier explorer for the day inside one of the world’s most unique natural wonders!

Duration: 2-3 hours

Pick-up: Multiple departures from Jokulsarlon Lagoon everyday

Group maximum: 1:14

Available: October - April

Age limit: 6 years

Difficulty: Easy

Tour Highlights:

• Natural Blue Ice Cave
• Vatnajokull National Park
• Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
• Breiðamerkurjökull outlet glacier
• Glacier experience

Departures: Multiple departures everyday. See calendar for more information on times and availability.

Departs from: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, located in the southeast of Iceland on ring road nr. 1, approximately 379 km. from Reykjavik and 56 km. from Skaftafell. Please check-in 15 min prior to tour departure.

Bring with you: Thermals (top and bottom), warm outdoor clothing, waterproof outer layers, sturdy hiking boots (not necessary but recommended), headwear, scarf and gloves. 

• A guided tour of the crystal blue ice cave
• All necessary glacier gear: crampons and a helmet
• A safety briefing so that you can feel confident once you are on the glacier
• Super Jeep transfer to & from a Crystal Blue Ice Cave

Tours with transportation from Reykjavik: We have a variety of multiday tours, ranging from 2 - 5 days, that include a visit to the natural ice cave as well as transportation from Reykjavik and accommodation. Have a look at our selection of multiday tours here: Multiday tours

Youth (6-16): 15 743 ISK

• Description

Note： Please keep in mind that ice caves are ever-changing natural phenomena that are often only accessible during winter when the temperature drops well below zero so the water from the rivers that run underneath the glacier freezes and leaves us with this amazing natural wonder to explore. Each year new caves are formed in different locations. We will visit one naturally formed ice cave during this tour and the cave we visit is chosen based on conditions and safety each time.

Tour Description

Beautiful crystal ice cave in Vatnajokull Glacier Iceland

Exploring a natural Ice Cave is truly a unique experience and strongly recommended for anyone visiting Iceland during winter months! 

The Crystal Ice Cave tour departs from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon multiple times a day. Jökulsárlón Lagoon is located in the southeast and definitely one of Iceland's highlights, not to be missed on your travels. From there we head for the magnificent Crystal Blue Ice Cave in Vatnajökull Glacier. Natural Ice Caves are only formed when temperatures start cooling again after the summer months and therefore, are only available in winter. Each year we find unique and amazing ice caves making the experience even more magical.

After a super jeep ride from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, you arrive at the glacier, where you'll take a short walk (appr. 20-30 min) to the mouth of one of the crystal caves. Inside the cave, you will have enough time to explore the wonders of the ice on your own and take pictures. Our skilled guides will make sure that you are safe and secure the whole time inside the Crystal Cave.

Crystal Ice Cave tour

If you are looking for a broader glacier exploration then we recommend that you check out our Into the Glacier tour . This tour includes a short glacier hike as well as a natural blue ice cave. The benefit of joining this tour is that you get a more exclusive experience.

Looking for an ice cave tour from Reykjavik? We have several  multi-day tours  including transportation from Reykjavik and a glacier ice cave adventure. For example, our two day  South Coast, Ice Cave and Jokulsarlon  tour and three day  Golden Circle, Ice Cave and South Coast Highlights tour .

• There is no guarantee that our group will be alone in the cave, as the same cave is used by more tour operators. If you are looking for a more exclusive experience we recommend the  Into the Glacier tour .*
• You must arrange your transportation to the meeting point of the tour (Jökulsárlón is 4.5 hours east of Reykjavik). Participants must check-in no later than 15 minutes before the tour starts. The   bus schedule  during the winter is very limited so it is highly recommended to rent a car and to stay in the area either the night before or after your tour. Driving times can be greatly affected by winter conditions so please be sure to give yourself enough time depending on winter road conditions. Find out more about   Road and Weather conditions .

Ice Wall Crystal Cave

Spectacular crystal blue ice cave

Posing in the entrance of the ice cave

The ice cave is very long and deep

Related Tours:

Into the Glacier Would you like to try glacier hiking and ice caving?

