The Original Ice Cave Tour in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Höfn , Iceland

The Original Ice Cave Tour in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Active

(179 reviews)

2h - 4h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover Iceland’s Blue Ice – December Ice Cave Tour Update

Our Ice Cave Tour takes you to stunning blue ice formations on the west side of Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet of Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier. Depending on conditions, guests may explore one to three naturally formed features, offering an authentic and ever-changing blue ice experience. These formations are reached by a guided glacier walk led by trained glacier guides.

The tour lasts around 3 hours, occasionally up to 3.5 hours. Walking distances vary, and the guide selects the safest and most scenic route each day. All required glacier equipment—microspikes or crampons—is provided, depending on the terrain and features accessed during your departure.

Iceland’s ice caves are natural and dynamic. For safety reasons, the cave location, glacier route, or tour setup may change at the last minute due to weather, ice movement, or guide assessment. These adjustments ensure the safest and most rewarding experience.

Available options

Meeting time 14:15

14:30 Departure

Meeting time 14:00

14:15 Departure

Meeting time 13:30

13:45 Departure

Meeting time 10:00

10:15 Departure

Meeting time 13:45

14:00 Departure

What's included

4x4 modified vehicle transfer

Small group tour

Spikes and Helmet

Supporting a Small Local Company

Local and Professional Glacier Guide

Carbon Neutralised Tour

Visit to the Ice Cave / Blue glacier feature

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We will meet you in the main parking lot of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. You will be fitted to the safety equipment that is included on your tour. We recommend wearing warm and comfortable outdoor clothing to keep dry in the always changing Icelandic winter weather. Please be at our 4x4 at least 15 minutes prior to the departure.

Embark on the adventure in a 4x4 vehicle to the base of the glacier that is an adventure in itself. 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.

The Ice Caves range between 30-70 meters. You can expect other groups in the same area. 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!

For recent photos and updates, follow @localguide on Instagram.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

24 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

155 reviews

5★

144

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Please come in warm and waterproof clothing and good hiking boots.

Your safety is of the utmost importance. Ice Cave tours are weather dependent. Sometimes tours have to be cancelled with short notice due to weather conditions or safety concerns or. After periods of adverse weather, the caves can become flooded or unsafe to enter. If this happens we will always do our best to offer an alternative such as a glacier hike if weather conditions allow, however if this is not suitable we will also always offer a full refund.

Meeting point

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (next to Diamond Beach)
370 km east of Reykjavík on Highway 1 (the Ring Road)
Google Maps: Jökulsárlón parking
Our meeting location is by the bus parking area at the main parking lot, where our cars marked with Local Guide will be parked.

Important notes

Please be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the departure time.
Calculate for extra time in difficult road conditions, to find parking and use the restrooms if needed before the meeting time.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (next to Diamond Beach):

370km east of Reykjavík, located by the main highway road number 1. When driving the ring road you will see a big lagoon with floating icebergs, we are there at the main parking lot next to the cafeteria.

Google maps: Jökulsárlón, Glacier Lagoon

GPS: 64.0478597, -16.1789879

Because of the unpredictable nature of Ice Caves and the weather in Iceland we may sometimes need to make changes to your tour at the last minute. Please make every effort to check your email the night before your tour as this will be our primary source of contact to you.

There is no need to print this ticket, please keep a copy on your phone for reference and give your name or booking number to the guide on arrival.

Local guide is an environmentally conscious company and your tour has been carbon neutralised.

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.