Ice Cave and Vatnajökull Glacier

Ice Cave and Glacier hike

Visiting an ice cave in Iceland is an absolute must. But, which one should you choose? Where should you go? And should you explore just the cave, or the glacier too? These were exactly the questions we pondered before heading to Iceland. After much consideration, we finally decided on visiting the ice tunnel and hiking to Vatnajökull, including a stop at a natural cave. However, we couldn’t help but feel some regret about the money spent on the tunnel, as Vatnajökull alone truly surpassed all our expectations.

Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, stands as one of Iceland’s most iconic destinations. With its vast expanse, dramatic landscapes, and mysterious glacial caves, it draws travelers from all around the globe. So, if you’re seeking an adventure that immerses you deep into nature’s heart, then a glacier hike combined with exploring a glacier cave is precisely the experience you need.

Why visit the glacial caves?

Glacial caves are among nature’s most extraordinary phenomena. Each winter, they form through the movement and melting of glaciers, resulting in new formations every year. Their brilliant blue walls, shaped by immense pressure and the removal of air bubbles, create an otherworldly experience. As you walk through these crystal tunnels, it’s like stepping into another realm – the silence, the breathtaking beauty, and the overwhelming sense of smallness in the face of nature’s power leave a lasting impact.

However, it’s important to remember that you won’t know in advance exactly what the cave you visit will look like. Since these caves are constantly formed, disappear, and change, sometimes within just a few weeks, each visit offers something new. Some caves are grand and awe-inspiring, while others may be smaller or more modest. Ultimately, you don’t get to choose—the magic of nature makes that decision for you.

But what you will definitely see is the blue colour of the ice all around you. Even an ordinary cave is extraordinary and breathtaking. However, you must not come here expecting to see a cave like in the photos. Then you will only experience disappointment, as all the agencies put the most beautiful ones on the photos that were taken.

How does the tour is organised?

Your adventure starts with a meeting with a certified guide. Following a brief safety introduction and equipment check – which includes fitting your crampons, helmet, and ice axe – you’ll head out on a thrilling ride to the glacier in special off-road vehicles. During this journey, you’ll traverse a rugged Icelandic landscape, passing through stretches of black sand and fascinating rock formations. Even before setting foot on the glacier, this trip already becomes an unforgettable experience.

After getting off, you put on your crampons and head up the hills. Although there will be brown-black gravel below you at first, don’t be fooled. It’s just an accumulation with ice already underneath. Just use your ice pick and you’ll see the ice chunks breaking free from the ground below you .

You must never venture onto the glacier without a guide. Due to the ice’s unstable nature, even if you bring your own crampons, you could easily overlook a forming crack and risk getting stuck.

We chose the Troll agency. We liked the fact that they had an afternoon hike at 2pm, and we assumed we would be watching the sunset on the glacier – and we did.

Glacier Cave

After a few minutes of trekking on the glacier, which didn’t look like a glacier, an opening appeared in front of us with water dripping from it. It was like a portal to another world. From the outside we could already see the blue hue inside the cave and we couldn’t wait to see what it would be like on the inside.

As it was very narrow, the guide just gave us safety advice and we gradually went inside.

The cave resembled an icy canyon, with sections so narrow that Martin had to squeeze through carefully. This only added to its uniqueness and enhanced our experience. Everywhere we turned, we were surrounded by hues of white and blue. If we had the chance, we would have stayed for hours, simply marveling at the water slowly dripping and trickling down the glistening blue walls.

Glacier hike – walk on the frozen giant

After visiting the cave, the adventure continues with a hike across the pristine white ice. Walking on ice that has existed for thousands of years is an unforgettable experience. Along the way, your guide will point out deep crevasses in the glacier and explain its constant movement. However, it’s important to remember that these areas can be dangerous, making hiking without a guide strictly forbidden.

Additionally, the hike provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including volcanic mountains and the distant coastline. Standing on the glacier, you feel as if you’re on another planet – just you, the profound silence, and the vast expanse of white. Moreover, smaller groups enhance this sense of solitude and wonder.

The white peaks of the hills, where the icy blue hue mingles, add even more to the beauty.

When to go to Vatnajökull?

Visiting the glacier caves is only possible in winter, from October to March, when the ice and conditions are stable enough. However, glacier hikes are organised all year round, you just don’t walk through the caves. That’s why we headed to Iceland in October, as visiting the cave was one of the highlights we definitely wanted to experience.

For us, the best time is the afternoon hike. In the morning you can see Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and in the afternoon you can enjoy the view from above.

The second advantage is the sunset, which you can watch directly from the glacier. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets we have experienced in Iceland.

Practical information

Price: Trip to the glacier cave and hike on the glacier costs about 160-200 € per person. The price includes equipment and an expert guide.
Duration: the whole trip takes 3-5 hours, depending on the chosen hike and the starting point.
Equipment: warm and waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots and gloves are essential. Despite the wintry conditions, you can keep warm while walking, so we recommend dressing in layers. Don’t forget to wear tall socks so you can get your crampons tangled in them.

Vatnajökull melting and the climate crisis

But at the same time, hiking on the glacier shows the reality of climate change. Iceland’s glaciers are shrinking at an alarming rate, and Vatnajökull is no exception. Every year, huge chunks of ice break off, ending up in the surrounding lagoons and ocean. This process creates beautiful, yet sad, scenery.