From Skaftafell
From Glacier Lagoon
Blue Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón
Every winter, meltwater tunnels inside Vatnajökull drain and freeze over, opening natural ice caves in the glacier. This three-hour small-group tour takes you into one of them, starting from Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
Tour code: MT01
Inside a Vatnajökull Ice Cave
Jökulsárlón sits at the southern edge of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe by volume. Each winter, meltwater channels running beneath the ice drain and freeze over, leaving open caves inside the glacier. This tour takes you into one of them.
You meet your guide at the glacier lagoon and travel out to the ice in a modified 4x4 built for the terrain. From the drop-off point it is a short walk to the cave entrance, where your guide fits you with a helmet and crampons before you go in.
Inside, the ice reads deep blue where it is dense and clear, and darker where daylight does not reach. Your guide explains how the cave formed, how the glacier moves, and what its retreat over recent decades has meant for this landscape. There is time to take photographs.
Please note that ice caves are natural features and no two seasons are alike. The cave you visit will not match last year's photographs, and its colour depends on the light and the weather on the day. After heavy rain there can be standing water inside. If conditions are unsafe the tour may be cancelled at short notice, in which case you will be offered another date or a full refund.
The three hours cover the drive to and from the glacier, the walk to the cave and the time spent inside it. Groups are capped at 14 people. Guiding is in English, with Chinese available subject to availability.
Tour Overview
- Meeting Point
- Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
- Group Size
- Maximum 14 people
- Language
- English
- Minimum age
- 6 years
- Booking cut-off
- 12 hours before departure
- Minimum age
- 6 years
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
6
Included
- Certified glacier guide
- Return transport from Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon to the glacier
- Crampons and helmet
- Vatnajökull National Park entrance fee
Not included
- Transport to and from Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
- Hiking boots
- Warm, windproof and waterproof clothing
- Gratuities
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Practical Information
Equipment List
Boots and Clothing
- Hiking Boots: Sturdy, ankle-high hiking boots are essential to provide the support needed for walking on ice. Snow boots are not ideal, as they often lack adequate ankle support.
- Clothing: Dress in layers suitable for the day's weather. Temperatures on the glacier are similar to ground level, but layering will allow you to adjust as needed—remove a layer if you’re too warm or add one if you feel chilly.
- Sunglasses (Summer): Protect your eyes from the intense sun and glare off the ice by bringing a pair of high-quality sunglasses.
- Safety Gear: We will provide all necessary glacier equipment, including a harness and helmet.
- Winter Accessories: In winter, wear a hat or balaclava under your helmet. Avoid styles with pom-poms, as they may interfere with the helmet’s fit. Also, bring warm gloves to keep your hands protected.
- Small Backpack: Bring a compact backpack to carry your extra layers, a bottle of water, and any other small essentials you may need on the glacier.
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