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Katla Ice Cave Tour: Exploring Iceland’s Only Year-Round Ice Cave Beneath a Volcano

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Katla ice cave tour

There are travel experiences that stick with you forever, and then there are the ones that leave you speechless. For us, that was the Katla Ice Cave Tour in Iceland. Just imagine riding in a massive Super Jeep across black sand plains, climbing onto a glacier, and stepping inside a glowing blue cave beneath an active volcano. It’s every bit as incredible as it sounds. It was easily one of the most unforgettable adventures we had in Iceland.

We visited in March, a time when daylight was returning, the snow was fresh, and the landscapes around Vík looked like a winter fairytale. If you’re planning your own Iceland adventure and wondering whether this tour is worth it…the answer is a resounding YES.

*Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link or book through an affiliate program, I receive a small commission at no cost to you.

A Quick Look at Iceland During Winter

If you are short on time, here is a quick mini guide to Iceland During Winter

Aurora lights above mountain

Where to stay:
Reykjavik
Hella
Vik
Hofn

When to visit:
-October – less snow/more visitors
-November-February – shorter days/less crowds
-March – longer daylight hours, still chance to see Northern Lighs

Things to Do:
–Northern Lights Tour
–Horseback Riding
–Snowmobile on a Glacier
–Ice Cave Tour

What Makes the Katla Ice Cave So Unique

Unlike most ice caves in Iceland that melt away every summer, the Katla Ice Cave is accessible year-round. It sits under the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, which covers the infamous Katla Volcano. Katla Volcano is one of Iceland’s largest and most active. The constant geothermal heat and shifting glacier layers create new caves every year, but Katla’s cave system remains one of the few stable and safe ones to explore regardless of season.

Inside, the cave walls shimmer in shades of blue, black, and silver. Layers of volcanic ash from past eruptions streak the ice like ribbons. The marbling and ribbon appearance was one of the most mesmerizing things to gaze upon. I tried to capture the beauty in photos and it’s so hard.

Because this cave is accessible all year, it’s the perfect option for travelers visiting Iceland in March or later, when most other caves are closed or difficult to reach.

Starting the Adventure: Getting to Vík

Most Katla Ice Cave tours depart from either Reykjavík (as a full-day trip) or Vík, the small coastal town that serves as the gateway to Iceland’s South Coast. We stayed in Vík, which made things much easier. The tour meeting point was a quick five-minute drive from our hotel, right off Route 1.

When we arrived, we were greeted by our guide. He was a cheerful Icelander dressed head-to-toe in waterproof gear who immediately started making jokes about the wind and the weather. After a quick safety briefing, we climbed into the Super Jeep. It was a beast of a vehicle with tires taller than I am. Inside, the group was small. There were maybe eight people total. It made it feel more like an intimate expedition than a tour.

The Super Jeep Ride to Mýrdalsjökull Glacier

If you’ve never ridden in a Super Jeep before, prepare to grin like a kid on a roller coaster. The road quickly disappeared as we rumbled over lava fields, shallow streams, and snowy plains. The windows filled with views of towering cliffs and vast stretches of volcanic desert.

At one point, the guide pointed out the Katla Volcano itself. “She’s quiet today,” he said with a grin. “But you never really know with Katla. She’s overdue for an eruption.” It was half joke, half reminder that we were literally driving toward a glacier covering an active volcano. We even had to tow out another super jeep tour that had gotten stuck!

The further we drove, the more surreal it became. Black sand mixed with white snow, the wind picked up, and soon the Super Jeep was climbing up a frozen slope like it was nothing. After about 45 minutes, we reached the base of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, where the real adventure began.

Katla Ice ave entrance
Katla super jeep tour

Gearing Up for the Ice Cave

We stepped out into crisp, icy air that took our breath away. Of course that was partly due to the cold, and partly due to the incredible landscape. Our guide explained that some of Rogue One (Star Wars Franchise) had actually been filmed here. The guide handed us crampons to attach to our boots and helmets.

The glacier crunched underfoot with every step. We were surrounded by the sound of our crampons on the ice mixed with the wind whistling. It felt both peaceful and wild at the same time. If you’ve never traveled to Iceland before, be warned! The wind can be WILD!

From the parking area, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the ice cave entrance. The walk is fairly easy, though you’ll need to watch your footing on uneven terrain. Along the way, we passed small crevasses and tunnels where meltwater had carved patterns into the ice.

And then we saw it, a gaping blue-and-black mouth in the glacier. The entrance to Katla Ice Cave.

blue and black glistening ice of Katla ice cave
Opening in the Katla ice cave with blue and black ice shimmering

Stepping Inside the Katla Ice Cave

Walking into the ice cave for the first time is one of those “wow” moments you never forget. The air immediately changes. It is quieter, colder, stiller. Light filters through the walls, casting everything in a surreal blue glow. The ice sparkles like glass, and you can see streaks of black volcanic ash winding through it like brushstrokes on a painting.

