South Coast & Katla Ice Cave from Reykjavik
An adventurous day tour including the highlights of the south coast and the majestic Katla Ice Cave.
Why do I highly recommend this tour?
If you’re looking for a day trip that truly feels like an adventure, this is it. The South Coast is already one of the most stunning parts of Iceland, but adding the Katla Ice Cave takes it to another level. You’ll get to see massive waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers, and then actually step inside a real ice cave near an actual volcano—how cool is that? Plus, it’s all in one seamless day trip from Reykjavík!
I love this tour because it gives you a little bit of everything—dramatic landscapes, epic photo ops, and that once-in-a-lifetime feeling of walking through blue and black ice shaped by nature. The guides are great at making sure you’re safe and having fun, and you’ll get just the right mix of sightseeing and adventure without feeling rushed. If you want to experience the wild beauty of Iceland without having to drive yourself, this is 100% the way to do it.
Mordy
Katla Ice Cave & South Coast Adventure
Join an extraordinary full-day journey to the majestic Katla Ice Cave and the iconic South Coast of Iceland. This 12-hour Katla Ice Cave Tour from Reykjavik runs year-round, offering an unforgettable ice cave exploration along with visits to Iceland’s top sightseeing locations. Experience a thrilling super jeep ride through unique, moon-like landscapes, crossing wild Icelandic nature for a truly immersive adventure.
Enjoy the comfort of a Reykjavik pick-up by an experienced driver-guide in a minibus, eliminating the hassle of self-driving. With a small group setting, your knowledgeable guides share engaging local stories while transporting you to the highlight of your journey: the magnificent Katla Ice Cave near Vik. En route, enjoy visits at popular South Coast attractions such as Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skógafoss Waterfall, and the iconic Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Once in Vik, professional glacier guides will lead you on a super jeep ride to the ice cave, providing essential glacier equipment and expert insights into the cave’s formation and surroundings. Your adventure concludes with a drop-off at your preferred location in the Reykjavik area.
Tour Description
Your day begins at 8 am with a convenient pick-up from your chosen hotel or bus stop. Depart from the Capital Region and pass by scenic mountains and a geothermal area before reaching the first tour stop: the powerful Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Experience the dramatic 60-meter drop of Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls. Its unique cavern behind the cascade allows for a 360-degree view, making it an ideal spot for photography. Remember to bring rainwear as you might get wet from the mist.
Skógafoss Waterfall
Next, visit the majestic Skógafoss, located just 30 minutes from Seljalandsfoss. This “forest waterfall” features a striking 60-meter drop and is one of Iceland’s largest. Accessible via 500 stairs, the climb offers a unique view of the waterfall’s formation and a scenic walk into a magical canyon along the Skógá River.
Reynisfjara: The Black Sand Beach
The adventure continues to Reynisfjara, famously known as the Black Sand Beach. Formed by volcanic eruptions and shaped by millions of years of erosion, the beach features impressive basalt columns and views of the photogenic Dýrhólaey cliffs. Bird enthusiasts will also appreciate the opportunity to see puffins and razorbills nesting in the area during summer.
Super Jeep Ride to Katla Ice Cave
The highlight of the day is the super jeep ride from Vík to the Katla Ice Cave. Inside, witness the stunning colors of the ice, including rare black ice and captivating blue ice formations. The cave is located in Kötlujökull Glacier, an outlet of Mýrdalsjökull, beneath the mighty Katla volcano, offering a unique and secure ice cave exploration with all necessary glacier equipment provided by expert guides.
Return to Reykjavik
Your memorable day concludes as you head back to Reykjavik, with an estimated arrival around 8 pm, subject to weather and road conditions.
Book your Katla Volcano Ice Cave Day Tour now to experience the best of Iceland’s natural wonders!
History of the Katla Volcano & Mýrdalsjökull
Mýrdalsjökull, the glacier that houses the Katla Ice Cave, is one of Iceland's largest ice caps, covering around 600 square kilometers. Beneath its thick ice lies the powerful Katla volcano, which has erupted approximately every 40–80 years throughout history, with the last major eruption occurring in 1918. These eruptions cause massive glacial floods, reshaping the surrounding landscapes and forming unique ice cave structures within the glacier.
Over time, Mýrdalsjökull’s ice caves continuously evolve due to volcanic heat, seasonal melting, and shifting ice formations. The Katla Ice Cave, in particular, is known for its striking black-and-blue ice layers, created by volcanic ash from past eruptions mixing with centuries-old glacial ice. This dynamic interaction between fire and ice makes the glacier a fascinating and ever-changing natural wonder.
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Meeting Point – Pickup in Reykjavik
Pickup is available at multiple points near your accommodations in downtown Reykjavik. Choose your pickup location form the list when you check out.
Make sure to be waiting outside at designated pick up spot on time.
What's included?
Driver guide, pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavik capital area
Small group experience
Wi-Fi and Icelandic music on board
Ride on a Super-jeep to and from the ice cave
All necessary glacier equipment: helmet, crampons
What do I need to bring?
Hiking boots (also available for rent)
Outdoors clothing (waterproof out layers are available for rent)
Joy and Happiness :-)
Important Information:
Minimum Age for the Ice cave is 8 years old.
We might have to adjust timings and schedule due to the short daylight in the winter time, and also to try to avoid big crowds.
Pick up is from designated locations in Reykjavík. Pick up from Keflavík airport or outside of the greater capital area is not available.
Food: We stop at locations like gas stations and small shops where you will be able to buy snacks/sandwiches and drinks.
At lunch time we will also stop at locations where you will find warm lunch options.
Cancellation policy
We understand changes happen, so we offer a no-questions asked 100% free cancellation, if booking is cancelled 24 hours or less local Icelandic time prior to event. After that, the booking is non refundable.
Would you like a private tour?
If you would like a customized tour or just want the tour on your own schedule, please send us a message and we will happily arrange things for you.