Visiting an ice cave in Iceland and hiking on a glacier is a dream for any traveler in the land of fire and ice! Many travelers have explored incredible glaciers worldwide, including the Perito Moreno in Argentina and those in the Canadian Rockies. Thus, this opportunity should not be missed in Iceland.
It is considered the top excursion to take when visiting this magnificent country. Here are some essential tips for exploring an ice cave and hiking on a glacier.
Which Glaciers Can Be Explored in Iceland?
Iceland truly lives up to its name as the “Land of Ice” as glaciers cover 11% of its territory. The country is home to around fifteen glaciers in total. The largest, the famous Vatnajökull, has an area equivalent to Corsica’s and offers the most excursion opportunities.
This glacier’s two most popular access points are located at Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón in the southwestern part of Iceland. This massive ice cap is divided into several glacial tongues, including Svínafellsjökull, Breiðamerkurjökull, and Skaftafellsjökull, all of which are part of Vatnajökull.
The second-largest glacier in Iceland is Langjökull, the most accessible from Reykjavik. It is trendy for snowmobile excursions, and visitors can also explore a man-made ice tunnel there.
Two other glaciers worth exploring are Mýrdalsjökull (home to the Katla ice cave) and Eyjafjallajökull, located near Vik on the south coast. Sólheimajökull is actually part of Mýrdalsjökull.
When to Visit an Ice Cave?
The best time to visit ice caves is from October/November to March/April, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to go outside this period. For instance, the ice cave visited on Vatnajökull was in the middle of August.
Some ice caves can be visited year-round, like the Katla cave near Vik or the Langjökull cave, which is man-made. Alternatively, enjoying a classic glacier hike during the summer is possible. Walking on a glacier is always a fabulous experience, making one feel like they are indeed on another planet, just like in the movie Interstellar.
What Are the Most Beautiful Ice Caves?
It’s important to note that ice caves change each year due to the evolution of glaciers and weather conditions.
The most beautiful include the Katla cave, located near Vik, and the blue ice caves of Vatnajökull, which are accessible from Skaftafell or Jökulsárlón.
Should One Go Through an Agency or a Guided Tour?
To walk on a glacier and enter an ice cave, it is mandatory to go through an agency with an experienced guide. Do not venture alone on a glacier; it is a dangerous environment with crevasses. If the budget is tight, you can opt for nearby hikes.
At Skaftafell, for example, several easy trails allow for proximity to the glacier. It’s common to book such activities in advance through the website GetYourGuide, which offers excursions organized by local Icelandic agencies.
The user-friendly booking system allows free cancellation and refunds up to 24 hours before the activity begins. Previous customer reviews are beneficial when choosing the best excursion. The best starting point is Skaftafell National Park.
If you don’t have a car and want an excursion from Reykjavik, visit the Katla cave (bus transfer included). If you prefer a glacier hike, consider this excursion on Sólheimajökull (with transfers from Reykjavik).
What Equipment Should Be Prepared for Visiting a Glacier?
Aside from warm, waterproof clothing, no special equipment is needed because the excursion agency provides everything: crampons, helmets, ice axes, and harnesses.
Remember the essentials, like gloves and hats. Also, bring a pair of hiking boots that can accommodate the crampons.
Possible Family Visits: From What Age?
Most glacier activities are suitable for families with children over 8 (though sometimes it’s 12 years, or even 6 for certain activities). If your children are younger, you can opt for the Langjökull ice tunnel, which has no age restrictions and even allows babies (with a reduced rate for those under 15).
To taste Iceland’s natural wonders, consider visiting the Perlan Museum in Reykjavik. It is dedicated to all of Iceland’s natural marvels, with a significant portion of its exhibition space focused on glaciers. You can even enter a recreated ice cave there!
