Vatnajökull Glacier: Natural Blue Ice Cave Tour & Super Jeep

Summary

Blue ice cave adventure from Jökulsárlón with super jeep ride

You’ll step onto Vatnajökull Glacier in a small group, ride out from Jökulsárlón by super jeep with your local guide, and hike across shifting snow before entering a real blue ice cave. Feel the cold air and see colors you won’t believe are natural—then try not to think about it for days after.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first crunch of my boots on the frost outside Jökulsárlón. The air was sharper than I expected—almost electric. There were just a handful of us, blinking in the pale morning light, when our guide Einar waved us over to this monster of a super jeep. He had that Icelandic way about him—quiet but funny if you listened close. The drive out toward Vatnajökull Glacier felt like crossing another planet, all white and black streaks and wind that rattled the windows now and then. Einar pointed out where the glacier used to reach when he was a kid, which made me weirdly sad for reasons I can’t quite explain.

The walk to the ice cave wasn’t too long for us—maybe 20 minutes? It changes, apparently. The ground underfoot was all crunchy snow and slick patches, so we stopped to strap on crampons (I’d never worn them before; they feel awkward at first but you get used to it). Einar handed out helmets too, cracking a joke about “Viking safety.” The wind carried this sort of mineral smell off the glacier—hard to describe unless you’ve been there. When we finally ducked into the cave itself, everyone went quiet except for one guy who just whispered “wow” like he couldn’t help it.

Inside, the blue was deeper than anything I’ve seen in photos. Some parts looked almost green or black where volcanic ash got trapped in the ice layers—Einar explained how every winter shapes new caves, so no two tours are ever exactly alike. My gloves squeaked against the icy wall when I touched it (probably not supposed to but I couldn’t resist). There was this moment when someone’s headlamp hit a patch just right and it glowed like stained glass—I didn’t expect that part to stick with me but it does.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Blue Ice Cave Tour at Vatnajökull Glacier

• Meet guide at Glacier Lagoon cafeteria
• Board custom-made super jeep
• Drive 40 minutes to Breiðamerkurjökull glacier
• Listen to guide's insights on glaciers and volcanoes
• Hike 1-4 km on glacier if needed
• Receive safety briefing and gear up
• Explore natural blue ice cave formations

Top questions

How do I get to the starting point for the Vatnajökull ice cave tour?

The tour departs from Jökulsárlón (Glacier Lagoon) cafeteria; there is no hotel pickup or drop-off included.

How long is the blue ice cave tour from Jökulsárlón?

The full experience lasts about 3-4 hours including driving and hiking time.

What should I wear for an ice cave tour in Iceland?

Dress in waterproof and warm clothing with good hiking boots or shoes plus warm socks.

Is lunch included on this Vatnajökull glacier tour?

No meals are included; only gear like helmets and crampons are provided.

Are children allowed on the blue ice cave tour?

Children aged 7 and up can join if accompanied by an adult.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No, participants need at least moderate physical fitness due to uneven terrain and walking distance.

Will we visit the same ice cave every time?

No, caves change each season; your guide will choose based on conditions that day.

What languages is this Vatnajökull glacier tour available in?

Tours can be arranged in Spanish, Italian, Icelandic or Polish upon request.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Jökulsárlón’s cafeteria by super jeep with your driver-guide, all taxes and fees covered, plus use of safety gear like helmets and crampons before heading into a natural blue ice cave on Vatnajökull Glacier.