Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: Blue Ice Cave Tour & Glacier Hike

Summary

Blue ice cave adventure from jokulsarlon glacier lagoon with small group and local guide

You’ll ride out by 4x4 from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon with a local guide, strap on your spikes and helmet, then step straight onto Vatnajökull’s blue ice. Explore ever-changing ice caves—sometimes tunnels—learning glacial secrets as you go. Expect laughter, cold cheeks, and moments of silence you’ll remember long after you leave Iceland.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — boots crunching on gravel in the parking lot at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, then the weird hush that comes right before you step onto the glacier itself. Our guide, Siggi, handed me a helmet and spikes (which felt a bit dramatic at first, but I got it once we started walking). He told us the main ice cave was closed for safety this week — apparently these things change all the time — but he knew another spot where the blue ice was “showing off.” That phrase stuck with me. Icelandic humor is dry like that.

The 4x4 ride out to Vatnajökull felt like being on another planet — just endless white and black streaks, wind rattling the windows, everyone quiet except for one guy who kept trying to photograph through the glass. When we finally stopped, there was this sharp smell of cold air (if that makes sense) and my face stung a little from the wind. The hike up wasn’t too long, maybe 15 minutes over lumpy ground, but I did nearly trip over my own crampons. Siggi laughed and said it happens to everyone at least once.

Inside the ice cave — or really more of a tunnel this time — it was blue in a way I’ve never seen before. Like standing inside a frozen wave. The walls were slick under my gloves and there were tiny drips echoing somewhere deeper in. We weren’t alone; other groups drifted through, all whispering for some reason. I tried to say “Vatnajökull” properly and butchered it so badly that Siggi just grinned. He pointed out layers in the ice that were older than any of us by centuries. It made me feel small in a good way.

I still think about how quiet it was when we turned off our headlamps for a minute — just darkness and cold air moving around us. On the way back down, someone asked if these caves would even be here next year. Siggi shrugged: “Maybe not this one.” So yeah, nothing here stays put for long.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Jökulsárlón Ice Cave

• Meet at Jökulsárlón parking lot
• Get fitted with safety equipment
• Wear warm, comfortable outdoor clothing
• Depart in 4x4 vehicle to glacier base
• Hike 5-20 minutes to Ice Cave
• Explore blue Ice Cave formations
• Learn about glacial history from guide
• Take photos and enjoy the cave

Top questions

How long does the Jokulsarlon Ice Cave tour take?

The tour lasts around 4 hours total from meeting at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon until return.

Is equipment provided for the Blue Ice Cave tour?

Yes, spikes and helmets are included for all participants.

What happens if weather conditions are bad?

If weather makes entering an ice cave unsafe, an alternative glacier hike may be offered or a full refund provided.

How difficult is the hike to the ice cave?

The hike takes 5–20 minutes over uneven ground; moderate fitness is recommended.

Are there other people in the same area during the tour?

Yes, expect other groups exploring nearby caves or features at similar times.

Where does the Blue Ice Cave tour start?

The meeting point is in the main parking lot of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Is lunch included on this Jokulsarlon day trip?

No meals are included; bring snacks if you wish.

What should I wear for an Iceland glacier tour?

Wear warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots suitable for winter conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon’s main parking lot before heading out by modified 4x4 vehicle to Vatnajökull glacier with your local professional guide. All safety gear—spikes and helmet—is provided for exploring blue ice caves or features. You’ll join a small group supporting a local company on a carbon-neutralized adventure before returning to your starting point.