If you are planning a road trip along the South Coast of Iceland and want to explore an authentic ice cave beneath a real glacier, the first big decision you will face is: should you visit the Katla ice cave (Mýrdalsjökull glacier) or the caves in Vatnajökull?

While both experiences are breathtaking, the logistics, year-round availability, driving time from Reykjavík, and type of ice vary radically between the two locations.

What Are the Main Differences Between Katla Ice Cave and Vatnajökull?

To quickly compare both options before diving into the logistical details, this table summarizes the key technical specifications for each destination:

Katla Ice Cave Tour Options with Katlatrack from Vík

The Katla ice cave is located in the Kötlujökull glacier tongue, an outlet of Mýrdalsjökull (Iceland’s fourth-largest ice cap), beneath which lies the famous active Katla volcano.

To fit different travel paces and itineraries, at Katlatrack we offer three distinct ways to explore this unique environment:

1. Katla Ice Cave Fasttrack Tour (3 hours): Our undisputed bestseller. Designed to optimize your travel time, it includes the round-trip Super Jeep ride from Vík, the hike to the ice cave, and guided exploration inside. It is the ideal choice if you have a tight schedule on the South Coast.
2. Katla Ice Cave Extended Tour (4 hours): The perfect option for photography enthusiasts and travelers seeking a deeper immersion. This 4-hour tour includes extra scenic stops along the Super Jeep drive and allows you to spend more time exploring on top of the glacier and inside the cave.
3. Katla Ice Cave Private Tour (Exclusive): A 100% customized experience where the Super Jeep and an expert local guide are dedicated solely to you and your group. It allows you to tailor the hiking pace, take bespoke photo stops, and enjoy the glacier in complete privacy.

What Is a Super Jeep and Why Is It Essential for This Route?

Many travelers ask us why it isn’t possible to reach the glacier in a standard rental car or even a small 4×4 SUV. The answer lies in the vehicle we use: the Super Jeep.

A Super Jeep is a vehicle specifically modified to perform flawlessly in severe weather conditions and handle the extreme terrain we encounter on our tours in South Iceland. These are not ordinary off-road vehicles; they are specialized machines built to tackle demanding natural obstacles.

Key Features of Our Modified Super Jeeps:

• Built-in Tire Compressor System: Thanks to an onboard air compressor, our guides can manually inflate and deflate the tires while on the move depending on the surface. Deflating the tires increases the footprint to float smoothly over soft snow or volcanic sand, while inflating them optimizes highway driving.

• River-Crossing Capabilities: They are raised and equipped to ford mountain rivers safely without engine flooding or traction loss.

• Giant All-Terrain Tires: Their specialized tires are engineered to grip securely on all surfaces: snow, mud, water, loose gravel, or asphalt.

The Glacier Experience: Driving Around Hafursey & Technical Safety

The Super Jeep Journey

All our tours depart from the Katlatrack office in central Vík (Austurvegur 16). From there, we board our modified Super Jeeps. The drive to the base of the glacier takes us along an unpaved mountain track circling the iconic Hafursey mountain, crossing a stunning desert of black volcanic ash and moss-covered lava fields (Mýrdalssandur) where scenes for Star Wars: Rogue One were filmed. Standard rental vehicles (including small 4×4 SUVs) cannot legally or safely drive on this terrain.

The Hike & Technical Gear

Upon reaching the edge of the Kötlujökull glacier, we suit up with mandatory safety equipment provided before starting the hike:

• Adjustable crampons for solid traction on ice.

• Certified safety helmets.

• Headlamps to clearly illuminate the inner chambers of the cave.

The glacier walk and inside exploration are conducted alongside expert local guides who explain the unique geology, how ice walls form, and the history behind Katla’s 1918 eruption.

Can You Visit the Katla Ice Cave in Summer?

Yes. This is the major advantage of the Katla Ice Cave compared to almost all other ice caves in the country. You can visit Katla Ice Cave all year round, even during the summer months.

Traditional ice caves in other glaciers form primarily from meltwater flow during the summer. As temperatures rise between May and September, the internal structure of those caves becomes unstable or floods, forcing tours to close for safety during the warmer months.

Why Katla Remains Open Year-Round

Katla allows safe tour operations 365 days a year due to a combination of volcanic geology and glacier dynamics:

1. Insulation by Volcanic Ash: Thick layers of black tephra (ash trapped from the 1918 Katla eruption) embedded inside the ice act as a natural thermal shield that slows down direct melting.
2. Non-Retreating Glacier Dynamics (“Dead Glacier”): We commonly describe this area as a “dead glacier.” The glacier is simply melting very slowly over time, but it is not actively retreating or expected to shift abruptly. This stability allows us to maintain safe and accessible ice chambers year-round.

