Heading out onto Vatnajökull glacier, this guided hike leads to a naturally formed ice cave shaped by seasonal changes. Along the way, your guide captures key moments so you can focus on the experience itself. It’s a combination of steady hiking, learning about the glacier, and time spent inside a unique ice formation.
Starting at the Glacier Lagoon parking area, you’ll meet your guide and get ready before heading off-road in a 4×4 vehicle. The drive takes you across a glacial plain, where you’ll hear about the landscape and how the glacier has shaped the region over time. On arrival, your equipment is fitted and checked, including helmets, headlamps, and crampons if needed.
Once on foot, the route follows relatively flat but uneven ground towards the ice cave. The walk typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, giving time to settle into a comfortable pace while your guide explains the surroundings. As you get closer, the cave entrance appears beneath the glacier, often with meltwater running nearby.
Inside, light passes through the ice, revealing layered textures and shifting colours. Your guide leads you through the cave, pointing out features and explaining how it forms and changes each season. During this time, photos are taken in carefully chosen spots before heading back the same way to the vehicle and returning to the lagoon.
Situated within Vatnajökull National Park, the meeting point is at the Glacier Lagoon near Höfn. This area is known for its floating icebergs and wide open glacial landscapes, offering a strong sense of place before the hike begins.
Reaching this part of Iceland requires planning, as it is around a five-hour drive from Reykjavík. Many visitors choose to stay closer the night before. Facilities are available at the lagoon, but once you leave for the glacier there are no services, so it’s important to arrive prepared.
A moderate level of fitness is required, as the experience includes up to 1.5 hours of walking across uneven terrain. While there are no steep climbs, surfaces can be rocky or slippery depending on conditions. Participants should be in good general health, and the activity is not suitable during pregnancy.
Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots are essential. Children meeting the minimum age can take part when supervised, provided they are comfortable walking for the duration and able to follow instructions from the guide.
Built around both guiding and photography experience, Mike, Ryan, and the team focus on delivering a well-paced and safe glacier experience while capturing it properly. Their knowledge of the terrain allows them to guide confidently while also positioning you in the best spots for photos inside the cave.
Each tour is structured to give you time to take everything in without feeling rushed. With a strong focus on safety, clear guidance, and quality images, the experience offers more than just the hike itself.
Walking involved is considered moderate, mainly due to uneven ground rather than steep climbs. Most of the route is flat but can include loose rocks, ice patches, and wet surfaces depending on conditions.
People with average fitness who are comfortable walking for up to 1.5 hours should manage well. A steady pace is maintained throughout, with time for breaks and explanations along the way.
No prior experience is required to join this tour. Instructions are given before setting off, including how to walk safely on the terrain and use any equipment provided.
Guides remain with you at all times, offering support and adjusting the pace where needed. First-time visitors to a glacier regularly take part without any issues.
Clothing should be suitable for cold and wet conditions, with multiple layers that can be adjusted throughout the experience. A waterproof outer layer is strongly recommended.
Footwear should provide good grip and support, as the terrain can be uneven and slippery. Gloves and a hat are also important for comfort, especially inside the cave.
Crampons are used when ice conditions make them necessary for safe movement. This depends on the specific cave and surface conditions on the day.
If required, your guide will fit them and explain how to walk comfortably in them. In some cases, they are not needed if the ground is mostly rocky.
Time inside the cave varies depending on conditions, but there is usually enough time to explore different sections and take photos. The guide ensures everyone has time to experience it properly.
As caves change each year, accessibility and layout can affect how long you stay. Flexibility allows the guide to make the most of the conditions on the day.
Ice caves change naturally over time, so no two visits are the same. Images online may show caves from previous seasons or earlier in the year.
Your experience will reflect current conditions, which is part of what makes it unique. Guides select the best available cave for the day.
Photos are taken throughout the experience, focusing on key locations and moments inside the cave. The guide knows where lighting and angles work best.
After the tour, selected images are edited and sent digitally. Additional photos may sometimes be available depending on what was captured.
About the centre
í Hornafirði, Jökulsárlón, Glacier Lagoon, , 781 Höfn í Hornafirði
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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