Katla Volcano Ice Cave - Super Jeep Tour from Vik
Description
Join us on an exhilarating Super Jeep adventure from Vík í Mýrdal to explore the spectacular Katla Ice Cave, on the mighty Mýrdalsjökull glacier. This glacier is one of Iceland’s most famous, and from it flows the powerful Kötlujökull glacier, named after the legendary Katla volcano. Over time, this massive glacier has slowly crept down the volcanic slopes, carving out some of Iceland’s most awe-inspiring natural ice caves. On the glacier you’ll witness a dramatic fusion of crystal-blue ice and deep-black volcanic ash—a surreal contrast that feels straight out of a fantasy film. Led by experienced local guides in a specially modified Super Jeep, this off-the-beaten-path journey promises unforgettable views, fascinating geology, and one of the most unique photo ops Iceland has to offer. You’ll understand the magic the moment you step on the ice.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Our guide will meet you in the bus parking lot behind the Ice Cave Bistro in Vík (on the side facing the ocean). From here, we ride a modified super jeep off-road up to Kötlujökull glacier to explore the great Katla Ice Cave.
You will hike on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and witness the amazing blue and black ice. Please note: Ice caves are natural formations that change constantly due to shifting weather conditions and seasonal elements like temperature, sunlight, and precipitation. As a result, the cave's appearance may differ from the photos shown. For each tour, we visit the best accessible naturally formed ice cave available, chosen based on current conditions and safety considerations. These changes are entirely at the discretion of nature, making every visit a unique experience.
We return to Vík after the ice cave adventure, where you will be dropped off back at the meeting point.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour departs from the town of Vík in South Iceland. Customers must make their own way to the meeting point.
- What to bring: Warm clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, hiking boots, head-wear and gloves.
- This is a small group tour ensuring a more personalized experience. The guide to client ratio is 1:14.
- Minimum age: 6 years old.
Reviews(278)
We had a wonderful time! Baddi was the best guide, full of fun information, jokes, anecdotes, and just overall warm and friendly during the whole experience. Would hardly recommend this, well worth every penny. We had a bluebird day.
This adventure is not for the faint of heart. If you gave ANY disability this is NOT for you! We read easy and moderate for the description. And although Peter was a wonderful guide and we ended up haveing a great time, this was not moderate. It was difficult!! You end up hiking with Crampons on your shoes in ice trails for about a mile. The trail is up, down and over little “bridges” which were boards set up over flowing water. The reason this is important to know is because we had a member of our party who has trouble with anything that’s not level. She ended up staying with the car because she couldn’t participate. The rest of us managed but this was a group of people in our 60’s who do moderate exercise. We managed but were pretty darn sore and very worn out! I believe the description should reflect this information. All the trouble was worth what we saw and learned but it would have helped to know ahead of time.
To be honest was not that impressive, you depend a lot on the glacier conditions, and the cave tour was super quick. Paying that much for stepping on the glacier is something to reconsider. At least add 1h of glacier hiking if the cave is not in good conditions to be explored.
Hi Manuel, thanks for the honest feedback. The ice caves are shaped by nature, so the size and accessibility change with conditions, and some days give you more than others. The suggestions were passed to the team, appreciate it! Arctic Adventures Team
Fantastic experience! Knowledgeable guide and great weather. Jeep journey was fun. Ale (our guide) explained all the dangers and how to avoid them, as well as krampons and helmets. He also explained a lot about how the glacier formed and how it's changing. It was beautiful and interactive.
Hi Julie, glad the weather cooperated. A guide who explains the dangers clearly without making it scary and then shows you how the glacier works is exactly the right balance for Katla. Arctic Adventures Team
Super fun tour, within a nice 2-3hr window so not too long. We booked through Arctic Adventures. Fun drive in the jeep to the glacier - expect it to be bumpy :) ice caves were very cool - what you will see will depend on time of year and how much the glacier has melted etc. We went in August-from what the guide was saying perhaps it is better a month before. But still loved it!
What an amazing experience! Helgi our guide was great from start to finish with Icelandic stories and facts during the jeep ride, as well as information and history while on the glacier. He prepared us well and kept our group safe while still having fun throughout the hike and cave tour. Everything was spectacular, pictures don't do it justice.
Hi there, really glad the day earned those words. The Super Jeep ride, the glacier, and the cave are three different experiences in one tour. Come back for more! Arctic Adventures Team
Great adventure overall. The glacier is a 40min drive via Super Jeep and then the ice cave is another 15min walk up the glacier. The actual ice cave size and location will vary on the specific day of course. Our guide, Helke, was really fun and gave us a lot of information about the glacier. Be prepared for tough conditions though. Definitely wear waterproof pants, jacket, boots and gloves and carry extra clothes for when you return!
Awesome experience. Our guide, Alex without the “x” was very good. He was very knowledgeable, informative, and did a good job interacting with the group. I would highly recommend.
Hi there, that title covers all the bases. The Super Jeep out to Katla is half the adventure, and a knowledgeable guide who keeps the group engaged is what makes the cave worth the ride. Arctic Adventures Team
Fantastic experience, our guide led us with caution and experience inside the caves, letting us discover one of the wonders of your territory. We were in a small group and this made it easier to experience the atmosphere of the place.
Hi there, "soaking up the atmosphere" is exactly what those caves are for. A small group inside those caves is the best way to experience them, thank you for joining us! Arctic Adventures Team
The super jeep tour, the route to reach the ice cave, and the cave itself make this activity a special moment. Our driver and guide Piotr (or Peter) was excellent. Full of humor and attentiveness, he shared his knowledge about the volcano, the glacier, and Vik with us. He is largely responsible for the success of this visit and the pleasure we had doing it.
Hi there, thank you for your kind words! Most people don't expect the drive to the cave to be part of the experience, but the Super Jeep route through that landscape sets the tone before you even step underground. Arctic Adventures Team
