Exploring the Katla natural Ice Cave is one of the most exciting adventures in Southern Iceland. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting this icy wonder.
Katla Ice Cave: What’s special about it?
The Katla Ice Cave is special because you can visit it year-round, while most ice caves can only be explored in winter.
Where is Katla Ice Cave?
The Katla black Ice Cave is in Southern Iceland, beneath the Kötlujökull Glacier which is a small offshoot of the larger Myrdalsjökull Glacier in Iceland Southern area. These caves got their name because the glacier also happens to sit on top of the Katla Volcano, buried deep beneath the snow and ice.
If you decide to venture into these glacial caverns, there are plenty of other nearby attractions to tack on to your trip. The Katla Ice Caves are near the tiny town of Vik, Reynisfjara black sand beach, Diamond Beach, the Jökulsarlon Lagoon, Skogafoss waterfall, and more.
How to get to the Katla Ice Cave?
Public transportation doesn’t go to the Katla Ice Cave so you’ll need to reach them by hopping on a tour or, better yet, hiring your own rental car. While you’ll need to join a tour to visit the ice caves, you can meet up with them at the car park outside the caves.
You can easily reach the Katla Ice Caves by traveling south, counterclockwise along the Ring Road from the capital of Reykjavik. The route takes about 2.5 hours without stops.
Can you go to Katla Ice Cave on your own
No, you can’t visit the Katla Ice Caves on your own. Ice caves are constantly changing due to melting ice and crevasses in the glacier, which make exploring on your own a huge safety concern.
Going on a guided tour also has the benefit of learning more about the glacier and formation of the ice cave from a knowledgeable guide.
Road Conditions and Weather: Traveling from Reykjavik to Katla Ice Cave meeting point
The journey from Reykjavik to the meeting point for Katla Ice Cave tours is as stunning as it is varied. During summer, the roads are generally clear and in good condition, making the drive relatively straightforward. Travelers can enjoy the lush landscapes and blooming wildflowers that line the Ring Road as they make their way south.
However, in winter, the same route can present more of a challenge. Snow and ice often cover the roads, requiring careful driving and possibly a 4×4 vehicle. Winter tires are a must, as conditions can change rapidly, with occasional snowstorms reducing visibility and making the route slippery.
Regardless of the season, the dramatic shifts in weather highlight the stark beauty of Iceland’s natural scenery, from sunlit fjords in summer to frost-covered fields in winter. Renting a car from Firefly Iceland, equipped with the necessary seasonal features, ensures a safer and more enjoyable journey to one of Iceland’s most magical experiences.
Is Katla Ice Cave worth it
Yes, the Katla Ice Caves are absolutely worth visiting that is one of the unique experience you can get in Iceland!
Having the chance to do a short glacier hike and go inside an ice cave is a very rare experience and something you should take advantage of on a trip to Iceland. This is especially true as the ice caves can be accessed year round, including the summer months, another rare phenomenon.
Not only that, but the ice caves are stunning to explore. You’ll have the chance to see blue and black glaciers and ice, swirling all around you, alongside waterfalls, ice tunnels, and giant icicles in winter.
What is a Katla Ice Cave Tour like?
Most Katla Ice Cave tour companies usually have a meeting point the tiny, coastal town of Vik. From here, you’ll take a super jeep ride and start your journey to the glacier.
Enjoy a panoramic yet bumpy ride in the Super Jeep before putting on helmet headlamp and crampons and walking on top of the glacier. You’ll then head into the ice caves with your glacier guide to explore.
Don’t forget to bring warm clothing, even in summer, and sturdy hiking boots for this adventure!
Is Katla Ice Cave worth it in summer
Katla Ice Cave is definitely worth visiting in summer. In fact, this is one of the best times to see trickling waterfalls inside the caves!
The nearby Blue Ice Cave inside the Vatnajökull Glacier can only be explored in the winter months as it’s too unstable during summer. If you’re visiting Iceland in the summer, Katla is your only option for going inside an ice cave in Iceland.
- Read more about: What is the Best Time to Go to Iceland? Jan to Dec analysis
photo from this katla ice cave tour
How to rent a cheap car in Iceland
Renting a cheap car in Iceland has never been easier with Firefly Iceland, whether you’re looking for a 4×4 vehicle or a standard car to get you around the Ring Road.
At Firefly Iceland we offer older model cars from 2020 and 2021 to be able to provide lower prices. You’ll also find gas discount cards on your set of keys to save you even more money on your trip around the country!
Conclusion
Visiting the Katla Ice Cave is worth planning a trip to Iceland around! Book your rental car through Firefly Iceland and you’ll have a reliable vehicle to explore not only the ice caves, but also the surrounding natural wonders.
