Vatnajökull

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Vatnajökull
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Vatnajökull: Our most recommended tours and activities

Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Ice Cave Guided Tour

Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Ice Cave Guided Tour

Meet at the Café by Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, about 40 minutes east of Skaftafell, for the start of a unique winter activity and look at an extraordinary natural phenomenon. Go inside some of the ice caves that form after water runs beneath the Vatnajökull Glacier during the summer. Every fall, local guides hunt for new ice caves, as their location can change each year. The structure and condition can also vary from year to year, but rest assured your guide will decide which is the best cave to visit, depending on the safety and weather conditions. Drive for approximately 20 to 30 minutes to the ice cave chosen by your guide, and then walk for 5 to 15 minutes to the mouth of the cave. Upon arrival, enjoy between 1 and 1.5 hours to look inside at the miraculous blue ice of the cave, and take in the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Guided Trip

Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Guided Trip

Explore the dramatic landscapes of the south of Iceland on a full-day sightseeing tour by bus. Go to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon outlet of the largest glacier in Europe, leaning about its history and formation from your local guide. Following a pickup from your hotel in Reykjavik, transfer to the southern coast and the dramatic Glacier Lagoon. Enjoy plenty of time to see the floating icebergs and enjoy the stunning scenery. During the season, make sure to reserve your ticket to the boat cruise on the Jökulsárlón and experience the unique Glacier Lagoon spectacle up close. When you prebook, your place is guaranteed. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is Iceland’s largest and deepest glacier lagoon. It branches from Breidamerkurjokull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier. Return to Reykjavik, stopping at the gorgeous waterfall Seljalandsfoss. You will visit the Diamond beach with black sand, and there will be an additional stop in Iceland's southernmost village at Vík for dinner.

Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike

Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike

Explore breathtaking ice formations and glacier mills on this guided tour in Skaftafell. Marvel at a naturally-formed, blue ice cave and learn how glaciers are formed. A professional hiking guide will take you to the base of Falljökull, an outlet glacier of the Vatnajökull ice cap, and lead you up to the cave. On a clear day, be sure to look out for Hvannadalshnúkur in the distance.

From Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Tour

From Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Tour

THE TOUR Your journey starts by meeting your guide and boarding one of Iceland’s largest custom-made super jeeps! We’ll depart from Glacier Lagoon and drive approximately 30 minutes toward Breiðamerkurjökull, a glacial tongue extending from Vatnajökull. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights about the formation of ice caves, glaciers, volcanoes, and local culture. The caves we visit are 100% natural, constantly forming and changing with the seasons and weather conditions. As such, the cave we explore will depend on the conditions on the day of your tour. We may find ourselves at the edge of the glacier, or we might need to hike a short distance (500-700m) on the glacier to reach the cave. The walking distance on the tour therefore varies between 3-4 km so all participants should be in good health and comfortable with walking. The tour will be a minimum of 3 hours and a maximum of 4, depending on which cave we will be able to visit. Before entering the cave, your guide will provide a safety briefing and equip you with helmets and crampons/micro spikes if needed. Each tour is unique due to the ever-changing nature of the glaciers and caves. You’ll witness a variety of stunning ice formations and colors, from brilliant blue to emerald green and even striking black ice. Our guests often tell us that the diverse ice formations and colors are the most unforgettable part of their experience. WHICH ICE CAVE DO WE VISIT? We always aim to take you to the most beautiful and awe-inspiring ice caves available during the season. Since the caves constantly evolve, old ones disappear, and new ones form, each tour is a unique adventure. Rest assured, we will guide you to the best ice cave accessible at the time of your visit.

From Jökulsárlón: Crystal Ice Cave Day Tour on Vatnajökull

From Jökulsárlón: Crystal Ice Cave Day Tour on Vatnajökull

Experience the majestic beauty of a natural ice cave on a tour of Vatnajökull Glacier. Meet your certified glacier guide at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and then take a 20-30 minute scenic drive to the ice cave.  Get ready to see a magical world of blue ice as you enter the ice cave. Your guide will ensure that you are safe and secure once inside the cave. Gear up with all necessary glacier gear, provided for your safety. Cast your eyes on the heavenly shades of blue ice once you are inside the cave. Take stunning photos of the ice as you spend approximately 40 minutes exploring this miracle of Mother Nature. Discover all that the ice cave has to offer before heading back to Jökulsarlón Glacier Lagoon.

