Explore thousand-year-old blue and white glacial ice formations and mystical cave systems on an epic tour in Iceland.
Iceland boasts some of the most awe-inspiring natural landscapes in the world, and its natural ice caves are a testament to that.
It’s important to consider a reputable tour company that prioritizes its guests’ safety and the caves’ preservation. And since accessibility is limited by season to the most popular caves like the Crystal Cave, the Vatnajökull Glacier Cave, and the Katla Ice Cave, you’ll want to plan and book in advance.
I’ve curated this useful list of Iceland’s top 8 ice cave tours to help make your decision a little easier. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for a snowmobile adventure, or prefer to photograph the amazing formations inside the caves, this roundup will have you covered.
Here Are My Favorite Ice Cave Tours
Below are the top 3 picks for an amazing experience inside the Jökulsárlón Glacier, Langjökull Glacier, and Falljökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull.
1. Jökulsárlón: Crystal Ice Cave Day Tour
An opportunity to explore the famous Crystal Ice Cave at Jökulsárlón Glacier, Europe's biggest glacier!
2.
Combine an ice cave glacier tour with a snowmobiling experience from Gullfoss to the Langjökull Glacier.
3. Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour & Glacier Hike
An incredible ice-caving and glacier hiking experience inside Falljökull, an unbelievably blue cave near Vatnajökull.
8 Best Ice Cave Tours in Iceland You Can Book Today
1. From Jökulsárlón: Crystal Ice Cave Day Tour
Is seeing Europe's biggest glacier at the top of your bucket list? On this tour, you'll be able to tick it off!
Vatnajökull Glacier is the biggest glacier in Europe. And the famous Crystal Ice Cave Iceland tour is one of the best ways to see it.
The day tour starts at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where you'll meet your tour guide. From there, you'll travel 20-30 minutes along a scenic route to visit the Vatnajökull Glacier.
Once you arrive, your guide will ensure that you're safe and secure at the entrance of the cave. From there, be prepared to be blown away by the spectacular blue ice. You will spend 40 minutes exploring this natural attraction allowing you to discover everything it has to offer!
After you've taken your time exploring Europe's biggest glacier, you'll be taken back to Jökulsarlón Glacier Lagoon.
2. From Vik: Katla Ice Cave Jeep Tour and Glacier Walk
If you want to see one of the natural ice caves in Iceland with a bit of adrenaline, you must join this Katla Ice Cave tour!
If you're staying in Vik, this ice cave jeep tour and glacier walk allows you to experience the unique ice cave below the Katla Volcano.
Once you board the super jeep in Vik, the adventure begins. You're taken off the beaten track into the Icelandic wilderness past towering mountains and glaciers towards the Katla Ice Cave.
You will be geared up to explore this stunning part of South Iceland with your local guide. As you walk across the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier below the Katla Volcano, the tour operator will tell you about the glacier and the Katla Ice Cave's formation.
For all you adrenaline junkies, this is one of the best ice cave tours in Iceland!
Tip: Although the necessary gear is provided on the tours make sure you pack warm comfortable clothes including gloves and a beanie as these locations can get very cold.
3. From Gullfoss: Snowmobile & Ice Cave Tour
When in Iceland, one of the best things to do is hop on a snowmobile and explore the blue ice caves!
The meeting point for this glacier caves tour is Gullfoss, one of the most popular waterfalls in the country. One thing to note about this tour is that the adventure begins long before you reach the Langjökull Glacier, in my opinion, one of the best ice caves in Iceland.
Traveling in an off-road vehicle allows you to experience the otherwise impassable roads of the glacial highlands of Iceland. You then move onto a snowmobile ride as you reach the mouth of the ice cave.
This tour takes 3-4 hours depending on the road and weather conditions.
4. From Húsafell: Into the Glacier Ice Cave Tour
Into the Glacier Ice Cave Tour is one of the most popular glacier ice cave tours. Why? Because it takes you to Iceland's second-largest glacier.
On this half-day tour, you'll experience Langjökull, Iceland's second-largest glacier where you'll see the untouched wonders from within.
Catch a shuttle to the Glacier Base Camp, Klaki from Húsafell. There, you will meet your local guide and gear up in warm overalls if needed. Afterward, you'll board a specially modified glacier truck for the drive up to the entrance of the cave.
Once you arrive, you'll head inside the glacier. This man-made Langjökull Glacier Tunnel is one of the best things to see in Iceland. The ice is lit up from behind by glowing hues, allowing you to see the layers that have formed over many years.
As you walk through, your guide will share the geology and history of glaciers, how they are formed, and explain the movement of the glaciers.
5. 2-Day Tour: Blue Ice Cave, Jokulsarlon, Black Beach, and Waterfalls
While there are many one-day Iceland ice cave tours to choose from, why not extend the ice cave experience and hop on a two-day tour?
On this two-day tour of the south coast of Iceland, you will see glaciers, waterfalls, and a black sand beach. Overnight accommodation and breakfast are included in this tour.
On the first day of your tour, you'll depart from Reykjavik and visit the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Marvel as the water cascades from the top of two of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Afterward, you'll head to Rejnisfjara, one of Iceland's black sand beaches.
On the second day of this winter tour, you'll head into the Icelandic highlands in a super jeep to explore the stunning blue caves of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Here, you'll get a chance to see one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Iceland.
Your guide will then take you back to your accommodation in Reykjavik.
6. Small Group Glacier Hiking & Ice Caving Tour Inside Vatnajokull Glacier
If you prefer to join smaller group tours, then this one is perfect for you!
