Katla Ice Cave Tour | Departure from Reykjavik

Explore the magical world of an ice cave on this once-in-a-lifetime excursion. Starting in the capital city, this tour takes you to the glacier Mýrdalsjökull, which sits over one of the largest and most infamous volcanoes in Iceland, Katla.

You will be picked up from your accommodation in Reykjavík from 07:45 AM. The vehicle you will take to the glacier is an excellent super jeep, perfect for the icy, gravel tracks you will use to reach the cave. The vehicle's size means that this tour will always be comfortable and personalised, and you won’t be overwhelmed by other guests. 

The drive to Katla takes several hours but goes along Iceland's very scenic south coast. This region is famed for its rolling countryside, volcanic peaks, black sand coastline, and iconic waterfalls.

You will make a stop at Seljalandsfoss, is a stunning waterfall, plummeting off a concave cliff into a little stream that runs through grassy fields. There is a path that takes you all the way around the falling water, for some incredible, unique views.

Once you reach Mýrdalsjökull, you put your helmet on, strap the crampons provided over your boots, and head over to the ice cave. These incredible formations are created by running meltwater carving a channel through the glacier, or geothermal heat beneath the ice opening a path into it.

Ice caves are renowned for their unreal beauty and rarity, so the opportunity to explore one is incredible. The contrast of the surrounding black lava and ash frozen in the glacier, against the blue and white ice, is breathtaking and will provide some incredible photo opportunities.

Depending on your preference, we will spend 30 minutes to 1 hour in and around the ice cave. Once you have explored the cave enough to fully appreciate its beauty, you will return to your super jeep for a scenic drive back to Reykjavík.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to see Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Katla volcano, and the stunning ice caves. Hop on board for the adventure of a lifetime. Check availability by choosing a date.

• Available: Oct. - Apr.
• Duration: 10 hours
• Activities: Sightseeing, Ice Caving
• Difficulty: Easy
• Minimum age: 12 years old
• Languages: English
• Highlights:

   

  Seljalandsfoss in the river Seljalandsa in South Iceland is one of the most sought waterfalls in the country.

  Seljalandsfoss has a narrow cascade but is one of Iceland's highest waterfalls, at 63 meters. The waterfall is highly picturesque and has the rare distinction that one can actually walk behind it. 

  Seljalandsfoss ,

  Katla is an active volcano situated under the glacier Myrdalsjokull in South Iceland. It is one of Iceland's most well known volcanoes.

  Katla's eruptions have produced many massive glacier bursts, with enormous amounts of water flowing, as the fire melts the ice. Its latest eruption was 1918. That eruption created the spit Kötlutangi, which is the mainland's southernmost tip.

  Katla ,

   

  Myrdalsjokull is a glacier in the south of the Icelandic highlands. It is the country's fourth largest glacier,  covering nearly 600 km2. It's highest peak reaches around 1500 meters. Under the icecap is the volcano Katla.

  Katla is active and has had at least 16 eruptions since the year 936, usually erupting every 40-80 years.  It's latest eruption was in 1918. Myrdalsjokull is to the north of the village Vik and east of the famous Eyjafjallajokull glacier volcano. The popular Fimmvorduhals trail lies between the two glaciers. Due to Eyjafjallajokull's eruption in 2010 the area is closely monitored.

  Mýrdalsjökull ,

  

  The South Coast of Iceland is the country's most visited sightseeing route, along with the Golden Circle. 

  The famed South Coast shoreline stretches from the greater Reykjavík area and is dotted with natural wonders such as cascading waterfalls, volcanoes both active and dormant, black sand beaches and glacier lagoons. 

  Geography, Nature & Wildlife

  Iceland is divided into eight geographical regions. Out of these, the Southern Region is the largest, as it spans over 24.000 square kilometres with its administrative centre in the municipality of Selfoss. 

  What is known as the South Coast embodies the shoreline of this particular region. The area consists of a lowland that is mostly composed of marshlands, bays and cultivated pastures that are met by a series of black beaches where the estuaries to the east and west of the district close off the coastal body. 

  Underneath the soil rests a vast lava field, known as Þjórsárhraun. Its edges reach several hundred metres offshore where the ocean waves crash upon them, thereby protecting the lowland from the invasion of the sea. This results in the South Coast being unusually lacking in the deep fjords that so distinctly characterise the rest of Iceland's shore line. 

  The region boasts vibrant bird life during all seasons. It is not only rich with both marshland birds and seabirds but also migrating birds such as the North Atlantic puffin. Some species stay throughout the harsh Icelandic winter, including the northern diver, the loom and various species of gulls and ducks.  

  Highlights of the South Coast 

  The South Coast offers an unprecedented array of natural wonders that draw thousands of visitors each day. When driving the route from Reykjavík City, the highlights in their correct order are: 

  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
  • Vestmannaeyjar; The Westman Islands
  • Eyjafjallajökull Glacier Volcano
  • Skógafoss Waterfall
  • Sólheimajökull Glacier 
  • Dyrhólaey Peninsula
  • Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
  • Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks
  • Coastal Village Vík í Mýrdal
  • Skeiðarársandur Glacial Sand Plain
  • Vatnajökull National Park
  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 

  These attractions count for but a fraction of what the South Coast has to offer. The vast sand plains of Sólheimasandur are home to a crashed DC-3 Plane Wreck, and close to Seljavellir by the Skógar Village there's Seljavallalaug, one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland. 

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  • Explore the many wonders of the area on these South Coast Tours

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  South Coast

• Guided Super Jeep tour

• Helmet and crampons

• Warm clothes, including hat and gloves

• Sturdy boots

• Camera (optional)