New in 2025, the Azure Ice Cave on Sólheimajökull is the closest natural ice cave to Reykjavík—just 2.5 hours away. Accessible only from September to April, this seasonal wonder was revealed by the glacier’s shifting ice and now opens its glowing blue walls to visitors for the first time. To get there, you’ll join a guided hike across Sólheimajökull’s dramatic surface, stepping over ridges and crevasses before reaching the cave itself. Inside, centuries of frozen history surround you in brilliant shades of blue—a rare sight that changes every year.
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This tour departs from the Sólheimajökull Glacier Parking Lot, about 2.5 hours from Reykjavík on Iceland’s scenic South Coast. This is where you’ll meet your certified glacier guide, get fitted with all the necessary equipment, and receive a quick safety briefing before stepping onto the ice.
From the parking lot, it’s just a short walk to the glacier’s edge. Soon you’ll find yourself in another world—Sólheimajökull is famous for its dramatic ridges, deep crevasses, and striking mix of white, blue, and volcanic ash. Your guide will explain how this outlet glacier is constantly moving and reshaping itself, carving new formations every season.
The centerpiece is the Azure Ice Cave, uncovered by local guides in September 2025 and reachable only from September to April. Its smooth walls shine in brilliant blues and aquamarine, making the cavern feel like another world. You’ll have time to explore, capture photos, and enjoy the rare chance to stand inside this frozen wonder.
In total, you’ll hike around 4 km (2.5 mi) during the experience, returning to the parking lot where the tour began.
The tour starts at the Sólheimajökull Glacier Parking Lot, about 164 km (101 mi) from Reykjavík. The drive takes around 2.5 hours in good conditions. Please plan extra time in case of weather or road delays.
When you arrive, look for Arctic Adventures guides with glacier gear at the meeting area.
Meeting point: Sólheimajökull Glacier Parking Lot.
GPS coordinates: 63°31'47.4"N 19°22'11.7"W
Clothing: Wear layered outdoor clothes including thermal base, warm mid-layer, and waterproof jacket and pants. Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are mandatory. Gloves, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also useful. Hiking boots and waterproof clothing are available to rent when booking.
Crampon size: Special glacier crampons are only available for EU shoe size 35 and up — smaller sizes cannot be fitted safely.
Yes, there is a small fee for parking at the Sólheimajökull Glacier parking lot (around 750 ISK, about USD 5.50 / EUR 5). There is no entrance fee to visit the glacier itself. Payment can be made on-site or through the Parka app.
The glacier is about 164 km (101 mi) southeast of Reykjavík, roughly a 2.5-hour drive in good conditions. It’s one of the closest glaciers to the capital. Allow extra time in case of weather or road delays.
This means travelers arrange their own transport to the designated meeting point, usually at the parking lot nearby. Exact directions and check-in details are provided in the booking confirmation.
Layered clothing is best: a thermal base, a warm middle layer (fleece or wool), and a waterproof outer layer. Hiking or outdoor pants are recommended instead of jeans. Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are required. Sunglasses and sunscreen are useful too, as the glacier can be bright even on cloudy days.
A small backpack is recommended for water, snacks, and an extra layer so you stay comfortable during the walk.
Participation is a personal decision. It’s recommended to review the tour description and difficulty rating, and to consult with a physician before joining.
Yes. Meals are not included, so light snacks and water are recommended, especially since the glacier hike can last several hours.
Crampons are metal spikes that attach to hiking boots to improve grip on ice. Specialized crampons and safety equipment are provided for glacier tours, and guides assist with fitting them. The minimum shoe size is EU 35.
Glacier tours run in most conditions, but safety always comes first. If weather or ice conditions make the tour unsafe, it will be cancelled and guests receive a full refund.
