Hike through a crystal-clear glacier cave

Deep inside Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier outside the Arctic, the Crystal Ice Cave opens up anew every year. Flowing meltwater carves tunnels and cavities whose walls glow in intense shades of blue and turquoise. The centuries-old ice has been so strongly compressed by pressure that hardly any air bubbles remain trapped inside. As a result it absorbs almost only red light, while the blue part of the spectrum shines through. The result is a crystal-clear, luminous blue that constantly changes depending on the light. As the glacier is moving, the cave looks different every year and can even form in a new location.

The guided tour starts from the car park at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and, depending on the option, lasts between two and four hours. Access to the cave is only possible from November to March, when conditions are stable enough. The hike takes place on glacier ice and requires the use of crampons and a helmet, which are provided by the guide. Tours are conducted in small groups by experienced glacier guides who choose the safest route depending on the weather and the movement of the glacier. No previous experience is necessary, but basic fitness is recommended as the hike can be physically demanding.