Disclaimer: For important safety reasons, it is not recommended to go into the ice caves without a certified glacier guide. We will visit one ice cave during the tour and this cave is selected based on conditions and safety. This tour is operated by Glacier Guides. All our tours are undertaken on the responsibility of its participants. We do not assume any responsibility for accidents that are caused by its customers or can be traced to their own actions. Participants have to sign a waiver before undertaking all trips stating that they realize that all outdoor activities carry an inherent risk. Ice caves are everchanging phenomena and highly dependent on weather conditions. Therefore, we reserve the right to alter or cancel the tour if conditions are unsafe. The actual view of an ice cave may look different from pictures, how they look may vary depending on the season, time of the day, lighting, and other factors.

Related Tours

Into the Glacier

Ice cave and glacier hike tour from skaftafell.

Join us for this amazing experience, where you get the chance to both walk on a glacier and explore a natural ice cave in Vatnajökull glacier. It's a glacier adventure that you won't want to miss out on!

Myrdalsjokull Glacier Ice Cave by Katla Volcano

Natural ice cave tour from reykjavik.

Natural Ice Cave Winter Exploration. Go off-the-beaten-track on an ice cave mission to the famous site of Katla Volcano and Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Prepare to be amazed!

Ice Cave in Myrdalsjokull

Natural ice cave tour from vik.

Explore the magic of Icelandic glaciers. Travel to the epic filming location of Stars Wars and Game of Thrones and a place of unbelievable natural wonders. The new ice cave found in Mýrdalsjökull is nature at its best!

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Crystal Ice Cave Tour

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• 7 Hours 30 Minutes
• Hotel Pick-up Included
• Hotel Pick-up Possible
• Meet on Location

Can’t find the tour you’re looking for? Contact Us

Availability

September - April

2 Hours 30 Minutes

Minimum Age

ISK 21.590

Tour Highlights:

• Blue Ice Cave
• Natural Scenery
• Super Jeep Ride
• Super Jeep transfers
• A guided tour of the Crystal Ice Cave
• All necessary glacier gear
• Safety equipment
• Free WiFi onboard
• How To Get There

The Crystal Blue Ice Cave Tour

This wonderful Jökulsarlon Ice Cave tour will let you see one of the most spectacular Iceland ice caves to date!

The Crystal Ice Cave Iceland tour departs from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, located 379km from Reykjavik, at least 4.5 hours drive from Reykjavik in best conditions. Staying close to the glacier lagoon for one night, before or after visiting the ice cave, is not a bad idea. Please follow weather and road conditions before you take off – the weather can be very different just outside the city.

5% discount with our “ICELAND5” promo code! The code is valid until December 31st for tours departing from March 2024 to December 2024! 

We will pick you up at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in a super jeep and drive to the edge of the glacier, where we will gear up and get ready for the caving. After a short hike (approx. 20-30 mins), we’ll arrive at the magnificent ice cave, where you will explore its wonders at your own pace.

Ice caves begin to take shape in autumn each year and last throughout the winter. Caves can be found in several locations on the south side of Vatnajökull. These trips are somewhat temperature dependent as ice caves must be treated with the utmost respect regarding the supportive ceiling, along with other factors that your specialized guide constantly evaluates. You will have the chance to visit one of them during this trip and to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Please wear warm clothes and waterproof layers. It’s always good to have some snacks with you and a bottle of water. Hiking shoes are mandatory!

You will be wearing a helmet, so a smaller hat is recommended for it to fit underneath the helmet. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The meeting point for this tour is by the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Please note that you must be on location 15 – 30 minutes before the start of the tour.

No, this tour is meet-on-location only.

If you do not have a rental car we recommend checking out one of the guided multiday tours to this are that include a visit to an ice cave.

Yes, the age limit for this tour is 6 years old.

If the ice cave is not accessible, but other ice caves are you will go on an alternative tour exploring different caving formations in the area.

If weather causes all tours to be canceled we will either find a new date for your tour, if possible or offer you a full refund.

Reservations can be canceled 24 hours prior to departure without penalty. Cancellations received less than 24 hours prior to departure are non-refundable.

Cancellations must be submitted in writing to  [email protected] .

Please be mindful of possible time zone differences. Iceland is in the GMT time zone and cancellations must be submitted at least 24 hours before departure in Icelandic local time (GMT).

