Katla Ice Cave
Controversial opinion but, Katla Ice Cave is THEE Best thing to do in Iceland! Seriously, if we had to pick one, this would be it! Hidden beneath the frozen expanse of Iceland’s Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Katla Ice Cave is a true testament to Island’s awe-inspiring natural wonders.
In this ultimate travel guide, we’ll answer all the essential questions, from whether you can explore this otherworldly location on your own to the best Katla ice cave tours. We’ll also discuss the best ways to get to Katla Ice Cave from Reykjavik so you can seamlessly plan your adventure and make the most of your time in this incredible country. Let’s dive in!
We Value Your Time
We value your time! So, if you already know why you are here and want to know the best Iceland ice cave tour, then look no further! Below are our top picks for the best Katla ice cave tours!
The Best Katla Ice Cave Tour
There are a number of great Katla Ice Cave tour options available, here are our top recommendations:
However, if you would like to get the full low-down, including a review of our experience at Katla Ice Cave, how to get Katla Ice Cave from Reykjavik and top tips before you go then check out our complete travel guide below!
Are You Keeping Up With Our Iceland Series?
If you are planning your trip to Iceland you can check out our full collection of Iceland guides here:
Twofrequentflyers.com/Iceland-travel-guides
We have also collated all the top things to do in Iceland here:
22 Best Things To Do In Iceland | The Ultimate Travel Guide
Where Is Katla Ice Cave
The Katla Ice Cave is situated within the Kötlujökull glacier, an outlet glacier extending from the massive Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Kötlujökull lies directly atop one of Iceland’s most notorious and active volcanic systems, Katla Volcano, where Katla Ice Cave got its name.
We have highlighted Katla Ice Caves location on Google Maps below:
Can You Visit Katla Ice Cave On Your Own
The short answer is no, you need to book a guide or tour to visit Katla Ice Cave. The main reason for this is the type of vehicle required to access Katla Ice Cave. Pictured below, you need to off-road over the ancient ice and volcanic ash in a sturdy, super jeep, to access Katla ice cave.
However, this drive is definitely part of the adventure! For one, our guide was hilarious and offered loads of fascinating information on Iceland’s history. Secondly, the drive takes you through an otherworldly terrain of black sand deserts and towering ice caps, a breathtaking sight that offers a glimpse into the raw, primordial forces that shape Iceland’s nature.
Once at the glacier’s edge, a guided hike across the ancient ice is required to descend into the extraordinary frozen caverns hidden beneath the surface. This remote and remarkable location, encased in millennia-old ice, makes the Katla Ice Cave a truly unique and awe-inspiring destination.
Top Tips For Visiting Katla Ice Cave
- Wear proper hiking gear: sturdy hiking boots, thermal layers, waterproof outer layers, gloves, and a hat are essential for the cold temperatures inside the ice cave and the hike to get there.
- Pack water and snacks: Honestly, when aren’t snacks a good idea? Snacks are strongly recommended since the Katla ice cave is located in a remote area!
- Check the weather forecast: due to Iceland’s changeable weather conditions, it’s advisable to check the forecast before your visit to ensure safe travel. However, fear not; your tour guide should also do this for you!
- Book a guided tour in advance: As mentioned, Katla Ice Cave can only be accessed with a guided tour. We recommend booking your tour well in advance, especially during the peak summer season, as it is very popular and tours can be booked up quickly.
- Allocate sufficient time: while the ice cave tour itself may be a few hours, it’s best to plan for a full-day excursion, allowing time for the drive, glacier hike, and potential stops at other nearby attractions.
- Dress in layers: the temperature inside the ice cave can be significantly colder than outside, so dressing in removable layers is crucial for comfort and warmth.
- And last but not least… Put your CRAMPONS on correctly: Campons are spiky mental attachments that go over your shoes to allow you to grip the ice. These are provided on the tour; however, if you take anything away from this blog, take away this…
The pointy bits go down!!
This may sound self-explanatory, but our guide informed us that at least eight people have put the crampons on the wrong way, pointing into their shoes. So, we thought we would mention it 😉
How To Get From Reykjavik To Katla Ice Cave
To reach the ice cave, you typically meet in the coastal village of Vík í Mýrdal before embarking on a journey across the rugged volcanic landscape towards the glacier.
You can either book a tour which will take you from Reykjavik to Vik before transferring into a super jeep to go off-roading, or you can choose to make your own way to Vik and meet the tour operator there. The journey from Reykjavik to Vik takes roughly 2 and a half hours by car and we have highlighted Vik’s location on the map below so you can pin the location on Google Maps if you are making your own way there.
