A heady mix of lunar deserts, magnificent fjords, hidden ice caves, thundering waterfalls, and erupting volcanoes, Iceland is an enchanting scenery clubbed with a ton of cultural history. This land of the Vikings with legendary tales holds quite a bit to draw in tourists. Whether it is a casual stroll down Reykjavik’s historic centre or heading out to discover Landmannalaugar’s many hot springs or Jökulsárlón’s towering icebergs, Iceland will leave you mesmerized. You have got to experience this country’s raw natural beauty and loaded history. Enjoy one of the most popular activities around here, which is exploring ice and subterranean caves, and infuse a dash of awesome into your next getaway. Note that those heading to ice caves are requested to wear appropriate clothing and carry necessary items along since temperature levels are about 0°C (32°F). Scroll down for some of the top destinations for these caving adventures in Iceland.
1. Lofthellir Ice Cave (from USD 301.0)
Boasting some stunning 100-year-old ice formations, Lofthellir Ice Cave is located in the Búrfell lava field in northeastern Iceland near Lake Myvatn. The cave is about 370 m (1213.9 ft) long and must only be visited with a guide. It is a 30-minute hike across a lava field that will lead you to discover stunning geological treasures of the cave. Note that the entry to the cave itself is pretty narrow, so avoid heading here if you are with kids or likely to be claustrophobic. Although rest assured, it will be a pretty amazing experience once you get inside. Some great guided tours are offered by third-party travel websites, such as Viator, so you can have a look.
Small-Group Half-Day Ice Caving Adventure, Lofthellir Cave
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
2. Langjökull Glacier Ice Cave (from USD 229.0)
Langjökull Glacier Ice Cave is another hugely popular ice cave, featuring the largest man-made ice tunnel. This cave is located in Langjökull glacier, Iceland’s second-largest glacier, where the cave itself isn’t the only highlight, but views from atop are equally gorgeous. Sturdy monster trucks, facilitated by tour companies, ferry visitors up and down the glacier. It is a relatively easy trip to this cave and can be hitched in about three to four hours.
Into the Glacier Ice Cave Tour from Reykjavik
Duration: 9 hours
3. Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave (from USD 169.0)
South Iceland’s gem, Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave, is an abyss of dramatic landscape, coupled with a wondrous terrain. You can trek through this icy wonderland and marvel at its overwhelming beauty showcased by several ice sculptures and icicles hanging from the ceiling, but remember to be amply careful too. Vatnajökull is, interestingly, Europe’s largest ice cap. An entire tour can take up to 7 hours, including a 30-minute drive to the location and 45 - 90 minutes of hiking across a 3-km (1.9-mi) stretch to the cave. You may be required to tough it out a bit in the uneven terrain. Check out some awesome guided tours offered by third-party travel websites such as Get Your Guide.
Jökulsárlón: Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Guided Tour
Duration: 3.0 hour
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4. Raufarhólshellir Lava Cave (from USD 60.69)
An easy 30-minute journey from the capital city Reykjavik, Raufarhólshellir is one of Iceland’s longest and most popular tourist destinations. The cave features spectacular ice sculptures in the winter, while summers are all about unearthing the subterranean magic of this lava cave. It is about 1,360 m (4,462 ft) long, making it the fourth-longest lava tube in the country. The cave’s skylights, especially the one near the entrance, are truly a sight to behold. You can only access Raufarhólshellir Lava Cave as part of a guided tour, so check some tours offered by third-party travel websites for a truly marvelous trip.
Iceland: Lava Caving Small Group Adventure
Duration: 1.0 to 3.0 hour
5. Katla Ice Cave (from USD 203.6)
Nestled within the Kötlujökull glacier, Katla Ice Cave is a short 45-minute drive north of Vík. It is a pretty scenic drive, leading through a ruggedly beautiful landscape of black lava sand and green mountains. Once at the base location, it is an easy 10-minute hike to the cave, where the entrance easily resembles a spooky mountaintop castle from a storybook. There are carved steps to ascend into the cave, followed by small bridges inside. The highlight of the Katla Ice Cave tour is the skylight near the end of the tunnel, creating a spectacular ice dome, which is every bit a sight. Third-party travel website, Get Your Guide, offers a great tour that you should check out.
