Skaftafell ice cave Iceland refers to natural ice caves that form in winter inside glacier tongues flowing from the Vatnajokull ice cap near Skaftafell in southeast Iceland. These caves are visited roughly from late autumn to early spring.
Caves under the Vatnajokull glacier
Ice caves form each winter inside the glacier tongues that flow from the Vatnajokull glacier ice cap near Skaftafell in southeast Iceland.
The caves are carved by meltwater flowing through the glacier.
The ice can take on a deep blue colour where it is dense and clear.
They are natural and change from year to year.
A cave that exists one winter may be gone or reshaped the next.
A guided, winter activity
Natural ice caves are visited in winter, roughly from late autumn to early spring, when the ice is cold and stable enough.
They are entered only on guided tours with proper equipment, because glaciers have crevasses and the ice and meltwater are dangerous.
The Skaftafell area
Tours start from the Skaftafell area and other points along the south coast.
Booking ice caves and tours
A Skaftafell blue ice-cave hike combines a guided glacier walk with the cave visit. You can compare ice cave tours to see the current options.
Plan for changing conditions
Iceland road conditions provides the current road information to check before a trip that includes Skaftafell Ice Cave: What the name refers to.