This small group tour takes you to the mighty Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. This glacier is widely considered the jewel in Skaftafell National Park’s crown. The cave you visit on this tour is relatively high on the glacier, so a glacier hike is needed, giving you two activities in one.
Your tour begins as you hike around and beneath the Vatnajökull Glacier with your glacier guides. In this glacier ice cave in Iceland, you'll explore millions of years of natural geology. You'll be geared up with crampons and safety equipment, meaning you can enjoy uninterrupted views from one of the best ice caves in Iceland.
7. From Jökulsárlón: Crystal Blue Ice Cave Super Jeep Tour
If you're looking for a fun activity to do, why not join an Iceland ice cave tour to witness one of the world's rarest natural phenomena?
A blue ice cave is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions, and you can find many of them in Iceland! On this tour from Jökulsárlón, you'll experience the magic and wonder of Vatnajökull National Park.
The start of your tour begins at Jökulsárlón, where you'll hop in a super jeep that will take you to the glacier. From there, you'll be able to walk inside one of the blue caves.
Standing inside an ancient glacier and marveling at the blue ice around you is a unique experience, and one you must add to your Iceland bucket list. This is one of the most amazing experiences during the winter season and is one of Iceland's most popular tours.
8. Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike
If you've ever wanted to visit a glacier cave in Iceland, now is your chance!
This ice cave tour and glacier hike takes you inside a natural blue ice cave and walk on Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier.
Your experienced glacier guide will take you to Skaftafell National Park where you can step inside a breathtaking blue ice cave.
During this tour, your professional hiking guide will take you to the base of Falljökull, an outlet glacier of the Vatnajökull ice cap. From there, you'll be taken up to the cave. On a clear day during the winter months, be sure to look out for Hvannadalshnúkur in the distance.
My Tour Selection Process
- Tour Criteria: I only choose high-value tours run by experienced guides with high safety & sustainability standards.
- My Experience: After traveling extensively in Iceland & booking many tours myself, I've handpicked the best ice cave tours in Iceland.
- Top Reviews: All tours on this list have earned a high customer rating of at least 4/5 stars on travel sites like Viator & GetYourGuide. I have included links to book the best price for each tour.
- Local Insights: I met many locals, tour guides, & travelers during my time in Iceland. Many options on this list come directly from recommendations on my travels.
Read more about how I review & select tours & experiences.
I'm Olly, a full-time traveler since 2018. Each tour in this guide is handpicked by me. Read my travel review ethics statement.
About Iceland's Glacier Cave Tours
After its incredible volcanic landscapes, black sand beaches, and incredible glaciers, Ice cave tours are one of the many things that make Iceland unique. Every winter, thousands of people flock to the south of Iceland to get an opportunity to explore the depths of some of Europe's largest and most beautiful glacier caves.
All Ice cave tours in Iceland are operated by experienced glacial guides who take you inside the ice caves to experience this natural phenomenon up close. Once inside, you'll marvel at the stunning ice formations, bright blue colors, and fascinating geology.
Unlike the popular Golden Circle tours, Ice caving season is predominantly in Winter. This runs from mid-October until the end of March.
Tip: There are two caves that you can visit year-round. The Langjökull Ice Cave & Mýrdalsjökull at Katla
What are the Best Ice Caves in Iceland To Visit?
Here is a quick round-up of the different ice caves that can be explored on tours.
- Crystal Ice Cave - The Crystal Ice Cave in Iceland is one of the most famous natural structures in the country. As the name suggests, this ice cave has a ceiling that is translucent enough for light to shine through, making it one of the most stunning sights to see.
- Katla Ice Cave - Located on the south coast of the country under an active volcano, the Katla Ice Cave is one of the most popular (and most unique) attractions in the country.
- Langjökull Ice Cave - Located in the western highlands of Iceland, Langjökull has two different ice caves to visit. The man-made cave is the most popular one as it has the largest man-made ice tunnel in the world, making it a magical place to visit.
- Vatnajokull Glacier Cave - Vatnajokull is the largest glacier in Europe and forms many ice caves in the outlet glaciers in winter. Being the largest in Europe, that means there are plenty of caves to see, witness, and explore!
FAQs About Going on Iceland's Ice Cave Tours
Can you visit ice caves in Iceland on your own?
No, never try to enter a glacier cave on your own. To enter the caves safely, you'll need a professional glacier guide who will decide whether or not the cave is safe to enter.
What is the cheapest ice cave tour in Iceland?
Tours leaving from Skaftafell tend to be the least expensive as it's quite far from Reykjavik.
Can you see the ice caves in summer?
The glacial ice cave season in Iceland runs from mid-October until the end of March. However, there are two ice caves you can visit year-round.
Is an ice cave tour worth the money?
Yes, an ice cave tour is definitely worth the money! These natural attractions are a must-see while traveling Iceland in winter.
I hope that you've enjoyed this roundup of Iceland's best ice cave tours. While you're here, make sure to take a read through some of my other detailed roundups for more inspiration for your trip to Iceland.
- Coolest Places to Stay in Iceland - my favorite unique cabins, lodges, and hotels in Iceland
- How to Travel Iceland on a Budget - learn how I traveled the Ring Road for less than $50 per day
- 4 Epic Glacier Boat Tours - these are the best zodiac tours and glacier lagoon trips
- 10 Top Iceland Bus Tours - the best day trips from Reykjavik and multi-day journeys across Iceland
- Golden Circle Tours - find the best Golden Circle Trips from Reykjavik
- Where to Stay in Reykjavik - the best hotels and accommodation picks for Iceland's capital
