Vik: Katla Ice Cave & Super Jeep Tour with Glacier Guide

Summary

Katla volcano’s icy cave colors & super jeep adventure from Vik

You’ll ride out from Vik in a Super Jeep with your glacier guide, crossing wild moss fields before gearing up for Katla Ice Cave. Feel the chill air as you step inside blue-black tunnels carved by volcanic power. Expect laughter over crampons and honest moments of awe beneath ancient ice.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — tires crunching over gravel outside The Soup Company in Vik, and then that weird silence when we climbed into the Super Jeep. Our guide, Jón, had this dry sense of humor and a way of making you feel like you’d known him longer than five minutes. The ride up to the glacier felt unreal — moss everywhere, almost glowing green even though it was cloudy. Someone in the back kept saying it looked like another planet. I remember pressing my face to the window just trying to take it all in.

Getting out at Kötlujökull Glacier, the air hit colder than I expected (gloves were a good call). We fumbled with crampons and helmets, laughing at each other’s attempts — Jón helped me adjust mine because apparently my “technique” was just wrong. Walking towards the entrance of Katla Ice Cave, I could smell that crisp mineral scent you only get around glaciers. Inside, it was darker than photos ever show. Black ice layered with blue streaks — honestly, I didn’t expect those colors to feel so…quiet? Everyone went quiet for a minute except Jón explaining how Katla Volcano sleeps right beneath us. That part stuck with me.

I tried to take a photo but my fingers were freezing and I just gave up after a while — sometimes it’s better not to force it. There was this moment where someone tried to say “Kötlujökull” properly and totally butchered it; Jón laughed so hard he nearly dropped his flashlight. On the way back down, nobody really talked much — just watching those moss fields roll by again, thinking about fire under ice and how strange Iceland can be. I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ice Cave Tour from Vik

• Meet at The Soup Company parking
• Board Super Jeep to glacier
• Drive through Moss Wonderland scenery
• Put on crampons and helmet
• Walk inside natural ice cave
• Learn about glacier and ice cave

Top questions

How do you get to the Katla Ice Cave from Vik?

You meet at The Soup Company parking lot in Vik and travel by Super Jeep with your guide directly to Kötlujökull Glacier for the Katla Ice Cave tour.

Is safety equipment provided for the ice cave tour?

Yes, all necessary safety gear including crampons and helmets are included for every traveler on the tour.

How long does it take to drive from Reykjavik to Vik?

The drive from Reykjavik to Vik takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes in good road conditions.

What should I bring for the Katla Ice Cave tour?

You should bring warm clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, hiking boots, head-wear and gloves for comfort during the tour.

Are children allowed on this day trip?

The minimum age for joining this tour is 8 years old.

How many people will be on the Super Jeep tour?

The maximum group size is 13 travelers per tour.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your certified glacier guide in Vik, riding a Super Jeep through Iceland’s mossy highlands, entry into Katla’s natural ice cave on Kötlujökull Glacier, plus all safety equipment like crampons and helmet—so you’re set for exploring those icy tunnels without worry.