Things to do in
Katla

Katla

Katla: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Vik or Reykjavik: Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour

From Vik or Reykjavik: Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour

Discover southern Iceland’s stunning ice caves on a guided tour from Vik or Reykjavik. Experience breathtaking views as you drive along the country's spectacular south coast.  Hop on a Super Jeep and travel along rugged rural roads as you admire the incredible landscapes and jaw-dropping sights as you make your way to your first stop. Arrive at Mýrdalsjökull Glacier and hike across it to reach Kötlujökull Glacier with provided crampons. Take in the stunning views of the Mýrdalsjökull Ice Cap and feel the thrill of crossing a vast glacial expanse. Then arrive at the cave and explore the frigid blue and black-colored interior. Learn about its formations and admire its spectacular beauty with your experienced guide. Finally, head back to the minivan and relax on the return journey to Vik or Reykjavik.

From Vik: Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour

From Vik: Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour

Explore a natural ice cave on this guided trip from Vik. Board a jeep in Vík and go off the beaten track into the Icelandic wilderness. Geared up in safety equipment, journey through a landscape of majestic mountains and glaciers toward the Katla Ice Cave. From Vík, jump into a jeep and step into the mighty glaciers and ice caves of South Iceland. Strap on your crampons and helmets to explore this natural phenomenon. Walk across the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, situated below the Katla volcano. Wander through the cave and marvel at spectacular color combinations of blue, gray and black, as your guide tells you about the Kötlujökull glacier and the Katla ice cave’s formation.

From Vik: Katla Ice Cave Small Group Guided Tour

From Vik: Katla Ice Cave Small Group Guided Tour

Experience the natural wonders of southern Iceland with a guided tour of the Katla Ice Cave from Vik. Hop aboard a 4x4 Super Jeep, and embark on a thrilling expedition along a secluded rural road that leads you to awe-inspiring sights. Start your adventure at the Myrdalsjokull Glacier. Equipped with crampons to ensure safety and comfort, begin your glacier hike. As you make your way across the vast glacier expanse, head toward Kötlujökull Glacier, named after the Icelandic volcano, Katla, which lies dormant beneath its icy shroud. Upon reaching your destination, explore the inner sanctum of the glacier — a mesmerizing ice cave showcasing stunning shades of blue and black ice. Gain insights into the geological history and cultural significance of the area from your guide, who will ensure your safety throughout the exploration. Marvel at the Intricate beauty of Katla Ice Cave, a natural wonder that has been sculpted over time by the forces of nature. See the interplay of light and ice within the cave create a breathtaking spectacle, with the hues of blue and black ice formations glistening like precious gems. As you soak in the cave's ethereal atmosphere and unique geological features, learn about the role of the mighty Katla volcano in shaping the region's natural beauty.

Reykjavik: South Coast and Katla Ice Cave Small Group Tour

Reykjavik: South Coast and Katla Ice Cave Small Group Tour

Embark on an extraordinary expedition through Iceland's picturesque south coast with our exclusive Katla Ice Cave tour, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that promises to leave you spellbound. Departing from Reykjavik, this day trip offers an immersive experience in the heart of nature's grandeur. Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss beckons you to venture behind its cascading waters, offering a unique and surreal encounter with nature. Skogafoss, steeped in ancient folklore, adds a touch of mystique to your journey, its powerful cascades weaving enchanting tales. Explore the world-renowned Reynisfjara black-sand beach, where the striking contrast between the ebony sands and the vast blue sea creates a scene of unparalleled beauty. Stroll leisurely along the shore, marveling at the magnificent rock formations and the rhythmic dance of the waves. The pinnacle of your adventure awaits at the Katla Ice Cave, nestled at the foot of the mighty Katla glacier. Equipped with crampons and helmets, venture deep into the glacier's heart to discover the mesmerizing Ice Caves. These natural wonders, sculpted by time, exhibit a captivating fusion of blue and black ice, forming a breathtaking labyrinth beneath the glacier. Throughout the day, feast your eyes on the breathtaking landscapes as you traverse Iceland's southern coast. Marvel at rugged cliffs, dramatic seascapes, and untouched wilderness, immersing yourself in the raw beauty that defines this extraordinary country. As your remarkable journey comes to an end, you'll return to Reykjavik with cherished memories etched into your soul. This unforgettable day promises an adventure you'll treasure forever, an opportunity to savor the beauty and excitement of Iceland's south coast in a single day. Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in the wonders of the Katla Ice Cave and experience the unparalleled charm of Iceland's natural wonders. Book your adventure now and embark on a journey that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Vik: Guided Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike

