Jökulsárlón: Crystal Ice Cave & Super Jeep Ride in Vatnajökull

Höfn , Iceland

Jökulsárlón: Crystal Ice Cave & Super Jeep Ride in Vatnajökull

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(126 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Your adventure begins at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where massive icebergs drift toward the Atlantic Ocean. From here, you’ll climb into a super jeep for an exciting off‑road ride to the edge of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier.

After a short walk, your guide will lead you into a naturally formed ice cave - a dazzling world of deep blue ice shaped by meltwater streams and frozen into magical formations. Equipped with a headlamp and glacier crampons, you’ll safely explore the cave, capture incredible photos, and learn how these rare formations appear and change with each winter season.

The tour lasts about 2–3 hours and ends back at Jökulsárlón Lagoon, where it began.

Available options

Standart Departure

What's included

Professional, expert ice cave guide

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Super Jeep ride from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon to the ice cave

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

The meeting point for the tour is by the booking hut at the Glacier Lagoon parking lot.

Stop 2

Explore a natural ice cave on Vatnajökull glacier, the biggest glacier in Europe.

What's not included

Transportation to/from Reykjavik

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.9

11 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 3.8

115 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This experience is subject to favourable conditions. Safety always comes first. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered the choice of an alternative date or a full refund.

Being properly dressed will make your adventure safer, more comfortable, and much more enjoyable. We reccomend wearing layers, waterproof clothing, and sturdy hiking boots.

Ice caves are popular and often visited by multiple tour groups. While we keep groups small (max 14 people), we cannot guarantee your group will be alone in the cave.

Ice caves are a constantly changing natural phenomenon. Their appearance depends on the season, weather, light, and other conditions. Photos may not reflect the exact cave or views on the day of your visit.

Minimum age: 6 years old

Meeting point

The tour departs from the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Parking Lot. The meeting point is on the East side of the parking lot, where you will see super jeeps & tour vans parked.

Important notes

The tour departs from the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Parking Lot. The meeting point is on the East side of the parking lot, where you will see super jeeps & tour vans parked.

This adventure is operated jointly with our partners at Glacier Mice. Please look for the Arctic Adventures Booking Centre sign, where the guide will greet you & lead you to the Glacier Mice super jeep. Please note that our tours leave promptly, so we appreciate your punctuality. We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour.

PARKING
Jökulsárlón is a busy area. There are parking lots on either side of the Route 1 highway: beside the Glacier Lagoon, & south of the bridge at the Diamond Beach. Please allow plenty of time to find parking and make your way to the meeting point. A parking fee of is charged by Vatnajökull National Park.

GETTING HERE
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is located 379 km east of Reykjavík, halfway between Skaftafell and Höfn, just off Route 1 (the Ring Road). From Reykjavík, the drive takes approximately 5 hours in good conditions. From Höfn, the lagoon is about 88 km west, or roughly 1 hour’s drive in good conditions.

This tour is dependent on weather and natural conditions. Guest safety is our highest priority, and tours may be altered or cancelled if conditions are deemed unsafe by National Park Authorities. On occasion, late cancellations or itinerary adjustments may be unavoidable.

Glaciers are always changing, and the cave visited may vary depending on conditions. Some caves are larger or more striking than others, but each is unique and chosen for your safety and the best possible experience on the day. We appreciate your patience and flexibility. We will always strive to provide you with the best possible experience.

In the event of unfavorable conditions, we will notify you by email if the tour is cancelled. Please check your inbox before setting out to confirm that the tour is running as scheduled.

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.