If you’re dreaming of icy landscapes and volcanic wonders, the Myrdalsjokull glacier and Katla Ice Cave tour from Vik might be just what you’re looking for. We haven’t personally taken this specific tour, but based on detailed reviews and descriptions, it’s clear that this experience offers a rare glimpse into Iceland’s dramatic natural beauty.
It’s great for those who want to see some of the country’s most striking glaciers and ice formations—away from the crowded tourist spots.
What stands out is the opportunity to explore a natural ice cave formed by volcanic activity under the glacier—an ethereal blue world that shifts constantly. Plus, the adventure begins with a super jeep ride that gets you off-road and close to the glacier, adding a sense of excitement right from the start.
This tour was a once in a lifetime experience. I am not usually one for group tours but this one far exceeded expectations. The guide was very personable and informative, the views were amazing and I cannot suggest the glacier tour with this company enough. 10/10 rating, worth every penny!!!!!! We saw so many areas of the glacier and caves and learned so much of the history and science around the area. You will not regret this experience, your friends and family will be jealous.
An incredible experience from start to finish. Because we were in a small group, we were able to visit an extra ice cave, which was a brilliant surprise. Our guide was excellent, informative, safety-focused, and genuinely funny and the views were absolutely stunning. I’d 100% do this tour again.
Amazing! Stephan was a wonderful guide and the experience of being in a glacier was awe inspiring!
That said, it’s not a tour for anyone seeking a leisurely walk; the physical activity involved is manageable but requires a bit of mobility, especially climbing ladders into the cave.
One potential consideration is the cost—at $248 per person, it’s not the cheapest day trip around Iceland. But many reviews highlight that the quality of guides and the uniqueness of the scenery make it worth the price. This tour is most suited for travelers who love adventure, stunning natural sights, and learning about Iceland’s volcanic geology.
It’s an experience that combines both natural wonder and a touch of adrenaline, great for those eager to go beyond the usual.
- Key Points
- The Experience Breakdown
- Meeting Point and Start
- The Ride to the Glacier
- Arriving at Myrdalsjokull
- Walking Onto the Glacier
- To the Ice Cave
- Inside the Ice Cave
- The Return Journey
- What Sets This Tour Apart
- Price, Value, and Practicalities
- Who Will Love This Tour?
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
- More Tours in Vik
- More Tour Reviews in Vik
Key Points
- Incredible natural scenery: The views of the glaciers, ice walls, and volcanic landscape are genuinely breathtaking.
- Educational guides: Guides are knowledgeable and passionate, making the experience both fun and informative.
- Unique ice cave experience: The constantly changing ice formations and volcanic ash layers make every tour a one-of-a-kind experience.
- Accessible adventure: While adventure-filled, the climb into the ice cave is suitable for most people in average physical condition.
- Cost versus value: Though priced at $248, many feel the experience justifies the expense because of the rarity of the sights.
- Family-friendly but with considerations: The tour is suitable for children over six, but be prepared for some climbing and outdoor activity.
The Experience Breakdown
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Vik.
Meeting Point and Start
The tour kicks off outside the Ice Cave Bistro Cafe parking lot, facing the ocean at Vik. From there, you hop into a super jeep—a rugged vehicle designed for Iceland’s tough terrains. This part of the journey is quite enjoyable; it’s a chance to take in the scenery while sitting comfortably in a vehicle that’s built for adventure.
Alex was FANTASTIC, very knowledgeable and kind! kept us active thought-out the whole tour!
The glacier hike and ice cave tour was absolutely fantastic! From the meeting point in Vik at Black Sand Beach, to the "off road" trek to the base of the glacier, to the actual hike up the glacier and the viewing of the ice cave, the entire experience was captivating, breathtaking and intriguing. Our guide was personable, humorous and extremely knowledgeable. The information that he shared was educational and informative. The contrasting environments and terrain was amazing. First at Black Sand Beach, with actual black sand and the most active Atlantic Ocean I've ever seen. The rock formations nearby and the iconic red/white church on the hill were fantastic. The off road drive offered a ter…
The whole tour was amazing! The crews that work to give us access to the glacier were incredible and constantly working to keep us safe. Our guide was knowledgeable and funny. Terrific experience!
The Ride to the Glacier
Once underway, the passage over Iceland’s rugged landscape adds to the thrill. The guides often share insights into the area’s volcanic history and glaciers, which enhances the experience. Many reviews praise the driver-guide, with one reviewer mentioning Margret as a very good driver and guide, making the journey both smooth and engaging.
Arriving at Myrdalsjokull
When you reach the glacier’s edge, the vastness of this frozen world becomes impossible to ignore. The glacier’s size and the towering ice walls create an almost surreal atmosphere. You’ll then gear up—helmets and crampons are provided—to prepare for your walk onto the ice.
More Great Tours NearbyWalking Onto the Glacier
Strapping on crampons transforms your steps into a confident glide across the glacier’s surface. The scenery here is magical—layers of blue ice contrasted with volcanic ash, creating a striking palette of colors. For many, this is the highlight: walking among ice formations that look like they belong in a fantasy film.
To the Ice Cave
A short trek with some ladder climbing takes you into the Katla Ice Cave. This is where the experience turns into something special. The cave’s interior is ever-changing, but you can expect impressive blue ice and volcanic ash layers that tell a story of Iceland’s volcanic past. Guides will point out the different layers, adding an educational element to the trip.
We have done a few different tours during our trip but this one was outstanding. Beautiful experience
Everything was perfect. Helgi was informative and entertaining. I loved hearing the stories his grandma would tell him!
Wonderful scenery. Extremely friendly and informative guide. Would definitely recommend.
