Best Ice Caves in Iceland

Curious about visiting Iceland’s ice caves? Let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Iceland’s glacial cave tours.

The best ice cave in Iceland depends on what you're after. For stunning photos, visit the Crystal Ice Cave. If you're interested in geology, the Katla Ice Cave, open year-round, is a great choice. For a mix of glacier hiking and an ice cave experience, check out Falljökull Ice Cave. Alternatively, the Langjokull ice tunnel showcases impressive engineering.

Since glaciers are constantly moving and unpredictable, visiting glaciers and natural glacial ice caves is impossible without a certified glacier guide. Book one of our guided glacier or ice cave tours to see these natural wonders.

Langjökull and Katla Ice Cave are relatively close to Reykjavík (approximately 132 and 152 km), while Crystal Ice Cave and Falljökull Ice Cave are located in the Southeast region. Most ice cave tours have a pick-up from Reykjavík option, for example, the "Into the Glacier" experience or Katla Ice Cave Tour.

Activity trips in Iceland are all about layering. Start with thermal underwear, then add a fleece or wool layer. Finish off with a waterproof jacket and trousers, because getting soaked on the glacier is no fun. You'll need sturdy walking boots - they won't slip - and on our tours, you'll be given crampons to keep you steady. Don't forget warm gloves, a hat, thick socks, and a neck warmer to keep out the wind. And seriously, ditch the cotton unless you don't mind being cold and wet.

The best time to visit Iceland's ice caves is typically between November and March, when colder temperatures make the ice more stable. However, conditions can vary yearly. Glaciers start to firm up around late September to early October as temperatures drop, and the ice often takes on a beautiful blue hue.

Katla Cave and the man-made ice tunnel in Langjökull are open year-round, so ice caving is possible anytime. For the most up-to-date info, check our Ice Cave Tours page.

Most ice caves can only be visited during winter because the temperature is low enough for the walls to remain solid. Ice cave formation depends on fluctuating natural conditions, and it is difficult to visit them in the summer when the temperature starts changing again.

However, if you’ve already planned a summer trip, don’t be disheartened - you can still experience icy enchantment after winter’s end. The Katla Ice Cave and Langjokull Tunnel can be visited all year round.

Regarding sheer size, the crown will go to the Vatnajökull Ice Caves. Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, boasts numerous ice caves, each unique and massive in its own right. However, these icy giants aren't static; they evolve with the changing seasons and glacier movements.

Ice caves are found all over Iceland but are constantly changing. Iceland's glacier ice is greatly affected by geothermal activity, which also adds to the incredible uniqueness of the country’s ice caves. One would probably not think ice caves would form in a country known for volcanic eruptions and its geothermal activeness, but you have it all in Iceland.

Location: Langjökull Glacier

Season: Year-round

In 2010, two men, Baldvin Einarsson and Hallgrímur Örn Arngrímsson, made a bold decision to realize their dream of bringing people not only around but also inside the glacier.

They brought in Ari Trausti Guðmundsson, a renowned geophysicist, and he started studying, planning, modeling, and carefully preparing for construction. When the ice cave at Langjökull was opened, it became the world's biggest man-made Glacier Ice Cave.

An ice cave tour can be done in many different ways, depending on what else you’d like to see in our incredible country. You can visit the man-made ice tunnel alone from Reykjavík and Husafell or even combine it with the wonderful Northern Lights. Choose your favorite and book your adventure to Langjökull Ice Cave today!

Location: Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier

Season: November - April

The Crystal Ice Cave is the cave you have probably seen the most photos of. It has been visited since 2011-2012, and hopes are high that we can continue to do so. Its inside is carved out by a large glacial river every summer so that new intricacies can be found yearly. The cave is located in the beautiful Breiðamerkurjökull, which also provides water and ice to the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

What makes it unique is the cave's ever-changing atmosphere. You might see a crystal dome with light shining through it one time and something else on your next visit. This ice cave is great for photography or just for visiting. 

You can book our 2-day South Coast Ice Cave and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon tour during winter and experience this fantastic ice cave alongside other Icelandic wonders.

