Katla Ice Cave: The Ice Cave Under the Volcano
The Katla Ice Cave tour offers a unique opportunity to visit the natural Katla Ice Cave located beneath the Katla Volcano and Myrdalsjokull Glacier in Iceland. What sets this ice cave apart is that it is the only one accessible year-round, making it a must-see destination for adventurous travelers.
The tour begins in the charming town of Vík, situated in southern Iceland. For those staying in Reykjavik, a pick-up option is available to ensure convenient access to this extraordinary experience. Once gathered in Vík, the journey to the Katla Ice Cave begins.
Embarking on this tour allows you to explore some of the best attractions that Iceland has to offer, all in a single trip. From witnessing rare natural phenomena to exhilarating Super Jeep rides, the Katla Ice Cave tour promises a blend of adventure, stunning landscapes, serene surroundings, and the exploration of seldom-visited areas. Along the way, you’ll traverse the desolate “no man” road, passing through several southern wonders of Iceland before reaching the main attraction of the tour. Prepare to be captivated by the lunar-like landscapes, verdant moss-covered mountains, and breathtaking glaciers that await you on this unforgettable journey.
The Katla Ice Cave itself is one of Iceland’s most recently discovered ice caves. While many other ice caves in the country showcase crystal blue ice, the Katla Ice Cave stands out with its unique “black ice” formation. Nicknamed the “Dragon Glass” ice cave, it gained further popularity after its appearance in the hit show Game of Thrones. The resemblance is uncanny, and the process of its formation is equally intriguing. Located within the Katla volcano, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, the cave receives very little natural light, resulting in a mesmerizing display of colors whenever sunlight manages to penetrate its depths.
The tour’s itinerary begins in Vik, a town known for its black sand beach and basalt columns. From there, you’ll embark on an exhilarating Super Jeep ride along the rugged “no man” road. The otherworldly sights along this bumpy route offer a glimpse into the harshest and most captivating parts of Iceland’s land of ice and fire.
Katla volcano lies beneath the Kötlujökull glacier, an outlet glacier of the larger Mýrdalsjökull glacier. The ice cave resides within the volcano’s cavity, and it is here that you will come face to face with this natural wonder. Upon arriving at the foot of the glacier, you’ll receive a briefing on the necessary equipment required for the cave exploration. Your knowledgeable tour guide will explain how each piece of equipment works and assist you in putting it on. Once you and your guide are confident in your preparedness, a short walk on the glacier awaits, leading you to the entrance of the “dragon glass” ice cave.
Throughout the tour, your guide will accompany you, ensuring your safety and providing fascinating insights into the black ice cave of Katla volcano. While there is an inherent thrill in visiting an ice cave, walking on a glacier, and navigating the rugged terrain in a robust Super Jeep, the true highlight of this excursion lies in witnessing one of Iceland’s rarest and most eccentric ice caves. All this while treading upon the surface of Iceland’s most active volcano.
Even if you are new to the world of ice caving, there’s no need to worry. Our expert guides are committed to your safety and will provide training in the necessary techniques for the tour. Whether you are an experienced adventurer or a first-time explorer, the Katla Ice Cave tour guarantees an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories of Iceland’s natural wonders.