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Katla Ice Cave Tour: Iceland's South Coast Wonders
4.5
245 Ratings
Reykjavik
Embark on a thrilling adventure to the Katla Volcano Ice Cave from Reykjavik. Hike on the Kötlujökull glacier, explore a natural ice cave, and witness breathtaking landscapes on this ultimate Iceland experience.
Embark on a thrilling adventure to the Katla Volcano Ice Cave from Reykjavik. Hike on the Kötlujökull glacier, explore a natural ice cave, and witness breathtaking landscapes on this ultimate Iceland experience.
Duration:
11 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Reykjavik - The adventure kicks off with a morning pick-up from designated spots in Reykjavík. From Iceland’s lively capital, the journey proceeds along the scenic South Coast, showcasing some of the nation’s most stunning natural attractions. Travelers can enjoy views of quaint villages and dramatic landscapes sculpted by glaciers and volcanoes….
- Reykjavik - The adventure kicks off with a morning pick-up from designated spots in Reykjavík. From Iceland’s lively capital, the journey proceeds along the scenic South Coast, showcasing some of the nation’s most stunning natural attractions. Travelers can enjoy views of quaint villages and dramatic landscapes sculpted by glaciers and volcanoes. The route leads to the charming town of Vík, where the last guests join the group before heading east for the glacier and ice cave adventure.
- Skogafoss - Skógafoss stands as one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, plunging 60 meters (197 feet) down a majestic cliff into a misty pool below. Its sheer power and breathtaking surroundings make it a must-visit for photographers and nature lovers. On sunny days, vibrant rainbows often appear in the mist, creating a magical and unforgettable scene.
- Vik - Upon arrival in Vík, guests transfer from the minibus to a Super Jeep, embarking on an exhilarating off-road journey to the glacier.
- Myrdalsjokull Glacier - It’s time to gear up with crampons and step onto the glacier! Prepare to be captivated by the cinematic landscape as you explore the stunning blue ice and striking black volcanic ash of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. A certified glacier guide will provide expert insights into this remarkable natural wonder.
Please note: Ice caves are dynamic natural formations that constantly evolve due to weather, temperature, sunlight, and precipitation. This means the cave’s appearance may differ from the photos you’ve seen.
Each tour visits the best accessible, naturally formed ice cave available—carefully chosen based on current conditions and safety. As nature is always changing, every visit offers a truly unique experience.
- Seljalandsfoss - Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most distinctive waterfalls, famous for the footpath that allows visitors to walk behind the cascading water. Dropping 60 meters (197 feet) from ancient sea cliffs, this stunning waterfall offers a unique perspective and unforgettable photo opportunities. Get ready to feel the spray and be amazed by the view!
- Reykjavik - The tour concludes with an arrival back in Reykjavík at approximately 8:00 p.m., wrapping up an unforgettable day of adventure. Relax and reflect on the breathtaking sights experienced throughout the tour.
What's Included
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skógafoss Waterfall
- Reykjavik pick up & drop off
- Scenic Super Jeep ride
- Visit to a natural Ice Cave
- Professional Tour Guide
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skógafoss Waterfall
- Reykjavik pick up & drop off
- Scenic Super Jeep ride
- Visit to a natural Ice Cave
- Professional Tour Guide
What's Not Included
- Food & drinks
- Warm Clothes
- Hiking Boots
- Food & drinks
- Warm Clothes
- Hiking Boots
Additional Information
Set off on an unforgettable adventure to one of Iceland’s most remarkable natural attractions. Journey from Reykjavík along the picturesque South Coast, pausing at the renowned Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss en route to Vík. From there, hop into a robust Super Jeep for an off-road excursion across dramatic volcanic landscapes leading to the Katla Glacier,…
Set off on an unforgettable adventure to one of Iceland’s most remarkable natural attractions. Journey from Reykjavík along the picturesque South Coast, pausing at the renowned Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss en route to Vík. From there, hop into a robust Super Jeep for an off-road excursion across dramatic volcanic landscapes leading to the Katla Glacier, a part of Mýrdalsjökull.
Enter the ever-evolving Katla Ice Cave, where stunning blue ice is interwoven with layers of volcanic ash, creating a unique landscape unlike any other on Earth. Often compared to the “dragon glass” from Game of Thrones, the cave reveals Iceland’s raw and untamed beauty.
A certified glacier guide will share captivating insights into the cave’s formation and history, while ensuring your safety with all necessary equipment provided. This is a unique chance to explore a living glacier and observe the powerful interplay of fire and ice - an adventure that will remain with you forever.
- What to bring: Warm clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, packed lunch, hiking boots, head-wear and gloves.
- Minimum age: 6 years old.
Location
Reykjavik
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(245 Ratings)
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Claire_s
Jul 13, 2025
Once in a lifetime - It was a trip of a lifetime!!! Scary but felt very protected. The guides are very experience. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, this is the one for you.
Review provided by Viator
U1373zqpd
Jul 13, 2025
Expensive but worth it. Unique experience. High energy positive guides. - We were ambivalent about this excursion because it was heavily marketed and expensive compared to most other activities we did. We debated it amongst our group and spoke with others who had done it and finally decided to take the plunge. When the dust settled, we are happy we did it.
First one note, it seems that arctic adventures is a marketing company for the purposes of this tour and they have a tie up with another company, south coast adventures, that is one of three that has the rights to do tours at this cave. Second, during peak season it is crowded with many tour groups all in queue for their moment in the cave which has limited capacity. So if you are ok waiting a bit you will get your time in the cave for all the photos you want. They also make up activities to pass the time while waiting. They didn’t rush us when in the cave and everyone got the photos and experience they wanted in our group. Third, some of their vehicles are old and some are new. That can on the margins affect the driving experience if in an old vehicle without ac and it is a ‘hotter’ day. Not sure how you can maneuver into a newer one.
