Iceland’s glaciers are a unique part of its landscape. Every year, thousands of people visit to see these natural wonders. Some from more distance while others choose to hike across a glacier, which can be dangerous and should only be done with a guide. Still others opt for a different experience: exploring ice caves.

Ice caves can be found in various parts of Iceland. Some are natural formations, while others are man-made. Regardless of their origin, walking through ice into a glacier is a unique experience. Like glacier hiking, exploring ice caves should always be done with a guide.  

How are Ice Caves Formed?

A natural ice cave is formed when the meltwater of a glacier moves through the ice, leaving behind a cavern. The summer sunlight sometimes melts the ice inside the cavern, creating stunning ice formations. Streams and wind can hollow out tunnels in glaciers, and this type of ice caves usually has scalloped, translucent walls that transmit blue light. All ice caves in Iceland lie within or beneath glaciers. All the glacier ice caves are constantly changing as the glacier melts and moves. This inconsistent environment creates challenges and risks, which is why being accompanied by a glacier guide is a must.

There are three types of glacier ice caves: subglacial, surface, and compression. Subglacial ice caves are at the bottom of a glacier, so when entering it, people are walking beneath the glacier on the rocky surface that the glacier lies on. Surface ice caves are located on the surface of a glacier and formed as water and air melts a hole through the ice. They tend to be smaller than subglacial ice caves. Compression arches are caves formed from surface tension on the glacier as the ice is compressed beneath an icefall. The result is an arch that reminds of a bridge.

One of Iceland‘s most famous natural ice caves resides in South Iceland under Mýrdalsjökull glacier, near Vík. Created by a volcanic eruption – Mýrdalsjökull is also home to Katla, one of the most violently explosive volcanoes in the country – what is now known as The Secret Ice Cave is an unbelievable spectacle. To get to the cave, you must first traverse the otherworldly black sands in a special 4×4 vehicle. The illuminating blue of the ice contrasts wildly with the bleak landscape. It is an easy hike through the cave that takes around three hours.

The most popular ice cave experience, however, is in the man-made cavern in Langjökull. Opened in 2015, this tunnel goes 30 m into the ice and then stretches on for half a kilometre. Even though it was fabricated, nature has put its own stamp on the cave, as ice formations have formed naturally inside.

Ice Cave Tours in Iceland

Visiting Iceland’s ice caves is among the most incredible experiences one can do while there. See mystical blue hues and feel like you have entered a fantasy world. Special equipment is of course provided on the tours.

The Crystal Blue Ice Cave

The Crystal Ice Cave is located in Europe’s biggest glacier, Vatnajökull. It gives people the chance to experience Iceland’s most picturesque ice cave in recent years with its special crystal blue color combinations.

Katla Ice Cave

Katla ice cave is located in one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, Katla. Its inside is blue and black, where the black comes from ash from volcanic eruptions. It is less than one hour from the village of Vík and a popular destination in South Iceland.

Into the Glacier

The most popular ice cave experience in Iceland is in the man-made cavern in Langjökull. Opened in 2015, this tunnel goes 30 m into the ice and then stretches on for half a kilometre. Although it was man-made, nature has put its own stamp on the cave, as ice formations have formed naturally inside. To get there, you have to first ride on the giant, 8-wheel glacier truck, which is an unforgettable experience itself. Once inside the cave, you will see a side of nature most people never get to experience. 

Ice Cave Experience in Reykjavík

If for any reason you are not able to visit the ice caves in the glaciers in different parts of the country, you can visit an ice cave in Reykjavík at Perlan, at the Ice Cave and Glacier Exhibition. There you can also learn about Iceland’s glaciers and their seemingly bleak future. In the safe environment of Perlan, guests can experience a real but man-made ice cave. It is 100 meters and was made from over 350 tonnes of snow from the country’s mountains.

Are you ready to experience a cool wonder? Check out the various ice cave tours available in Iceland here.