The Best Ice cave tours in Iceland are a popular activity for tourists who want to experience the unique natural beauty of Iceland’s glaciers. Iceland is home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe, and the country’s rugged terrain offers many opportunities for exploring ice caves.
Ice caves are formed when water from melting glaciers flows through small cracks and crevices, creating tunnels and caverns in the ice. The caves are constantly changing and evolving, so each visit can be a unique experience.
There are several companies in Iceland that offer ice cave tours, ranging from half-day excursions to multi-day expeditions. Most tours require some physical activity, such as hiking or climbing, so it’s important to choose a tour that matches your fitness level and experience.
Some of the most popular ice cave tours in Iceland include the Crystal Ice Cave Tour in Vatnajökull National Park, the Langjökull Ice Cave Tour, and the Into the Glacier Tour in Langjökull Glacier. These tours typically provide transportation from Reykjavik and all necessary equipment, such as crampons and helmets.
Best Ice Cave Tours in Iceland
| From Jökulsárlón: Crystal Ice Cave Day Tour | Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike | Reykjavik: 8-Day Small Group Circle of Iceland Tour | |
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| Duration | 3 hours | 4 hours | 8 days |
| Starting Time | 9:40 AM - 1:30 PM | 9:00 AM , 2:00 PM | 8:00 AM |
| Meeting Point | Þjóðvegur, Iceland | West of Hofgardur, 785 Hof, Iceland | Pickup from central Reykjavik |
| Includes | Guided visit to a crystal ice cave, Guide, All necessary glacier gear | Glacier gear, Licensed guide, Glacier water | 7 nights accommodation, Glacier hike, Ice cave, whale watching tour |
| More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Ice Cave Tours in Iceland For [2024]
- From Jökulsárlón: Crystal Ice Cave Day Tour
- Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike
- Reykjavik: 8-Day Small Group Circle of Iceland Tour
- From Vik or Reykjavik: Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour
- South Iceland: Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Tour
- Húsafell: Into the Glacier Ice Cave Tour
- From Reykjavik 2-Day South Coast Tour with Blue Ice Cave
Best Ice Cave Tours in Iceland Reviews
#1. From Jökulsárlón: Crystal Ice Cave Day Tour
The Jökulsárlón Crystal Ice Cave Day Tour is a popular excursion in Iceland that takes visitors to explore one of the most stunning ice caves in Vatnajökull National Park.
The tour typically starts in Reykjavik, where visitors are picked up by a guide and driven to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. This drive takes approximately five hours, but offers stunning views of Iceland’s rugged landscapes along the way.
Once at the glacier lagoon, visitors will board a specially modified vehicle designed for driving on glaciers, and make their way to the entrance of the ice cave. The cave is located within the Vatnajökull Glacier and is accessed via a short hike.
Inside the ice cave, visitors will marvel at the stunning blue ice formations that have been sculpted over time by the melting and refreezing of the glacier. The crystal-clear ice of the cave is illuminated by the light filtering through the ice, creating a unique and mesmerizing atmosphere.
The tour typically lasts for around two hours, giving visitors plenty of time to explore the ice cave and take photos. Along the way, the guide will share information about the glacier, its formation, and how it is changing due to climate change.
It’s important to note that the availability of the ice cave can be affected by weather and glacier conditions, so it’s important to check with the tour operator before booking. Additionally, visitors should dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes with good traction, as the ice can be slippery.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#2. Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike
The Skaftafell Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike is a popular excursion in Iceland that offers visitors the opportunity to explore a stunning ice cave and hike on a glacier in Vatnajökull National Park.
The tour typically starts at the Skaftafell Visitor Center, where visitors will meet their guide and receive all necessary equipment, including crampons, helmets, and ice axes. The group will then begin a scenic hike to the glacier, passing through a beautiful glacial valley and taking in stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Once on the glacier, visitors will be led on a guided glacier hike, where they will explore the icy terrain and learn about the glacier’s formation and its role in shaping Iceland’s landscapes. The guide will also point out interesting features of the glacier, such as crevasses, icefalls, and moulins.
After the glacier hike, visitors will head to the ice cave, located within the glacier. The ice cave is a stunning blue color and is lit by the light filtering through the ice, creating a unique and mesmerizing atmosphere.
Inside the ice cave, visitors will have time to explore and take photos, while the guide shares information about the cave’s formation and how it is changing due to climate change.
The tour typically lasts around four hours, with moderate physical activity required for the hike and glacier exploration. It’s important to dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes with good traction, as the terrain can be icy and slippery.
It’s also important to note that the availability of the ice cave can be affected by weather and glacier conditions, so it’s important to check with the tour operator before booking. However, this excursion offers visitors an incredible opportunity to explore Iceland’s unique glacial landscapes and learn about the important role that glaciers play in shaping our planet.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#3. Reykjavik: 8-Day Small Group Circle of Iceland Tour
The Reykjavik 8-Day Small Group Circle of Iceland Tour is an immersive and comprehensive tour that takes visitors on a journey around the entire island of Iceland, offering a diverse range of landscapes and experiences.
The tour typically starts in Reykjavik, where visitors will meet their guide and fellow travelers, and then embark on a journey around Iceland in a comfortable, small-group vehicle. Over the course of the tour, visitors will explore a wide range of natural wonders, including waterfalls, geysers, glaciers, and volcanoes.
Some of the highlights of the tour include visits to the famous Golden Circle, the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore some of Iceland’s unique towns and villages, such as Akureyri and the Westman Islands.
Throughout the tour, visitors will stay in comfortable accommodations, ranging from hotels to guesthouses, and enjoy traditional Icelandic cuisine. The tour also includes plenty of free time for visitors to explore on their own or participate in optional activities, such as glacier hiking, horseback riding, or whale watching.
