ICE CAVE ADVENTURE

WITH HEADING NORTH

PARTNER TOUR

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Price: 37.900 ISK

Trip Length: 5-6 hours

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Difficulty: Moderate

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Max Group Size: 6

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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 is a partner tour, run by our friends at Heading North. The tour follows the same schedule as our popular Full Day Ice Cave Adventure.

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This tour starts at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Our Glacier Walk Journey begins with a 4x4 ride in a modified Toyota Land Cruiser heading towards one of Vatnajökull's glacial outlets. Once we get close we will equip you with all the necessary glacier safety gear: crampons, a harness, helmet. From there we take our first steps on the ice.

​​We spend between 30 to 45 minutes exploring the Ice Cave before we continue our journey onto the glacier to explore its features. Along the journey we will share local knowledge of the area, the glacier and surrounding glacial terrain, perhaps even stopping to drink the purest water which can be found in Iceland. Every year the glacier brings us new formations to explore such as canyons and moulins, it's like a box of chocolates: you never know what you're gonna get.

​​Since our groups are extra small(max 6 people), we have more flexibility and we go with the flow. We might stay longer or shorter on the glacier depending on how we feel.​ We might bring our dog Myrkvi on the tour.

For photographers, or anyone that would appreciate the extra solitutde, please consider enquiring about our private departures (email info@northtides.is). 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. Your guide will do all they 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.  

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 Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Parking

Click here for directions

Jökulsárlón is located just off route 1, approximately 5 hours drive from Reykjavík.

After parking your car, look for the area reserved for tourist buses (close to the café). This is where you will meet your guide- look for the Heading North logo on the car:

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.