Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull glacier exploration

Climb into a super jeep and step inside glowing crystal ice caves beneath Vatnajökull

An ice cave tour from Jökulsárlón takes you by super jeep into Vatnajökull glacier, where a guide outfits you with crampons and helmets, walks you to caves that form and reform each season, and gives you time to explore and photograph inside. The 2.5-hour excursion includes the 30-minute drive, a short hike to the cave entrance, and a live English-speaking guide. Children from age 8 are welcome, and moderate fitness is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón

• Meet at Jökulsárlón
• Travel 30-40 minutes by Super Jeep
• Visit Breiðamerkurjökull Ice Caves
• Explore and photograph ice caves

The experience

If you're at Jökulsárlón and have a free afternoon, an ice cave tour fills it with something you won't find elsewhere. The day starts at the glacier lagoon itself, where your guide meets you and hands out the gear: crampons for your boots, a helmet, and everything else you'll need underground. You board a modified super jeep for the drive up to Breiðamerkurjökull: about 30 to 40 minutes through scenery the guide narrates as you go, pointing out details about the glacier, the area's history, and the landscape itself.

The caves themselves are the reason for the trip. They form naturally inside the ice, and because the glacier shifts constantly, the caves change shape and location from year to year. Your guide goes "ice cave hunting" each season to find which ones are still there and safe to enter. That means the cave you visit depends on the day's weather and conditions: no two tours see the same thing. Once you arrive at the entrance, there's a short walk to get inside, and then you have time to move through the ice, take photographs, and simply stand in a space carved by the glacier itself.

The whole outing runs 2.5 hours from start to finish. You'll need a moderate level of fitness for the hike in and the terrain underfoot, and the crampons do the grip work for you on the ice. Children from age 8 can join, and the guide speaks English throughout.

What’s included

• Crampons and helmets for each traveler.
• air-conditioned super jeep transport from Jökulsárlón to the caves and back.
• a live English-speaking guide for the full 2.5 hours.
• time to explore and photograph inside the ice cave.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDeparts at 10:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 22

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Glacier Journey

Is this one for you?Book this if you're already at Jökulsárlón and want to enter the glacier itself: the 30-minute drive and half-day format let you combine it with other activities, and you'll need moderate fitness for walking inside the caves.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is the drive from Jökulsárlón to the ice caves?

The super jeep drive takes about 30 to 40 minutes from Jökulsárlón to Breiðamerkurjökull, where the caves are located. The route itself is scenic, and your guide shares information about the glacier and the region during the journey.

Do the ice caves stay the same from year to year?

No. The caves form naturally inside Vatnajökull and shift as the glacier moves. Your guides search for new caves and check on old ones each season, so the cave you visit depends on current conditions and safety. This means every tour may see a different formation.

What equipment do I need to bring, and what's provided?

Crampons, helmets, and an air-conditioned vehicle are all included. Wear warm, waterproof layers and sturdy boots. The crampons attach to your boots for traction on the ice. You don't need to bring climbing gear or special footwear beyond regular hiking boots.

Is there a hike involved to reach the ice caves?

Yes, there's a short walk from where the super jeep drops you to the cave entrance. You'll need moderate physical fitness for this hike and for moving through the cave itself. The crampons help with traction on the ice and uneven terrain.