Ride a Super Jeep from Vík out to Kötlujökull and step into an otherworldly ice cave carved by melt and volcanic heat. This three-hour guided tour combines glacier walking with close-up views of blue ice and volcanic ash bands.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The jeep grinds across black sand and moraine until the glacier rises like a pale wall above the horizon. In the cab you can feel the landscape change—wind thins, the air bites—and then the Super Jeep stops at a stubbled ice edge. You step out, slide on crampons and a helmet, and the ice cave opens like an inverted cathedral: bands of blue light thread through ancient compressed ice while seams of volcanic ash stripe the walls.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most active travelers able to walk on uneven terrain for 20–45 minutes; not strenuous but requires mobility.
Wildlife
History
Katla lies beneath the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap and has a history of powerful eruptions that trigger jökulhlaups—events that have shaped local settlement patterns and coastal deposits.
Conservation
Glacier caves are transient and fragile; stay on guide-approved routes, avoid touching delicate ice formations, and carry out all trash to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the Ice Cave at Katla Volcano today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in layers
Temperatures near the cave stay close to freezing—wear a warm base layer, insulating midlayer, and a waterproof shell.
Bring sturdy boots
Ankle-supporting, waterproof hiking boots make crampon use and wet moraine crossings far more comfortable.
Charge your camera battery
Cold drains batteries quickly—carry a spare or keep one close to your body until you shoot.
Follow the guide’s path
Cave features can be unstable; stay with the group and obey safety briefings to avoid hazards.
Waterproof shell jacket
Protects against wind and wet spray during jeep transfer and glacier approach.
Insulating midlayer (fleece or down)
Keeps you warm while stationary inside the cave and during colder months.
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots (ankle support)
Necessary for crampon attachment and stable walking on moraine and ice.
Gloves and warm hat
Protect extremities from cold and reduce heat loss inside the cave.