Katla Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike

Hike across the mighty Mýrdalsjökull glacier in Iceland and explore the mysterious Katla ice cave on this exciting day tour from Vík!

You’ll be picked up from the N1 gas station in Vík for this incredible small-group excursion by super jeep. Our specially-modified vehicle will ensure a comfortable ride as you travel across the rugged terrain through the dramatic winter landscapes of Iceland.

This tour will take you from the magical South Coast of Iceland towards Katla, an active volcano that lies deep within the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. Seismic activity here has resulted in eruptions occurring approximately every 50-100 years, causing glacial floods to wash across the black sand plains. You’ll pass by the fascinating, deep-seated grooves of these floods as you ascend the snowy slopes of Katla, bound for the glacier at its peak.

You’ll know you’ve arrived at Mýrdalsjökull when the undulating snow gives way to sweeping views of mountainous scenery all around. To kick off this experience, your guide will take you through a full safety briefing and provide you with the necessary equipment to begin the trek over the glacier and into the ice. This includes a helmet and headlamp, which will assist you in navigating through the dark recesses within the glacier, as well as crampons for walking safely over the oftentimes wet and slippery ice.

Be prepared to spend up to an hour and a half on the glacier, as you hike across the spectacular surroundings and visit two unique ice caves. These natural phenomena are constantly melting and reshaping over time, meaning that no two ice caves are ever the same.

The highlight of this tour will be the Katla ice cave, where ash from volcanic eruptions over thousands of years has been frozen into the ice, creating extraordinary striations of black, white and dark blue. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the many nooks and crannies as you marvel with sheer wonder at the solid, cold walls. In addition, you’ll also visit a smaller ice cave, where you’ll have the chance to witness the ice glistening in brilliant shades of blue.

Throughout your time on this tour, your guide will share their knowledge in relation to the history of Katla volcano, the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and how ice caves are formed. There will be the opportunity to ask any questions you may have or to chat about Iceland in general.

Once you have finished exploring the ice caves, you’ll hike back across the glacier to the super jeep for an adventure off-the-beaten track to a secluded black sand beach away from the masses. It’s the perfect way to cap off an exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Do not miss out on the chance to explore the Katla ice cave and hike across a glacier on this guided day tour by super jeep from the South Coast of Iceland! Check availability by choosing a date.