Katla Ice Cave Location, Directions & Tips
Katla Ice Cave Location, Directions & Tips
Explore Katla Ice Cave with our guide on location, directions, and traveler tips. Learn seamless ways to reach this mystical site by guided tour or on your own, gain valuable insights on what to wear, and check out the bestselling Katla Ice Cave tours.
Katla Ice Cave: Location & Map
Katla Ice Cave is located on the south coast of Iceland, approx. 187 kilometers (116 miles) from Reykjavík, and close to the town of Vík. The cave’s entrance is located within the Kötlujökull glacier, which is a part of the expansive Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
Directions: How to Get to Katla Ice Cave in Iceland
Find the various transport options listed below:
Guided Tours:
Recommended Option: Joining a guided tour from major cities like Reykjavik or Vik is a popular and convenient choice to get to Katla Ice Cave. This is the safest and most hassle-free way to experience the famous ice cave. Find the top-rated Katla Ice Cave tours in our overview below.
On Your Own:
If you prefer more flexibility, you can rent a car and drive to Katla Ice Cave on your own. However, this option is not recommended, as the rugged road conditions can be challenging, especially during winter, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. If you decide to reach the site on your own, you will need to drive east from Vík on Road 1, and follow any provided directions or GPS coordinates. Be sure to hire an experienced glacier guide to tour the cave to avoid dangers like into hidden crevasses, or falling ice chunks. Remember that you need proper gear, like crampons and helmets, for safety while touring the cave.
Public Transportation:
Public transportation options to Katla Ice Cave may be limited. Iceland’s public transportation network is not extensive, especially for reaching remote locations. Consequently, the ice cave is not accessible by public transport. To visit, you will need to join a guided tour or rent a vehicle suitable for driving in challenging conditions.
8 Essential Tips for Visiting Katla Ice Cave
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]
