Katla Ice Cave: History and Facts
Katla Ice Cave: History and Facts
Katla Ice Cave, situated in the heart of Iceland, is a remarkable natural formation sculpted by the powerful forces of glacial activity. Over centuries, the interaction of ice, water, and volcanic processes has given rise to this captivating subterranean marvel.
Let’s explore together Katla Ice Cave’s captivating secrets and its ancient history written in layers of ice and secrets.
Let’s begin with must-know facts about the famous ice cave.
Quick Facts about Katla Ice Cave in Iceland
4 Fun Facts and Intriguing Secrets about Katla Ice Cave
Explore the enchanting nuances of Katla Ice Cave through these intriguing and delightful nuggets of information:
Play of Light
The cave’s interior is known for the mesmerizing play of natural light. Sunlight filtering through the ice formations creates a breathtaking display of colors, adding to the enchantment of the cave.
Dynamic Formation
Ice caves, including Katla, are not static. They evolve over time due to glacial movements and changes in environmental conditions. Each visit may offer a slightly different perspective of the cave’s interior.
Game of Thrones Location
“Winter is coming”… can you imagine a better place to film than Iceland?. The showrunners chose the Katla ice cave for one of the Game of Thrones episodes.
The “one and only” Cave of the Summer
During the Icelandic summer the caves go through some changes in shape. Due to melting and retreating glaciers, it is not usually safe to visit ice caves during the summer. However (and due to its prime location), Katla Ice Cave tour is safe all year round.
Highlights of Katla Ice Cave
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.
History of Katla Ice Cave
The history of the Katla Ice Cave is primarily tied to geological processes and the dynamic interaction between glacial forces and volcanic activity in Iceland. While the cave itself doesn’t have a human-centric history, its formation is a fascinating story of natural forces at work.
Geological Formation
The Katla Ice Cave is located near the Katla Volcano, an active subglacial volcano in southern Iceland. The cave is carved out by the Katla Glacier, which is part of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, one of Iceland’s largest glaciers.
Formation Process
The cave’s formation is influenced by the unique combination of volcanic heat from Katla Volcano and the glacial ice from Mýrdalsjökull. The interplay of these forces leads to the creation of ice caves, tunnels, and formations within the glacier.
Glacial Changes
Over the years, the glacier and the ice cave may experience changes due to natural processes, including glacial retreat and advancement.
Ice Changes
The ice within the cave may undergo transformations, creating layers that capture the geological history of the region.
Human Exploration
While the cave has likely existed for a significant period, the documented history of human exploration and awareness of the cave may vary.
Access
Modern access to ice caves for tourism and exploration has increased, allowing visitors to witness the stunning natural features.
Preservation and Tourism
Efforts are made to preserve the natural integrity of the Katla Ice Cave, and sustainable tourism practices are implemented to minimize human impact. The cave has become a popular destination for tourists seeking the unique beauty of Iceland’s glacial landscapes.
Book Your Katla Ice Cave Tour in Iceland
Explore below our curated selection of Katla Ice Cave tours:
Most Popular Katla Ice Cave Tours
From Vik: Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour
2K+ Reviews
€164
GetYourGuide
“This activity was awesome. Great guide with tons of knowledge about iceland and its volcanoes. The jeep was fun as well! Hiking in a glacier is a rare opportunity I would suggest to everyone” Julian, UK, Dec 2025 [Source: GetYourGuide]
Vik: Katla Ice Cave Small Group Guided Tour
100+ Reviews
€204.48
Headout
“Went on this tour yesterday 30th December and it was amazing. From meeting our tour guide at 9am we got given lots of information from the tour guide as we were driving to the ice cave about the history of Iceland . Was very informative and interesting.me and my husband had the best experience ever would 1000% recommend booking this tour with this company totally amazing and inspiring thank you !!!!” Andre, Nov. 2025 [Source: Headout]
Reykjavik: Katla Ice Cave & South Coast Waterfalls Tour
1.1K+ Reviews
€237
GetYourGuide
“We had the most amazing day! 100% worth it. The guide was amazing and made the trip a 10/10” Samantha, Jan. 2026, UK [Source: GetYourGuide]
From Vik: Katla Ice Cave & Super Jeep Tour
1.4K+ Reviews
€168
GetYourGuide
“Jan was engaging and funny. Spoke knowledgeably about the geology and history of volcanoes. We really enjoyed the experience. Highlight of our trip so far!” Kelly, Oct. 2025, USA [Source: GetYourGuide]
From Vik: Myrdalsjokull glacier and Katla Ice Cave Tour
200+ Reviews
€215
GetYourGuide
“Amazing! Stephan was a wonderful guide and the experience of being in a glacier was awe inspiring!” Lisa, Oct. 30, USA [Source: GetYourGuide]
Products related to Katla Ice Cave Tours
Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater
23K+ Reviews
€70
GetYourGuide
“great tour it was amazing. our guide Jessica was amazing and gave us alot of insight on life in iceland. I highly recommend the sites are beautiful definitely worth the money.” Sinead, Jan. 2026, Ireland [Source: GetYourGuide]
Blue Lagoon Admission Tickets
2.3K+ Reviews
€123.03
Headout
“This was the highlight of our trip! Hearing the history of The Blue Lagoon was great along with stories of the 13 trolls. Temperature of the lagoon was perfect, complimentary drink at swim-up-bar was enjoyable. Exploring the laggon was fun! Facial Mask left my skin feeling fantastic!” Deborah, Dec. 2025 [Source: Headout]
Most Popular Katla Ice Cave Tours
From Vik: Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour
From Vik: Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour is a 3-hour small-group experience with a guided Katla ice cave visit, Super Jeep transfers, and safety gear included on Kötlujökull Glacier.