Our guide explained how the cave forms every year from meltwater channels. He shined his flashlight along the wall, showing us how each dark stripe represented ash from a different eruption. Our guide also explained how important it is to never travel to ice caves or glaciers without a guide. There are specific paths that are marked for safety, because you can take a misstep and fall into a hole deeper than your height.

Photography Inside the Katla Ice Cave

If you love photography, this tour will make your jaw drop. The contrast of blue ice and black ash creates a dreamlike color palette you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

A few tips:

  • Use manual settings to balance light.
  • Bring a wide-angle lens if possible. You’ll want to capture the sweeping ice textures.
  • Avoid flash. It washes out the natural glow of the ice.
  • Keep your camera warm. Cold air can cause condensation when you step back outside.

Even with just an iPhone, you’ll come home with stunning shots. The lighting changes constantly, so every angle looks different.

What to Wear on the Katla Ice Cave Tour

If you’re visiting in March like we did, layering is key. The weather changes by the minute. We started our morning in light snow, had sunshine by noon, and ended with sleet.

Here’s a list of what worked best for us:

  • Waterproof jacket and pants (you’ll kneel or lean on wet ice)
  • Fleece or wool mid-layer
  • Base layer for warmth
  • Warm hat, gloves, and neck gaiter
  • Insulated waterproof boots
  • Thick socks (and maybe a backup pair)

Even with all that, expect to get cold standing still while taking photos. Bring hand warmers. Your fingers will thank you.

Ice Cave ribboning

Safety and Accessibility

The Katla Ice Cave Tour is considered moderate in difficulty. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain for 30–40 minutes. Children over 8 can usually join, but always check age requirements before booking.

Guides provide all the safety gear – helmets, crampons, and sometimes ice axes. They also monitor weather conditions closely. If it’s unsafe, the tour may be delayed or rerouted to a different section of the glacier. We had actually initially scheduled a glacier hike and it was too windy. This was the tour we booked after that one was cancelled.

Because this cave sits under a volcano, conditions can shift slightly throughout the year. Once again, another reason to always go with a certified guide.

How Katla Compares to the Crystal Ice Cave

While both are spectacular, they’re very different experiences.

The Crystal Ice Cave is famous for its pure blue walls and large caverns, but it’s only open for a few months in winter (usually November–March). Access depends heavily on weather and ice stability. It’s also located several hours east of Vík, which makes it less convenient if you’re traveling the South Coast on a shorter itinerary.

Katla, on the other hand, is accessible year-round. Its volcanic ash layers make it visually unique, but less “crystal clear blue.” It’s far more dramatic and moody. Plus, the Super Jeep ride adds an extra layer of adventure you won’t get with other ice cave tours.

If you’re visiting Iceland in March, Katla wins hands down for reliability, accessibility, and the chance to explore a cave beneath a volcano.

Timing Your Tour

Tours run multiple times per day, usually in small groups. Morning tours often have better lighting for photos, while midday tours can feel slightly warmer. We booked the late-morning slot in March, which gave us enough daylight for exploring but still let us drive safely back to town before sunset.

From Vík, the roundtrip tour takes about 3 hours. If you’re coming from Reykjavík, expect a 10–11 hour day including travel time.

Packing Essentials

Don’t underestimate Iceland’s elements, even for a guided tour. Here’s what to pack:

  • Waterproof outerwear
  • Layers for warmth
  • Camera + extra batteries
  • Snacks and a thermos of hot coffee or tea
  • Sunglasses (yes, even in winter — snow glare is real)
  • Small backpack for gloves, water, and camera gear

Some tours provide hot chocolate or local treats at the end. It’s the perfect reward after your ice adventure.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

We’ve done dozens of hikes and tours across Iceland, but this one stands apart. There’s something so unique about standing beneath a glacier, hearing it groan softly above you while streaks of volcanic ash trace centuries of eruptions. The combination of Super Jeep excitement, accessible adventure, and jaw-dropping scenery make the Katla Ice Cave Tour worth every penny.

And unlike other tours that can feel overly commercial, this one feels raw and authentic. The groups are small, the guides are passionate, and you truly feel like you’re exploring Iceland’s wild side, safely, but adventurously.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Experience

  • Book early. Katla is one of the few caves open year-round, so it sells out fast.
  • Bring a dry bag if you’re carrying camera gear – meltwater happens.
  • Stay in Vík the night before your tour. It’s easier and less stressful than driving from Reykjavík at dawn.
  • Ask questions. The guides love sharing glacier facts and eruption stories.
  • Take your time. Don’t rush photos. The light shifts constantly inside the cave.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Do Iceland Adventure

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and want a tour that combines adventure, beauty, and a touch of the unexpected, the Katla Ice Cave Tour checks every box. From the exhilarating Super Jeep ride to the surreal stillness inside the glacier, it’s an experience that makes you appreciate just how wild and wonderful this country really is.

If you’re heading to Iceland soon, make this tour a priority. And for more Iceland tips, check out my Iceland in March blog. It pairs perfectly with this experience.

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