Have you ever dreamt about visiting the ice caves in Iceland?
The land of fire and ice has seen its fair share of fire with the active volcanoes in recent years.
But today I’m taking you through the ‘icy’ side of this beautiful country. 😊
Iceland’s glaciers play a huge role in keeping the country’s climate and water supply in check – they’re also a big hit with travelers!
Adventurers from around the world come here to see breathtaking glaciers and the vibrant blues and whites of the ice caves.
It’s just one of those things you can’t leave Iceland without experiencing.
Want to know the best times to visit the ice caves in Iceland? Curious about the top tours and answers to your most frequently asked questions?
Then think of this blog as your go-to guide.
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
- Best Time to Visit Ice Caves in Iceland
- 6 of the Best Ice Caves in Iceland
- How to Dress for an Ice Cave Tour
- FAQs
- Iceland Maps + Guidebooks
Best Time to Visit Ice Caves in Iceland
Iceland is home to incredible glaciers like Vatnajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Langjökull.
Popular activities here include glacier hikes and visiting ice caves. Glacier hikes are available year-round, but you might be wondering:
Can you see ice caves in Iceland in the summer?
To explore the inside of an ice cave, it needs to be cold enough to do so safely, which is why ice cave tours in Iceland are generally only available from November to March.
Important note: Visiting the ice caves is a magical experience, but it’s important to know that accidents can, and have happened.
That’s why I can’t stress enough how important it is to take a guided tour from a reputable tour company and adhere to the safety measures laid out.
While you might find a tour available in summer, I would strongly discourage anyone from taking an ice cave tour in summer as that’s when accidents have happened. To exercise safety and precaution, I only recommend visiting an ice cave over the winter months.
The only exception to this is Katla. Katla is one of the few ice caves in Iceland that’s open year-round, making it a great spot to visit even in the summer. The only way to explore the cave is through a guided tour, led by expert glacier guides. These guides are well-versed in both the glacier’s landscape and safety protocols, ensuring that visitors can experience the cave safely even in the summer months.
6 of the Best Ice Caves in Iceland
There are a couple of hundred ice caves in Iceland, so naturally it can feel overwhelming to choose the best ones to visit!
I’ve narrowed down some I think you should consider seeing when you’re here along with suggested ice cave tours in Iceland.
Pro Tip: Some of these ice caves are perfect for a day tour from Reykjavík. If you’re looking for accommodation closer to the caves or plan on exploring that area, I suggest searching on Booking.com.
I love how their map feature lets you enter a general location and instantly see all the accommodations nearby. It makes finding the ideal spot so easy!
They also offer free cancellations up to a certain date which is super convenient!
With that in mind, let’s check out some of the best ice caves in Iceland.👇
Skaftafell Ice Caves
Going on a glacier hike and ice cave tour is truly magical!
You’ll see that there are a number of ice caves in Vatnajökull’s glacier, Iceland.
You can take a tour that kicks off at Skaftafell National Park, where you’ll walk to one of Vatnajökull’s glacier tongues, Skaftafellsjökull.
As you hike along the glacier field, your knowledgeable tour guides will share fascinating stories about the powerful natural forces that have shaped this landscape.
It’s fascinating to learn about how this whole system works.
The glaciers melt underneath, carving out these amazing caves.
And the blue that you see in photographs? It’s exactly what it looks like in real life!
Of course, take plenty of photos, but don’t forget to pause, take it all in, and simply enjoy the experience.
The whole adventure should last around 4 hours, depending on the tour operator.
The tour is moderately difficult, so be sure to check the age limits, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
In my opinion, this is one of the must-see ice caves in Iceland!
➡️ Take a tour: Into the Glacier – Glacier Hike & Ice Cave from Skaftafell
Crystal Caves, Iceland
Chances are, if you’re drawn to visiting the ice caves in Iceland, you’ve probably seen photographs of the crystal blue ice cave near Jökulsárlón.
Located in Vatnajökull national park, South Iceland it’s one of the most visited ice caves in Iceland. The Crystal Cave is arguably the best-known and most requested cave to tour.
The inside looks like a crystal dome, hence its name.
Like many ice caves in Iceland, its landscape and space are ever-changing. It’s easy to access, making it a great experience for the whole family.
Discover the Vatnajökull ice caves by taking this tour.👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Crystal Blue Ice Cave | Super Jeep from Jökulsárlón
Langjökull Ice Cave
If you’re planning a wedding, have you thought about doing it in an ice cave?
There’s a fantastic one in West Iceland on the western part of Langjökull that goes deep underground, where you can see ice that’s been forming for centuries.
Inside, there’s a special spot called the “chapel” with LED-lit ice blocks and wooden beams.
This place is perfect for parties and weddings! An ice cave wedding in Iceland would be pretty unforgettable, don’t you think? 💒
The cave has man-made tunnels and paths that stretch 1640.42 ft (500m) into solid ice. It’s incredible what they’ve been able to do, but it requires constant maintenance throughout the year.
If you’ve found yourself searching for ice caves near Reykjavík, look no further. This ice cave is only about 93 miles (150km) from the capital and should take you roughly 2h30 min to drive there, making it a great option for a day tour.
