Katla Ice Cave Tours

Discover the Best of Iceland on your Glacier Expedition

Katla Ice Cave Tours

Katla Ice Cave Tours

Discover Katla Ice Cave’s Mystical Wonders with Tickets Chosen Specially for You

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Our Expert Comparison for Your Katla Ice Cave Expedition! We Have Handpicked the Top Options, So You Can Easily Choose Your Ideal Experience.

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Our Selection Spotlights the Top-Rated Katla Ice Cave Tours from Vik, Delivering Unbeatable Price-Value. The Result of Research and Insights from Participants.

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From Vik or Reykjavik: Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour

4.6

2054 Reviews

€196.89

GetYourGuide

  • Instant Confirmation
  • 3 Hour Guided Tour
  • Transfers Included
  • Free Cancelation

The ice cave tour was definitely our highlight of the trip, it was so beautiful beyond belief. The actual ice cave that we went into was actually quite small and nothing much to see, but the area outside and surrounding the ice caves are what’s so amazing!

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From Vik: Katla Ice Cave Jeep Tour and Glacier Walk

4.6

1208 Reviews

€203

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  • Instant Confirmation
  • 3 Hour Guided Tour
  • Transfers Included
  • Free Cancelation

The tour was very nice. The ride in the jeep to the glacier was great. We then went on foot to the glacier to the ice cave.

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From Reykjavík: Katla Ice Cave and South Coast Tour

4.6

83 Reviews

€236

GetYourGuide

  • Reserve now & pay later
  • Guided Tour
  • Duration 11 hours
  • Pickup included
  • Free Cancelation

The whole day was outstanding, from the 0800 pick up to the 1830 drop off. Our minibus driver, Gudrun, was great.

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From Vik or Reykjavik: Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour

2054 Reviews

Arctic Adventures’ Katla Ice Cave Tour includes a guided visit to the Katla Ice Cave in English, along with round-trip transfers in a Super Jeep equipped with WiFi. The tour offers departures from both Vik and Reykjavik. Travelers departing from Vik enjoy a thrilling 3-hour adventure, while tours from Reykjavik last around 11 hours and also visit Skógafoss (only between February 1st and November 15th) and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. Crampons and safety equipment are provided for your glacier hike to reach Kötlujökull Glacier. With a small group of max. 14 participants, you’ll experience a personalized journey. While locations visited may vary by season, this tour always prioritizes the best naturally formed ice cave available, based on safety considerations.

  • Visit to a natural ice cave
  • English-speaking Licensed Adventure Guide
  • Round-trip Transfer to/from Vík or Reykjavik in a Super Jeep
  • Free WiFi on board the Super Jeep
  • Safety Equipments and Crampons for walking on ice
  • Pick-up from Reykjavik (optional)
  • Stop at waterfall/s (only for those departing from Reykjavik)

Departs From: Parking lot by the Ice Cave Bistro, Austurvegur 20, 870 Vík, Iceland
Starting Time: 11:30 AM, 1:45 PM, 3:00 PM
Duration: Approx. 3 hours (departing from Vik)
Participants: Max. 14 travelers

Rik – Netherlands January 22, 2024

De tocht naar de grot toe was al een attractie op zich. Met de super jeep reden we zo de gletsjer op. De weg was hobbelig dus we stuiterden af en toe alle kanten op. Het uitzicht was prachtig. Boven op de gletsjer bezochten we eerst de “nieuwe” ijsgrot en daarna de bekende grote boog (deze zal binnenkort helemaal verdwenen zijn)

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Bery – United States January 21, 2024

The ice cave tour was definitely our highlight of the trip, it was so beautiful beyond belief. The actual ice cave that we went into was actually quite small and nothing much to see, but the area outside and surrounding the ice caves are what’s so amazing! We did the 10am tour in the middle of the winter so we were able to see the sunrise over the glacier which was such an unforgettable experience. It was really cold and windy here in January but the view was worth it.

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From   €196.89

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GetYourGuide

  • Instant Confirmation
  • 3 Hour Tour
  • Guided Tour
  • Transfers Included
  • Free Cancellation

From Vik: Katla Ice Cave Jeep Tour and Glacier Walk

1208 Reviews

The 3-hour Katla Ice Cave tour operated by Tröll Expeditions includes a jeep round-trip transportation from Vik, a guided visit to Katla Ice Cave in English, as well as admission to the ice cave. Equipped with the provided safety gear, you and your group of max. 13 travelers walk across the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier under Katla volcano. Your professional English-speaking guide explains how glacier caves are formed, as you marvel at the stunning colors inside the famous cave. This tour is not advised for children under 8 and individuals with a fear of darkness or claustrophobia.