Vik: Guided Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike

Experience a hiking tour on the beautiful glacier of Sólheimajökull. Cross the vast icy expanse with specialized equipment, and learn about the area with your guide. Meet your guide at the Sólheimajökull parking lot where you will receive all the necessary safety gear and hike towards the glacier. Benefit from a safety briefing as well as a tutorial on how to attach the crampons to your high ankle boots. Explore the impermanent glacier formations as well as crevasses and moulins. During the hike, admire the beautiful views of the area, surrounding mountains as well as some volcanic ash on the glacier. Learn about the fascinating natural phenomena and features of the area with your guide will be happy to answer your questions. During the hike, enjoy a stop for some coffee and chocolates to keep your energy up as you traverse the glacier.

Reykjavik: South Coast Adventure Tour

Reykjavik: South Coast Adventure Tour

Embark on a bus tour of Iceland’s stunning South Shore from Reykjavik is ideal for nature lovers, as you will drive through one of the country's most scenic regions, reaching as far as Vík, surrounded by high cliffs that attract an abundance of birdlife. Departing from Reykjavik, you will drive to the gorgeous Seljarlandsfoss Waterfall, unique in the fact that you can walk behind it through to the other side. Continue to the majestic, and much photographed, Skógafoss Waterfall. Located on the former coastline of Iceland before it receded seaward, the 200-foot (60-meter) drop is one of the biggest in the country. Continue through the glacial landscape of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, where the icecap covers the active Katla volcano. Drive along the black sand coastline, where the beaches are formed out of black basalt, and see the impressive Reynisdrangar rock formations near Vík, the southernmost village in Iceland. Located on the main road that circumnavigates Iceland, it’s approximately 110 miles (180 kilometers) from Reykjavik, where you will head back at the end of a long but awe-inspiring journey.

Iceland South Coast Full-Day Minibus Tour

Iceland South Coast Full-Day Minibus Tour

After an early wake-up and pick-up in one of the coolest cities of Europe, take a great 10-hour tour to see Iceland. Make your first stop at waterfall Seljalandsfoss, with no doubt one of the most famous one in the country. This is a waterfall you can walk behind, with a drop off 65 meters and a part of the river Seljalandsá which has its origins underneath the glacier Eyjafjallajökull - the famous volcano that erupted in 2010 and put the world's flights on hold.  Head to the stunning waterfall Skógafoss, one of the largest at a width of 25 meters and drop off 60 meters. It can also be seen from above as there are footsteps that lead above the waterfall. Stop in Reynisfjara for lunch. Try Icelandic meat-soup or many other dishes. Take a walk on a black sand beach and maybe see  puffins if you are lucky. After that, drive to the Village of Vík for a short stop. Sólheimajökull Glacier is between the volcanoes Katla and Eyjafjallajökull, and a part of the larger Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Be dropped off in the parking lot and take a 15 to 20-minute walk along the glacier. On the way back to the city, hear the stories about all the trolls in the rocks, the elves and stop at some secret places, before you arrive back in Reykjavik at around 6:00 PM.

Volcano Exhibition and Cinema - Lava Centre Iceland

Volcano Exhibition and Cinema - Lava Centre Iceland

Journey through the geological history of a nation as you explore the fiery heart of Iceland at awarded Lava Centre overlooking the great volcanoes of Eyjafjallajökull, Katla and Hekla. Learn by using interactive displays and videos. Become immersed in an experience that blends education with artistic displays of the various natural forces that created Iceland. Go to the Trembling Earth section and learn how diverging tectonic plate movements and rising magma cause frequent earthquakes. Experience the drama of a simulated earthquake. In front of the Fiery Heart of Iceland display, learn about the normal up-flow of magma at the diverging plate boundaries and how they interact with a mantle plume (hot spot) beneath Iceland, pin-pointed in the central highlands. Once the gaseous molten rock in the earth’s crust and mantle, known as magma, is expelled during a volcanic eruption, it is termed lava and tephra (airborne material). There are 30 volcanic systems in Iceland containing many types of volcanoes, with a strong impact on nature and the rapidly developing landscapes. In the Magma Learning Center, get an insight into many volcanic structures. Tephra forms when magma encounters water or ice, or if the gaseous magma is very viscous. The magma splinters into pieces of various sizes that may spread over large areas. Get a panoramic view of 4 large, active but dormant volcanoes and a group of volcanic islands in the Local Volcano section, or from the viewing deck. All are of a different type and nature, and two of them are among the most active and productive volcanoes in Iceland!   

