Vatnajokull: Ice Cave & Glacier Walk Blue Canyon Tour

Summary

Blue glacier caves and canyon walks in Vatnajokull’s wild heart

You’ll start at Jökulsárlón Lagoon with your local guide, gear up with helmets and crampons, then hike into Vatnajokull’s blue glacier canyon. Step inside an ice cave—feel the chill on your face—and hear stories from someone who knows these glaciers by heart. There’s space for small surprises too: a quiet moment alone with ancient ice or laughter over mispronounced Icelandic.

What’s the experience like?

The day didn’t start exactly as planned—my left boot lace snapped right there at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which meant fumbling with cold fingers while everyone else was already listening to our guide, Einar. He just grinned, handed me a spare lace (apparently this happens more than you’d think), and told me not to worry about it. I liked him right away. The air smelled sharp, like wet stone and something faintly sweet under the ice, and my breath kept fogging up my glasses.

We crunched along the edge of Vatnajokull, crampons biting into the crusty snow. Einar pointed out how the light bounced off the blue glacier canyon walls—he said some days it glows almost turquoise if you catch it at the right hour. Today it was more steel-blue, but still kind of hypnotic. Inside the ice cave itself, there were a few other groups but it never felt crowded; maybe because Einar timed our stop so we had a quiet pocket to just stand there and listen to water dripping somewhere deep inside. My glove got soaked when I touched one of the walls (couldn’t help myself), but honestly? Worth it.

At one point someone asked how long these caves last before they melt or collapse. Einar shrugged and said sometimes just a season, sometimes less—it depends on the weather and luck. There was something humbling about that. The whole place felt temporary, like we were borrowing it for an hour or two before it changed again. On the way back I tried saying “Vatnajökull” properly; Einar laughed and said my Icelandic was “not terrible.” I’ll take it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ice cave and glacier walk tour

• Start from local area
• Tour inside Vatnajökull National Park
• Visit ice cave
• Walk to blue glacier canyon

Top questions

Where does the ice cave tour in Vatnajokull start?

The tour starts from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Is safety equipment included in the glacier walk?

Yes, helmets, crampons, headlights (if needed), and other safety equipment are included.

Will there be other groups inside the ice cave?

Yes, due to popularity there may be groups from other companies inside at the same time.

What happens if weather cancels the tour?

If cancelled due to poor weather, you can choose an alternative date or get a full refund.

How fit do I need to be for this day trip?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness for this glacier walk and cave visit.

Is pickup included for this Vatnajokull tour?

The tour includes pickup from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon; hotel pickup is not mentioned.

Are taxes and fees included in the price?

Yes, all taxes, fees, and handling charges are included in your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, all necessary safety equipment like helmets and crampons (plus headlights if needed), guidance throughout by a local expert who knows these glaciers well, and coverage of all taxes or fees—so you can just focus on walking into that unreal blue world without worrying about logistics.