  • Entrance fee to Katla Ice Cave
  • Visit to Katla Ice Cave, Hjorleifshofdi & Black Sand Beach
  • English-speaking Guide trained in glacial exploration
  • Transfer to/from Vík in a Super Jeep
  • Free WiFi on board the Super Jeep
  • Safety Equipment for Ice Cave

Departs From: Víkurbraut 5 870, Vík, Iceland
Starting Time: Various options available depending on the season: 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM, or 6:00 PM
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Participants: Max. 13 travelers

Sandra – Germany January 3, 2024

The tour was very nice. The ride in the jeep to the glacier was great. We then went on foot to the glacier to the ice cave. This is totally spectacular and fascinating. Our guide took photos with us and told us a lot. That was our most beautiful tour in Iceland. A must see! Absolute recommendation. Thanks!

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Joan – Netherlands December 27, 2023

Een gave ervaring. Eerst met de jeep naar de gletsjer toe (hobbelige rit), maar dat hoort bij de ervaring. De gids (einar) was duidelijk, met een grapje tussendoor. Iedereen kreeg goed de tijd om foto’s te maken. Met spikes onder je schoenen had je goede grip om de gletsjer te verkennen. Echt de moeite waard!

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From  €203.00

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GetYourGuide

  • Instant Confirmation
  • 3 Hour Tour
  • Guided Tour
  • Transfers Included
  • Free Cancellation

From Reykjavík: Katla Ice Cave and South Coast Tour

83 Reviews

Embark on an 11-hour South Coast and Katla Ice Cave Tour from Reykjavik, featuring a thrilling 4×4 jeep ride through the icy landscapes. With morning pick-up, your English-speaking expert guide will lead you to the stunning Katla ice cave and the magnificent Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. Enjoy the convenience of Reykjavik pick-up and drop-off, a scenic Super Jeep ride, and free Wi-Fi on board. Book now for an authentic Icelandic experience!

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (depending on option selected)
  • Guide
  • Bus transportation
  • Katla Ice Cave and super-jeep experience
  • Safety gear for the ice cave tour
  • Free Wi-Fi

Meeting point: Please select your preferred pick-up option.

Starting Time: 8:00 AM

Duration: approx. 11 hours

5* Anthony – United Kingdom; February 9, 2024 – Verified booking on GetYourGuide

The whole day was outstanding, from the 0800 pick up to the 1830 drop off. Our minibus driver, Gudrun, was great. She was informative, chatty, and drove like a complete professional. The ride across the glacier in an adapted ice bus was an experience in itself (although a little cramped). The Ice Cave at Katla is breathtaking, and thanks to our guide, “Alex the Viking”, the walk was safe, fun and informative. The ice structures and their surroundings are a must see if in Iceland. The cost is relatively high, but definitely worth every penny.

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From €236

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GetYourGuide

  • Mobile ticket
  • Pickup offered
  • Offered in: English
  • Duration 11 hours
  • Free cancellation

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>> Blue Lagoon Tickets

Map of Katla Ice Cave and other Ice Caves in Iceland

What is so Special about Katla Ice Cave?

Nestled beneath Iceland’s Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Katla Ice Cave in Iceland is an enchanting natural wonder named after the nearby Katla Volcano. Regarded as one of Iceland’s most stunning ice caves, its allure lies in the ever-changing colors and intricate patterns etched into the ancient ice walls, shaped over centuries by nature’s forces.

Ice caves undergo continuous changes, just like the seasons. While tour pictures give you a glimpse, expect the cave to present their own surprises during your visit. Embrace the beauty of their constant transformation, making each visit a unique encounter.

Compare Your Katla Ice Cave Tour Options

From Vik or Reykjavik: Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour

4,6

2054 Reviews

3 Hours

GetYourGuide

€197

From Vik: Katla Ice Cave Jeep Tour and Glacier Walk

4,6

1208 Reviews

3 Hours

GetYourGuide

€203

From Reykjavík: Katla Ice Cave and South Coast Tour

4,7

83 Reviews

11 Hours

GetYourGuide

€236

From Vik or Reykjavik: Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour

2054 Reviews

Duration: 3 Hours

Inclusions:

  • Visit to a natural ice cave
  • English-speaking Licensed Adventure Guide
  • Round-trip Transfer to/from Vík or Reykjavik in a Super Jeep
  • Free WiFi on board the Super Jeep
  • Safety Equipments and Crampons for walking on ice
  • Pick-up from Reykjavik (optional)
  • Stop at waterfall/s (only for those departing from Reykjavik)

Prices Starting

€196.89

Book Now!

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From Vik: Katla Ice Cave Jeep Tour and Glacier Walk

1208 Reviews

Duration: 3 Hours

Inclusions:

  • Entrance fee to Katla Ice Cave
  • Visit to Katla Ice Cave, Hjorleifshofdi & Black Sand Beach
  • English-speaking Guide trained in glacial exploration
  • Transfer to/from Vík in a Super Jeep
  • Free WiFi on board the Super Jeep
  • Safety Equipment for Ice Cave

Prices Starting

€203.00

Book Now!

GetYourGuide

From Reykjavík: Katla Ice Cave and South Coast Tour

84 Reviews

Duration: 11 Hours

Inclusions:

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (depending on option selected)
  • Guide
  • Bus transportation
  • Katla Ice Cave and super-jeep experience
  • Safety gear for the ice cave tour
  • Free Wi-Fi

Prices Starting

€236

Book Now!