If you do need to cancel your tour, we recommend that you contact us as soon as possible.

Meeting point for the Ice Cave Tour:

The meeting point for this tour is at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

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Price from 21.590 ISK per person.

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You might also like, vatnajökull glacier snowmobile tour, katla ice cave tour, 2-day south coast & blue ice cave.

• Glacier Tours from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
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• Glacier Tours from Sólheimajökull

CRYSTAL BLUE ICE CAVE ADVENTURE

VISIT THE CRYSTAL ICE CAVE

Tour information, good to know, meeting point, join us and visit the largest glacier in europe spectacular scenery – amazing ice formations., what to expect:.

• A ride in a super jeep
• Tour to Europe’s largest glacier
• Spectacular Scenery – Mountain View
• Suitible for anyone who is in moderate physical shape
• Amazing photo opportunities

The Crystal Blue Ice Cave Adventure is an adventurous trip, off the beaten path, on which you experience the forces of Icelandic nature. We depart from the Glacier Lagoon every day at 9:30 and 14.00, driving off-road to Iceland’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. During the scenic drive in our special super jeeps, we will see the best of the amazing glacial terrain .

When we get to the ice cave, we will provide you with the right equipment, and guide you as we enter this magical blue world . Our guides are very professional , experienced, and know ice caves inside out – You are in safe hands.

After approximately an hour of exploring the caves, we head back to Jökulsárlón.

Perfect for:

• Small and large groups
• Families with children
• Private tours
• Solo travellers

Tour information:

Available: Oct. – Apr. Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours Activities: Super Jeep, Sightseeing, Ice Caving Difficulty: Easy Minimum age: 8 years. Languages: English

Pickup information:

Departure time : 09:30. 14:00, Glacier Lagoon – Jökulsárlón

Please be at the tour start location in good time before departure. If  you need assistance finding it, seek guidance in your Hotel’s reception  or contact your tour provider directly.

• Guided tour into an ice cave in Vatnajökull glacier
• Drive in a super jeep from Jökulsárlón (Glacier Lagoon) to Vatnajökull glacier and back
• All equipment

What to bring:

• Warm clothing and outerwear suited to rainy or cold weather (waterproof recommended)
• Sturdy shoes for walking/hiking
• Refreshments (especially water)
• Hat & gloves
• Camera (Optional)

Jeans are not recommended for ice cave tours. Denim absorbs moisture easily and takes a long time to dry, so take care to choose fabrics that will keep you warm and comfortable throughout the day.

We meet at:

Glacier Lagoon – Jökulsárlón

• Departure time: 09:30 & 14:00
• Departure location: Jökulsárlón
• Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Group size: 16
• Available: Nov. – April

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Best Iceland Ice Caves Tour: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Ice Caves in Iceland

Posted on Last updated: October 7, 2024

Ever wondered what it’s like to explore an ice cave in Iceland? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, we go over everything you need to know about joining an Iceland ice caves tour and glacier hike.

Ice caves are a very unique natural formation, which only occur in very few places in the world. Going on an ice cave tour was one of the highlights of our Iceland trip.

We spent an afternoon hiking on Vatnajökull Glacier, going from one ice cave to the next, exploring their unique shapes and colours.

In this Iceland ice cave guide we have outlined everything you need to know, like how ice caves are formed, where you can find them, the best time to visit them, the best tours and much more.

So what are you waiting for? Dive in and get ready to explore Iceland’s beautiful ice caves in Iceland!

• 1 How Are Ice Caves Formed?
• 2 Difference Between Crystal Cave & Ice Cave
• 3 Best Time to Visit Ice Caves in Iceland
• 4 Where Can You Find the Ice Caves in Iceland?
• 5 How to Visit Ice Caves in Iceland
• 6.1 From Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Tour
• 6.2 From Jökulsárlón: Ice Cave and Glacier Exploration Tour
• 6.3 From Reykjavík: Katla Ice Cave and South Coast Tour
• 6.4 Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike
• 6.5 Classic Ice Cave Experience from Reykjavik
• 6.6 2-Day Blue Ice Cave, Glacier Lagoon, and South Coast Tour
• 6.7 Crystal Ice Cave Adventure
• 7 What to Wear to Visit Iceland’s Ice Caves
• 8 Is it Worth Visiting an Ice Cave in Iceland?
• 9 Where to Stay to Explore Ice Caves in Iceland Itinerary
• 10 Do You Need Travel Insurance to Visit Ice Caves in Iceland?

