6-Hour Hike To Remote Ice Cave

Overview

This six-hour outing from Jökulsárlón pairs a 4x4 transfer across Vatnajökull National Park with a longer-than-usual glacier hike to a blue ice cave that sees few visitors. Ice Walkers Tours operates it when the blue ice exists, in winter, and the whole point is to walk further than most groups go, trading an easy stroll for quieter ice, deep color, and a shot at more than one cave or tunnel if conditions cooperate.

The day starts at the main carpark of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where the guide waits in a marked 4x4. The drive toward the glacier takes 45 minutes, filled with explanation of how the caves form and what the ice is doing right now. Once on foot, the guide fits the gear, covers glacier hiking technique, and leads the group to a remote section of the glacier, with roughly 3 to 3.5 hours spent on the ice and inside the caves. Guides leave time for photos and a picnic break on the glacier.

No glacier experience is required, but participants need to be physically fit and able to cover 8 kilometers with uphill sections. Along with the cold-weather demands of a winter day on ice, that sets the bar for who should book.

Itinerary

1. Meet at Jökulsárlón parkingThe guide waits in a modified 4x4 marked Ice Walkers Tours at the main carpark of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, ready 15 minutes before departure.
2. 4x4 transfer to the glacierA ride of 45 minutes through the national park, with the guide explaining how ice caves form and current conditions on the way.
3. Glacier hike and ice cavesAbout 4.5 hours total covering the safety briefing, gear introduction, a longer hike to a remote part of the glacier, and time in at least one rarely visited ice cave, plus breaks and photo stops. There is time to eat your own lunch on the ice.
4. Transfer backAnother 45-minute 4x4 ride returns you to the main parking at Jökulsárlón.

Common Questions