Vatnajökull Glacier: Small Group Ice Cave Tour & Super Jeep

Summary

Blue ice caves, super jeeps and crisp air by Jokulsarlon Lagoon

You’ll crunch across fresh snow from Jokulsarlon Lagoon in a small group, ride a super jeep to Vatnajökull’s edge, then wander blue-lit ice caves with your local guide. Expect laughter over mispronounced words, silence deeper than you’d guess, and plenty of time for photos—plus all your safety gear is sorted.

What’s the experience like?

I thought I’d seen “blue” before, but stepping out of the super jeep near Vatnajökull glacier, it was like the color had its own temperature. Our guide, Einar, handed me crampons and a helmet with a grin—he said something about “safety first,” but honestly, I was too busy staring at the way the light bounced off the snow. The drive from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon was bumpy in that fun way where you wonder if your teeth will chatter loose. There were just six of us, so it felt more like tagging along with friends than being herded around.

The walk to the ice cave was shorter than I expected—maybe twenty minutes?—but my boots squeaked on packed snow and someone behind me kept humming quietly. Inside, everything went silent except for our footsteps echoing off walls that looked almost fake. Einar pointed out layers in the ice, tracing them with his glove while explaining how each winter leaves its own mark. I tried to pronounce “Vatnajökull” properly; he laughed and said even Icelanders mess it up sometimes. My breath fogged up my glasses every time I tried to take a picture (should’ve brought wipes), but honestly, half my photos are blurry anyway because my hands were shaking a bit from excitement or cold or both.

It smelled clean in there—like nothing at all—and when we turned off our headlamps for a second, it was so dark I could hear my own heart thumping. Someone’s phone chimed and we all groaned at the intrusion. Afterward, walking back under that weirdly bright winter sky, I kept thinking about how quiet it had been inside the cave. Still do sometimes when things get loud back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ice cave tour from glacier lagoon

• Start trip at glacier lagoon parking
• Board super jeep
• Drive on country road to ice cave
• Receive safety equipment
• Walk to ice caves and tunnels
• Explore ice cave and take photos

Top questions

How long is the drive from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon to the ice cave?

The drive is short and only accessible by super jeep; exact duration isn’t specified but it’s not far from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Is safety equipment included in this ice cave tour?

Yes, crampons and helmets are provided for all participants before entering the cave.

How many people are in each group?

Groups are kept small for a more personal experience; large groups are not accepted.

Where does this tour start?

The tour begins at the glacier lagoon parking lot near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Is this tour suitable for people with health issues?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or who are pregnant.

Do I need to be very fit for this day trip?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness as some walking is involved.

Are photos allowed inside the ice cave?

Yes, you’re welcome to take photos while exploring inside the cave.

What’s included in this small group ice cave tour?

Crampons and helmets are included; transport by super jeep is also part of the experience.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon parking lot, transport by super jeep only accessible on country roads there, plus all necessary safety gear like crampons and helmet before heading into Vatnajökull’s blue ice caves alongside your local guide.