Iceland Ice Caves Tour by Greta’s Travels

How Are Ice Caves Formed?

Ice caves, or glacier caves, are formed within Iceland’s glaciers. The ice melts due to geothermal activity (a natural hot spring, for example), forming natural caverns and tunnels in the otherwise super thick glacial ice.

Once a cavity forms, air movement helps to further melt the caves, forming sometimes pretty complex systems, occasionally more than a mile long.

No two ice caves in Iceland are the same. In fact, they change every year.

Due to the caves being ice and not rock, they aren’t permanent; in summer there is significant melt, and in winter it freezes again, with the caves reforming in different layouts and often also in different spots. 

Guided by experts, Iceland’s cave tours offer a blend of adventure, geology, and the raw beauty of the land.

Drifting icebergs in Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon paint a serene picture against the icy blue waters – a mesmerizing view of Iceland’s natural beauty.

Difference Between Crystal Cave & Ice Cave

There’s no real difference. Anything called a Crystal Cave or an Ice Cave in Iceland is pretty much the same thing: ice caves, or glacier caves. 

The only difference is that the Crystal Caves in Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park are bluer in appearance, because the water that forms them is purer, and there is no black ash from the volcanoes trapped in the ice.

The national park is named after Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Incredibly, it covers around 8% of Iceland’s landmass and is up to 400 metres thick in some places!

Other caves feature ice with ash trapped inside inside the ice, like the Katla Ice Caves. Iceland is full of ice caves, but the blue ice caves are more crystalline in appearance, hence the name Crystal Cave.

Nature’s mirror – the stillness of the cave floor reflects the dazzling ice formations, creating an ethereal scene.

Best Time to Visit Ice Caves in Iceland

To see the best ice caves in Iceland you’ll need to visit in winter. It’s actually the only time of year you can see them.

That’s because you actually can’t visit Iceland’s ice caves in summer — the ice melts due to the higher temperatures, making them more unstable and unsafe.

When I say “winter”, I refer to the 5-month window in which it’s safe to visit the ice caves, running from November through March.

Nature’s mirror – Crystal-clear ice formations glistening like a frozen wonderland inside an Icelandic ice cave – a breathtaking display of nature’s artistry.

Where Can You Find the Ice Caves in Iceland?

The most famous glacier caves Iceland has to offer are at Vatnajökull National Park. These are billed as Iceland’s “bluest” ice caves, but there are other caves around.

Kverkfjöll, a volcano just on the border of Vatnajökull National Park, also boasts its own stunning ice caves.

Elsewhere, there’s also Langjökull Ice Cave. These are man-made caves formed in Iceland’s second-largest glacier, Langjökull, but they’re still pretty cool — there’s even a chapel carved out of the ice.

When it comes to ice caves near Reykjavik , the ice caves in Vatnajökull are fairly easy to reach by car.

The journey begins here – through a snow-covered passage, into the heart of Iceland’s frozen underworld.

I personally recommend renting a car and doing a self-drive tour until you reach Jokulsarlon Lagoon (the meeting point for the Vatnajökull ice cave tour).

Driving takes a while, around 5 hours (leave early!), but you’ll get to see some of the epic sights of Iceland’s south coast on the way there and back.

If you just do a day tour from Reykjavik you’ll miss the cool beaches and waterfalls along the way.

Standing surrounded by the icy walls of an ice cave in Vatnajökull Glacier in Iceland

How to Visit Ice Caves in Iceland

An ice caves tour in Iceland is really the only way to visit the ice caves here. You have to join a tour, as you can’t just go wandering around a glacier and the ice caves by yourself. That would be very dangerous.

The tour of Vatnajökull Ice Caves is the one I went on. Of all the Iceland caves, this is one of the most popular. 

It begins at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. It’s a great place to start, mainly because it’s a destination in itself.

The place is beautiful, an epic landscape where you can also glimpse Diamond Beach (aka Breiðamerkursandur), where chunks of gem-like iceberg are washed up on the black sand.

