Iceland’s glaciers & ice caves [Hiking & snowmobiling]

The second largest ice sheet after Vatnajokull, the ‘Long Glacier’ is a favourite for all-terrain jeep and snowmobiling trips, as well as guided hikes and glacier skiing for those who are experienced enough. There are also many ice caves to explore. It lies in the interior highlands, and can be reached from Thingvellir National Park.

Most of the western tip of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is taken up by this wild national park and the icy sheet of Snaefellsjokull. If you want to tackle a glacier walk and see the ice up close, this is a fine place to do it. Expeditions are led by guiding companies including Summit Adventure Guides and Snaefellsjokull Glacier Tours.

The granddaddy of the glaciers: stretching from Iceland’s north to south, this is the biggest ice sheet in Europe. It’s so huge, it encompasses two national parks: the southern area is more visited, with a range of glacier walks and snowmobiling trips from Skaftafell.

This sparkling ice cave is on Breidamerkurjokull Glacier, a spur of Vatnajokull. It’s famous for its colours, which range from translucent blue to clear white – it’s best seen on a sunny day, when the display can be dazzling. Guided tours depart from Skaftafell or Jokulsarlon.

Where else in the world but Iceland could you explore an ice cave under an active volcano? That’s exactly what you get at Katla, which burrows deep beneath its namesake volcano.  It’s a famous filming spot, featured in Star Wars: Rogue One and Game of Thrones. 3-hour guided tours depart from the nearby town of Vik.

This unusual cave near Myvatn combines two geological processes in one: it’s a lava cave coated in impressive ice formations. Around 370m of the cave is accessible on foot. Don headlamps, spiked boots and waterproofs – it’s a proper, big-thrill caving experience, so expect to get wet and muddy – and be prepared to squeeze through some tight spots. Tours last 4-5 hours.

Adventure through the dramatic landscape of Iceland during this full-day tour of the southern coastline. Explore lava fields, icebergs, and glaciers with help from a friendly, knowledgable guide. Visit the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and stop by the small village of Vik. Roundtrip transportation to and from selected locations in central Reykjavik is available.

Spend 12 hours exploring the magnificent southern coast of Iceland including a glacier hike with an experienced guide. Discover the Sólheimajökull Glacier as well as the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the Reynisfjara black sand beach. Ensure comfort with a small group tour and transport provided by minibus.

This tour combines the very popular Golden Circle tour with the adventure of a lifetime - a one-hour snowmobile ride on Langjökull glacier, Iceland's second largest ice cap.

Come join a three-hour hike up an outlet of Vatnajökull glacier, Europe's largest glacier, located in Skaftafell National Park. Experience the breathtaking natural scenery that has inspired dozens of filmmakers. You and your group of, at most, 12 people, will get the opportunity to explore the wilderness of the ice formations and crevasses under the guidance of a certified guide.

Experience the magic of Iceland's south coast in a single day on this incredible adventure from Reykjavik. Get up close and personal with a glacier, explore iconic spots, and discover the natural wonders that define this breathtaking region. Marvel at the mesmerizing Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, where you can even walk behind the cascading waters at Seljalandsfoss – a truly unique experience. Embrace the Insta-famous Reynisfjara black-sand beach, where you'll enjoy a leisurely stroll along the striking black sands while gazing at the magnificent rock formations that stretch out into the sea. The main adventure awaits at the Sólheimajökull glacier, where you'll gear up with harness, crampons, an ice pick, and a helmet. Embark on a short hike to the glacier's base, then ascend onto the ice for an exhilarating glacier hike filled with twists, turns, and panoramic vistas that will take your breath away.

From volcanoes and glaciers to black beaches, geothermal pools and the Northern Lights, Iceland is one of the world’s wildest, weirdest destinations. A paradise for adventurous travellers.