GetYourGuide

Prepare Your Katla Ice Cave Visit in Advance

For an unforgettable Katla Ice Cave adventure, advanced planning is your best ally. With various ticket options to choose from, we’ve carefully selected the most popular ones to streamline your visit.

We highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance, particularly during busy seasons. Katla Ice Cave has limited capacity, so securing your tickets ahead of time guarantees you won’t miss out on this extraordinary experience. Get ready for an ice-cold adventure!

Plan Your Visit

Can You Enter Katla Ice Cave Without a Tour?

While the idea of independently exploring Katla Ice Cave may be quite tempting, we strongly advised against it due to safety reasons. For a secure expedition, it’s highly recommended to prioritize guidance from experienced glacier guides.

They ensure safe trails, entry points, and provide insights that elevate your glacier expedition. Opt for a guided tour to prioritize safety and maximize your experience.

Katla Ice Cave Highlights

Mýrdalsjökull Glacier

Nestled beneath Iceland’s Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Katla Ice Cave is an enchanting natural wonder named after the nearby Katla Volcano.

Regarded as one of Iceland’s most stunning ice caves, its allure lies in the ever-changing colors and intricate patterns etched into the ancient ice walls, shaped over centuries by nature’s forces.

Inside Katla Ice Cave

Inside the cave, a mesmerizing play of light takes place as sunlight filters through the translucent ice, creating a magical dance of colors and shadows that transforms the space into an ethereal landscape.

Visitors walk through shimmering tunnels and caves, marveling at the awe-inspiring black ash ice from different volcanic eruptions of Katla Volcano, as well as glittering ice formations with blue ice and trapped air bubbles.

Dragon Glass Cave

The ice cave’s allure is further enhanced by its appearance in the Game of Thrones series, earning it the affectionate nickname Dragon Glass Cave.

This otherworldly scenery makes Katla Ice Cave a truly exceptional bucket-list destination, well worth a visit to experience the beauty of Iceland’s glacial spectacle.

Plan Your Katla Ice Cave Tour

Deep inside of the Katla Volcano Icecave

Although Katla Ice Cave can be visited year-round, the best time to experience its mesmerizing beauty is during winter, from late October to March. During this period, the ice caves reveal their enchanting beauty, offering a safe and captivating exploration.

Additionally, you may have the opportunity to visit other ice caves in the surrounding area, which is often covered by tours.

>> Check out our selection of the best Katla Ice Cave tours.

Katla Ice Cave is located in South Iceland, beneath the Kötlujökull Glacier. This is an outlet of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, the fourth largest glacier in Iceland. Mýrdalsjökull Glacier covers the mighty Katla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes.

Most guided tours to Katla Ice Cave commence from the charming Icelandic village of Vík í Mýrdal, approximately a 2.5-hour car drive from Reykjavík.

Alternatively, you can conveniently reach Vík from Reykjavík by taking bus service number 51, departing from Mjodd in Reykjavik.

Katla Ice Cave Tours are suitable for a wide range of adventurers with moderate physical fitness, including families, solo travelers, and nature enthusiasts.

However, individuals afraid of the dark or suffering from claustrophobia may find the tour challenging.

Additionally, depending on the operator, the tour may not be available for children under 6 or 8 years of
age.

To keep yourself energized and nourished during the tour, consider packing a small lunch and a bottle of water. Having a quick and convenient meal on hand ensures you make the most of your exploration without worrying about hunger pangs.

FAQ – Katla Ice Cave Tours & Visit

Katla Ice Cave is absolutely worth a visit! This captivating natural wonder boasts mesmerizing beauty with blue and black shimmering ice formations, a magical play of light, and unique geological features. It stands as one of Iceland’s most stunning ice caves, and a truly unique must- see destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Exploring Katla Ice Cave on your own is strongly advised against due to extreme dangers, such as slipping, falling into hidden crevasses, or encountering falling ice chunks. To access the cave safely, specific gear like crampons and helmets are necessary, and driving there requires a specialized all-terrain 4×4 vehicle. For a safe and enriching experience, always opt for a guided tour with knowledgeable and experienced glacier guides. We have provided an overview of the 3 top-rated Katla Ice Cave tours here, ensuring you find the perfect one for your adventure.

While ice caves can be dangerous and unpredictable, with the right precautions and
guidance, they can be enjoyed safely. It is crucial to never explore ice caves on your own as conditions can rapidly change, posing serious risks of injury. Opting for a reputable tour with an experienced and licensed guide is essential. They will navigate and assess cave conditions while providing proper safety gear like helmets, crampons, and ropes. Following their instructions and wearing the provided gear will ensure a safer and more enjoyable ice cave adventure.

The best ice caves to visit in Iceland include Katla Ice Cave, as well as caves within Vatnajökull, Langjökull, and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. The ones near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, alongside Katla Ice Cave, are renowned for their stunning blue color.

Useful Links for Traveling in Iceland