Inside the Ice Cave
Once inside, expect to see beautiful blue hues and layered patterns in the ice, which can look otherworldly. Many reviews mention the beauty and size of the cave, with one describing it as “big and beautiful.” The guide will share stories about the glacier’s history and the geology of the area, making it both an awe-inspiring and educational experience.
The Return Journey
After exploring the cave, you’ll retrace your steps back to the super jeep. The ride back offers more chances to soak in the landscape and reflect on what you’ve seen. Many travelers find this part just as enjoyable, especially with guides sharing stories or Viking songs, as one reviewer noted.
What Sets This Tour Apart
This experience excels because it combines adventure, learning, and natural beauty. The guides are often praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, which makes the journey both safe and engaging. The constant change in ice caves means no two tours are exactly alike, keeping the experience fresh, even for repeat visitors.
The super jeep ride itself is an adventure, allowing access to remote areas that wouldn’t be reachable otherwise. The climb to the ice cave is manageable—climbing ladders and a short walk—and suitable for most people in good health, which makes it more accessible than many other ice cave experiences that can be physically demanding.
The tour guide was amazing. Really enjoyed this activity.
I was a little nervous to do this tour because I don't do well when it comes to ice and I wasn't in the best physical shape. Then while we were on the tour there were some fear with heights, too. But our guide was incredible and helped me through it all. He made the tour a great experience! I was able to get passed the fear of being on ice and heights ( a little bit, haha). I'm glad I did it and would recommend this tour to anyone.
Amazing, must do. The landscape is so breath taking words and photos can do it no justice. Our tour guide was amazing. My 8,9, and 14 year old did it no problem.
Most reviews mention excellent scenery and friendly guides, with quotes like, “The caves are constantly changing so depending on when you go, your tour might be different,” emphasizing the dynamic nature of this attraction.
Price, Value, and Practicalities
At $248 per person, this tour is on the pricier side, but many feel that the quality of the experience justifies the cost. You’re paying for a small-group adventure with expert guides, all necessary equipment, and the chance to see a rare natural phenomenon. The inclusive gear (helmets and crampons) means you won’t need to worry about extra costs for safety equipment.
The tour lasts about 3 hours, including travel time, exploration, and learning. The availability varies, so checking ahead for the best time to go is advised. Since the ice cave is in a natural environment, conditions can vary, which adds an element of unpredictability—part of what makes it special.
One review mentioned a minor hiccup: despite booking, they weren’t on the list initially, which shows that even well-organized tours can face logistical issues. However, the overall consensus is that the guides handle such situations professionally.
We loved it. The places we saw are absolutely stunning, and we couldn't have done it without a guided tour and a big vehicle. Our guide Martin couldn't have done a better job at keeping the tour informative, well paced, organized. He's a real asset to the tour! I'd absolutely recommend it!
The tour was really nice and the experience was incredible. The caves are pretty awesome and it is breathtaking to walk on the glacier and then go to the ice cave. The ice cave is small and you can walk in just a little bit, but it is something unique and worth seeing once in a lifetime. I went to the Perlan museum too and it is definitely different than their artificial ice cave. Our guide Erik was very nice, explained things very well and took good care of us. He also provided interesting details about glaciers in general. The tour is pricey but after you understand that you can only reach the caves with the cool super jeeps than you understand the price.
Jon was great and the jeep ride was also fun. We had the 8:30 tour and were lucky to be at the cave before the other groups. The cave is quite impressive.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This tour is ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers who don’t mind a bit of physical activity. It’s great for travelers wanting a unique ice cave experience, especially those interested in volcanic geology. While it’s suitable for children over six, younger kids should be prepared for some climbing and outdoor activity.
People who appreciate a well-informed guide and enjoy learning as they go will find this especially rewarding. It’s not overly long, making it manageable for most, but it’s also not suitable for those with mobility issues or who prefer a more relaxed sightseeing experience.
Final Thoughts
The Myrdalsjokull glacier and Katla Ice Cave tour offers a blend of adventure, education, and stunning scenery. The chance to walk inside a changing ice cave under a volcano is an unforgettable experience. While the price may seem high, many reviews confirm that the guides’ expertise and the extraordinary environment make it worthwhile.
This tour is best suited for those who want to see a rare natural wonder and don’t mind some outdoor activity. The scenic ride, guides, and the awe-inspiring ice cave make it a highlight for many visitors to Iceland. If you’re after a memorable, visually spectacular experience and are comfortable with a bit of physical activity, this is certainly worth considering.
From Vik: Myrdalsjokull glacier and Katla Ice Cave Tour
"This tour was a once in a lifetime experience. I am not usually one for group tours but this one far exceeded expectations. The guide was very pers..."
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for children over 6 years old, but keep in mind there’s some ladder climbing involved. Check with the provider if you’re unsure about younger children.
What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes helmets and crampons to keep you safe while exploring the glacier and ice cave.
Do I need to bring my own gear?
No, the essential safety equipment like helmets and crampons are provided. However, you might want to bring gloves and head-wear for extra comfort.
How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, including transportation, exploring, and walking into the cave.
What’s the best time to do this tour?
Check availability for the starting times—this tour is subject to weather and glacier conditions, which change throughout the year.
Is the ice cave always the same?
No, since the cave is a natural formation, it’s constantly changing, so every tour can offer a slightly different view.
How rugged is the terrain?
The climb into the ice cave involves ladders and some walking over ice, but it’s manageable for most in good physical condition.
What’s the cost of this tour?
It’s priced at $248 per person, which many reviewers feel is justified for such a unique experience.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans shift.
If you’re craving an adventure that combines Iceland’s volcanic power with icy beauty, this tour offers a pretty unforgettable peek into one of the country’s most extraordinary landscapes. Just be ready for some outdoor activity, come prepared, and you’ll likely leave with stories you'll tell for years.
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