“This activity was awesome. Great guide with tons of knowledge about iceland and its volcanoes. The jeep was fun as well! Hiking in a glacier is a rare opportunity I would suggest to everyone” Julian, UK, Dec 2025 [Source: GetYourGuide]
Vik: Katla Ice Cave Small Group Guided Tour
Explore the otherworldly Katla Ice Cave on a small-group Super Jeep tour from Vik, featuring a guided glacier hike with all ice cave gear included and expert insights into Iceland’s volcanic and glacial landscapes.
“Went on this tour yesterday 30th December and it was amazing. From meeting our tour guide at 9am we got given lots of information from the tour guide as we were driving to the ice cave about the history of Iceland . Was very informative and interesting.me and my husband had the best experience ever would 1000% recommend booking this tour with this company totally amazing and inspiring thank you !!!!” Andre, Nov. 2025 [Source: Headout]
Reykjavik: Katla Ice Cave & South Coast Waterfalls Tour
Journey along Iceland’s dramatic south coast on a full-day guided tour from Reykjavik, exploring a stunning ice cave and hidden trails with convenient round-trip transportation included.
“We had the most amazing day! 100% worth it. The guide was amazing and made the trip a 10/10” Samantha, Jan. 2026, UK [Source: GetYourGuide]
From Vik: Katla Ice Cave & Super Jeep Tour
Explore a unique ice cave within Mýrdalsjökull Glacier on a guided Super Jeep tour through Katla Volcano Geopark, then unwind with complimentary coffee and biscuits afterward.
“Jan was engaging and funny. Spoke knowledgeably about the geology and history of volcanoes. We really enjoyed the experience. Highlight of our trip so far!” Kelly, Oct. 2025, USA [Source: GetYourGuide]
From Vik: Myrdalsjokull glacier and Katla Ice Cave Tour
Leave the crowds behind as you ride in a Super Jeep, put on your crampons, and step onto the vast Mýrdalsjökull Glacier to explore the remarkable Katla Ice Cave alongside an expert guide.
“Amazing! Stephan was a wonderful guide and the experience of being in a glacier was awe inspiring!” Lisa, Oct. 30, USA [Source: GetYourGuide]
Products related to Katla Ice Cave Tours
Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater
Join a full-day tour of Iceland’s famous Golden Circle and discover dramatic landscapes, including the Geysir geothermal area, the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park.
“great tour it was amazing. our guide Jessica was amazing and gave us alot of insight on life in iceland. I highly recommend the sites are beautiful definitely worth the money.” Sinead, Jan. 2026, Ireland [Source: GetYourGuide]
Blue Lagoon Admission Tickets
Relax in the Blue Lagoon’s warm geothermal waters and enjoy mineral masks, saunas, scenic terraces, and refreshing drinks in one unforgettable setting.
“This was the highlight of our trip! Hearing the history of The Blue Lagoon was great along with stories of the 13 trolls. Temperature of the lagoon was perfect, complimentary drink at swim-up-bar was enjoyable. Exploring the laggon was fun! Facial Mask left my skin feeling fantastic!” Deborah, Dec. 2025 [Source: Headout]
From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Bus Tour with Hot Cocoa
Experience one of the world’s most spectacular natural phenomena on a 4-hour evening tour from Reykjavik, leaving the city lights behind to hunt for the Northern Lights.
“Amazing! So insightful and even though we didn’t see the lights, our host was so lovely and gave us so much insight into how it all works.” Grace, Jan. 2026, UK [Source: GetYourGuide]
Laugarvatn Fontana: Geothermal Bread-Baking Experience
Discover the tradition of Icelandic lava bread at Laugarvatn Fontana, exploring the geothermal bakery and tasting freshly baked bread made on site.
“It was amazing! Really nice experience and the bread tasted great!” Britta, Dec. 2025, Netherlands [Source: GetYourGuide]
