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Iceland’s glaciers & ice caves [Hiking & snowmobiling]

  • Iceland

Last updated: 23 April, 2024

Glaciers – vast sheets of permanently frozen ice – are remnants of the last Ice Age which have never melted – at least not yet. Sadly, due to climate change, many of them are now retreating at an alarming rate.

With more than 11% of its land surface covered, and over 269 named glaciers, Iceland is probably the best destination in the world to explore these wonders of nature. They are relatively easy to access here too, and served by plentiful, well-run tours for adventure enthusiasts.

Exploring glaciers

There are many different ways to explore the ice: on a glacier walk, by snowmobile or via a scenic flight.

Hiking on a glacier is the best way to see the ice up close: using crampons and ice-poles, you’ll trek out onto the glacier in the company of an experienced guide to see crevasses, seracs, ice caves and other formations.

Snowmobiling is a much more high-octane activity: wrapped up in polar-style suits, you’ll race over the ice at surprisingly fast speeds. It takes time to master, but it’s hugely thrilling fun.

Ice cave tours

Iceland is also one of the best places to see ice caves. These magical subterranean spaces glint and dazzle with polar colours, while strange ice sculptures adorn the walls, floor and ceiling. Little wonder they’re often featured in Icelandic myths as the homes of trolls, elves and other creatures.

Some of them are actually rock caves that are coated with ice, but there are also pure ice caves (usually located inside glaciers). Some are semi-permanent, while others only exist for short spaces of time before the ice swallows them up again.

These can usually only be reached on a guided glacier hike; many glacier tours include a tour of one or more along the way.

Recommendations

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Langjokull Glacier

  • Iceland

Langjokull Glacier

Experience

The second largest ice sheet after Vatnajokull, the ‘Long Glacier’ is a favourite for all-terrain jeep and snowmobiling trips, as well as guided hikes and glacier skiing for those who are experienced enough. There are also many ice caves to explore. It lies in the interior highlands, and can be reached from Thingvellir National Park.

Good for age: 18+

Duration: 1 night

Freq: monthly

Snaefellsjokull Glacier

  • Snaefelssnes Peninsula, Iceland

national park welcome sign with glaciers behind

Experience

Most of the western tip of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is taken up by this wild national park and the icy sheet of Snaefellsjokull. If you want to tackle a glacier walk and see the ice up close, this is a fine place to do it. Expeditions are led by guiding companies including Summit Adventure Guides and Snaefellsjokull Glacier Tours.

Good for age: 11+

Duration: 1 night

Freq: monthly

Vatnajokull Glacier

  • Iceland

Vatnajokull Glacier

Experience

The granddaddy of the glaciers: stretching from Iceland’s north to south, this is the biggest ice sheet in Europe. It’s so huge, it encompasses two national parks: the southern area is more visited, with a range of glacier walks and snowmobiling trips from Skaftafell.

Good for age: 18+

Duration: 1 night

Freq: monthly

Crystal Ice Cave

  • Breidamerkurjokull, Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland

Ice cave at jokulsarlon glacier in Iceland

Experience

This sparkling ice cave is on Breidamerkurjokull Glacier, a spur of Vatnajokull. It’s famous for its colours, which range from translucent blue to clear white – it’s best seen on a sunny day, when the display can be dazzling. Guided tours depart from Skaftafell or Jokulsarlon.

Good for age: 8+

Duration: 1 night

Freq: monthly

Katla Ice Cave

  • Vik, Iceland

Natural ice wind window tunnel between valley near glacier in Iceland. Destination landmark of travel in winter season.

Experience

Where else in the world but Iceland could you explore an ice cave under an active volcano? That’s exactly what you get at Katla, which burrows deep beneath its namesake volcano.  It’s a famous filming spot, featured in Star Wars: Rogue One and Game of Thrones. 3-hour guided tours depart from the nearby town of Vik.

Adult price: £160

Min age 6

Good for age: 6+

Duration: 1 night

Freq: monthly

Lofthellir Lava Tunnel & Ice Cave

  • Lake Myvatn, Iceland

Lofthellir Lava Tunnel & Ice Cave

Experience

This unusual cave near Myvatn combines two geological processes in one: it’s a lava cave coated in impressive ice formations. Around 370m of the cave is accessible on foot. Don headlamps, spiked boots and waterproofs – it’s a proper, big-thrill caving experience, so expect to get wet and muddy – and be prepared to squeeze through some tight spots. Tours last 4-5 hours.

