Vatnajökull Glacier Ice Cave Tour

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  • Departure Times: 9:00 & 13:00
  • 2.5 – 3 hoursapprox. 30-45 minutes in the ice cave
  • Level: EasyOur easiest offering to see an ice cave/glacier up close. Includes rocky trails and 2+ hours outdoors.
  • 12 Guests : 1 Guide
  • Jökulsárlón, South East Iceland.Main bus parking lot at Jökulsárlón

Experience a Breathtaking Vatnajökull Ice Cave Tour

Note: Ice cave conditions may vary throughout the winter. Our expert guides ensure you’ll always experience the best and safest locations available. Due to the popularity of ice caves, you can expect to share the cave with other groups.

We are thrilled to introduce you to this year’s Vatnajökull glacier ice cave tour with our partners at Local Guide. Come and explore the breathtaking wonders of this ever-changing ice giant.

Vatnajökull Glacier Cave Tour: 2025–2026 Season Update 

January status: In order to give the best crystal blue ice experience in shorter format tour, the itinerary now involves linking together a series of blue tunnels and slot canyons to showcase the famous Vatnajökull blue ice on the glacier! 

On this half-day adventure, you will step directly onto the glacier and explore at least one vivid blue ice formation, as well as other ice features that are constantly evolving with time. Led by an experienced glacier guiding team, you’ll discover the glacier’s beauty in a safe, personal, and unforgettable way. With a glacier hike currently included for this season, the walking distance is ~2-3km, with up to 100m of elevation gain. This is suitable for those able to freely walk at casual pace on uneven surfaces.

Because the glacier is constantly changing, conditions — and therefore the experience on your own Vatnajökull ice cave tour — may look very different from one week to the next. We monitor the changes daily to ensure you see the best blue ice formations that Vatnajökull has to offer each day, with safety as our top priority. 

This update reflects current conditions. Please note that this is the best half-day Vatnajökull glacier cave tour providing access to a blue ice experience available in Vatnajökull National Park.

We will update our website and our social media with new information as things change. 

Other companies operate the Vatnajökull ice cave tours in the same area. We take all precautions to avoid crowds on this tour, but, inevitably, with the short daylight hours, it is likely you’ll bump into other groups and have to queue at times. For less crowded tours and more remote glacier trips, email info@ice-guardians.com or book our full-day Iceland Glacier Tours.

Vatnajökull Ice Cave Tour: Quick Facts

Distance: Approx. 1 to 3 km 
Group min: 2 persons
Group: 12.1 guest to guide ratio

Vatnajökull Ice Cave Tour: Price Includes

  • Guided tour with a local guide
  • Helmet, crampons and headlamp if needed

Important Information About This Vatnajökull Glacier Cave Tour

Getting There – An Adventure in Itself!

Meet us at the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon to experience your winter adventure in Vatnajökull National Park. Our modified 4×4 vehicles will transport you across rugged terrain through the remote glacial landscapes. The drive is an adventure in itself, and within 25 minutes, you will be dropped off as close as possible to the edge of Europe’s biggest glacier.

From our 4x4s, we have a 10- to 15-minute walk on uneven terrain up to the glacier, and then a short glacier walk leads us to the best Ice Cave of the season. This is when your Vatnajökull Glacier Ice Cave Tour really begins!

Inside the Ice Cave

The main feature of your journey is a visit to an ice cave. Walk through a frozen corridor, observing the stunning blue hues and textures of ancient ice. You will have enough time to explore this unique feature, take photos, and ask your guide all about glaciers while making memories that will last a lifetime. As the conditions on the glacier are constantly changing, we always choose the ice cave that is the safest, and it can change from day to day. Usually, our ice caves are between 30 to 70m long, and you can expect other groups in the same area.

On our Vatnajökull glacier cave tours, we have featured sites like the Sparkle Ice Cave, Blue Diamond Ice Cave, Sapphire Ice Cave, and the Crystal Ice Caves, to name just a few. While specific caves change annually due to natural processes, the awe-inspiring beauty remains constant.

You can be assured that our partners at Local Guide always choose the best and safest cave for you! Feel free to send us a message if you would like to learn more about the current conditions.

Who is this Vatnajökull Ice Cave Tour for?

Suitable for most fitness levels, this tour provides a unique perspective on Iceland’s natural wonders and amazing views of the wild Icelandic glacial landscape. The minimum age is 10 years old, and you can expect some uneven terrain. All safety equipment is included.

Please note that while each group’s experience is unique, you will encounter other groups during your time in the ice cave. The tour length of around 3 to 3.5 hours in total allows you to experience a stunning blue cave on Vatnajökull and is perfect for those looking for an easy adventure while making the most of their time in Iceland.

Disclaimer: All glacier trips are taken at the responsibility of participants. Local Guide of Vatnajökull does not take responsibility for accidents which are caused by their customers or can be traced to their own actions. All guests must dress appropriately for the weather conditions, or may be turned away from the tour at their cost.

Equipment for This Vatnajökull Glacier Ice Cave Tour

No matter where you’re going in Iceland, it’s important to choose the right clothing and dress according to the weather. We strongly recommend dressing in layers so it is easy to take off or put on clothing to help control your temperature.
  • Good waterproof shoes with ankle support (hiking boots)
  • Thermal underwear
  • Wool/fleece thermal mid-layer
  • Hiking pants
  • Waterproof pants & jacket
  • Gloves & hat
  • Socks (wool or synthetic)
  • Sunglasses
  • Backpack
  • Reusable Water-bottle(500ml minimum)
  • Light Snack(something easy to eat, such as sandwiches, bars, trail mix etc.)
  • Camera (optional)
Vatnajökull Glacier Cave Tour Map

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