06-03-2024
Fancy walking inside an enchanting ice cave during your Iceland vacation? Accessible year-round and formed of impressive blue and black ice, Katla Ice Cave in Iceland is a must-visit natural wonder.
Learn all about this unique ice cave, including how it was formed, where it’s located and guided tours you can take to explore this epic cave for yourself in our complete guide to the incredible Katla Ice Cave in Iceland.
One of the most popular ice caves in Iceland to visit, Katla Ice Cave is well-known for good reason! Famous for its incredible blue and black ice, the interior of Katla Ice Cave is blackened due to volcanic ash from Katla Volcano.
Katla Ice Cave was, in fact, named after Katla Volcano, which sits underneath Kotlujokull Glacier. Part of the epicly immense Myrdalsjokull Glacier, which is the fourth-largest glacier in Iceland, Kotlujokull is known for its incredible ice caves and multicolored ice layers.
Sitting inside Kotlujokull Glacier, Katla Ice Cave is unique in that it can be visited year-round, and you needn’t be worried about eruptions from Katla Volcano, as volcanic activity is closely monitored, meaning tourism will be suspended in advance if there are any warning signs. The last eruption was in 1918.
Located on the South Coast of Iceland, close to Vik and Reynisfjara beach, Katla Ice Cave is an ice cave within Kotlujokull Glacier. By car, Katla Ice Cave can be found around 40 minutes from the coastal village of Vik or around 3 hours and 15 minutes from the Icelandic capital of Reykjavík.
Katla Ice Cave’s location in South Iceland makes it easy to reach by car, as you can take the main Ring Road in Iceland (Route 1) most of the way, until you’ve just passed the village of Vik. Then, you’ll need to take Kerlingardalsvegur road until you reach the ice cave, which is one of Iceland’s F-roads (note that these F-roads require a 4x4 vehicle to traverse).
Reaching the actual ice cave requires a hike and descent, as Katla Ice Cave is located underground within Kotlujokull Glacier. You’ll need a trained glacier guide to complete this adventurous hike.
Instead of driving, you can also choose to take a guided tour to Katla Ice Cave, where you’ll be driven directly to and from this epic location. Check out the recommended tours at the end of this article for more info!
Ice caves, such as Katla Ice Cave, form when melting glacial water carves its way through a glacier, causing hollow caves to form inside. This gives us a unique glimpse into the inside of a glacier! Natural ice caves are ever-changing, as the melting and freezing processes of water take place over time.
Whereas most ice caves in Iceland are only accessible during the winter season, with many ice caves disappearing in summer and reforming each winter, Katla Ice Cave is unique in that it can be visited year-round. If you fancy visiting Katla Ice Cave in summer, you can do just that!
When visiting Katla Ice Cave in Iceland, it’s good to keep these top tips in mind:
Wear sturdy hiking boots and warm clothes – You’ll definitely need proper hiking boots to enjoy a safe trip to Katla Ice Cave. We also recommend wearing thermal layers and waterproof outer layers because, as you may be able to guess from the name, ice caves can be pretty chilly! Gloves and a hat are also recommended to protect yourself from the cold.
Pack water and snacks – Keep hydrated and energized during your trip to Katla Ice Cave by packing your own water and nourishing snacks. As the ice cave is located in a rural area, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any restaurants nearby!
Check the weather ahead of time – Due to the changeable nature of the weather across the island, we always recommend checking the up-to-date Iceland weather forecast in your local area before heading out for the day.
Book a tour in advance – If you want to visit Katla Ice Cave, it’s best to book your guided tour in advance to secure your space. This is especially true during the peak tourist season of summer.
One of the best ways to see the incredible Katla Ice Cave is to join a guided tour with an expert guide, so you can learn more about this amazing natural wonder and explore the ice cave with fellow adventurers! Here’s a selection of our top-recommended Katla Ice Cave guided tours to check out:
Katla Ice Cave Super Jeep from Vik – Joining this 3-hour tour is a great option to fit your trip to Katla Ice Cave into your busy Iceland vacation itinerary. You’ll enjoy an epic glacier walk and ride in a Super Jeep, plus a guided tour of the breathtaking Katla Ice Cave. All safety equipment will be provided, including crampons, a helmet and a headlamp.
South Coast & Katla Ice Cave from Reykjavík – If you’re staying in the Icelandic capital and want to explore Katla Ice Cave and Iceland’s South Coast, don’t miss this fantastic 11-hour guided expedition. With stops at the majestic Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls, the otherworldly Reynsfjara black sand beach and, of course, the captivating Katla Ice Cave, this day trip is one you won’t soon forget!
Private Monster Truck South Coast & Katla Ice Cave – Already traveling with a group? You can enjoy a private guided tour of Katla Ice Cave and Iceland’s South Coast by booking this 8-hour expedition. Whether you’re traveling with friends or family, a private guided tour can be a good option if you’d like to explore Katla Ice Cave with just your party and enjoy a special experience to remember!
Ready to plan your own dream Iceland vacation, full of outdoor exploration and visits to the island’s extraordinary natural wonders? Walk through ice caves and across glaciers, soak in the incredible views of volcanic craters and towering mountains, and bathe in the country's geothermal springs during your epic Iceland adventure.
Get your vacation planning on the road by taking a look through our selection of affordable and reliable rental cars in Iceland that will take you all across the island. With a rental car, you can complete the iconic Golden Circle route, or venture further around the Ring Road to discover more of Iceland’s hidden gems. We can’t wait to welcome you to our beautiful country soon!