Follow the icy pathway as it winds through the heart of the glacier, surrounded by towering walls of translucent ice.

It’s then a simple matter of hopping on a 4×4 minibus to the glacier itself. Note this drive is pretty much impossible with a normal car — it’s icy and off-road, with only these 4×4 tour buses making the journey.

Then, wearing the crampons and helmets supplied, you’ll hike with an expert guide on the glacier itself — single file for safety, as you don’t want to fall down an ice shaft hidden by snow!

The glacier is laced with caves, so you won’t be queuing behind other tour groups. It’s a well-organised tour, with one group at a time visiting one cave. 

The ceiling of the ice cave reveals intricate, natural textures, sculpted by years of shifting ice and glacial movement.

Best Iceland Ice Cave Tours 

From jökulsárlón: vatnajökull glacier blue ice cave tour.

See Iceland’s blue caves on this tour of the icy world of Vatnajökull Glacier .

Departing from Jökulsárlón Lagoon with an expert guide, you’ll be driven to the entrance to the glacier complete with sweeping views of Breiðamerkurjökull.

Then there’s a 20-minute walk from here to the entrance of these incredible ice caves.

Click here to book your ice caves tour at Vatnajokull Glacier!

From Jökulsárlón: Ice Cave and Glacier Exploration Tour

Also starting at Jokulsarlon Lagoon, this guided tour takes in some more remote locations on Breiðamerkurjökull (part of the wider Vatnajökull glacier).

You’ll then spend around 5 hours with your guide, exploring the awesome scenery of this glacier, including not only ice caves but crevasses and moulins — deep openings eroded in the ice by water.

Click here to see prices & availability for your glacier hike & ice cave tour!

Faint sunlight streaming through the ice creates an ethereal glow, bringing the brilliant blue hues of the cave to life.

From Reykjavík: Katla Ice Cave and South Coast Tour

This Iceland ice caves tour takes you on a trip to Katla Ice Caves, but there’s a lot more included.

Leaving Reykjavik from your hotel, you’ll first visit Katla Ice Cave, switching the minibus for a 4×4 for the journey to the caves from Vik.

You’ll be surrounded by the glimmering beauty of the caves before heading back to Vik for lunch. On the way back to Reykjavik you’ll swing by the epic waterfalls of Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss too.

Check out prices & availability for your Katla Ice Cave & South Coast tour here!

Vast and stunning, the glacier stretches across the landscape, showcasing nature’s raw beauty and power.

Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike

This tour of ice caves in Iceland sees you heading to walk on Falljökull, an outpost of the vast Vatnajökull located in the Skaftafell wilderness area of the national park.

You’ll see ice formations like moulins on the way to discovering the marvel of a blue ice cave for yourself. It begins at the meeting point in Hof, which is also famous for its turf-covered wooden church.

Check out prices & availability for an ice cave tour & glacier hike at Skaftafell!

Classic Ice Cave Experience from Reykjavik

This tour is a full-day trip from Reykjavik to the Langjökull Glacier, with hotel pick-up and drop-off included.

As well as exploring the depths of the Langjökull Ice Caves, you’ll also check out dramatic landforms in the beautiful Borgarfjörður Valley.

This is home to the Hraunfossar waterfall, which was created by volcanic activity.

Click here to book your classic ice cave experience from Reykjavik!

A mesmerizing expanse of blue and white, where the glacier meets the sky in a breathtaking scene.

The rugged textures of the glacier tell a story of time, movement, and nature’s icy embrace.

2-Day Blue Ice Cave, Glacier Lagoon, and South Coast Tour

If you feel like taking things easy and don’t feel like you’re rushing things, a 2-day tour of Iceland’s south coast and the ice caves of Vatnajökull may be best for you. 

This could be a good option if you’ve got a bit more time to spare, as driving from Reykjavik to Jokulsarlon Lagoon alone takes up 4-5 hours of your day.

The first day will be mainly exploring the south coast, exploring its black sand beaches, coastal rock formations, and waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss , the lesser-visited Írafoss, and the world-famous Skogafoss.

Accommodation is included. This leaves your second day free to be fully devoted to the Blue Ice Caves.

