Crystal Ice Cave & Super Jeep Tour from Jökulsárlón

Höfn , Iceland

Crystal Ice Cave & Super Jeep Tour from Jökulsárlón

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(130 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This is currently the best easy-access blue ice experience in Vatnajökull National Park: incredible views & photo opportunities without a difficult hike.

The tour begins at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where massive icebergs drift toward the Atlantic Ocean. Climb aboard a Super Jeep for an off‑road adventure to the edge of Vatnajökull. We drive for about 30 minutes to reach the glacier. Once we leave the main road, the ride gets bumpy and offers amazing views of the landscape.

When we arrive, we give you all the gear you need: a helmet, headlamp, and crampons for your boots. It is typically a 15-20 minute walk on the glacier to reach the ice canyons & hidden caves. This walk is easy for most people, and no prior experience is required. Depending on the light and the weather, you will see colours ranging from bright blue to pure white, depending on the light, snowfall, and what nature has created this season.

Available options

Standart Departure

What's included

Group size limited to 14 guests per guide

Access the glacier with an exciting and scenic Super Jeep ride

All necessary safety gear provided (helmet, headlamp, glacier crampons)

Explore the ice canyons and hidden caves of Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet of the mighty Vatnajökull

Expert, experienced glacier guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your adventure begins at the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift out to sea. Take time to enjoy the view or visit nearby Diamond Beach before departure.

The meeting point is on the east side of the main Jökulsárlón parking lot, where you’ll see Super Jeeps and tour vans. Look for the Arctic Adventures sign - your guide will meet you there and lead you to the Super Jeep (marked either Glacier Mice or Arctic Adventures).

Tours leave promptly, so please arrive at least 15 minutes early. Jökulsárlón is a busy area with several parking lots on both sides of the road; allow extra time to park and walk to the meeting point.

There are no washrooms at the ice cave, so please use the facilities at Jökulsárlón before we depart.

Stop 2

From the lagoon, climb aboard our specially modified Super Jeep for a scenic ~30 minute drive towards an outlet of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Once we leave the main road, the track becomes off-road and bumpy, adding to the sense of adventure while offering beautiful views of mountains and the surrounding winter landscape.

This tour takes you beyond the regular roads, right to the edge of the glacier where the ice cave awaits. Your highly skilled driver-guide will expertly navigate the track so you can buckle up and enjoy the adventure!

After the Super Jeep ride, you will be fitted with a helmet and crampons, hear a safety briefing, then be ready to explore.

We arrive at Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. Here your guide gives a safety briefing and provides all necessary glacier gear before we walk to the cave. The walk is usually 15 minutes each way over uneven, icy ground, but you'll be equipped with crampons to help. The walk is suitable for most people with a normal level of fitness and sturdy hiking shoes.
Next, step into an ice cave and see how powerful forces of meltwater and frost shape the glacier from the inside. The colours can range from deep, electric blue to more white or grey tones depending on the light, snowfall and the cave that nature has created this season.

What's not included

Transportation to the meeting point (e.g. from Reykjavík)

Food and drinks

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (charged by Vatnajökull National Park)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.2

10 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 3.8

120 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This experience is subject to favourable conditions. Safety always comes first. If we cancel the tour due to poor weather, you will be offered the choice of an alternative date or a full refund.

Being properly dressed will make your adventure safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. We reccomend wearing layers, waterproof clothing, and sturdy hiking boots.

Ice caves seasonally accessible, and only when conditions are safe.

Ice caves are a constantly changing natural phenomenon. Their appearance depends on the season, weather, light, and other conditions. Photos may not reflect the exact cave or views on the day of your visit.

This is a natural wonder and popular area, so you should expect to share the cave with other groups. Guides do their best to coordinate and give you time & space to enjoy the atmosphere and take pictures.

Meeting point

The tour departs from the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Parking Lot. The meeting point is on the East side of the parking lot, where you will see super jeeps & tour vans parked. Please look for a big orange truck with the Arctic Adventures logo in the window, and our meeting point sign in front.

Important notes

The tour departs from the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Parking Lot. The meeting point is on the East side of the parking lot, where you see super jeeps & tour vans parked.

