With winter in full swing, Iceland’s leading travel agency and tour operator shares insights into the conditions shaping this year’s ice cave season.
Reykjavik, Iceland – As Iceland’s glaciers freeze into breathtaking shades of blue, Guide to Iceland, the country’s largest travel agency and ice cave tour operator, reports one of the most impressive ice cave seasons in years. The structures forming under glaciers such as Vatnajokull and Katla are showing exceptional clarity, size, and color, drawing visitors and photographers from around the world.
According to Einar Davidsson, spokesperson for Guide to Iceland, this year’s ice cave conditions have been shaped by early winter temperatures.
“Every year, new ice caves form as meltwater carves fresh tunnels through the glaciers,” Davidsson noted. “This winter, temperatures dropped early and stayed stable, which means the ice is exceptionally clear and structurally sound. In places like Vatnajokull National Park, some chambers are larger than a cathedral, with translucent blue walls that catch the light beautifully. It’s truly one of the best seasons we’ve seen in a decade.”
One of the most common questions travelers ask is why Iceland’s ice caves appear so vibrantly blue. According to Davidsson, the answer lies in the age and density of the glacier ice itself.
“The color comes from the density of the glacier ice. When air bubbles are compressed over centuries, the ice absorbs all other wavelengths of light except blue,” he said. “This year’s steady cold has preserved that deep sapphire tone that photographers dream of. In person, it’s otherworldly; you feel like you’ve stepped inside a crystal.”
Safety remains a priority for anyone planning to visit these natural ice caves in Iceland.
“Ice caves are living, changing formations, so safety is everything,” Davidsson emphasized. “Always go with a certified glacier guide who provides helmets, crampons, and safety gear. The season typically runs from early October through April, when the ice is solid enough to enter.”
The most common departure points for ice cave tours in Iceland are Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Skaftafell Nature Reserve, and the town of Vik, with daily access depending on weather and glacier conditions.
Ice cave tours have become one of Iceland’s most iconic winter experiences, and Davidsson believes the appeal is timeless.
“It’s that perfect mix of adventure and beauty,” he said. “Nowhere else can you literally walk inside a glacier that’s thousands of years old. Every year, new caves form, so even if you’ve visited before, you’ll never see the same one twice. It just shows how nature is constantly transforming.”
The standout experience is the Crystal Ice Cave inside Vatnajokull Glacier, which has become the country’s most requested winter tour, according to Guide to Iceland. Davidsson notes that this particular cave has formed with exceptional shape and clarity.
“The Crystal Ice Cave is the one everyone talks about,” he said. “It’s consistently the most sought-after tour each winter, but this year it’s better than ever. The light inside the cave is extraordinary.”
Ice cave visits are also easy to combine with other top winter activities, making them a highlight of many short winter getaways. Travelers often pair it with northern lights hunting, snowmobiling, and sightseeing. It’s especially popular to include on a 2-day winter adventure tour or a 3-day South Coast tour.
Guide to Iceland continues to lead the industry in offering safe, expertly guided ice cave adventures across the country’s major glacier regions. A selection of winter tours is available throughout the season, with departures aligned to daily conditions for optimal safety and visibility.
