Glacier Hike on the Vatnajökull Glacier with Sapphire Ice Cave Tour

About the Activity

What to Expect

Get ready for an unmatchable adventure on our glacier hike on the Vatnajökull Glacier with Sapphire Ice Cave tour!

Iceland's most impressive natural wonders await you. We start our journey by departing in our 4x4 vehicle from the Glacier Lagoon car park towards the glacier. As soon as we arrive, our guide will provide you with the necessary gear for the excursion. Once everyone is equipped and briefed with safety instructions, we will embark on a 30-minute hike to the edge of the glacier. Entering the Sapphire Ice Cave, you will be mesmerized by its multiple chambers, each uniquely formed over the summer. Our guide will enrich your experience with fascinating insights into the history of the Vatnajökull Glacier, capturing special moments with professional photography equipment.

Next, we will put on crampons and head towards the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier. Walking on the ice is an unparalleled sensation. You will follow our guide along the glacier, marvelling at the beautiful glass crevasses and unique glacier formations known as moulins. The barren landscape surrounding the glacier adds to the ethereal atmosphere, making the experience all the more captivating.

Finally, we reach a slope that descends into a huge ice canyon, leading us to the stunning glass crevasses. As you venture deeper, the crystal blue colour intensifies, creating an otherworldly scene. After about an hour of exploring these magnificent crevasse formations, we will make our way back to our starting point, leaving you with memories of one of the most special experiences inside Vatnajökull National Park.

Highlights

- Wander through the breathtaking Sapphire Ice Cave and marvel at its unique chambers

- Hike on the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, encountering mesmerizing ice formations and glass crevasses

- Capture your adventure with high-quality photos of the ice cave’s incredible beauty

How to Get There

• Meeting place: Glacier Lagoon car park in Vatnajokull National Park

• Meeting time: 15 minutes before departure

• Car parks nearby: within a 1 minute walk (paid and free)

Itinerary

• Departure from the Glacier Lagoon

• Sapphire Ice Cave

• Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier

• Return to Glacier Lagoon

Requirements

• Only suitable for people with a moderate level of fitness

• Not suitable for people with serious medical conditions

• Minimum age: 10 years

Included Services

• Hiking equipment (helmet, crampons, and harness)

• Professional photos (they will be sent by e-mail approximately 7 to 14 days after the activity)

• Certified guide

• Round-trip transfer from the meeting point and back

Additional Services

• You can rent equipment such as rain jackets, waterproof trousers, or hiking boots for an additional cost

Bring Along

• ID document

• Cash or card

• Bottle of water

• Booking confirmation

• Appropriate clothing with warm layers for freezing or wet conditions

• Warm hat and gloves

• Waterproof jacket and pants

• Hiking boots (preferably waterproof)

Good to know

• Minimum age required is 10 years

• Not accessible to wheelchairs and strollers

• You are allowed to bring your own drinks and snacks

• Not suitable for pregnant women

• For this activity, adults must provide their own kids car seat if travelling with kids under 135 cm tall

• Our tour times are approximate. Please allow an extra hour at the end of your tour as delays may occur due to varying daytime conditions

• Please note that it is a 5-hour drive from Reykjavik to our meeting point. We recommend staying in an accommodation closer to this location