Skaftafell National Park: Falljokull Glacier Easy Hike

Skaftafell National Park: Falljokull Glacier Easy Hike

Discover what it feels like to walk on impacted ice on an amazing hike across the outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. Get breathtaking views of the ice-covered peaks of Skaftafell National Park in the epic wilderness of Iceland. Meet your guide at the meeting point to pick up your crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and helmets. Then, drive by bus to the start of your hike and put on your crampons and steel frames tied to your hiking boots for the amazing adventure ahead. Spend around 60 to 90 minutes on the ice to see crevasses and deep cracks on the surface. Learn about the vertical shafts known as moulins, formed when melting water finds its way into the fissures and cracks. Look into small ice tunnels and capture the beautiful blue heart of the ice in the winter. Learn the history of the glacier from your English-speaking guide.

Jökulsárlón: Guided Ice Cave Tour on Vatnajökull Glacier

Jökulsárlón: Guided Ice Cave Tour on Vatnajökull Glacier

Seize the opportunity to experience one of the stunning blue ice caves within Vatnajökull Glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. Getting There – An Adventure in Itself Your tour begins at the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in Southeast Iceland. Meet your professional glacier guide and climb on board a 4x4 to begin the rugged journey towards the glacier, navigating rugged terrain that few vehicles can handle. As we travel, you’ll witness breathtaking scenery shaped by glaciers over millennia. Our expert guides lead this expedition, ensuring not only your safety but also providing informative insights throughout the journey. This tour is rated as easy, as our modified 4x4s allow participants to get very close to the glacier without exerting much effort. From there we hike 5-20 minutes up to the Ice Cave on uneven ground. As the glacier is always changing, the most beautiful and safest Ice Cave will be chosen depending on the conditions of each day. Inside the Ice Cave Embrace the magic of Iceland’s ever-changing glaciers! Each winter unveils new natural wonders, and we’re excited to share this year’s adventure with you. The Ice Cave range between 30-70. Find unique ice formations and mesmerizing light effects in the cave. With plenty of time for exploration, photos, and learning about glacial history from your guide, this will be an experience you’ll never forget. Explore the most stunning, naturally shaped, blue Ice Cave with us on this 2-3 hour tour! Past Season’s Highlights In previous years we have featured sites like the Blue Diamond Ice Cave, Sapphire Ice Cave, and Crystal Ice Caves as well as the Sparkle Ice Cave, just to name a few. While specific caves change annually due to natural processes, the awe-inspiring beauty remains constant. Please note that while each group’s experience is unique, you will likely encounter other groups during your time in the cave. Due to our flexibility to always offer you the best cave available the tour is expected to last between 2-3 hours, depending on the conditions. Remember, the dynamic nature of ice caves means they transform throughout winter, ensuring a unique experience with each visit. For recent photos and updates, follow @localguide on Instagram.

Reykjavik: South Coast, Diamond Beach, and Jökulsárlón Tour

Reykjavik: South Coast, Diamond Beach, and Jökulsárlón Tour

Follow the south coast of Iceland to the glacial lagoon, Jökulsárlón, on a full-day tour from Reykjavik. Visit the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and learn about the incredible landscapes from your guide. Stay connected with free WIFI aboard the climate-controlled bus. Depart from Reykjavik in an air-conditioned bus and pass charming villages as well as Skaftafell National Park on your way to the Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss waterfalls. Look out for Iceland’s biggest volcano, Öræfajökull glacier. After arriving at the lagoon, enjoy some time to view this stunning area. Take a walk along the shore and admire the icebergs. During the summer season, amphibian boat tours on the lagoon are available at an extra cost (payable onsite). Jökulsárlón started to form in the early nineteen twenties and is getting bigger every year. See blocks of ice that have broken off Europe’s biggest glacier, Vatnajökull, as they sail slowly towards the ocean. The tour returns to Reykjavik in the evening.

