From Reykjavik: Into the Glacier Ice Cave Tour

If you’re considering a trip to Iceland and want to experience its incredible glaciers up close, the “Into the Glacier Ice Cave Tour” from Reykjavik is a popular pick. This full-day adventure takes you onto Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier, and delivers a mix of scenic drives, educational insights, and the thrill of entering a real glacier cave.

What makes this tour especially appealing are a couple of key highlights: riding across the glacier in a specially modified vehicle and walking through the luminous, blue-lit ice tunnels inside the glacier. Both of these are truly unforgettable moments that give you a tangible sense of Iceland’s icy grandeur.

However, a quick consideration is the long travel time—about 11 hours total—which might not suit everyone, especially if you prefer shorter excursions. That said, if you’re after a comprehensive, immersive experience that blends natural beauty with adventure, this tour is likely to hit the spot.

It’s particularly well-suited for those who love learning about glaciers, enjoy unique landscapes, and aren’t deterred by a lengthy day on the road. It’s also a good choice for travelers who want an active, memorable experience with knowledgeable guides leading the way.

Key Points

• Includes transportation with pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik, making logistics straightforward.
• Provides a unique glacier experience with a ride on a specially modified glacier vehicle.
• Inside the glacier: Explore the massive ice tunnel, see the stunning blue ice, and learn about glacier formation.
• Educational value: Guides share insights into glacier geology and history.
• Long but rewarding day: Approximately 11 hours from start to finish, with several scenic stops along the way.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for children of all ages if well-dressed and carried, though not accessible for those with mobility challenges.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What’s in Store?

This tour begins early, with pickup from your Reykjavik hotel around 8:30 AM. From there, it’s about a two-hour drive to Husafell, a scenic route that offers glimpses of Iceland’s majestic landscapes. On the way, many travelers stop at stunning waterfalls like Barnafoss, which makes for great photo ops and a chance to stretch your legs.

Once you arrive at Husafell, you’ll meet your guide and gear up with warm overalls, waterproof coats, overshoes, and crampons—crucial for comfort and safety in the icy environment. Then, the real fun begins with a ride in a specially modified glacier truck, affectionately called a “Monster Truck” by many, which takes you up onto Langjökull, the second-largest glacier in Iceland. This ride alone is a highlight, offering panoramic views of snow and ice from the vehicle’s vantage point.

Reaching the glacier’s edge, you’ll step out and venture into the man-made ice tunnel, a marvel of engineering. This tunnel is the world’s largest ice cave, with passages lit by glowing hues that illuminate the layers of ice built up over thousands of years. As you walk through, your guide will explain the glacier’s formation, movement, and the geology behind the mesmerizing blue ice.

Many reviewers emphasize how impressive the ice caves are, describing the blue ice as “lit from behind” and like nothing you’ve seen before. The layers reveal stories of the glacier’s age and the environmental changes over time. It’s a visual and educational feast that makes the long drive worthwhile.

The tour lasts about an hour inside the cave, but you might find that the whole experience sticks with you long after the day ends. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach—many reviews mention guides like Emma and Magdalena as memorable and helpful.

Afterward, you’ll return to Husafell for a quick stop or lunch break (note that food isn’t included, so bringing snacks or a packed lunch is a good idea). The journey back to Reykjavik is equally scenic, with optional stops at waterfalls or hot springs, enhancing the overall day.

What to Expect: The Good, the Practical, and the Real

One of the best parts of this tour is the combination of scenic travel, educational content, and hands-on glacier experience. You’ll learn how glaciers are formed and shaped by natural forces, making the experience both fun and informative. Many guests express surprise at how much they learned, with guides sharing interesting facts about Iceland’s glaciers and their importance.

The ride in the glacier vehicle is a bit like a roller coaster—rough, bumpy, and super fun—offering a different perspective from the usual sightseeing bus. The ice tunnel, lit up with colorful lighting, provides a surreal backdrop for photos and awe. Several reviewers have mentioned how “spectacular” and “beautiful” the caves are, with some describing the blue ice as “the coolest thing I did in Iceland.”

Transportation is smooth, with pick-up and drop-off included—an added convenience. The tour is priced at a point where many feel it offers good value, considering the included transportation, guided expertise, and access to the glacier itself. Of course, food and drinks are extra, and given the long day, packing snacks or a light meal is a smart move.

The tour is quite long, so patience and good footwear are recommended. It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, mainly because of the walking and gear required inside the ice caves. Children are welcome, but parents should carry infants or young kids, especially since the inside of the glacier can be cold and potentially physically demanding for little ones.

Real Experiences from Travelers

We took a close look at reviews to get genuine insights. Many travelers rave about the professionalism and knowledge of the guides—“The driver and the tour guides were very professional and knowledgeable,” says Lyra. Others highlight how memorable the scenery is: “Spectacular view of the glacier & the ice cave,” as one reviewer puts it.

Some mention practical tips, like bringing your own lunch since the stops have limited options. Others emphasize the fun aspect of riding the monster truck or walking through the glowing ice tunnels. Reviewers also mention the long travel time but agree that the scenery and the experience inside the glacier more than compensate for the hours spent on the road.

A few reviews point out that smaller groups inside the cave would improve the experience, as large groups may make the walk feel crowded. But overall, the consensus is that this is a well-organized, worthwhile adventure.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

The tour costs around a certain price point, but considering the included transportation, expert guide, and access to both the glacier and ice caves, most feel the experience offers fair value. Many reviewers describe it as an “expensive” but “worth every penny” adventure, especially given the rarity of entering a glacier cave.

If you’re someone who values immersive, educational experiences combined with genuine adventure, this tour is likely to meet your expectations. Plus, the chance to see blue ice, ride on a glacier in a monster truck, and walk through a stunning ice tunnel makes it a memorable highlight of any Iceland itinerary.

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The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This “Into the Glacier Ice Cave Tour” is ideal for travelers who want more than just the usual sightseeing. If you’re curious about glaciers, enjoy hands-on experiences, or want a full day of adventure with scenic stops along the way, you’ll love it. The guides’ knowledge, the impressive ice caves, and the excitement of riding across the glacier in a modified vehicle make this a standout activity.

While the length and physical demands might not suit everyone, those with a sense of adventure and a love for natural beauty will find this tour a truly special part of their trip. It’s a perfect choice for those who aren’t just after pretty pictures but want to understand and feel connected to Iceland’s icy giants.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 11 hours, including transportation, stops, and time inside the glacier.

What do I need to bring?
You should pack warm clothing, waterproof gear, waterproof shoes, and a waterproof camera. A rain jacket is also recommended since you’ll be outdoors in winter gear.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, children of all ages can participate if they are well-dressed and can be carried for up to an hour inside the glacier. It’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments.

Does the tour include meals?
No, food and drinks are not included. It’s a good idea to bring snacks or a packed lunch.

Are there any age restrictions?
There are no specific age restrictions, but the physical nature and cold environment mean parents should consider their kids’ comfort and stamina.

What is the significance of the blue ice?
The blue ice inside the glacier is a rare sight—lit from behind, it reveals layers formed over many years, making it a photographic and educational highlight.

In the end, if you’re after a well-organized, awe-inspiring adventure that combines scenic beauty, education, and a touch of adrenaline, this tour from Reykjavik is well worth considering. Just be prepared for a long day on the road and come ready to marvel at one of Iceland’s most spectacular natural wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: