Beneath the layers and layers of ice which form the glacier Vatnajokull is one of the most unique places in the world – the incredible ice caves of Iceland!

Glaciers are true forces of nature, the result of thousands of years of snow accumulation and compression, and Vatnajokull is a giant of glaciers. Covering 8% of Iceland with a surface area of around 100km2 Vatnajokull is Europe’s largest glacier.

Beneath and within this frozen world are incredible ice caves of vaulted brilliant blue ice. The crystalline ice is full of sculpted patterns and ribbons of grey streak through from the moraine debris.

Being within the incredible ice caves of Iceland feels like you you’re in another world and on my second last day in Iceland I was extremely fortunate enough to join a tour of these incredible ice caves.

So join me on a photo journey and be transported to a place like no other!

My tour of the incredible ice caves of Iceland started at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. An extraordinary place in it’s own right.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is filled with big chunks of ice and icebergs which have calved off from Jokulsarlon Glacier. The icebergs are in so many different shapes and some can look like sculptures.

But what I loved the most about the icebergs were the variety of beautiful colours of the ice. From dirt-stained grey ice, to white to brilliant, brilliant sometimes translucent blue.

Visiting Jokulsarlon is a highlight of any trip to Iceland.

From the carpark of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon we climbed into super jeeps and headed out over the glacial moraine.

Beneath the glacier was a small tunnel-like entrance which was the entrance to the incredible ice caves of Iceland.

As I walked into the entrance I was immediately blown away by the stunningly blue vaulted ceiling of ice above me. As I continued into the ice cave the thought of layer upon layer of heavy ice and the glacier being above me was a bit worrying.

But that thought quickly disappeared as I got lost in the details of the ice. The colour and shapes of the ice and within the ice were so beautiful.

Practical Information

The incredible ice caves of Iceland are only accessible in winter when the glacial ice remains stable enough for a safe visit.

I visited this other world with GoEcco on their Ice Cave Tour from Glacier Lagoon (ie. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon) as I had my own transport. The guide was extremely passionate about the environment and human nature making for an entertaining trip. I especially liked how he didn’t rush us through our experience nor hurry us out. I could take my time absorbing this extraordinary place and experience (and get these photos!!).

The tour cost USD185.

Jokulsarlon is approx four and half hours drive from Reykjavik and is an enchanting place to visit on it’s own with the ever-changing iceberg filled lagoon to Diamond Beach where those icebergs come to rest on black sand amongst the pounding surf.

For nearby accommodation I recommend Skyrhúsid Guest House which has super cosy rooms or Hali Country Hotel for a more hotel feel, both are only ten minutes from Jokulsarlon. If you stay here be sure to try the Arctic Char for dinner at the restaurant located within the cultural heritage center, Þórbergur Centre. It’s delicious!!

Have you visited an ice cave? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.