Skaftafell National Park: Falljokull Glacier Advanced Hike

Skaftafell National Park: Falljokull Glacier Advanced Hike

Enjoy a frozen adventure in the wilderness of Skaftafell and hike across a stunning outlet glacier of Vatnajökull in the company of an expert guide. Get a short safety briefing and collect all the necessary equipment at the meeting point. Then, marvel at the majesty of the landscape on the short hike to the ice cap. Put on your crampons for security out on the ice. See different formations, including deep crevasses and ice sculptures, and get panoramic views over Skaftafell National Park. Learn how glaciers are formed and hear how their future is under threat as a result of global warming. Get an introduction to more advanced stages of glacier hiking before heading back to the meeting point.

Skaftafell: Small Group Glacier Walk

Skaftafell: Small Group Glacier Walk

This tour is perfect for those who want a leisurely walk on Iceland's amazing Vatnajokull glacier and the Falljokull ice fall . To get your glacier adventure started, drive to the beautiful Skaftafell National Park where our base camp is located. There we gear you up with all necessary glacier gear. Then it's time for the short 15-minute ride to access Falljökull glacier. After arriving at the glacier tongue, strap on your crampons and start your hike into Iceland's wilderness. As you get on the glacier, make your way up the icy but easily accessible slopes. On the way, you will see the area's unique ice formations, learn about how they were formed and how the glacier continues to change shape every day. Then prepare to approach and watch the awe-inspiring icefall to see how the chunks of glacier ice stoically fall hundreds of meters off the mountain top below, flowing ever-so-slowly towards the ocean. Then listen to how the glacier's journey will never be completed, as global warming continues to fuel glacial melting and their slow retreat. Take your chance to explore the peaceful Icelandic scenery and get up close with the ancient ice and gain a new understanding of why these glaciers are so important to the world as a whole.

Vatnajökull: Our most recommended tours and activities

Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Ice Cave Guided Tour

Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Ice Cave Guided Tour

Meet at the Café by Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, about 40 minutes east of Skaftafell, for the start of a unique winter activity and look at an extraordinary natural phenomenon. Go inside some of the ice caves that form after water runs beneath the Vatnajökull Glacier during the summer. Every fall, local guides hunt for new ice caves, as their location can change each year. The structure and condition can also vary from year to year, but rest assured your guide will decide which is the best cave to visit, depending on the safety and weather conditions. Drive for approximately 20 to 30 minutes to the ice cave chosen by your guide, and then walk for 5 to 15 minutes to the mouth of the cave. Upon arrival, enjoy between 1 and 1.5 hours to look inside at the miraculous blue ice of the cave, and take in the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Guided Trip

Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Guided Trip

Explore the dramatic landscapes of the south of Iceland on a full-day sightseeing tour by bus. Go to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon outlet of the largest glacier in Europe, leaning about its history and formation from your local guide. Following a pickup from your hotel in Reykjavik, transfer to the southern coast and the dramatic Glacier Lagoon. Enjoy plenty of time to see the floating icebergs and enjoy the stunning scenery. During the season, make sure to reserve your ticket to the boat cruise on the Jökulsárlón and experience the unique Glacier Lagoon spectacle up close. When you prebook, your place is guaranteed. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is Iceland’s largest and deepest glacier lagoon. It branches from Breidamerkurjokull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier. Return to Reykjavik, stopping at the gorgeous waterfall Seljalandsfoss. You will visit the Diamond beach with black sand, and there will be an additional stop in Iceland's southernmost village at Vík for dinner.

Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike

Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike

Explore breathtaking ice formations and glacier mills on this guided tour in Skaftafell. Marvel at a naturally-formed, blue ice cave and learn how glaciers are formed. A professional hiking guide will take you to the base of Falljökull, an outlet glacier of the Vatnajökull ice cap, and lead you up to the cave. On a clear day, be sure to look out for Hvannadalshnúkur in the distance.

From Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Tour

From Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Tour

THE TOUR Your journey starts by meeting your guide and boarding one of Iceland’s largest custom-made super jeeps! We’ll depart from Glacier Lagoon and drive approximately 30 minutes toward Breiðamerkurjökull, a glacial tongue extending from Vatnajökull. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights about the formation of ice caves, glaciers, volcanoes, and local culture. The caves we visit are 100% natural, constantly forming and changing with the seasons and weather conditions. As such, the cave we explore will depend on the conditions on the day of your tour. We may find ourselves at the edge of the glacier, or we might need to hike a short distance (500-700m) on the glacier to reach the cave. The walking distance on the tour therefore varies between 3-4 km so all participants should be in good health and comfortable with walking. The tour will be a minimum of 3 hours and a maximum of 4, depending on which cave we will be able to visit. Before entering the cave, your guide will provide a safety briefing and equip you with helmets and crampons/micro spikes if needed. Each tour is unique due to the ever-changing nature of the glaciers and caves. You’ll witness a variety of stunning ice formations and colors, from brilliant blue to emerald green and even striking black ice. Our guests often tell us that the diverse ice formations and colors are the most unforgettable part of their experience. WHICH ICE CAVE DO WE VISIT? We always aim to take you to the most beautiful and awe-inspiring ice caves available during the season. Since the caves constantly evolve, old ones disappear, and new ones form, each tour is a unique adventure. Rest assured, we will guide you to the best ice cave accessible at the time of your visit.

From Jökulsárlón: Crystal Ice Cave Day Tour on Vatnajökull

From Jökulsárlón: Crystal Ice Cave Day Tour on Vatnajökull

Experience the majestic beauty of a natural ice cave on a tour of Vatnajökull Glacier. Meet your certified glacier guide at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and then take a 20-30 minute scenic drive to the ice cave.  Get ready to see a magical world of blue ice as you enter the ice cave. Your guide will ensure that you are safe and secure once inside the cave. Gear up with all necessary glacier gear, provided for your safety. Cast your eyes on the heavenly shades of blue ice once you are inside the cave. Take stunning photos of the ice as you spend approximately 40 minutes exploring this miracle of Mother Nature. Discover all that the ice cave has to offer before heading back to Jökulsarlón Glacier Lagoon.

Skaftafell National Park: Falljokull Glacier Easy Hike

Skaftafell National Park: Falljokull Glacier Easy Hike

Discover what it feels like to walk on impacted ice on an amazing hike across the outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. Get breathtaking views of the ice-covered peaks of Skaftafell National Park in the epic wilderness of Iceland. Meet your guide at the meeting point to pick up your crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and helmets. Then, drive by bus to the start of your hike and put on your crampons and steel frames tied to your hiking boots for the amazing adventure ahead. Spend around 60 to 90 minutes on the ice to see crevasses and deep cracks on the surface. Learn about the vertical shafts known as moulins, formed when melting water finds its way into the fissures and cracks. Look into small ice tunnels and capture the beautiful blue heart of the ice in the winter. Learn the history of the glacier from your English-speaking guide.

Jökulsárlón: Guided Ice Cave Tour on Vatnajökull Glacier

Jökulsárlón: Guided Ice Cave Tour on Vatnajökull Glacier

Seize the opportunity to experience one of the stunning blue ice caves within Vatnajökull Glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. Getting There – An Adventure in Itself Your tour begins at the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in Southeast Iceland. Meet your professional glacier guide and climb on board a 4x4 to begin the rugged journey towards the glacier, navigating rugged terrain that few vehicles can handle. As we travel, you’ll witness breathtaking scenery shaped by glaciers over millennia. Our expert guides lead this expedition, ensuring not only your safety but also providing informative insights throughout the journey. This tour is rated as easy, as our modified 4x4s allow participants to get very close to the glacier without exerting much effort. From there we hike 5-20 minutes up to the Ice Cave on uneven ground. As the glacier is always changing, the most beautiful and safest Ice Cave will be chosen depending on the conditions of each day. Inside the Ice Cave Embrace the magic of Iceland’s ever-changing glaciers! Each winter unveils new natural wonders, and we’re excited to share this year’s adventure with you. The Ice Cave range between 30-70. Find unique ice formations and mesmerizing light effects in the cave. With plenty of time for exploration, photos, and learning about glacial history from your guide, this will be an experience you’ll never forget. Explore the most stunning, naturally shaped, blue Ice Cave with us on this 2-3 hour tour! Past Season’s Highlights In previous years we have featured sites like the Blue Diamond Ice Cave, Sapphire Ice Cave, and Crystal Ice Caves as well as the Sparkle Ice Cave, just to name a few. While specific caves change annually due to natural processes, the awe-inspiring beauty remains constant. Please note that while each group’s experience is unique, you will likely encounter other groups during your time in the cave. Due to our flexibility to always offer you the best cave available the tour is expected to last between 2-3 hours, depending on the conditions. Remember, the dynamic nature of ice caves means they transform throughout winter, ensuring a unique experience with each visit. For recent photos and updates, follow @localguide on Instagram.