Adult price: £200

Min age 8

Good for age: 8+

Duration: 4-5 hours

Freq: monthly

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Ice and icy attractions/activities are fairly ubiquitous in Iceland, but Vatnajokull National Park (especially the area around Skaftafell), Snaefellsnes National Park in the west and Langjokull in the interior are among the more accessible ice sheets.

Glacier walks range from a couple of hours to a full day, depending on difficulty and distance; harder walks may have age restrictions. Most of the popular ice caves are accessible to everyone, though tours usually specify a minimum age of 6.

You’ll need warm clothing, waterproofs and decent footwear. Never venture onto the ice on your own. Glaciers are dangerous places and can only be safely visited in with experienced, qualified guides.

Top operators include Icelandic Mountain Guides (https://www.mountainguides.is/ice-cave-tours) and Arctic Adventures (https://adventures.is/iceland/day-tours/), who can organise trips to all the main glaciers and ice caves.

When to do it

The major glaciers are open for visits year-round, although hardcore hikers and cavers can arrange trips with local guides earlier or later in the season when crowds will be lighter.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Reykjavik

Adventure through the dramatic landscape of Iceland during this full-day tour of the southern coastline. Explore lava fields, icebergs, and glaciers with help from a friendly, knowledgable guide. Visit the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and stop by the small village of Vik. Roundtrip transportation to and from selected locations in central Reykjavik is available.

Price $101

Min age 2

Rating 4.68 / 5 [2141 ratings]

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  • Reykjavik

Explore Iceland's iconic Golden Circle on an unforgettable journey that blends natural wonders with thrilling adventure. Begin with the awe-inspiring sights of Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. Marvel at the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, cascading dramatically into a rugged canyon. Then, experience the geothermal activity at the Geysir geothermal area, home to bubbling mud pools and erupting geysers. But the excitement doesn't end there – embark on an exhilarating one-hour snowmobile ride across the vast Langjökull glacier, Iceland's second largest ice cap. Feel the rush as you traverse pristine snowfields and panoramic icy landscapes, guided by expert instructors ensuring both safety and thrills. This tour promises the perfect blend of natural beauty and adrenaline-pumping action, offering an unparalleled Icelandic experience that will leave you with lasting memories of this breathtaking land.

Price $267

Min age 6

Rating 4.53 / 5 [662 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Reykjavik

Spend 12 hours exploring the magnificent southern coast of Iceland including a glacier hike with an experienced guide. Discover the Sólheimajökull Glacier as well as the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the Reynisfjara black sand beach. Ensure comfort with a small group tour and transport provided by minibus.

Price €170

Min age 8

Rating 4.80 / 5 [657 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Reykjavik

Experience the magic of Iceland's south coast in a single day on this incredible adventure from Reykjavik. Get up close and personal with a glacier, explore iconic spots, and discover the natural wonders that define this breathtaking region. Marvel at the mesmerizing Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, where you can even walk behind the cascading waters at Seljalandsfoss – a truly unique experience. Embrace the Insta-famous Reynisfjara black-sand beach, where you'll enjoy a leisurely stroll along the striking black sands while gazing at the magnificent rock formations that stretch out into the sea. The main adventure awaits at the Sólheimajökull glacier, where you'll gear up with harness, crampons, an ice pick, and a helmet. Embark on a short hike to the glacier's base, then ascend onto the ice for an exhilarating glacier hike filled with twists, turns, and panoramic vistas that will take your breath away.

Price $182

Min age 10

Rating 4.94 / 5 [552 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Skaftafell

Come join a three-hour hike up an outlet of Vatnajökull glacier, Europe's largest glacier, located in Skaftafell National Park. Experience the breathtaking natural scenery that has inspired dozens of filmmakers. You and your group of, at most, 12 people, will get the opportunity to explore the wilderness of the ice formations and crevasses under the guidance of a certified guide.

Price €99

Min age 8

Rating 4.73 / 5 [528 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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