The Original Ice Cave Tour in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Discover Iceland’s Blue Ice – December Ice Cave Tour Update
Our Ice Cave Tour takes you to stunning blue ice formations on the west side of Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier. Depending on conditions, guests may explore one to three naturally formed features, offering an authentic and ever-changing blue ice experience. These formations are reached by a guided glacier walk led by trained glacier guides.
The tour lasts around 3 hours, occasionally up to 3.5 hours. Walking distances vary, and the guide selects the safest and most scenic route each day. All required glacier equipment—microspikes or crampons—is provided, depending on the terrain and features accessed during your departure.
Iceland’s ice caves are natural and dynamic. For safety reasons, the cave location, glacier route, or tour setup may change at the last minute due to weather, ice movement, or guide assessment. These adjustments ensure the safest and most rewarding experience.
Additional Info
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Please come in warm and waterproof clothing and good hiking boots.
Your safety is of the utmost importance. Ice Cave tours are weather dependent. Sometimes tours have to be cancelled with short notice due to weather conditions or safety concerns or. After periods of adverse weather, the caves can become flooded or unsafe to enter. If this happens we will always do our best to offer an alternative such as a glacier hike if weather conditions allow, however if this is not suitable we will also always offer a full refund.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Glacier Lagoon
We will meet you in the main parking lot of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. You will be fitted to the safety equipment that is included on your tour. We recommend wearing warm and comfortable outdoor clothing to keep dry in the always changing Icelandic winter weather. Please be at our 4x4 at least 15 minutes prior to the departure. Embark on the adventure in a 4x4 vehicle to the base of the glacier that is an adventure in itself. From there we hike 5-20 minutes up to the Ice Cave on uneven ground. As the glacier is always changing, the most beautiful and safest Ice Cave will be chosen depending on the conditions of each day. The Ice Caves range between 30-70 meters. You can expect other groups in the same area. With plenty of time for exploration, photos, and learning about glacial history from your guide, this will be an experience you’ll never forget. Explore the most stunning, naturally shaped, blue Ice Cave with us! For recent photos and updates, follow @localguide on Instagram.
What‘s Included
4x4 modified vehicle transfer
Small group tour
Spikes and Helmet
Supporting a Small Local Company
Local and Professional Glacier Guide
Carbon Neutralised Tour
Visit to the Ice Cave / Blue glacier feature
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Meeting time 14:00
14:15 Departure
Meeting time 13:30
13:45 Departure
Meeting time 14:15
14:30 Departure
Meeting time 13:45
14:00 Departure
Meeting time 10:00
10:15 Departure
Reviews
185 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience, stunning views, great guide.
Jet31186006268,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were with Mikael (sorry if I got the name wrong). Everything was great. The hike wasn’t exhausting, but it was still a bit tiring in a good way. We started with a ~20-minute minibus ride to get closer to the glacier, and then we walked another 20–30 minutes to reach the ice. On this trip, we visited three ice canyons. The blue ice inside them is beautiful, but nowhere near as stunning as the scenery at the top of the glacier. The higher you go, the thicker and more glass-like the ice becomes, which makes it extremely beautiful even outside the ice caves. Mikael was great. He has a great sense of humor and shared a lot of facts about the glacier and its structure. Overall, it’s a 10/10 experience.
Spectacular glacier hike and guide
Anna C,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We just finished the guided tour of the glacier and ice caves. Syra was a fantastic and knowledgeable guide, she knew where the unique spots were and took great photos! Highly recommend!
Life-altering experience, and thumbs up for Local Guide
I8748IXbillh,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A life-altering experience, and Kish was a tremendous guide with expert geological insights to also make for an educational outing. Nothing but positives. Local Guide of Vatnajokull is a great outfit. Booking was easy. Directions on pickup and the tour were as clear as the glacier cave ice itself and at the meeting spot you'll be equipped with shoe spikes for the excursion; be sure to wear hikers. From the well-marked meeting spot, our small group was driven about 40 minutes (it's a short ride but rough, bumpy terrain) to the starting point where we set about for roughly 2 hours atop and inside the caves. Pace was leisurely and we were able to stop at any point to admire the natural beauty and take pictures. The scenery is like no other. This experience was the highlight of a trip where we saw many of Iceland's beauties. It's 5 hours from Reyjkavik and 2.5 from Vik and worth every kilometer of the drive. Completely unforgettable.
Great Experience
DELIA I,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. The glacier is amazing. The three caves we visited were beautiful. Sam, our guide, was awesome. Personable, funny, knowledgeable and kept us safe. You need ro bw able to hike about 20 -30 minutes up the glacier, and dress warm if going between November and April
Highlight of our week in Iceland.
Geoffrey T,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was the highlight of our week in Iceland. If I was asked for advice on the one thing visitors shouldn’t miss, this is it. Great for a family. Awesome hike across the glacier and visits to several ice caves. DRESS WARMLY. And try to get a tour that gets off the glacier while the sun is shining as there’s lots to see in the area. If you’re doing a day trip from Reykjavik, I would also see the black sand beaches in Vik on the way.
One of the best things I did in Iceland!
RosanaV,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My glacier hike and ice cave tour with Local Guide in Iceland was absolutely phenomenal and easily one of the highlights of my trip. Our guide Mikael was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about Iceland’s glaciers. He took the time to explain how the glacier was formed, how it’s changing, and what makes each ice cave unique, all while making sure everyone felt safe and confident on the ice. I was traveling solo and he made sure to keep an eye out for me and to make sure I was Ok at all times. Walking across the glacier was surreal, but stepping inside the ice caves was nothing short of magical. The blue colors, textures, and natural formations were breathtaking—photos truly don’t do it justice. Mikael made sure we had plenty of time to take it all in and were able to take many photos. If you’re considering a glacier hike or ice cave tour in Iceland, do not hesitate to book with Local Guide in Iceland. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and they deliver it with expertise, warmth, and genuine care. I would book with them again in a heartbeat!
Highlight of my Iceland Trip!
VforVenetta,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour!! Damien was awesome and very knowledgeable and funny. The views were absolutely breathtaking. This tour was one of the greatest highlights of my trip to Iceland!
Our guide Sophia did a...
Shon S,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Sophia did a great job teaching us about ice caves and the local area. That caves were incredible and even better that I was expecting.
The sunrise on the glacier is something you will not forget!
BISAXX,,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful experience under the expert guidance of Annka. We made a small initial trek among the sand and ash rocks, and then arrived in front of the glacier. Once we put on the crampons we continued the trek on the ice, arriving to visit two caves in which we could take several very suggestive photos. Our group consisted of 6 people + the guide. A couple of weeks before the tour we were notified of the unilateral change in the schedule, bringing it forward by 1 hour and 30 (from 10:15 to 8:45). Despite the initial discontent it was the best thing they could propose. The glacier at that time was still almost empty (there were few tours at once) and we admired the spectacular view with the sunrise lights (luckily there was a clear sky). Total duration of the tour almost 4 hours (including shuttle transfers)
Couldn’t go into normal...
Cole H,,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Couldn’t go into normal ice caves due to warm temperatures, but the alternative hike on top of a glacier and down into crevices in the ice was still a great and fun experience.
From US$195.00
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Operated by Local Guide of Vatnajokull