Katla Ice Cave Super Jeep Tour: Glacier Canyons & Waterfalls

The ice cave sits underneath an active volcano, not inside a mountain.

A 4-hour Super Jeep tour from Vik to Katla Ice Cave beneath Katla Volcano, led by a certified glacier guide in English. You ride into the black desert, hike to the cave entrance, walk through ice tunnels and glittering chambers, then explore further into glacier canyons and hidden waterfalls than the shorter version allows. Minimum age 12. Crampons, helmet and headlamp provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Katla Ice Cave and Glacier

• Board Super Jeep
• Travel to Katla Ice Cave
• Walk through ice tunnels
• Explore glacier canyons and waterfalls
• Photograph ice chambers and landscapes

The experience

The tour starts with a Super Jeep ride across the black sand desert left by Katla's previous eruptions. Once you reach the glacier, a certified guide leads you on foot through winding ice tunnels and into chambers where light catches the walls. The 4-hour format gives you time to venture beyond the main cave. You'll hike to secret glacier canyons and hunt for hidden waterfalls that most visitors miss, with more chances to stop and photograph.

All safety gear is included: crampons for traction on ice, a helmet, and a headlamp to see into the deeper chambers. The guide speaks English and stays with the group throughout. The hike itself is moderate but involves walking on uneven ice and climbing in and out of the cave system, so steady footing and basic fitness help, though the tour welcomes all physical levels.

This is the extended version of the standard Katla tour, built for travelers who want to spend more time in the ice and venture further off the main path. If you're a photographer or someone who wants the full glacier experience without feeling rushed, the extra hour makes the difference.

What’s included

• Ride on a Super Jeep into the black desert.
• certified glacier guide in English.
• hike through glacier canyons and to hidden waterfalls.
• all safety equipment including crampons, helmet, and headlamp.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Friday and SundayDeparts at 09:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 24

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditions

Operated by Troll Expeditions

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the commentary and the glacier's geology without translation. If you're comfortable hiking on ice for four hours with a group, this extended format gives you time to explore deeper into the cave system than the shorter tour allows.

Traveler reviews

4.69★★★★★★★★★★

13 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

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 do I get to the Katla Ice Cave from Vik?

A Super Jeep picks you up and drives across the black sand desert to the glacier. The vehicle is built for rough terrain and gets you to the cave entrance where the hiking portion begins.

What's inside the ice cave itself?

Katla Ice Cave has winding tunnels and glittering ice chambers carved by meltwater over millennia. The extended tour lets you explore further into glacier canyons and locate hidden waterfalls within the cave system.

Do I need climbing experience or special fitness?

No climbing experience is needed. The tour welcomes all physical fitness levels, though you'll be walking on uneven ice and moving in and out of the cave, so reasonable mobility and steady footing help. The minimum age is 12.

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

Crampons, a helmet, and a headlamp are all included. Wear warm, waterproof layers and sturdy boots with good grip. The guide will advise on clothing when you book.

Is the guide English-speaking?

Yes, the certified glacier guide leads the tour in English and stays with the group the entire time.