
Blue Ice Cave Exploration & Glacier Hiking in Skaftafell
Duration: 4 hours Easy
Why we love this tour
Step through a maze of ice tunnels in shades of pure blue. Explore this natural phenomenon in the Skaftafell wilderness area with wide eyes as you take in the unique beauty around you.
- Admire the bright blue of the Skaftafell ice cave
- Witness a natural phenomenon up close
- Hike 3.5 km (2.2 mi) through the Vatnajokull National Park
- Learn about glaciers and the area's geological significance
- End the tour at a peaceful glacial lagoon















The marvelous blue ice caves in Skaftafell are enough to freeze you in your tracks. One a day tour full of glacier discovery, explore the naturally formed ice caves and ice tunnels of a stunning outlet glacier.
The ice caves, only accessible in winter, open up for exploration when the meltwater underneath the glacier freezes over and leaves behind these ice tunnels. After meeting your highly trained and certified glacier guide in Skaftafell, you will be fitted with the required glacier gear, like an ice axe, ice spikes, and a helmet.
On the way to the glacier, your guide leads you on a pleasant 3.5 km (2.2 mi) scenic and educational trail in Vatnajokull National Park. You'll hear about the current geological issues and their significance to the environment.
Once in the stunning ice caves, you have plenty of time to take in the breathtaking surroundings. The melting ice, vivid blue color, and tranquility inside of the cave create a spectacular environment unlike anything else. Wander through frozen walls and ice sculptures and take in this magnificent shades of color.
After exploring the cave and taking your photos, you return up to its surface. There, your guide leads you through the ever-changing glacial landscape. You end with a visit to a spectacular glacier lagoon of icebergs before returning to the lodge in Skaftafell.
Hike across fields of ice and step into a breathtaking atmosphere of natural beauty. If the blue ice caves of Skaftafell aren't on your bucket list, make sure you add them.
*Please note that ice caves are a natural phenomenon and the conditions can change depending on the weather. Your safety is our first priority so sometimes our tours may be canceled with short notice due to weather conditions or safety concerns. If this happens, we will always do our best to offer you an alternative tour, if weather permits.
Need to know before you go
This tour runs every day from November 1st to March 31st.
Start times are 9:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.
Please arrive 30 minutes before the start time.
Groups are limited to 12 people per guide.
Minimum age is 10 years old.
Directions
Driving time
From Reykjavik: 5 hrs
From Vik: 2.5 hrs
From Hofn: 1.5 - 2 hrs
GPS points for Skaftafell
N 64.016217
W 16.966664
The parking lot is at the end of road no. 998 that branches off main road no. 1. Look for the lodge labeled Icelandic Mountain Guides by the main parking lot of Skaftafell National Park.
Cancellation
Your booking will become valid after we receive your payment and send you a confirmation email.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance with 100% reimbursement.
There is no reimbursement for later cancellations. In case of cancellation from our side due to bad weather, we will return your payment in full.
Meeting point
Skaftafell Troll Expeditions
West of Hofgardur, 785 Hof, Island
https://goo.gl/maps/53H8jskapDbiU4qt8
Provided by
Icelandic Mountain GuidesReviews for this provider
23 Sep 2023
It was a Really nice adventure. We thought that we will reach the glacier cave more but anyway it is worth to visit this amazing place! Also our guide Andrea was really good! He shared with us a lot of facts and was all the time helpful and we felt with him really comfortable.
15 Jun 2022
Just kept getting better as it went on…
15 Apr 2022
Great fun angriest scenery. A spectacular experience overall.