Click here to book your 2-day Ice Cave, Glacier Lagoon & South Coast tour!

Glistening under the sun, the glacier’s intricate patterns and deep crevices create a captivating natural masterpiece.

Crystal Ice Cave Adventure

Leaving from Hali, this private ice cave tour offers a different point of departure other than Reykjavik.

Halli is located along the Ring Road, meaning that it could be a good option if you’ve stayed the night on a road trip — and time efficient, too, as Hali is also very close to Jokulsarlon Lagoon. 

You’ll be driven to the nearest available ice cave (which can differ), after which it’s anything from a 5-minute to a 60-minute walk to the entrance of the particular ice cave you’ll be visiting.

Overall, the duration of this tour is between 2.5 and 4 hours long.

Click here to book your Crystal Ice Cave Adventure in Iceland!

Immersed in a world of ice and wonder, the scale of Iceland’s crystal ice caves leaves visitors in awe.

What to Wear to Visit Iceland’s Ice Caves

Visiting Iceland’s iconic blue caves, crystal caves, and ice caves does require a little bit of packing preparation.

But don’t worry as the most serious safety gear, things like helmets and crampons, will be given to you by the tour companies before entering the caves.

The most important thing that you should remember to pack for your trip if you plan on visiting the ice caves is a pair of waterproof shoes .

There’s the chance you’ll step in little rivers of meltwater (like I did!), and if your shoes aren’t waterproof, you’ll get wet feet. This is obviously not ideal in freezing temperatures. 

Other things include the usual kind of winter gear — extra layers, thermal clothing , waterproof/windproof jacket , waterproof or hiking trousers .

If you want more advice on what to pack for Iceland, make sure to check my Iceland packing list !

Layer up for the adventure – warm thermal wear, waterproof jacket, and sturdy boots are essential for exploring Iceland’s ice caves.

Stay cozy and safe on your ice cave tour with insulated gloves, a hat, and proper outdoor gear to face the chilly glacier temperatures.

Is it Worth Visiting an Ice Cave in Iceland?

Absolutely. Ice cave tours in Iceland are amazingly unique, and exploring them was the highlight of our Iceland itinerary . It’s a very Icelandic experience, and you can’t do this sort of thing anywhere in the world.

There are even a fair few different options, meaning that you won’t find hordes of tourists all lining up at one particular destination, which is a plus. 

The tours themselves are also well organised and very professional. The only downside is that these tours can be quite expensive, but in my opinion, it’s worth it for such an only-in-Iceland experience.

The only issue I had with the tour I did is that it was too short. It was a 4-hour tour, but most of it was spent driving off-road to the start of the glacier, getting ready, and hiking to the caves. 

We only visited two caves. If I were to do it again, I would pick one of the longer tours, to ensure we spend more time actually exploring the caves.

Standing in awe amidst the towering icy walls – nature’s frozen architecture on full display.

Where to Stay to Explore Ice Caves in Iceland Itinerary

Budget: Starlight Camping Pods – Starlight Camping Pods, located near Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss, offers cozy units with mountain views, a terrace, and easy access to hiking, making it a perfect spot for couples exploring Iceland’s ice caves. These pods are one of the most unique properties in Iceland .

Click here to book your stay at Starlight Camping Pods!

Mid-range: Adventure Hotel Geirland   – We stayed here and loved the cozy rooms with mountain views, the onsite restaurant, and great position close to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Click here to book your stay at Adventure Hotel Geirland!

Luxury: Hotel Katla by Keahotels   – Hotel Katla by Keahotels, just 5 km from Vik and close to South Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor hot tub, sauna, and a restaurant, making it a great base for exploring ice caves and nearby attractions like Mýrdalsjökull Glacier.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Katia by Keahotels!

Exploring the depths of an Icelandic ice cave, where vibrant blue hues and rugged textures create an otherworldly landscape.

Do You Need Travel Insurance to Visit Ice Caves in Iceland?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance .

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee, you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your travel insurance with  Heymondo .

Heymondo offers tailor-made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellations, medical expenses, luggage coverage, and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

Plus, as a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance !

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

Venture deeper through winding corridors of shimmering blue – every twist and turn reveals new ice formations in the crystal caves.