How Much Does It Cost To Go To Katla Ice Cave
At the time of visiting Katla Ice Cave in April of 2024 we paid roughly £200 for a full day tour of the South Coast of Iceland and Katla Ice Cave. This included all equipment, pick up from Reykjavik and the super jeep ride. However, its important to note that prices can vary over time, between tour companies and throughout seasons. The tour we did is highlighted below so you can check current pricing.
The Best Iceland Ice Cave Tour
In Our Opinion 😉
Where To Stay In Iceland
The most popular place to stay in Iceland is in Reykjavik. This is the capital and where nearly all day tours operate from. Likewise, it is close proximity to the airport, lots of shops and lovely local restaurants. If you are doing a shorter trip to Iceland, Reykjavik is the perfect place to stay and provides easy access to some of the popular day tours including the Southcoast, Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the Golden Circle. Equally, Reykjavik is the perfect start point for those looking to take a campervan around Iceland’s famous 800-mile loop!
Here are some of our top recommendations for places to stay in Reykjavik. We have included a number of options depending on your budget and type of vibe you are going for!
Hostels:
Love a social vibe? Here is our top hostel recommendation for a livelier atmosphere. Kex Hostel is also where Beth stayed on her first trip to Iceland!
Here are some other top hostel recommendations in Reykjavik:
Hotels:
Looking for a more relaxing experience away from the hustle and bustle of hostels? Here are our top hotel recommendations in Reykjavik from Agoda:
When To Visit The Katla Ice Cave
Katla ice cave is one of a few ice caves that can actually be visited all year round! Usually most ice caves require a winter trip, however, Katla can also be visited during summer, making it the ideal all year destination!
When you visit Katla ice cave therefore depends very much on what else you are hoping to see on your visit. The best time to see the Northern lights is typically between the months of September to April, as these months offer longer nights and darker skies, which are ideal conditions for seeing the aurora. The peak months are typically March and September due to increased solar activity around the equinoxes.
You can read our complete guide on the Northern Lights Here: How To See The Northern Lights In Iceland | 10 Crucial Tips
However, the best time to see other top attractions in Iceland is arguably during the summer months between June and August. Although, bear in mind that this period also sees a surge in tourist activity, resulting in larger crowds and increased accommodation prices.
There is an argument that Iceland requires two visits as it is an entirely different country between summer and winter. Some incredible waterfalls freeze over in the winter and look just as stunning! We have included a table below showing the average monthly snowfall and average monthly temperature to help you decide.
Average Monthly Snowfall In Iceland
Hover over the bars to see average monthly temperature.
Daylight Hours: Something else to consider when planning your trip to Iceland is the daylight hours. During summer months, especially around the summer solstice in late June, Iceland basks in the “midnight sun” phenomenon, where the sun remains visible for nearly 24 hours a day. This provides endless daylight, allowing visitors to explore and enjoy outdoor activities at any hour. Conversely, in the heart of winter around the winter solstice in late December, Iceland only receives a few hours of daylight, with the sun barely peeking above the horizon for 4-5 hours.
The Wind: Lastly, the wind in Iceland is No Joke!!!
On a regular day, wind speeds can range from 10-15 mph (16-24 km/h), considered breezy. However, it’s relatively common for winds to pick up to 20-40 mph (32-64 km/h) and higher. Additionally, Iceland experiences frequent strong wind gusts, with some reaching gale force levels above 40 mph (64 km/h). In extreme cases, wind speeds over 100 mph (160 km/h) have been recorded, like the staggering 141 mph (227 km/h) gust on the south coast in 2015.
The combination of strong winds and lack of natural windbreaks like trees and forests means the wind’s full force is felt across the island, especially in coastal areas and along the Ring Road. High winds can make driving conditions hazardous, with the potential for vehicles to be blown off the road. Authorities advise against driving when winds gust over 50 mph (80 km/h). Wind is a constant factor to consider when planning outdoor activities and travel in Iceland, as the weather can change rapidly from mild to stormy conditions.
Conclusion: Is Katla Ice Cave Worth It?
100% Yes, Katla Ice Cave is worth it! It is an experience like no other and our favorite in Iceland!
Venturing into the depths of the Katla Ice Cave really leaves its mark! The otherworldly experience, coupled with the fact it is one of the only Ice caves in Iceland you can visit in the summer and winter, makes Katla Ice Cave one of the best year-round destinations in Iceland.
What makes the Katla Ice Cave genuinely exceptional is its fleeting and ever-changing landscape. The cave’s walls constantly shift and evolve, sculpted by the relentless forces of glacial movement and volcanic activity. This means the sights you witness today will be forever altered the following year, making each visit truly unique!
Don’t hesitate to let us know any questions you might have in the comments below!
Big Love As Always
Beth and Denz