- Natural cave season
- Nov–Mar
- Katla cave
- Year-round
- Always required
- Guide
- Typical minimum age
- 8+ yrs
Natural ice caves under Vatnajökull
Every summer, meltwater carves channels through the base of the glaciers flowing from Vatnajökull. When temperatures drop in late autumn, the rivers stop and the channels become caves of compressed, deep-blue ice. They are new each year, and some collapse during the season, so only certified glacier guides may take visitors in. Tours typically meet at Jökulsárlón and drive by super-jeep to the glacier edge, followed by a short walk with crampons and helmets. The season runs from about November to March, depending on temperatures.
Book Vatnajökull ice cave tours early for December to February, and stay nearby the night before.
Book a Vatnajökull ice cave ↗Ice caves outside winter
The ice cave in Kötlujökull, an outlet of Mýrdalsjökull above the Katla volcano, is visited year-round on super-jeep tours from Vík. It has more ash layers, giving black-and-blue patterns. The Langjökull ice tunnel is a man-made tunnel 25 m below the glacier surface, open all year and reachable on day trips from Reykjavík.
Glacier hikes and snowmobiling
- Sólheimajökull on the South Coast: the closest glacier hike to Reykjavík.
- Skaftafell: hikes on Falljökull and Svínafellsjökull, with longer options for ice climbing.
- Snowmobiling on Langjökull or Mýrdalsjökull: 1–2 hour rides on the ice cap.
Glacier hikes run all year and include crampons, harness and ice axe.
Compare glacier hikes ↗Ice cave tours start early. Stay near the glacier lagoon so you don't face a 5-hour drive from Reykjavík on winter roads.
Hotels near the ice caves ↗Plan your trip to the ice caves
Tours & tickets
Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.
See tours ↗Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
When can you visit ice caves in Iceland?
Natural ice caves under Vatnajökull are usually accessible from about November to March. The Katla ice cave and the Langjökull ice tunnel can be visited year-round.
Can you visit an ice cave without a guide?
No. Ice caves can collapse and glaciers have hidden crevasses. Always go with a certified glacier guide.
Can you do an ice cave tour from Reykjavík?
Yes, but Vatnajökull is about 5 hours away, so day trips are very long. Two- or three-day tours, or staying near Jökulsárlón, are more comfortable. The Katla cave is a more manageable day trip.
Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.