Final Thoughts on Joining an Iceland Ice Caves Tour

There you have it, the ultimate guide to exploring ice caves in Iceland! Have you done an ice cave tour before? Let me know in the comments below!

I’ve been to Iceland twice, once in summer and once in winter, and I can confidently say that the ice cave tour I did on my Iceland winter trip is by far the most incredible experience you can have in Iceland.

If it’s not yet on your Iceland bucket list , make sure to add it!

Hiking on a glacier and then walking through caves made entirely of ice, as the glacier water drips all around you, is one of the most unique things I’ve ever done.

I hope you found this Iceland ice cave guide useful, and that it helped you pick the best ice cave tour for your needs. If you have any questions about exploring ice caves in Iceland, just let me know in the comments below!

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Ice Cave Tours

Crystal Ice Cave

Crystal Ice Cave Tour in Vatnajökull Glacier with Super Jeep ride

Enter bluest ice cave in iceland at europe’s largest glacier from jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

Don't miss a unique opportunity this summer! This natural glacial ice cave typically closed due to seasonal conditions, is open now and reveals stunning blue ice.

Want to experience Iceland’s bluest ice cave in years? Then step into a crystal ice cave at Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier, to explore the country’s best shades of icy blue from the inside out.

• Naturally formed glacier ice cave
• Vatnajokull - largest glacier in Europe
• Super truck ride to the glacier
• Jokulsarlon Ice Cave
• Transfer to and from the Crystal Ice Cave
• A Guided Visit to an Ice Cave
• All Necessary Glacier Gear
• All Required Safety Equipment
• English Speaking Licensed Adventure Guide

What to bring

• Warm and waterproof jacket and pants
• Hiking boots
• Headwear and gloves

Tour Snapshot

• Expert Guides
• Small Group Experience
• No Booking Fees
• Free Cancellation

This tour starts from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, one of Iceland's amazing natural wonders. There you'll meet your friendly tour guide, and hop into a super jeep for a ride to the foot of one of Vatnajokull's outlet glaciers! Once there, we embark on a short walk to the ice cave.

After a short hike (approx. 20-30 minutes), we'll step into the magical ice world to admire the dazzling crystal ice cave. The cave glints with many wondrous colors, from sapphire blue to brilliant white. Your guide will tell you all about Iceland's ice caves and their majestic structures.

The crystal ice cave of Vatnajokull Glacier changes with each passing winter. So every year you join our tour, you'll see an entirely different ice cave!

Make sure to wear warm winter clothing, a hat that fits under a helmet and last but not least, don't forget your camera.

After this blue ice experience, we head back to the location where you were picked up, hoping that this tour will bring you memories that you treasure for a lifetime. A truly unique experience that should not be missed on your visit to Iceland!

What makes Ice Caves blue?

The color and transparency of the ice caves has everything to do with time, pressure, and secrecy. The weather and sun with its damaging ultra violet rays transforms the outer surface of glacial ice into whitish ice.

As the glacier travels and winds its way down the slopes of mountain ridges, the air bubbles trapped in the ice are squeezed out, and the size of the ice crystals increases, making it clear. The real beauty of the centuries old compressed ice of a glacier lies underneath the damaged outer surface.

This intense blue color can be seen for example in ice caves and on floating icebergs that reveal their lower side when they have recently rolled over or split in two.

Your expectations

Your tour guide is a highly qualified mountain guide expert, and ice cave expert. It's in his hands to decide each time which cave is best to visit depending on weather conditions and other issues.

New caves are searched for and discovered each autumn, to be visited in the winter. They are normally found in various different locations on the south side of glacier Vatnajokull and its outlets.

Sometimes the caves are very special, sometimes not as special, but become very special in the right light and conditions. Some caves we find are very stable and we can go in there in any weather, but others are less safe and we might not even go there at all, even if they are very beautiful.

Some of the caves are only accessible in temperatures below zero, such as when there is water on the ground that needs to be frozen all over in order for us to walk into the cave.

Note:   The actual view of an ice cave may look different from pictures since ice caves are a natural phenomenon and are constantly changing. How they look may vary depending on the season, time of the day, lighting, and other factors.