We found the experience of driving in the oversized vehicle with tires and that deflate to reduce bumps on the gravel and rock road fun entertaining, especially the teenagers. Walking up to the cave on the ash covered ice was a new experience for us and generated many questions for the guide to answer.
Practically you wear crampons on top of your boots or shoes and it gives a lot of grip, and they have done a good job with railings and ropes over the dodgy bits but don’t go if you have balance issues. That said we saw all ages in the groups from grand kids to grand parents.
The cave itself was interesting as no two visits are alike, it is constantly melting and changing. So the photos you see on TripAdvisor won’t be your experience. Also the caves ultimately get destroyed with melting and they find new ones when that happens. So the cave from last year may not be the cave next year. The guides we experienced were high on enthusiasm, energy, positive energy, and service oriented, which met our needs. GenAI helped us fill in a few gaps in knowledge.
It is hard to describe the views until you see them, and once we had experienced it we were happy we did. This was probably not the best value activity of what we did in the country on the ring road trip, but we are happier having done it than not.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Schoi888
Jul 8, 2025
Stunning trip to the Katla Ice cave - I had an incredible experience on the full-day Katla Ice Cave tour! Everything was perfectly organized and on time.
Our guide, Àrný, was fantastic. She was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging. Even as a local, her deep understanding of Iceland’s geology, history, and culture was impressive, and she shared it all with a great sense of humor that made the entire day even more enjoyable.
We were lucky to have clear skies, which made every stop along the way even more stunning.
The hike for the ice cave is very manageable for all ages in suitable conditions.
I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Iceland!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Terry_e
Jun 20, 2025
The tour guide was... - The tour guide was energetic and encouraging and made us all feel comfortable with walking on a glacier and entering the ice cave !
Review provided by Viator
Kathi_i
Jun 17, 2025
A once in a lifetime experience!! - Ice Cave Tour Guide - "CUBA" - on only his 2nd tour, was brilliant. He was concerned about safety 1st and then the most breath-taking exploration next. It was the trip of a lifetime!
Review provided by Viator
Bassi_g
May 22, 2025
Unique and Magnificent Experience - This was one of the highlights of my Iceland trip. We saw two dramatically beautiful waterfalls as well as the black sand beach. And the most exciting part of this tour were the ice caves.
You're actually climbing on a melting glacier (it can get slippery and tricky at points; I wouldn't recommend this for anyone who isn't moderately good shape). The caves were surprisingly small, but very beautiful. And the entire experience was awe-inspiring; if felt like we were on a different planet.
I had only one day in Reykjavík, and debated long and hard between this tour and the Golden Circle. I'm so glad I choose this. The spots weren't flooded with tourists, and it wasn't just something to see, but a memorable activity as well.
Lili was an excellent guide and I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Nomadteej
Apr 18, 2025
Stunning landscape! - We did the Under the Volcano Katla Ice Cave Tour from Vik and loved it! The landscape was stunning, and the super jeep ride there was fun. The glacier hike was very cool! There were moments of slipping that made me slightly anxious because of the incline, but no falls! The glacier hike and the ice cave tour ranked one of the top moments of the trip. Great communication, easy meet-up location, informative guide, and amazing experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
317kellyb
Apr 15, 2025
Outstanding scenery, great guides. 100% do this trip - We have just returned from Iceland as a family of 4 and did this trip on Saturday 12th April. My 15, nearly 16 year old son chose this trip (we all chose 1 trip each!) and I was slightly dubious as I have an old ankle injury which I am cautious of. But I am so pleased we did this. I wore my hiking boots and took a walking pole. There were plenty of ropes to hold on to. I have a fair degree of mobility in my ankle and am fairly fit from hiking at home, which probably helped. Although I was slow coming down the steeper sections, I never felt rushed as around every corner, there was breathtaking views people wanted to stop and take photos from.
The guide both on the bus to Vik and return via the waterfalls and the super jeep driver/hike leader were really helpful. On our bus there was a group of history students so the bus driver kindly dropped in more history knowledge for them. The hike leader was amazing with my youngest son who has alot of questions and expects everyone over the age of 20 to have encyclopedic knowledge! In fact I barely saw my youngestas he was walking off with the hike leader learning everything he wanted! My eldest son, who chose the trip, was blown away. It was more than he ever imagined. He is not an academic lad, but he learns in a real life experience based way. He gained so much from this trip, as well as some insta worthy photos. The cave itself was more than I imagined as it naturally changes throughout the year. The tunnel we got to see was longer than described in previous reviews I read but readers looking to book this trip in the future may well see a completely different cave.
A great family bonding experience and the Rogue One link was an added bonus. We will never forget this.
Don't see the waterfalls on the way back as a quick bonus either. They were well explained and you are given plenty of time to explore them. It took me a while to climb the steps up to the top of the first one given my ankle condition but the views were outstanding. And to walk behind a waterfall at Seljelandsfoss was fantastic.
Thanks all for a perfect day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danielle_f
Apr 14, 2025
Amazing time - Amazing experience! The ice cave was beautiful! The guide was awesome. It was extra excitement riding to the location in the 4x4 vehicle! All in all it was great!
Review provided by Viator
Lily
Jun 6, 2025
Disappointed with Katla Cave - Went on an advertised 3 hour cave tour with Arctic Advrntures from Vik. The 3 hour tour was completed in 2 hr 15 min. Our guide, Stefan I believe, appeared bored with his job. Very little interaction with the group. The ice cave is very small so that part of the tour takes approximately 10 minutes. Felt rushed to get in and out. I couldn't believe, after all the hype online promoting this tour, that it could turn out to be so disappointing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