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Into The Glacier – From Húsafell
Katla Ice Cave, Iceland
This Iceland ice cave can be found in Kötlujökull Glacier, an outlet of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier.
If you’re visiting the charming little town of Vík, Iceland, it’s just a 40-minute drive away.
If you’re planning to take a Katla ice cave tour from Reykjavík, the distance is about 116 miles (187 km).
You’ll find tours that depart from both locations, making this the perfect Iceland ice cave day tour.
The Katla ice cave is formed by Iceland’s second most active volcano and is tucked away underground in the glacier. To reach it, you’ll need to hike and go down with a skilled glacier guide showing you the way.
Check out the ice cave tour from Vík below.👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: The Ice Cave Under The Volcano – Katla Ice Cave Tour From Vík
Askur Ice Cave
This ice cave is the closest one to Reykjavík. Located only 103 miles (166 kilometers) away, it’ll take you about 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive to the base camp at Myrdalsjökull.
Depending on the conditions when you visit, this tour will allow you to snowmobile, or go via monster truck to the cave.
Inside, you can expect to see striking black, white and blue hues of the ice.
Find out more about this tour here.👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Askur Ice Cave Adventure
Perlan
The Perlan Ice Cave and Glacier Museum in Reykjavík sits on top of Öskjuhlíð Hill and showcases an incredible nature exhibition.
You’ll get to learn everything from how glaciers are formed to the science behind earthquakes.
There’s also a replica of the Látrabjarg cliff and a 328-foot (100-meter) long man-made ice cave and the observation deck gives you stunning 360-degree views of Reykjavík.
Plus, there’s a great restaurant on site.
They really thought of everything!
This is an excellent option to discover more about Iceland’s natural wonders without leaving the capital…and a fantastic experience for the whole family!
Find out more about the ice cave in Reykjavík tour here.👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Perlan – Wonders of Iceland
How to Dress for an Ice Cave Tour
While the tours will hook you up with safety gear, you’ll want to bring a few extra essentials to stay warm and comfortable.
Trust me, dressing right makes all the difference for an amazing ice cave experience in Iceland!
Hiking boots: If you’re traveling to Iceland, having good quality hiking boots is essential! You’ll have to wear rigid crampons on these tours and having a snug boot will help keep your feet secure.
Crampons: Most tour operators will provide crampons for the glacier hike and ice cave tours, but it’s a good idea to have your own pair, so add it to your Iceland winter packing list.
Layers and wool sweater: You absolutely need to layer up when you’re out exploring. Make sure your layers are thermal. My favorite way to stay warm is with wool – I highly suggest investing in a genuine Icelandic Lopapeysa. If you’ve been following me for a little bit, you’ll know that I wear mine all the time and it’s my favorite!
Waterproof outerwear: I’m sure you can imagine that being cold and wet in Iceland isn’t fun! Don’t skimp on this! Your outerwear needs to be both water- and weatherproof.
Accessories: Of course, keeping your extremities warm is crucial. Make sure you bring a warm hat, a fleece-lined gater, and touchscreen gloves which are great for taking photos and using your devices without having to take your gloves off.
Knowing what to pack for Iceland can be really tricky, especially if you’re not used to this type of climate.
Packing for cold weather can take up A LOT of luggage space, so you want to make sure you’re smart about what you’re bringing.
That’s why I put together an Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide that includes weather averages, and breaks down how to layer your clothes so you’re not left out in the cold – literally!
I also include shopping lists of items I personally recommend for each season.
Download your FREE PDF here.👇
FAQs
You may be visiting the ice caves in Iceland for the first time, so here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions.
Can You Visit Ice Caves in Iceland on Your Own?
The location of the ice caves changes every year, so I recommend the expertise of a guide.
They know the ins and outs of the caves, the ever-changing terrain, and all the safety precautions.
So, can you go to an ice cave without a tour? I would NOT recommend it!
Where are the Ice Caves Near Reykjavík?
It’s possible to take Iceland ice cave tours from Reykjavík.
As mentioned earlier, Perlan is located in Reykjavík but Akskur, Langjökull, and Katla are pretty close to the capital.
Why Are Glaciers Blue?
Glacier ice is blue because the red (long wavelengths) part of white light is absorbed by ice and the blue (short wavelengths) light is transmitted and scattered. So, the longer the path light travels in ice, the bluer it appears.
The more you know!
Can I visit Iceland’s Ice Caves in the Summer?
Some ice cave tours are available year-round like Katla, but for the most part, the ice caves are only safe to venture into from November to March.
Iceland Maps + Guidebooks
Visiting the ice caves in Iceland is truly an adventure of a lifetime. But I know that planning the ins and outs of an international trip can feel like a lot – I’ve been there myself!
If you’re anything like me, you might be stressing over the details and wondering how to make the most of your vacation.
That’s why I’ve put together my Iceland Maps + Guidebooks to make your life WAY easier.
They’ll help you figure out the perfect time to visit, point out those hidden gems that most people miss, and give you the lowdown on everything from navigating roads to finding the best restaurants.
Plus, they come with digital maps featuring hundreds of pinned locations and practical tips, like where to fuel up and where the must-see natural attractions are, so you won’t be scrambling around wondering where to go next.
Ready to focus on having a good time?
Happy Planning!
Pin it for later! 👇
