The Ice Cave under the Volcano (9 AM/11 h) (G12)

Join the Katla Ice Cave Tour for a year-round, small-group adventure on a glacier perched above one of Iceland’s most iconic volcanoes, Katla. Mýrdalsjökull—one of the country’s largest and best-known glaciers—rests directly on top of the active Katla volcano.

The tour begins with pick-up in Reykjavík or Vík before your powerful Super Jeep leaves the main road and heads onto a smaller gravel track leading toward the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. From here, you continue to the part of the glacier known as Kötlujökull, where the glacier’s movement in recent years has created ice caves of various sizes.

Once you arrive and step out of the vehicle, you’ll strap on your crampons and start the short hike with your guide toward one of the largest caves. Layer upon layer of ice is stacked like frozen waves, and in many places the ice glows with an intense blue color. As you enter the cave, it’s almost hard to believe that nature can create something so striking—the dark ice walls rise high around you, and at the far end of the cave the ice ceiling opens toward the sky, letting in a soft stream of daylight. Walk carefully, admire the snow and ice, and take in the unique atmosphere found nowhere else.

After returning from the cave, there is time to explore the glacier a bit more (and you may even discover smaller nearby ice caves!). You then continue by Super Jeep to the charming coastal town of Vík, famous for its black lava beaches, before heading onward to the waterfall Skógafoss. Here you may admire the waterfall from below or climb the staircase that leads all the way to the top. Once there, be sure to enjoy the sweeping views over the Skógar area—there are few places in Iceland with such far-reaching vistas. From Skógafoss, you return to the same location where you were picked up, likely with many new memories to take home.

You will return to Reykjavík around 8:00 p.m.

Highlights:
● Visit Iceland’s only year-round natural ice cave
● See Katla’s blue-and-black ice, also called “dragon glass”
● Walk on Mýrdalsjökull glacier with crampons
● See Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls (departures from Reykjavik only)
● Learn about the glacier and volcanic geology
● A beautiful journey through the geothermal landscapes of South Iceland

Details
Period: All year. Katla Ice Cave is a unique natural ice cave in Iceland open every month of the year. Conditions, colours, and formations inside the cave vary with the season, daylight, and recent weather, so no two visits are the same.
Age limit: 6
Length: 11 hours.
Meals: No meals are included in the excursion, but food can be purchased during the stops en route.

Equipment and clothing
Warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, gloves, and headwear are essential. You should dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. There is no opportunity to rent clothing or shoes at the location, so please arrive fully prepared. Snow grips are available for loan.