ICE CAVE ADVENTURE WITH GLACIER TRIPS

Partner Tour

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Price: 23.900 ISK

Trip Length: 3-4 hours

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Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

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Max Group Size: 14

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Distance Hiking: ~3km

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

This short ice cave tour starts at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and takes you by Super Jeep toward Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. From there, your guide leads a small group on a short walk to a naturally formed blue ice cave, often along the edge of the glacier itself.

The tour is designed for guests who want a real Vatnajökull ice cave experience without committing to a longer glacier hike. You will have time inside the cave to explore, take photos and learn how these seasonal ice formations are created.

This tour starts at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon main parking (look for the Glacier Trips logo on our car).

Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/anQ1knZQrub3DmCC7

Your guide drives the group by Super Jeep / 4×4 toward the glacier area. The route can vary depending on road, weather and glacier conditions. It takes around 30 minutes to reach the car park.

After gearing up, the group walks toward the ice cave. The walk usually takes about 15–25 minutes. Many of the caves we visit sit at the edge of the glacier rather than out on the ice, so most of the walk is on uneven, icy or gravelly terrain. We provide micro spikes when needed.

You usually spend around 45–55 minutes inside or around the ice cave, depending on conditions. There is time to look around, take photos and listen to the guide explain how this amazing natural wonder is created!

NOTE: Natural blue ice caves change through the season

Every ice cave we visit is naturally formed inside Vatnajökull. The shape, colour, size and access route can change as the glacier moves and the season develops.

Our guides make daily decisions based on weather, road access and glacier conditions. If one route or cave is not safe, we choose another safe option when possible. If we cancel the tour for safety reasons, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

Because natural ice caves in Iceland are popular, other groups may be in the area at the same time. We plan our departures and routes carefully so guests get the best experience possible under the conditions of the day.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

  • Experienced glacier guide

  • Super Jeep transport from Jökulsárlón to the glacier area and back

  • Micro spikes when needed

  • Helmet

  • Headlamps if needed

  • Guide-carried safety equipment

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

  • Warm base and mid layers

  • Waterproof jacket and trousers (if rainy)

  • Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support

  • Hat and gloves

  • Camera or phone

  • Sunglasses if conditions are bright


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. 

 

  • Person in a remote ice cave
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  • Tourist taking a picture of ice cave
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  • Blue Ice Cave in Iceland
  • Group of tourist in an ice cave in Iceland
  • Blue Ice Cave Trip
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  • Tourist admiring ice formation in an ice cave in Iceland

WHERE WILL YOU MEET US?

 

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

Click here for directions

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is located just off route 1, approximately 5 hours drive to the east of Reykjavík.

After parking your car, you will find the Glacier Trips super jeep located close to the toilets, in the dedicated space for tourist buses. Look for our logo:

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.