Nestled on the eastern side of Iceland, approximately 5 hours away from the capital city of Reykjavik, lies Vatnajokull National Park, boasting Europe’s largest glacier. Spanning over 8,100 square kilometers (3,127 square miles), this colossal ice mass covers about 10% of the entire island nation, serving as a striking testament to Iceland’s ever-changing geology. Beneath its majestic exterior, Vatnajokull holds a world of hidden marvels – a labyrinth of ice caves sculpted by the relentless forces of meltwater. Each cave reveals an otherworldly landscape adorned with shimmering blue-white arches and intricate crystalline formations, inviting visitors to embark on a journey into the heart of this icy giant.
Get ready to be captivated and gain insights as we delve into the marvels nestled within Vatnajokull’s icy expanse. Our tour was an unforgettable experience, where nature’s raw power has crafted a mesmerizing palette of blues and whites, painting a breathtaking canvas inside these frozen chambers.
Booking
Booking our Vatnajokull tour through GuidetoIceland.com was incredibly convenient. Their website allows you to filter tours based on duration and group size. It’s crucial to consider the tour’s starting time in relation to other planned activities for the day. With limited daylight hours, I chose the first tour at 9:30 am.
The tour is priced at $159 USD per person, inclusive of a helmet, crampons, guide, and transportation to the ice cave. Given that American Express isn’t widely accepted in Europe, I utilized my Chase Ink Business Unlimited card for 1.5x points on the purchase.
Navigating through the booking process was seamless, thanks to the user-friendly interface of GuidetoIceland.com. After selecting our preferred tour time and considering daylight constraints, we were ready to embark on our adventure to explore Vatnajokull’s icy wonders.
Ice Cave Excursion
Arriving at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon parking lot at 9 am, we were met with pitch darkness, the sun yet to rise. Among several tour operators, we were directed to the guides from GuidetoIceland, whose trailer served as their operational base. Once checked in, we sought refuge from the cold in the trailer, patiently awaiting the commencement of the tour.
Prepared and ready, we were guided to a modified Ford Econoline van equipped with monster truck-style tires. This unique vehicle transported us to a gravel parking lot at the glacier’s base. Stepping out, we were greeted by our first breathtaking view of the glacier, accompanied by relentless 40-plus mph wind gusts. Our guide, AJ, provided us with crampons and led us to another modified van waiting on the glacier.
The walk to the van proved challenging, with the unyielding wind making each step an endeavor. Brief relief came as we were driven to the cave entrance within minutes. Exiting the van once more, we braved the gusts, grateful for the traction provided by the crampons. AJ led our descent down two flights of stairs, revealing the cave’s expansive interior. Here, he shared insights into the natural formation of these caves each year, allowing us time to capture the remarkable scenery before guiding us through a slot canyon within the cave.
After ample time for photography, we retraced our steps out of the cave, where the van and a stunning sunrise awaited our return. The entire experience, from the dark morning start to the radiant sunrise conclusion, showcased the awe-inspiring beauty of Vatnajokull National Park.
Overall Impression
Embarking on the adventure of touring an ice cave marked a significant achievement on my bucket list, leaving me exhilarated by the entire experience. From battling relentless wind gusts to traversing a captivating slot canyon formed by melted water, and witnessing a magical sunrise atop a glacier, it was an intense showcase of raw nature’s beauty. A special mention must go to our guide, AJ, who not only shared tales of the land’s evolution since the first settlers but also treated us to the unique experience of tasting glacier ice, chipped with an ice pick during our journey.
AJ’s storytelling and hands-on engagement added depth to our journey, making it a defining moment of our Iceland trip. I wholeheartedly recommend everyone visiting Iceland to include an ice cave tour in their itinerary. If you’ve had the opportunity to tour an ice cave, I’d love to hear about your experiences. Feel free to share your stories, or if you’re planning an Iceland trip, follow this link for assistance in crafting your memorable adventure.
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