ICE CAVE ADVENTURE

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Price: 32.900 ISK

Trip Length: 5-6 hours

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Difficulty: Moderate

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Max Group Size: 8

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Distance Hiking: ~8km

Breathe the still beauty of Iceland’s most spectacular winter attraction in this full day ice cave and glacier adventure. 

This tour takes you hiking to a natural ice cave and exploring the winter glacier in Vatnajökull National Park. In winter, the glacier enters a deep freeze, revealing crystal blue ice and stunning sub-glacial features that become safe and accessible. In our usual style, we take an extra step- hiking a bit farther than most- to reach more remote locations and ensure a quieter experience. To keep it personal and immersive, the tour is run in a small group of no more than 8 people.

This tour starts at the Glacier Adventure basecamp in Hali. From here, we will take a 4x4 journey of approximately half an hour towards the glacier. Depending on the cave location and terrain, expect to hike for up to 1 hour to reach the ice cave.  

Upon arrival, we will slow down our tempo to appreciate one of nature’s great marvels: the splendor of an ice cave carved by glacial meltwater. Time taken inside the cave depends on the group, weather/terrain conditions and the size of the ice cave, but this is usually from 45 – 75 minutes. 

We will use the remaining time to explore the glacier and visit other natural features such as arches, tunnels and moulins.  

For photographers, or anyone that would appreciate the extra solitutde, please consider enquiring about our private departures. With a private tour, we can spend as long as we need at each location to set up tripods, explore interesting angles and get the perfect shot!

NOTE: The glacier is a dynamic, natural environment and ice caves change from year to year. The above itinerary is subject to change depending on the safety and accessibility of ice caves and glacial features. At North Tides, we will do all we can to show you the absolute best that Vatnajökull has to offer on the day of your tour. We cannot guarantee cave aesthetics or size. Whilst pictures from previous years give an idea of what we aim to showcase, exact locations cannot be replicated.  

Visiting ice caves has become an increasingly popular activity during winter in the Vatnajökull region. We aim to stay away from the most crowded areas and achieve this by being flexible with departure times and tour locations, however we cannot guarantee to be alone in the caves.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

  • Professional glacier guide

  • Transportation in a 4x4 vehicle to the trailhead

  • Glacier equipment: harness, crampons, ice axe, helmet

  • Head torch (if required)

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

  • Warm clothes and hiking boots (please read the guide below for details)

  • Hat and gloves

  • Backpack 

  • Food & water 

  • Phone or camera


How should I dress for this tour?

It is important to dress well, including warm layers, hat, gloves and waterproof gear when necessary. It is always better to bring a little extra rather than not enough when we are walking on glaciers in winter. Essentially, we want clothes which are warm, windproof and comfortable for hiking, with an extra warm layer that can be added when stopping inside the ice cave. With this in mind, we recommend the following:

  • Warm, sturdy hiking boots

  • Merino wool hiking socks

  • Thermal undergarments top and bottom (e.g. merino wool)

  • Windproof hiking pants

  • Mid layer fleece

  • Windproof jacket

  • Rain gear top and bottom (if required)

  • Insulated puffy jacket

When venturing into the Icelandic wilderness during winter, it is essential to be properly prepared with regards to clothing and equipment. We reserve the right to refuse participation (without refund) to those who arrive without the correct equipment. 

 

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WHERE WILL YOU MEET US?

 

The meeting point for this tour is at the Glacier Adventure basecamp in Hali.

Click here for directions

The Glacier Adventure basecamp is located just off route 1, approximately 10 minutes’ drive to the east of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon at the farm Hali.

After turning off route 1, pass the restaurant and turn right to reach our parking area, which is just in front of the basecamp where we will gear you up and go over the plan for the day!

FAQ

  • The weather during winter in Iceland can be quite harsh, so we should be prepared to handle the cold, rain and snow.

    If weather conditions make the proposed route unsafe, then we may have to cancel the trip- in which case a full refund will be provided. We will always do our best to offer an alternative option when possible. 

  • A typical outfit for this tour is as follows: 

    • Hiking boots. Sturdy boots which cover the ankle are recommended for both warmth and crampon compatibility. 

    • Thermal underwear top and bottom e.g. merino wool 

    • Hiking pants 

    • Fleece midlayer

    • Wind and waterproof jacket

    • Waterproof pants (if rain is forecast)

    • An extra insulated layer which can be worn inside the cave or during breaks e.g. down/synthetic insulated jacket.

    • Hat 

    • Gloves

    We will go over the gear and clothing with everyone before departure to ensure that everyone is appropriately dressed. 

    We do not provide clothing or footwear for hiking. If your clothing or footwear is not appropriate for the tour, then this is a potential safety issue and you may be refused participation. Feel free to get in touch if you are unsure. It is always best to bring extra clothes with you in your car, and we can discuss what is best to wear upon arrival.   

  • This tour lasts around 6 hours, including a stop for lunch. We recommend bringing a backpack with food for lunch (e.g. sandwich plus high energy snacks i.e. nuts, chocolate) and 750mL water. 

    In winter it is a great idea to substitute cold water for tea or hot water in a thermos.

  • Yes! You can choose to do a private version of one of our scheduled departures, or we can help design your dream trip. Please contact us for further information.  

  • Arriving later than the scheduled departure time will result in the cancellation of your booking and forfeiture of your payment. We recommend staying in the area (i.e. within 1h drive) the night before your tour. 

  • This tour involves hiking for 8 km, including 5 km on a glacier, in winter.

    It is not suitable for very young children.

    A guideline age limit for this tour is 16 years old, though we are happy to consider those as young as 14 if they are used to hiking and spending time outdoors. Children will be expected to participate in the same way as adults i.e. carrying their own food/water/layers.

  • If you decide to cancel your tour up to 48 hours before the departure time, you will receive a 95% refund. This 5% fee covers the cost of payment processing fees. 

    If you cancel with 48 hours of the scheduled departure then no refund will be provided.

    If we cancel the tour for any reason (e.g. weather) then a full refund will be provided.