ICE CAVE ADVENTURE
HALF DAY
Price: 26.900 ISK
Trip Length: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Group Size: 8
Distance Hiking: ~4km
Breathe the still beauty of Iceland’s most spectacular winter attraction in this half day ice cave adventure.
NOTE: We run this tour as a private departure by request only. It is suited to those that want to see the best ice cave in the region, but may not have time or fitness for our longer, full-day tour.
This tour takes you hiking to a natural ice cave 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. This tour is perfect for those on a schedule who cannot commit to our full-day ice cave adventure. 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. We will hike approximately 30 minutes across rocky terrain which has only recently been exposed by glacial retreat.
Upon arrival at the cave, 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.
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
Helmet
Glacier equipment (if required): harness, crampons, ice axe
Head torch (if required)
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Warm clothes and hiking boots (please read the guide below for details)
Hat and gloves
Phone or camera
You are welcome to bring a backpack with room for an extra layer and food/water if you would like.
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 for winter excursions. 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.
WHERE WILL YOU MEET US?
The meeting point for this tour is at the Glacier Adventure basecamp in Hali.
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.