Best Ice Cave Tours in Iceland

Iceland is often hailed as a land of stark contrasts, where you can explore the ethereal beauty of a glacier ice cave. 

Forged in fire and ice, Iceland is alive with primordial energy unlike anywhere else in the world. The geological and geothermal elements provide seductive sightseeing activities and visiting ice caves and ice tunnels is an activity which should not be overlooked while travelling in Iceland.

Iceland has many different caves, both well known and uncharted, but if you would like to visit a glacier ice cave, you are guaranteed an entirely one of a kind visit. Ice caves change from year to year, due to the movement of the glaciers and Iceland's ever-changing weather — and the unique character of each ice cave is an alluring call to adventure.

The incredible beauty to be admired inside the reaches of a glacier has a divine quality which, when combined with the geothermal power of Iceland, can make you feel like you are closer to earth’s beginnings.

11% of Iceland's landmass is covered with glaciers which means that an abundance of ice caves are found in the extremely thick glacial ice. These natural ice caves form when summer meltwater flows through the ice sheets, carving tunnels that can be explored during the colder months of winter. 

Most often, all light is absorbed in these icy vacuums, rendering the caves in brilliant blue ice colours that are unparalleled anywhere else. Some caves also have what looks like black ice, where volcanic ash has landed on the caves. This natural occurrence is truly magnificent to witness.Ice caves in the region of Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier, were previously referred to as the Crystal Caves. The sheer size of these caves liken them to an icy citadel, its heavenly blues and enchanting coolness evoking a real sense of awe. You will want to take a camera, but nothing can prepare you for the subject.

Most day tours which involve visiting a glacier cave in Iceland involve taking a super jeep up onto the glacier. There you will be fitted with crampons (studs which fit over your boots) and be invited to take a short glacier hike (less than 5 minutes) into the cave.

Ice cave tours in Iceland can be taken at several places throughout the island. The best ice cave tours in Iceland take place at Vatnajokull glacier in Skaftafell National Park. Closer to Reykjavik, and extremely close to Vik, the ice caves in Myradsjokull glacier are popular among travellers. The meeting point for this day tour is at Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, from where you embark on the super jeep journey.

There are also tours of man-made ice tunnels which have been created in the Langjokull glacier. Some tours are available year-round and those in this area are ideal for those traversing the golden circle. Nearby Gullfoss waterfall is a popular stop on guided tours.

No-one should ever attempt going into an ice cave or tunnel without a guide, no matter how experienced they are, and with no end to guided ice cave tours, you have no reason to try.