The small group size allows for a personalized and intimate experience, and the guide will provide insight into Iceland’s history, culture, and geology, as well as offer tips and suggestions for getting the most out of the tour.
Overall, the Reykjavik 8-Day Small Group Circle of Iceland Tour is a fantastic way to experience all that Iceland has to offer and to create unforgettable memories of this unique and stunning country.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#4. From Vik or Reykjavik: Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour
The Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour is a thrilling excursion in Iceland that takes visitors to explore one of the most stunning ice caves in the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which is located near the active Katla volcano.
The tour typically starts in Vik or Reykjavik, where visitors are picked up by a guide and driven to the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. The drive takes around 2-3 hours and offers stunning views of Iceland’s rugged landscapes along the way.
Once at the glacier, visitors will board a specially modified super jeep, designed for driving on glaciers, and make their way to the entrance of the ice cave. The cave is located within the glacier and is accessed via a short hike.
Inside the ice cave, visitors will marvel at the stunning blue ice formations that have been sculpted over time by the melting and refreezing of the glacier. The crystal-clear ice of the cave is illuminated by the light filtering through the ice, creating a unique and mesmerizing atmosphere.
The tour typically lasts for around three hours, giving visitors plenty of time to explore the ice cave and take photos. Along the way, the guide will share information about the glacier, its formation, and how it is changing due to climate change.
It’s important to note that the availability of the ice cave can be affected by weather and glacier conditions, so it’s important to check with the tour operator before booking. Additionally, visitors should dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes with good traction, as the ice can be slippery.
Overall, the Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour is a fantastic way to experience the stunning natural wonders of Iceland and to get up close and personal with one of the country’s most breathtaking ice caves.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#5. South Iceland: Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Tour
The Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Tour in South Iceland is a popular attraction for visitors who want to experience the beauty of Iceland’s natural wonders. The tour takes you on a journey through one of the world’s largest glaciers, Vatnajökull, which covers over 8% of Iceland’s landmass.
The tour begins with a drive from the nearby town of Höfn to the glacier, where you will meet your guide and be provided with all necessary equipment. You’ll then hike across the glacier’s surface to reach the ice cave, which is located deep within the glacier. The hike can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the weather conditions and the location of the cave.
Once you reach the ice cave, you’ll be greeted by a stunning display of blue ice walls, which are formed by the compression of snow and ice over thousands of years. The blue color of the ice is caused by the way that light reflects off the ice crystals, creating a mesmerizing visual effect.
Your guide will provide you with information about the geology of the glacier and how the ice caves are formed. You’ll also have the opportunity to take plenty of photos and explore the cave on your own.
It’s important to note that the Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Tour is only available during the winter months, typically from November to March, when the ice caves are stable and safe to enter. Additionally, the tour is weather-dependent, so it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast and conditions before booking your tour.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#6. Húsafell: Into the Glacier Ice Cave Tour
The Húsafell Into the Glacier Ice Cave Tour is a unique and exciting experience in Iceland that takes visitors on a journey deep inside the Langjökull glacier to explore a stunning ice cave.
The tour typically starts in Húsafell, where visitors are picked up by a guide and driven to the base camp for the Langjökull glacier. At the base camp, visitors will board a specially modified glacier vehicle and begin their journey up the glacier to the ice cave.
Once inside the ice cave, visitors will marvel at the incredible blue ice formations that have been created over time by the melting and refreezing of the glacier. The cave is illuminated by a combination of natural light and LED lights, creating a stunning and otherworldly atmosphere.
The tour typically lasts for around two hours, giving visitors plenty of time to explore the ice cave and take photos. Along the way, the guide will share information about the glacier, its formation, and how it is changing due to climate change.
After the ice cave tour, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a hot drink at the base camp before returning to Húsafell.
It’s important to note that the availability of the ice cave can be affected by weather and glacier conditions, so it’s important to check with the tour operator before booking. Additionally, visitors should dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes with good traction, as the glacier can be slippery.
Overall, the Húsafell Into the Glacier Ice Cave Tour is a fantastic way to experience the unique beauty of Iceland’s glaciers and to explore one of the country’s most stunning ice caves.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#7. From Reykjavik 2-Day South Coast Tour with Blue Ice Cave
The 2-Day South Coast Tour with Blue Ice Cave from Reykjavik is an exciting and comprehensive tour that takes visitors to explore some of Iceland’s most stunning natural wonders.
The tour typically starts in Reykjavik, where visitors are picked up by a guide and driven along the scenic South Coast of Iceland to the town of Vik. Along the way, visitors will stop at several stunning locations, including the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls and the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara.
Once in Vik, visitors will check into their accommodations and have some free time to explore the town before dinner. After dinner, visitors will head out to explore the blue ice cave in the Vatnajökull glacier.
The ice cave is only accessible during the winter months, when the temperatures are low enough for the ice to freeze solid. Inside the ice cave, visitors will marvel at the stunning blue ice formations and learn about the glacier and how it is changing due to climate change.
The next day, visitors will have breakfast and then continue along the South Coast, stopping at locations such as Skaftafell National Park and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The group will then return to Reykjavik in the late afternoon.
It’s important to note that the availability of the blue ice cave can be affected by weather and glacier conditions, so it’s important to check with the tour operator before booking. Additionally, visitors should dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes with good traction, as the ice can be slippery.
Overall, the 2-Day South Coast Tour with Blue Ice Cave from Reykjavik is a fantastic way to experience the stunning natural beauty of Iceland’s South Coast and to explore one of the country’s most unique and beautiful natural wonders, the blue ice cave.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
Francis Porter is a seasoned traveler and tour guide with over 15 years of experience in the industry. I have explored countless destinations around the world and have a deep passion for helping others discover new places and cultures.