Blue Ice Cave Photo Hike at Jökulsárlón — Superjeep Glacier Adventure
A short superjeep ride from Jökulsárlón drops you onto Vatnajökull’s icy expanse for a guided hike into luminous blue caves. Guides provide safety gear and professional photos—perfect for travelers who want striking images without hauling camera rigs.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring layered waterproof clothing
Wind and melt spray make the glacier colder than air temps suggest—waterproof outer layers and an insulating mid-layer keep you comfortable.
Sturdy boots with ankle support
You’ll wear crampons but need solid mountaineering or hiking boots to handle uneven ice and moraine approaches.
Protect electronics from moisture and glare
Use a waterproof case or zip-lock for phones and a polarizing filter to reduce reflections on ice.
Hydrate and eat beforehand
Hike time on the glacier is moderate but cold; bring a thermos or snack—there’s no place to buy food at the meeting point.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Diamond Beach (Breiðamerkursandur) — scattered ice chunks on black sand for dramatic photos
- •Fjallsárlón lagoon — quieter glacier lake with close-up iceberg views
Wildlife
- •Seals at Jökulsárlón
- •Arctic terns and other seabirds
Conservation Note
Tours are routed to minimize impact on fragile ice and moraine; stick to guide directions, avoid touching delicate ice formations, and pack out any waste.
Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers shaped southeast Iceland over millennia; the area has long been a seasonal resource for coastal communities and a site of dramatic jökulhlaups (glacial floods).
Photographer's Notes
- • Inside the main blue ice chamber
- • Ridges where light filters through thin ice
- • Moraine rim looking back to Vatnajökull and lagoon
What to Bring
Insulated waterproof jacketEssential
Shields against wind and melt spray and retains warmth during glacier time.
Mountaineering or stiff-soled hiking bootsEssential
Necessary for proper crampon fit and ankle support on ice and moraine.
Warm base and mid-layers (wool or synthetic)Essential
Layering helps you adjust warmth as you move between wind-exposed and sheltered spots.
Camera or smartphone with waterproof case
Capture the vivid blue ice—operator provides some professional photos, but bring personal backup.
Common Questions
Are photos included with the tour?
Yes—each person receives two professionally edited photos (including a Blue Ice Cave shot) delivered via downloadable gallery, typically within 14 days.
What is the minimum age and fitness requirement?
Minimum age is 8; participants should be able to hike about 5 km and manage icy, uneven ground.
Is equipment provided?
Guides supply helmets, harnesses and crampons; bring your own boots and layered clothing.
Can tours be canceled for weather?
Yes—tours can be canceled for bad weather or if there are insufficient travelers; full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours prior.
How do we get to the meeting point?
Meet at the Glacier Lagoon (Jökulsárlón) parking lot; most travelers drive or arrange transport from Höfn or nearby guesthouses.
Are ice caves safe from collapse?
Guides assess cave stability before entry; while safety measures reduce risk, glacier caves are dynamic—follow guide instructions at all times.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3–4 hours
Location
Höfn, Austurland
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Able to hike ~5 km on uneven, icy terrain and tolerate cold, windy conditions.
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