This adventure is operated jointly with our partners at Glacier Mice. Please look for the Arctic Adventures sign, where the guide will greet you & lead you to the super jeep. Please note that our tours leave promptly, so we appreciate your punctuality. We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour.

PARKING
Jökulsárlón is a busy area. There are parking lots on either side of the Route 1 highway: beside the Glacier Lagoon, & south of the bridge at the Diamond Beach. Please allow plenty of time to find parking and make your way to the meeting point. A parking fee of is charged by Vatnajökull National Park.

GETTING HERE
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is located 379 km east of Reykjavík, halfway between Skaftafell and Höfn, just off Route 1 (the Ring Road). From Reykjavík, the drive takes approximately 5 hours in ideal conditions. From Höfn, the lagoon is about 88 km west, or roughly 1 hour’s drive in good conditions.

PLEASE NOTE
This tour is dependent on weather and natural conditions. Guest safety is the priority, and tours may be altered or cancelled if conditions are deemed unsafe by our experts and National Park Authorities. Late cancellations or itinerary adjustments may be unavoidable - please accept our gratitude in advance for your patience & cooperation.

Glaciers are always changing, and the cave visited may vary depending on conditions. Some caves are larger or more striking than others, but each is unique and chosen for your safety & the best possible experience the day of the tour. We appreciate your understanding & will always strive to provide you with an unforgettable adventure.

We will notify you by email if the tour is cancelled in the event of unfavourable conditions. Please check your inbox before setting out to confirm it is running as scheduled.

About Höfn

Höfn is a charming coastal town in southeastern Iceland, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich fishing heritage. It's a gateway to some of Iceland's most breathtaking landscapes, including the Vatnajökull National Park and the dramatic Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Top Attractions

Vatnajökull National Park

This vast national park is home to Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull. It offers stunning landscapes, ice caves, and hiking trails.

Nature Half day to full day Moderate to Expensive (guided tours required for some areas)

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

A breathtaking glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs, offering boat tours and stunning views.

Nature Half day Moderate to Expensive (boat tours available)

Höfn Harbor

The heart of Höfn, known for its fishing industry and lobster dining. A great place to experience local culture and cuisine.

Cultural A few hours Free to explore, moderate for dining

Must-Try Local Dishes

Lobster Soup

A creamy and rich soup made with fresh lobster, a specialty of Höfn.

Dinner Contains seafood, may contain dairy

Plokkfiskur

A traditional Icelandic fish stew made with mashed fish, potatoes, and béchamel sauce.

Dinner Contains fish, dairy, and gluten

Rye Bread

Dense and flavorful rye bread often served with butter and smoked fish.

Bread Vegan option available (without butter)

Popular Activities

Glacier hiking Ice caving ATV tours Northern Lights viewing Spa visits Coffee shop lounging Local museums Harbor exploration

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer offers the warmest temperatures and long daylight hours, perfect for exploring the outdoors. However, it's also the busiest time with more tourists and higher prices.

8°C to 15°C 46°F to 59°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Icelandic
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Icelandic Króna (ISK)

Time Zone

GMT+0

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Höfn is a safe town with low crime rates. The main safety concerns are related to weather and outdoor activities.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of changing weather conditions
• Stay on marked trails when hiking
• Drive carefully, especially in winter

Getting there

By air

Egilsstaðir Airport • 80 km (50 miles)

By bus

Höfn Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are available for travel between towns but not within Höfn itself. Schedules are limited, so planning is essential.

Taxis

Available • Apps: None widely available

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Höfn Town Center Surrounding Natural Areas

Day trips

Skaftafell

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

A part of Vatnajökull National Park, offering stunning hiking trails and glacier views.

Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon

60 km (37 miles) • Half day

A smaller but equally stunning glacier lagoon near Höfn, offering boat tours and iceberg views.

Festivals

Höfn Lobster Festival • July

Pro tips

Visit the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon early in the day to avoid crowds.
Try the local lobster dishes at the harbor restaurants.
Book guided tours in advance, especially for glacier hikes and ice caves.
Dress in layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Check weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling, especially in winter.