Location: Mýrdalsjökull Glacier

Season: Year-round

The Katla Ice Cave tour will take you into a unique ice cave under the volcano. This ice cave is located on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier in Kötlujökull, which is named after the Katla Volcano. It sounds a bit complicated, but all you need to know is that you'll be on top of a glacier, hiking up to a volcano, to see one of Iceland's most beautiful natural ice caves.

Another awesome thing about the Katla Ice Cave is that it can be visited all year round, thanks to its unique geology. Contrasting blue and black ice walls distinguish this ice cave from the others.

Location: Falljökull Glacier, Skaftafell National Park

Season: October - April

Part of Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell National Park is home to stunning landscapes, including the “Falling Glacier," Falljökull. Skaftafell joined Vatnajökull National Park in 2008, making it part of one of the largest national parks in Europe.

These glacier caves are found in the region and are formed by a glacial river that flows through the glacier in the summer. As winter descends, the water within these caves freezes, forming the stunning ice caves we see today.

The hike to the Skaftafell Ice Cave, set high on the glacier, is a part of the adventure, with the breathtaking icy landscape accompanying you throughout the 30-45 minute journey.

The cave is so high up on the glacier that it’s accessible earlier in the season than the Crystal Ice Cave or others. The higher you go on the glacier, the colder the temperature, so the cave is more stable and less affected by the warmth of the summer or other natural causes. 

Inside, you will see a unique spectacle of shimmering ice walls and ice formations. 

Each year is like a fresh dice roll as guides discover new glacier caves of varying sizes and locations!

But remember, for safety, glacier caves should always be explored as part of guided tours. Glacier guides offer valuable insights about ice caves, ensuring a safe and informative experience.

Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, is so massive it covers more than 8% of Iceland. That's a lot of ice! And within this frosty giant, the Vatnajökull National Park is a wonderland of over 30 glacier outlets like Falljökull and Breiðamerkurjökull, and other natural ice caves just waiting to be explored.

On this vast expanse of ice, which is like a small country in size, you can strap on your hiking boots and crampons and embark on a glacier hike. And your trophy for this icy expedition? The awe-inspiring glacier ice caves are tucked within its folds. This is one of the largest glaciers in the world you can walk on, making it an incredible experience.

With guided Vatnajökull tours, you get more than just an adventure - you get the expertise of guides who know every icy cranny of these caves. They ensure your ice-caving journey through the glacier is safe, educational, and an experience you'll treasure.

Still can’t make up your mind about which of these ice caves to go to? It’s a tough decision, but to make it easier, let’s try to compare them to see which one would suit your expectations best.

The best place to visit also depends on what kind of activity you want to do. While there’s always a problem of too little time to see everything, it’s natural to only go through the best of everything that’s offered to us. But the good news is that no matter what you choose, especially ice-caving-wise, you’ll be met with astonishing sights.

The majesty of these glacier caves shouldn't fool you into thinking this is a do-it-yourself adventure. The ever-changing glacier conditions and unpredictable weather make exploring these caves a significant challenge. 

Plus, let's be honest, the glacier and outlet names can be a tongue-twister even for the locals. But that's where our seasoned guides step in to help. They're out on the glacier daily and know their way around like the back of their hand.

It’s important to keep yourself warm as the temperature in a glacier ice cave is quite low. So remember to, of course, wear warm clothes and dress in layers. Waterproof pants and a jacket are a must, as well as accessorizing in gloves, hats, and scarves. Also, don’t forget to pay attention to the fabrics of the clothes: It's best to wear Merino wool and avoid cotton and denim. 

Iceland’s ice caves are a testament to the country's ethereal beauty, shaped by extreme climate and geological forces. They're dazzling show-stoppers that guarantee a serious "wow" moment. These natural and man-made wonders offer an unparalleled experience, and visiting at least one of these caves is a must for any Icelandic adventure.

Each cave has its unique charm, whether it's the shimmering walls of the Crystal Ice Cave, the sheer scale of Langjökull's tunnels, or the volcanic imprint on Katla Cave.

But remember, as awe-inspiring as Iceland’s ice caves are, they aren't places to wander into unprepared. Guided ice cave tours and ice climbs, professional advice, and the right gear are key to keeping your icy adventure both exciting and safe.

Time to put on the crampons and hit some of the chilliest, most thrilling spots around!