Sólheimajökull Ice Climbing Tour

Sólheimajökull Ice Climbing Tour

Begin at the Sólheimajökull parking lot where you are provided with the glacier gear required for the trip. Then undertake a 15-minute hike on a gravel road to the base of Sólheimajökull. At the base, you will be shown how to put on and use the gear.  Once on the glacier, you climb on an easy ice wall to learn the basic skills and techniques of ice climbing. We need to walk between climbing spots so you can explore the stunnig landscape of the glacier. After that, you will try to climb in two - three different locations on the glacier, either at a nice wall or a hole (called a mulian) that you can get into and climb back up.  This climbing tour is a interdiction so every one can do it. You dont have to be a super fit person to enjoy this. Wy book with us? We offer small number of people in each tour. All of our guides are professional mountain guides and ice climbers. Sólheimajökull is a small outlet glacier coming from the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. This is one of the closest glaciers to Reykjavík and takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes to drive there. Mýrdalsjökull, the mire valley glacier, is an ice cap in the south of Iceland. It is to the north of Vík and to the east of the smaller ice cap Eyjafjallajökull. Between these two glaciers is Fimmvörðuháls pass. Its peak reaches 1,493 meters (4,898 foot) and in 1980 it covered an area of 595 kilometers squared (230 square miles). The icecap of the glacier covers an active volcano called Katla. The caldera of the volcano has a diameter of 10 kilometers (6 miles) and the volcano erupts usually every 40 to 80 years. The last eruption took place in 1918. Scientists are actively monitoring the volcano, particularly after the eruption of nearby Eyjafjallajökull began in April 2010. 

From Reykjavik: South Coast Small-Group Tour

From Reykjavik: South Coast Small-Group Tour

You will be picked up from Reykjavik in the morning by your friendly, experienced guide. From here you will start your adventure as a small group of guests traveling in the minibus, guaranteeing that your experience will be both comfortable and personal. One of your first stops will be at the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. This falls, which are over 60 meters tall, tumble from a cliff that curves inwards. This means when there is no ice on the ground, you are able to walk behind it, allowing for some excellent photograph opportunities. Skogafoss Waterfall is next on your list. Though as tall as Seljalandsfoss, it is many times wider and much more powerful. The scale of it is incredibly impressive, especially considering the amount of spray rising as the water smashes against the rocks below. Whilst here, you will be free to walk as close to the waterfall as you dare. If the weather is clear, you’ll even be able to see Eyjafjallajokull, the famous glacier and volcano that erupted back in 2010. You will then travel to Solheimajokull. This fascinating glacier tongue stretches from the greater ice cap Myrdalsjokull, which covers the volcano Katla, with eruptions even bigger than Eyjafjallajokull's. Afterwards you will travel to the Reynisfjara black sand beach. This stretch of coastline is renowned for its beauty, eeriness, and dramatic geology. It is another very photogenic place containing many hexagonal basalt columns, and throughout summer, you may spot puffins up on the cliffs. The furthest stop on this tour is Vik, the southernmost village of Iceland. When you walk down the beach, you will be amazed by the sea stacks. Legend has it that the stack is in fact made up of the frozen figures of trolls who were turned to stone while playing in the sea. With all these features packed into a single day, you will return to your minibus and be whisked back to Reykjavík.

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What people are saying about Katla

Overall rating

4.6
(937 reviews)

It was a fantastic experience, the landscapes on the way were incredible and the ice cave itself was just amazing. The guide was great, gave us a but if history on the region and due to nice weather we stopped on the plain before the cave to explore and take a few photos which was a bonus. Many thanks to the entire team, very happy.

Kristian, our guide, was excellent in helping us explore Iceland in an entirely new way. He was a very capable and knowledgable guide, ensuring we felt safe throughout the whole tour while also teaching us a lot about the landscape and culture. Highly recommend!

An experience to do absolutely, the price is probably excessive but it remains an adventure that you will hardly be able to do elsewhere. Mitch our driver and Inka (I hope it is correct how to write it) our guide perfect!

The Ice Cave was fantastic, as wee as everythingwe saw on the way. Our guide, that I think his name was *Chris* was interesting passionate and very instructive

The ice cave was superb. We would have liked to stay there a little longer.