Is It Safe to Visit Independently or Do You Need a Guided Tour?

Visiting a natural ice cave in Iceland independently is both impossible and illegal.

Glaciers are dynamic environments that require specialized equipment and expert knowledge to navigate hazards like hidden crevasses or ice falls.

The Katlatrack Safety Guarantee

• Certified Local Guides: All our guides are locald and Vík residents with years of experience navigating the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. 

• Daily Field Inspections: Every morning prior to the first tour departures, our operations team thoroughly inspects the ice stability, water levels, and track conditions. If weather conditions are unsafe, tours are rescheduled or fully refunded.

• Super Jeep Reliability: The technical setup of our modified Super Jeeps ensures safe transit across tough terrain in all weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Katla Ice Cave (FAQ)

How long is the Katla ice cave tour with Katlatrack?

It depends on which tour option you select:

• Fasttrack Tour (Bestseller): Takes 3 hours total (round-trip from our Vík office).

• Extended Tour: Takes 4 hours and includes extra scenic stops in the Super Jeep and more time on the glacier.

• Private Tour: Exclusive experience where the duration and pace are tailored entirely to your group.

Where is the exact meeting point for the tour?

All tours depart from our headquarters at Austurvegur 16, 870 Vík í Mýrdal (located right along the main Ring Road 1). Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

What clothes and footwear should I wear?

• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support and a rigid sole (necessary to hold crampons securely). Low-cut sneakers or soft shoes are not permitted.

• Clothing: Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants, thermal base layers (wool or synthetic), a warm beanie, and gloves.

• Rental Service at Reception: If you lack suitable gear, you can rent hiking boots and rain gear directly at our reception at Austurvegur 16 prior to departure. Katlatrack provides your helmet, crampons, and headlamps.

Are children allowed on Katlatrack tours?

Yes, the minimum recommended age for our group tours to the Katla ice cave is 6 years old. The glacier walk is easy-to-moderate over flat terrain.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Book?

• If you want to optimize your time on the South Coast, our 3-hour Fasttrack Tour in a Super Jeep provides the complete Katla ice cave experience. If you prefer taking photos at a relaxed pace and spending extra time on the ice, opt for the 4-hour Extended Tour or an exclusive Private Tour.

• If you are traveling between May and October, staying in Vík í Mýrdal, or want to witness the iconic contrast of volcanic ash and blue ice, Katla Ice Cave is the perfect choice.

• If you are completing the entire Ring Road in winter (November to March) and have enough driving time to reach Jökulsárlón, combining Katla with Vatnajökull will give you the ultimate overview of Iceland’s glaciers.

To secure your spot in our small group tours and explore the ice cave with born-and-raised local guides from Vík, book your adventure in advance on our website.

More from our blog

Why can you visit Katla Ice Cave during summer season?

There are several unique reasons why you can visit Katla Ice Cave in summer:

1. Katla is what we call a “dead glacier.”. This doesn’t mean the glacier has disappeared—it simply means it no longer moves forward under its own pressure. Instead, it slowly retreats as it melts. Because it doesn’t shift or crack from internal movement, the cave’s structure stays much more predictable over time.
2. The cave is located up on the glacier. In many other glaciers, ice caves form between the glacier and the ground, where warm air and water can accumulate underneath. That’s why those caves normally get flooded during summer. In contrast, the Katla ice cave forms on the upper part of the glacier, and the risk of sudden floods is much lower.
3. Volcanic ash protects the ice. Another fascinating detail is that the Katla glacier is covered by layers of volcanic ash from past eruptions. This ash acts like an insulating blanket that helps slow down melting. Even in July or August, the ice keeps its shape and stability much better than clean, exposed ice on other glaciers.
4. Daily inspection and maintenance of the glacier. Safety is a top priority, which is why the access to the glacier and the ice cave is inspected and maintained daily. The glacier, any potential crevasses, and other hazards are constantly monitored, and we take action accordingly to ensure a safe experience for every visitor to Katla Ice Cave.

These factors combine to make the Katla ice cave in summer safe and one of the most unique places to experience the magic hidden inside an Icelandic glacier.

How is a visit to an Ice Cave in Summer?

In summer, the cave has an almost surreal beauty. Meltwater streams carve delicate patterns into the walls, blending deep blue ice with black ash veins. It feels like stepping into another world—one that doesn’t exist anywhere else on Earth.

Keep in mind that glaciers—and therefore ice caves—are constantly changing, which makes each visit unique and unrepeatable. The Katla ice cave naturally changes its shape, size, and access throughout the months. There is no human intervention other than what is needed for safety, so every visit is an incredible surprise that nature prepares for you.

If you want to step into this magical experience, you will need to book a tour, where a specialized guide will take you to the glacier and keep you safe from any dangers. Most tours depart from the town of Vík and include a ride in a super jeep across the black sand plains. Even if you visit during the warm season, you’ll need warm clothing, waterproof boots, and a spirit of adventure.

