Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Ice caves in Iceland are unpredictable and you never know when, if, where or how many will form. But in the last few years, they have consistently formed by Vatnajökull glacier, which is the largest glacier in Europe. They are beautiful to see and a popular photo opportunity for many travelers. This tour will take you on an exploration of an ice cave inside the National Park of Vatnajökull. Ice caves are a rare phenomena that form naturally, so this tour is a once in a life time experience.
Available options
Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull
Option 1: 3 hour ice cave tour incl. super jeep tour starting at 9:30am. This tour departs from Jökulsárlón café, just by the glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón.
What's included
All gear for entering the ice cave safely
Ride in a 4x4 modified super jeep
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Skaftafell national park
3
Stop 3
Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe
What's not included
Warm clothes
Hiking boots
Camera
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.9
77 reviews
5★
44
4★
10
3★
8
2★
4
1★
11
Tripadvisor
4.5
243 reviews
5★
189
4★
22
3★
8
2★
7
1★
17
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
You must meet us at the departure location. This tour departs from Jökulsárlón café which is about 390 km east from Reykjavík, Just by the parking lot of the glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your booked departure time
Warm and waterproof clothing required
Hiking shoes required (We do not offer hiking shoes rental for this tour. Please wear hiking shoes or you will not be fit to go into the ice cave.)
The weather in Iceland is unpredictable and can be changing rapidly. Our guides check on a daily base if it is save to go to the ice cave.*
Our guide decides which cave to visit every day depending on safety and weather conditions. If on that day the cave is not suitable to enter, due to unforeseeable reasons such as a glacial flood, excessive rain around the cave, our guide will inform you at the meeting point. You can choose to either follow our guide on a glacier hike to the cave (but do not enter due to safety reasons), or you can choose on site to cancel the tour with a full refund. If you choose the glacier hike we will also refund you 30% of the tour. We hope the glacier hike and partial refund will compensate you, as the surrounding area of Vatnajökull is extremely beautiful and does not disappoint.
Meeting point
Head to the sign that says “Crystal Cave Tours”—your guide will meet you there. It’s located next to the main parking lot at Jökulsárlón.
About Höfn
Höfn is a charming coastal town in southeastern Iceland, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich fishing heritage. It's a gateway to some of Iceland's most breathtaking landscapes, including the Vatnajökull National Park and the dramatic Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Top Attractions
Vatnajökull National Park
This vast national park is home to Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull. It offers stunning landscapes, ice caves, and hiking trails.
Nature
Half day to full day
Moderate to Expensive (guided tours required for some areas)
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
A breathtaking glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs, offering boat tours and stunning views.
Nature
Half day
Moderate to Expensive (boat tours available)
Höfn Harbor
The heart of Höfn, known for its fishing industry and lobster dining. A great place to experience local culture and cuisine.
Cultural
A few hours
Free to explore, moderate for dining
Must-Try Local Dishes
Lobster Soup
A creamy and rich soup made with fresh lobster, a specialty of Höfn.
Dinner
Contains seafood, may contain dairy
Plokkfiskur
A traditional Icelandic fish stew made with mashed fish, potatoes, and béchamel sauce.
Dinner
Contains fish, dairy, and gluten
Rye Bread
Dense and flavorful rye bread often served with butter and smoked fish.
Bread
Vegan option available (without butter)
Popular Activities
Glacier hiking
Ice caving
ATV tours
Northern Lights viewing
Spa visits
Coffee shop lounging
Local museums
Harbor exploration
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer offers the warmest temperatures and long daylight hours, perfect for exploring the outdoors. However, it's also the busiest time with more tourists and higher prices.
8°C to 15°C
46°F to 59°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Icelandic
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Icelandic Króna (ISK)
Time Zone
GMT+0
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Höfn is a safe town with low crime rates. The main safety concerns are related to weather and outdoor activities.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of changing weather conditions
- • Stay on marked trails when hiking
- • Drive carefully, especially in winter
Getting there
By air
- Egilsstaðir Airport • 80 km (50 miles)
By bus
Höfn Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are available for travel between towns but not within Höfn itself. Schedules are limited, so planning is essential.
Taxis
Available • Apps: None widely available
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Höfn Town Center
Surrounding Natural Areas
Day trips
Skaftafell
80 km (50 miles) • Full day
A part of Vatnajökull National Park, offering stunning hiking trails and glacier views.
Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon
60 km (37 miles) • Half day
A smaller but equally stunning glacier lagoon near Höfn, offering boat tours and iceberg views.
Festivals
Höfn Lobster Festival • July
Pro tips
- Visit the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon early in the day to avoid crowds.
- Try the local lobster dishes at the harbor restaurants.
- Book guided tours in advance, especially for glacier hikes and ice caves.
- Dress in layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- Check weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling, especially in winter.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
