Combining glacier hiking with ice cave exploration, this experience gives you a full day on Vatnajökull with a mix of movement and discovery. You’ll walk across the ice, enter naturally formed caves, and explore deep crevasses while your guide captures key moments. It’s a well-paced adventure that brings together two of Iceland’s most popular glacier activities.
Setting off from the meeting point near Jökulsárlón, your guide will drive you across glacial plains in a 4×4 vehicle towards the access point of Vatnajökull. The route itself gives a sense of the landscape before you even reach the ice, with wide open terrain shaped by past glacial movement. Once there, equipment is handed out and fitted, including helmets, harnesses, and crampons, before beginning the approach on foot.
The first section is a steady walk across flat but rocky ground leading to the glacier’s edge. After a short introduction to using crampons, you’ll step onto the ice and make your way towards the ice cave. Inside, the space opens into naturally formed chambers with deep blue tones, where you’ll spend time exploring while your guide photographs you in different areas of the cave. Each cave changes over time, so the layout and features will always be slightly different.
After exiting the cave, the focus shifts to glacier hiking as you move further onto the ice. The route includes gradual inclines and leads towards crevasses and other formations such as moulins. One of the highlights is descending into crystal crevasses, where the colour of the ice becomes more intense the deeper you go. With time to explore and take photos, you’ll then retrace your route back across the glacier, returning to the vehicle for the journey back.
Based in the Skaftafell region of Vatnajökull National Park, this area is known for its outlet glaciers and proximity to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The meeting point is located near the lagoon, providing easy access to some of the most active glacier areas in the country.
The drive from Reykjavík takes around five hours, so many visitors choose to stay closer to the area before the tour. While there are basic facilities at the meeting location, once you head out onto the glacier there are no services available, making preparation important.
A moderate level of fitness is required, as the tour includes several hours of hiking across mixed terrain. The first section is relatively easy, while the glacier portion involves walking on ice with a gradual incline. Participants should be comfortable covering distances of up to 10 km over the course of the experience.
No prior glacier or ice cave experience is needed, but you should be in good general health and able to follow safety instructions. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots are essential for staying comfortable throughout the tour.
Drawing on extensive glacier guiding experience, Mike, Ryan, and the team have designed this trip to combine two key glacier activities into one well-structured experience. Their approach ensures you get time both inside the ice caves and out on the glacier, without feeling rushed between locations.
Photography is built into the day, with guides capturing moments in the cave and across the glacier. The result is a balanced experience that focuses on both the physical side of hiking and the opportunity to document it properly.
No previous experience is required for either activity. The guide will explain how to walk on ice and how to move safely before entering the glacier or cave.
Both elements are designed to be accessible to beginners, with guidance provided throughout to help you feel comfortable and confident.
This is a moderate-level activity due to the total distance covered and time spent on your feet. The terrain includes both rocky ground and glacier ice.
While the pace is steady, you should be comfortable walking for several hours and handling uneven surfaces. Breaks are included along the way.
Yes, visiting an ice cave is a key part of the experience. However, the exact cave and its features can change depending on conditions.
Glaciers are constantly shifting, so each cave is unique. Your guide will always choose a safe and suitable cave to explore on the day.
You’ll have enough time to explore different sections of the cave and take photos without rushing. The duration depends on conditions and group pace.
Guides aim to balance time inside the cave with the glacier hiking portion to ensure you get a full experience of both.
Crystal crevasses are deep cracks in the glacier where layers of compressed ice create vivid blue tones. They are formed naturally as the glacier moves.
You may have the chance to walk into some of these formations, depending on conditions, giving a closer look at the structure of the ice.
Your guide captures photos throughout the experience, both inside the cave and on the glacier. They know where to position you for the best lighting and angles.
After the tour, a selection of images is edited and sent digitally. This includes a mix of action shots, portraits, and wider scenes.
About the centre
í Hornafirði, Jökulsárlón, Glacier Lagoon, , 781 Höfn
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by Ice Journey ehf, a partner of adventuro.
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