Pick-up Information

• We’ll collect you at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which is around a 5 hours’ drive from Reykjavik.
• We do not offer pick-up from Reykjavik on this tour.
• We will drop you back in the same place that we collected you from, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. We don't provide transport back to Reykjavik on this tour.

Practical Information

• Ice caves are located inside glaciers and are usually well below freezing.
• We strongly recommend wearing warm and water-resistant clothing, along with sturdy hiking shoes.
• A helmet is required for the tour (provided by us), thus we recommend that you wear a small hat that can fit underneath it.

Please Note

• We recommend that you arrange accommodation somewhere close to Vatnajökull, because the road conditions in Iceland can be unpredictable during the winter in Iceland.
• It will take you around 5 hours to drive back to Reykjavik, but the roads might be difficult in the Icelandic winter and it might take much longer.
• We also offer more complete two/three-day tours which include the Crystal Ice Cave
• Check-in is no later than 15 minutes before the tour starts.
• We reserve the right to change the ice cave that will be visited, according to the weather conditions at the time.
• We reserve the right to cancel the tour, if we feel that your safety is in jeopardy

What is best to wear on our Iceland glacier trips?

Iceland is known for unforeseeable weather. It is likely that you can see all 4 seasons in one day. Dressing for that kind of weather can always be demanding, so we suggest dressing in layers. 3 or 4 upper layers are highly recommended, for example, a light t-shirt (preferably wool) next to the skin, then a fleece or heavy wool garment topped off with a waterproof windbreaker. Jeans are not recommended for our trips as they are not suitable for the weather conditions, they become very heavy, cold and uncomfortable to wear when they get wet. Lightweight hiking pants, track pants or long cotton pants are convenient and wear wind/waterproof pants over them. There is high UV and sunlight reflecting off on the glacier so we highly recommend using sunglasses and sunscreen even if it is cloudy. You will need sturdy hiking boots that fit crampons for the glacier hiking tours. If you do not own a pair then we rent out suitable hiking boots as well as a waterproof raincoat and trousers.

Is a backpack necessary on a glacier trip in Iceland?

It is good to bring your own backpack on our full-day or half- day tours. It’s the best carry-on for a small lunch, extra clothes, and other necessary items.

Is a camera allowed on a glacier trip?

The scenery on the tour is full of stunning, breathtaking views that you’ll almost definitely want to capture forever, so you should definitely bring your camera along. Your tour guide will also be happy to take your photo.

Are you allowed to join a glacier hike if you are pregnant?

This is surely a personal choice, we do not deny pregnant women on our glacier trips but we highly recommend you to take a closer look at our trip description and difficulty ratings, they will hopefully give you a better idea. We also recommend you to contact your physician, as pregnant women’s health can be quite different. If you have any further questions or concerns then feel free to contact us.

What are crampons?

Crampons enable you to walk on the glacier ice without slipping. They are metal spikes that we attach to the soles of your hiking shoes.

Does Adventures.com have a guide on all of their tours?

Yes, we have specially trained and certified glacier guides on every glacier tour that we offer. And for our 3rd party tours we only partner with operators that meet our quality and safety standards.

Do you provide equipment when taking part in your glacier tours?

Yes, we provide you with all the necessary glacier gear for our glacier hiking tours. Ice axes, crampons, harnesses, and helmets are provided. This will help you to complete the tour safely. The minimum shoe size to attach crampons is EU 35.

Why do we have glaciers in Iceland?

Iceland is known to have a lot of snow and when the snow stays long enough in one place than it turns to ice. Over long periods of time, the ice layers up becoming huge blocks called glaciers. It forms to create ginormous glaciers that sweep across huge masses of land. Iceland is home of the largest glacier in Europe that is called Vatnajökull. The Glacier Guides can tell you more about and everything you need to know about the Glaciers.

What happens if it is raining?

Rain is common in Iceland but we never let the rain be in our way to go forward with our tours. That’s why we highly recommend appropriate clothing so you can stay warm and dry. Nature is out of our control and therefore we need to adapt to the weather. Your safety is our priority so if your safety is compromised by going on the tour then we will cancel it and you will get full reimbursement.

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Contact us for more information about this tour.

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