Ice caves ofVatnajökull
Every November the meltwater stops and the glacier rivers freeze, and for a few months Breiðamerkurjökull and Hoffellsjökull can be entered from below. The caves are different each winter. Einar scouts them the morning of the walk, and if one is not safe, we do not go in.
- Region
- South-east Iceland
- Length
- 6 days, 5 nights
- Group
- 4 to 8, two guides
- Fitness
- 2 of 5, steady walking
- Season
- December to March
- Base
- Höfn and Hoffell
Itinerary
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Day 1
Keflavík to Vík
South coast
We meet you at Keflavík airport at 09:30 and drive the coast road past Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. A short walk behind the first one, a long supper at the second. Briefing and kit fitting at the guesthouse before bed.
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Day 2
Reynisfjara, then the first glacier
Mýrdalssandur to Öræfi
Black sand and basalt columns at Reynisfjara, with Einar on the subject of sneaker waves. Then east across the sands to Skaftafell for a three-hour crampon walk on Svínafellsjökull, learning how to read the ice before we try to enter it.
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Day 3
Jökulsárlón and the first cave
Breiðamerkurjökull
Up before sunrise for the lagoon, when the icebergs are the colour of cold tea. Einar will have driven out at six to check the cave. If the ice allows, we walk in at noon. The afterglow is spent on Diamond Beach, where the lagoon bergs wash up.
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Day 4
Hoffellsjökull and Vestrahorn
Hoffell and Stokksnes
A second cave, higher and quieter, on the Hoffell glacier tongue, followed by an hour in the geothermal hot tubs at Hoffell farm. In the evening we drive to Stokksnes and wait for the aurora below Vestrahorn. Some nights it comes. Some nights we drink tea.
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Day 5
The reserve day
Heinabergsjökull or Höfn
Weather decides. A third cave, snowshoes at Heinabergsjökull, or a slow day in Höfn: the fish market, the swimming pool, langoustine at the harbour for the farewell dinner. Guests have told us this day is the one they remember.
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Day 6
Höfn to Reykjavík
Along the south coast
Breakfast with the guides, then the long drive west with stops at Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon and Skógar. We reach Reykjavík at about 17:00 and drop you at your hotel or the Flybus stop. Most guests fly home the next morning.
Route map
Vatnajökull and the south coast. Stops are overnight places or the walking days that matter.
What is included
Included
- 5 nights in twin rooms (single supplement on request), breakfast daily and five dinners
- Two Nordvik guides for every group of 8, and one of them a trained glacier rescuer
- Ice cave and glacier guiding, including helmets, crampons, ice axes and harnesses
- All ground transport from Keflavík airport to Reykjavík, in nine-seat vehicles
- Hot tub entry at Hoffell, national park fees and the Jökulsárlón lagoon access
- Satellite messenger and group first-aid and rescue kit
Not included
- International flights to Keflavík (KEF)
- Lunches and drinks (about €18 a day)
- Travel and rescue insurance, which is compulsory
- Hotel in Reykjavík on the last night
- Tips for the guides, if you want to
Gear and fitness
Level 2 of 5 Moderate
You walk for up to four hours a day on uneven ground, with an ascent of up to 350 m on the longest day. Crampons need a steady stride, not strength. If you can climb a stair to a sixth floor without stopping, you are fine.
Wear on the ice
- Stiff-soled waterproof boots, size to take crampons (we can lend boots in sizes 36 to 47)
- Waterproof shell jacket and trousers
- Insulated mid layer in fleece or down
- Merino base layer, top and bottom
In your daypack
- Warm hat, buff and thin liner gloves
- Waterproof overmitts over warm gloves
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sunglasses, category 3 or 4, and sun cream
- Thermos, 1 litre, and a lunch box
For the evenings
- Swimsuit for the Hoffell hot tubs
- Warm socks and slippers
- Camera, spare battery (cold drains them) and a small tripod
- Any medicines you need, in the original packaging
We supply
- Helmet, harness, crampons and ice axe
- Group shelter and emergency bag
- Boot lending on request, free of charge
A full packing list with brands we trust is in Planning.
Weather and season
Dates and prices
| Dates | Length | Availability | Price per person | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 to 13 Dec 2026 | 6 days | 2 places left | €3,450 | Enquire about 8 to 13 Dec 2026 |
| 12 to 17 Jan 2027 | 6 days | 3 places left | €3,450 | Enquire about 12 to 17 Jan 2027 |
| 26 to 31 Jan 2027 | 6 days | 5 places left | €3,450 | Enquire about 26 to 31 Jan 2027 |
| 9 to 14 Feb 2027 | 6 days | 7 places left | €3,650 | Enquire about 9 to 14 Feb 2027 |
| 23 to 28 Feb 2027 | 6 days | 8 places left | €3,650 | Enquire about 23 to 28 Feb 2027 |
| 9 to 14 Mar 2027 | 6 days | 8 places left | €3,650 | Enquire about 9 to 14 Mar 2027 |
Prices are per person in a twin room or shared cabin, in euros. Single supplement €480. A 20% deposit secures your place; the balance falls due 60 days before departure. Groups run with 4 guests or more. Booking terms
Questions
Can we always enter a cave?
No. The caves form in the freeze and are at their best from December to February. Einar and the guides look at each cave on the morning, and if there is meltwater, rockfall or a crack in the roof, we do not enter. On every departure so far we have entered at least one.
Do I need crampons or boots of my own?
Boots yes, crampons no. Your boots must be stiff enough for a strap-on crampon. If you do not own such boots, we lend them free of charge.
What are the chances of seeing the aurora?
From the end of December to March, roughly one night in two on the south-east coast, if the cloud allows. We stay close to Stokksnes on the evenings with a forecast and guarantee nothing.
Is it too cold?
Daytime temperatures in Höfn run from -2 to 3 °C in winter, with wind. On the glacier it is colder. A proper shell and three layers are enough. The guides carry hot drinks every day.
I have a back injury. Can I still come?
Probably. Write to us before booking and tell us what the injury is. Most walks are slow, and one day (the reserve day) is optional.
Photographs
Ask about
Ice Caves of Vatnajökull
Einar HallssonLead glacier guide, Höfn, Iceland. Meet Einar
A guide, not a sales desk, will answer within two working days. Tell us when you can travel.
Enquire about this tripFrom the journal: What the glacier says in February