Reykjavik: South Coast, Diamond Beach, and Jökulsárlón Tour

Reykjavik: South Coast, Diamond Beach, and Jökulsárlón Tour

Follow the south coast of Iceland to the glacial lagoon, Jökulsárlón, on a full-day tour from Reykjavik. Visit the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and learn about the incredible landscapes from your guide. Stay connected with free WIFI aboard the climate-controlled bus. Depart from Reykjavik in an air-conditioned bus and pass charming villages as well as Skaftafell National Park on your way to the Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss waterfalls. Look out for Iceland’s biggest volcano, Öræfajökull glacier. After arriving at the lagoon, enjoy some time to view this stunning area. Take a walk along the shore and admire the icebergs. During the summer season, amphibian boat tours on the lagoon are available at an extra cost (payable onsite). Jökulsárlón started to form in the early nineteen twenties and is getting bigger every year. See blocks of ice that have broken off Europe’s biggest glacier, Vatnajökull, as they sail slowly towards the ocean. The tour returns to Reykjavik in the evening.

Skaftafell National Park: Falljokull Glacier Advanced Hike

Skaftafell National Park: Falljokull Glacier Advanced Hike

Enjoy a frozen adventure in the wilderness of Skaftafell and hike across a stunning outlet glacier of Vatnajökull in the company of an expert guide. Get a short safety briefing and collect all the necessary equipment at the meeting point. Then, marvel at the majesty of the landscape on the short hike to the ice cap. Put on your crampons for security out on the ice. See different formations, including deep crevasses and ice sculptures, and get panoramic views over Skaftafell National Park. Learn how glaciers are formed and hear how their future is under threat as a result of global warming. Get an introduction to more advanced stages of glacier hiking before heading back to the meeting point.

Skaftafell: Small Group Glacier Walk

Skaftafell: Small Group Glacier Walk

This tour is perfect for those who want a leisurely walk on Iceland's amazing Vatnajokull glacier and the Falljokull ice fall . To get your glacier adventure started, drive to the beautiful Skaftafell National Park where our base camp is located. There we gear you up with all necessary glacier gear. Then it's time for the short 15-minute ride to access Falljökull glacier. After arriving at the glacier tongue, strap on your crampons and start your hike into Iceland's wilderness. As you get on the glacier, make your way up the icy but easily accessible slopes. On the way, you will see the area's unique ice formations, learn about how they were formed and how the glacier continues to change shape every day. Then prepare to approach and watch the awe-inspiring icefall to see how the chunks of glacier ice stoically fall hundreds of meters off the mountain top below, flowing ever-so-slowly towards the ocean. Then listen to how the glacier's journey will never be completed, as global warming continues to fuel glacial melting and their slow retreat. Take your chance to explore the peaceful Icelandic scenery and get up close with the ancient ice and gain a new understanding of why these glaciers are so important to the world as a whole.

Top Attractions in Vatnajökull National Park

Experiences in Vatnajökull

Tours in Iceland

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What people are saying about Vatnajökull

Overall rating

4.7
(2,419 reviews)

We had a very nice trip with Geri and Tomek. There was a lot of wind, but Tomek handeled the situation very well. Geri has good knowledge about iceland and told us some interessting facts. He also gave us time for ourselves in between and didn‘t talked too much. We saw really great places, and were offered alternatives if something couldn't take place like planed. You've got multiple places where you can buy something to eat and drink during the excursion.

Such a wonderful day. We happened to be the only two on the tour which was amazing. Our guide, Matusez, got us in nice and early to the cave. We were the second group in and at one point had a whole cavern to ourselves. It was such a magical experience and the cave was fantastic. The colors were just spectacular and changing throughout the time we were there.

The tour was really amazing, we enjoyed it a lot. It did not feel rushed, both guides were very accommodating and made sure everyone had a great experience. They also helped us took some really amazing pictures in the ice caves. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone.

The whole adventure was just amazing! We have sem a lot! Diamond Beach is stunning! Our tour guide Michael was very funny, kind and really helpful, he even helped us to be able to catch our last bus we really appreciate it! He is the best!

Great team and tour! Felt very safe and was educated on the environment