Why Choose the Katla Ice Cave in Summer?

If you’re traveling to Iceland between May and September, the Katla ice cave is your best—and in many cases your only—option for a safe and unforgettable ice cave experience. Here’s what makes it so special:

• Open all year thanks to its unique geology
• Daily maintenance to ensure a safe experience
• Volcanic ash layer that creates a completely different look compared to other glaciers
• Expert guides who keep you safe while sharing the glacier’s secrets

If you visit Iceland in summer, the Katla ice cave offers the rare chance to step inside a glacier and witness the raw power of ice and volcano together.

Tips Before Your Visit to an Ice Cave

• Book your tour in advance—in summer, spots fill up quickly.
• Dress in layers and bring waterproof clothing (even in summer, as Iceland’s weather is unpredictable).
• Never try to access a glacier or an ice cave without a certified guide.
• Bring your curiosity and your camera to capture unforgettable memories of your trip to Iceland.

If you have any questions about visiting the Katla ice cave in summer, or if you’d simply like to learn more about what to expect, our team at Katlatrack is here for you. We’re a group of local experts who are passionate about this glacier and about sharing the wonder of Iceland’s nature in a safe and respectful way.

From the moment you book to the moment you step back out of the cave, you’ll be guided and supported by professionals who know Katla better than anyone. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with your family, we’re committed to making your ice cave adventure unforgettable.

In 2009, we started Katlatrack with the goal of showing off the hidden secrets around Vík, our hometown. These secrets include the magical Þakgil canyon, the iconic black sand beaches of the south coast and, last but not least, the magical Katla ice caves. We are extremely proud of having been the first company to offer adventure tours to these ice caves, and we hold very tightly to our traditions when it comes to these tours.

Since you’ve found yourself on this page, we can assume that you are interested in exploring some of the magnificient Katla ice caves, located in the south of Iceland. And you should be! The Katla Ice Caves are unique for a couple of reasons.

• They are currently the only natural ice caves that can be explored all 12 months of the year. Most natural ice caves become unsafe during the summertime, but not the Katla ice caves.
• For travelers who only have a short limited time to explore Iceland, they are the closest natural ice caves to Reykjavík and to the Keflavík international airport. That means that adventurers can very easily go on a day tour to visit the caves without having to spend most of their day in a car or a bus.

Visiting the Katla ice caves is an experience no up-and-coming adventurer should miss. We truly believe it’s one of the finest tours in Iceland and we proudly offer two variations of the tour, each coming with their own unique twist. But how do you decide what is the best way for you to experience the ice caves? 

The FastTrack Ice Cave tour

Our best selling ice cave tour, and for good reason! This is hands down the fastest way to experience the Katla ice cave! If your ideal ice cave tour involves getting to the glacier as quickly as possible, maximising the time you get to spend exploring the cave itself, this is the perfect tour for you!

You start off in Vík, where you meet our guide and get your first look at our modified super jeep, specially designed to get you safely and comfortably to the glacier. Then you go on a roughly 45 minute drive (depending on the weather and conditions) before arriving at the edge of the massive Katla glacier.

When you arrive at the glacier, we put on our helmets and crampons before hiking a short distance to the caves. Once there, your guide will lead you through the incredible passageways of the natural ice caves, while explaining how they are formed, why they are so supernaturally blue and why they have these seemingly random streaks of black running through them.

After a good while in the caves, we leave through the hidden back door of the caves, hike back to the superjeep and drive back to Vík with a camera full of pictures and enough memories to last a lifetime!

Book your FastTrack Ice Cave tour here! 

The Katla Ice Cave tour

This one is the first ever tour operated to the Katla glacier, and it’s also our first ever tour. It holds a very special place in our hearts and even though the FastTrack tour has somewhat stolen its thunder we still believe there’s room for both types of glacier exploration tours!

It starts off the exact same way as the FastTrack tour, but we take a longer walk to the caves, exploring the Katla glacier itself more thouroughly. After a similar amount of time in the caves, we once again head to the glacier – This time on the lookout for more caves. This detour gives a much better insight into how natural ice caves are formed, and how they grow in size before becoming explorable like the main cave system.

On the way back to Vík, we take a slightly longer drive to explore a black sand beach that is much less visited than its more famous counterpart, Reynisfjara.

Book your Katla Cave tour here! 

Whether you want to maximise your time in an ice cave, or take a more explorative approach, we have the Ice cave tour for you!

And don’t forget to grab some lunch at our partners at Black Crust Pizzeria while you’re in Vík. You even get a 10% discount by showing them your Katlatrack ticket!

Your Adventure Awaits,

The KatlaTrack Team