From Vik or Reykjavik: Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour
Duration: 3.0 to 11.0 hour
6. The Cave Vidgelmir (from USD 172.33)
Among the largest lava caves in the world and the largest in the country, Vidgelmir is home to significant archeological remains from the Vikings Age that were unearthed here in the 1990s, making it an important part of Icelandic heritage. It is an abyss of breathtaking ice formations and lava stalactites and stalagmites. Only guided entry is permitted inside Vidgelmir and you have the option of going in for a short (1.5-hour long) or a long (3- to 4-hour long) tour. Hitch one of the excellent tours offered by the third-party travel website, Get Your Guide, and consider your outing sorted.
Reykjavik: Lava Cave, Hot Springs, and Waterfalls Tour
Duration: 10.0 hour
7. Vatnshellir Cave
Head down a spiral staircase and you’ll enter this ancient subterranean lava tube called Vatnshellir Cave. It is about 8000 years old and is probably one of the most easily accessible caves in Iceland, making it hugely popular among tourists. 45-minute guided tours of the cave are conducted everyday, and anyone with a moderate level of fitness can hitch with great ease. However, infants below the age of five are not permitted. Not just the cave itself, but all the areas around it are also rife with lava tubes. Tour timings differ in winter and summer, so it’s best you check out the official website before planning.
Vatnshellir Cave
Address: Road 574, 356 Snæfellsbær, Iceland
Website: Vatnshellir Cave
Price: Up to 30 USD
8. Grjótagjá Cave
Boasting a natural thermal spring as well as some brilliant sights, Grjótagjá Cave gets its fame for being a filming location for one of the episodes of the TV show, Game of Thrones. It is a small lava cave where visitors can even bathe in the spring. Unlike other caves, the temperature within Grjótagjá Cave is quite toasty due to the thermal spring. Quite a few locals come around here to take a dip in the waters, so don’t be surprised if you find it a bit crowded.
Grjótagjá Cave
Address: Road 1, Reykjahlid, Lake Myvatn, Iceland
Opening hours: 24 hours
9. Sönghellir Cave
Sönghellir Cave is known as Iceland’s singing cave due to the unique acoustics inside the cave. Any sound made inside the cave echoes with a musical note so do remember to try this. Although the cave’s acoustics are quite the highlight, the carvings of names of famous Icelanders on the cave’s walls are also interesting. This cave is located near Arnarstapi, an old fishing village on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, and is about a 2.5-hour drive from Reykjavik.
Sönghellir Cave
Address: F570, Iceland
10. Secret Ice Cave (from USD 197.0)
Hidden along Iceland’s South Coast, the Secret Ice Cave is not so much a secret when it comes to popularity among visitors. Although, it’s probably called as such because of its temporary nature. The Secret Ice Cave is only accessible in April - May each year when glaciers melt to form these caves. While temporary, they are quite the sight. Illuminating sheets of blue walls in the cave juxtapose against the surrounding black ash from the volcano. It is a relatively easy cave to explore. However, infants below the age of six are not permitted. It can take you up to three hours to tour through the entire cave. Check out this great guided tour offered by Viator for a safer and a more interesting trip.
Secret Ice Cave
Duration: 3 hours
Discover Iceland's bewitching beauty
Floating right below the Arctic Circle, Iceland is an apt name for this country that boasts some of the most stunning ice experiences. Whether you’re planning to explore the beautiful Icelandic fjords or the magnificent ice caves, you’ll find plenty of icy magic around here. While only birds and foxes inhabited Iceland when the Vikings came around in the eighth century, Iceland now finds itself flooded by several thousands of tourists. Plan your getaway and discover the beauty of this country.
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