Exploring Vatnajokull Ice Caves

Being one of the largest glaciers in area in Europe, it would be fairly impossible to not find an ice cave in the Vatnajokull glacier. In some places, the ice cap of Vatnajokull reaches up to 1000 meters in thickness. This creates walls of ice so high, you’ll feel like you’re in a Game of Thrones episode. Behind these walls lie ice caves waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re greeted with a wide-open entrance or a tiny space to climb through, once you’re inside the ice cave, its beauty will take your breath away. The shocking colour of the ice paints everything in a sea of blue. This is due to both lack of damaging sunlight and lack of air in the ice, as the pressure of the glacier grinds it out. Along with the waving walls of Vatnajokull ice caves, you’ll see striking ice sculptures and pillars that look straight out of the movie Frozen.

Due to the sheer size of Vatnajokull National Park, it can be difficult to give accurate driving times. However, from Reykjavik, the journey is approximately 350 km as it is located just past Skaftafell National Park. Travel east along the south coast route 1 until you see signs guiding you to the Vatnajokull National Park. In winter the drive can take between 5 and 7 hours. 

Breiðamerkurjökul is an outlet glacier of Vatnajokull glacier. This glacial tongue travels down to the well-known Jökulsárlón lagoon, where large chunks of ice break off of Breiðamerkurjökul and become icebergs. This part of the Vatnajokull glacier is very famous and was even featured in the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie.

While Vatnajokull ice caves are located mainly inland, striking ice caves are known to form where the glacier and the water meet. Huge openings taper down into tiny caves where the blue of the ice is reflected in the shimmering water of the lagoon. Of course, both Breiðamerkurjöku glacier and the lagoon are worth a visit in themselves.

Travelling by car from Reykjavik will take around 5 hours. Take the south coast route 1 east for approximately 380 km and signs will direct you to the lagoon.

Skaftafellsjokull glacier, which gives its name to Skaftafell National Park, is also a great place to begin an ice cave tour in Iceland. Skaftafellsjokull is a popular choice for travellers due to its proximity to Reykjavik, the accessibility of the roads and the dedicated tourist office. The ride from Reykjavik takes around 5 hours, 322 km along the south coast road and is clearly sign-posted.

Ice caves are parts of glaciers and should never be entered alone. Only set out with a professional guide. Iceland ice caves are liable to collapse and are closely monitored for safety.

No ice cave experience is complete without visiting the Vatnajokull ice caves. In the depths of winter, they are the perfect place to experience the stunningly raw beauty of Iceland.