Katla Ice Cave + South Coast in one day!
Walk inside Iceland’s striking Katla Ice Cave and explore Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara, and other South Coast highlights, all in a single guided day tour from Reykjavik.







Myrdalsjokull Glacier, Iceland’s fourth-largest ice cap, is where volcano-powered landscapes meet South Coast beauty. Sitting above the mighty Katla volcano, this glacier is home to the famous Katla Ice Cave, a rare blend of black volcanic ash and sparkling blue ice. From thrilling super jeep tours and guided ice-cave explorations to full-day adventures combining South Coast highlights like Skogafoss and Reynisfjara, Myrdalsjokull offers some of the most dramatic and accessible glacier experiences in Iceland.

Quick overview:

  • Where you’ll go: Myrdalsjokull Glacier, Katla Ice Cave, plus South Coast icons like Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss & Reynisfjara
  • Avg tour duration: 3–11 hours, depending on departure point (Reykjavik or Vik) and sightseeing stops
  • Ways to explore: Super jeep adventures and small-group guided tours with ice-cave entry
  • What’s included: Expert guide, ice-caving equipment (crampons & helmet), and transfers on selected tours
  • Combo upgrades: Add South Coast waterfalls, black-sand beaches & coastal viewpoints for a full-day experience
  • Best time to go: Year-round, Katla Ice Cave remains stable and accessible in all seasons
  • Best value pick: South Coast + Katla Ice Cave Tour with Reykjavik transfers

Things to know before booking your Myrdalsjokull & Katla Ice Cave tour

  • These tours focus on Katla Ice Cave, not glacier hiking: Standard Katla experiences involve a short walk on the glacier surface only to access the ice cave. If you want a real hike with crampons and climbing time, choose the South Coast + Solheimajokull Glacier Hike product.
  • Vik departures are ideal for self-drivers: Staying nearby? Meeting in Vik gives you the same Katla experience in less time, perfect for travelers already exploring the South Coast.
  • You'll travel part of the way in a modified super jeep: The road into Katla’s glacier area is extremely rugged and only accessible by 4x4 designed for off-road terrain, making the journey an adventure in itself.
  • Minimum age and fitness requirements apply: Ice cave tours typically welcome ages 6+; guests should be comfortable walking on uneven, icy surfaces and stepping into a modified super jeep.
  • South Coast stops vary by daylight and conditions: Reykjavik combos include major sights like Skogafoss and Reynisfjara; order and duration may shift to make the most of daylight, especially in winter.
  • Tours run year-round, but weather calls the shots: Guides may adjust timing or reroute around waves at Reynisfjara or strong winds near Seljalandsfoss. Safety takes priority over fixed schedules.

Which Myrdalsjokull Glacier tour is best for you?

Tour typeWhat’s includedBest forDurationTransfers availableWhy choose this
Vik: Katla Ice Cave Small-Group Guided Tour

Super jeep ride to glacier, guided Katla Ice Cave walk, safety gear

Self-drivers, South Coast explorers already near Vik

3hrs

Self-drive (meet in Vik)

The fastest and most budget-friendly way to visit Katla Ice Cave

Reykjavik: Katla Ice Cave & Super Jeep Tour

Reykjavik hotel pickup, guided ice cave visit, super jeep transfer, gear

Non-drivers, first-timers wanting everything organized

11hrs

Included from Reykjavik

Full-service experience with zero driving required

Reykjavik: South Coast + Katla Ice Cave Small-Group Tour

Ice cave entry + major South Coast sights (Skogafoss, Reynisfjara, etc.), professional guide

First-timers wanting sightseeing + adventure in one day

11hrs

Included from Reykjavik

Top-value combo: glacier adventure + iconic waterfalls & black-sand beach

Reykjavik: South Coast + Solheimajokull Glacier Hike

Guided glacier hike + South Coast sightseeing, crampons + gear

Active travelers wanting a proper glacier hike

11hrs

Included from Reykjavik

The only option that includes real hiking time on the ice

Explore Mirdalsjokull Glacier

Your Myrdalsjokull Glacier tour itinerary**

Morning

  • Start your day in Reykjavik with hotel pickup, or meet your guide directly in Vik for a shorter adventure.
  • Travel along Iceland’s scenic South Coast with views of volcanoes, black-sand plains, and coastal cliffs.
  • Switch into a modified super jeep near the glacier base and gear up with crampons and helmets for the ice cave visit.

Midday

  • Follow your certified guide into the Katla Ice Cave, a surreal world of volcanic ash and layered blue ice formed by the glacier above an active volcano.
  • Enjoy time for photos and stories about Katla’s eruptions and how this unique cave constantly reshapes with nature.
  • On Reykjavik combo tours, continue to major South Coast sights including Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Reynisfjara beach.

Afternoon/Evening

  • Relax on the return journey as your guide shares local history and hidden stories from Iceland’s most dramatic coastline.
  • Reykjavik tours drop you near your hotel/stop; self-drivers can end the day exploring Vik’s viewpoints or grabbing a warm drink by the sea.

Plan your visit to Myrdalsjokull Glacier

Tips & guidelines for your Myrdalsjokull Glacier tour

  • Expect a full day out: Katla Ice Cave tours often combine South Coast sightseeing,  fuel up before departure and bring snacks for the road.
  • Dress for ice cave conditions: Waterproof outerwear and warm layers are essential; the cave is cold, damp, and can drip from melting ice.
  • Wear proper hiking boots: Crampons are provided for walking on ice; sturdy, ankle-support footwear is required to fit them safely.
  • Protect your camera gear: Black volcanic ash inside Katla is fine and dusty; keep cameras/phones in cases between shots.
  • Visibility changes fast: Weather at the glacier edge can impact access, so flexibility helps if guides reroute stops for safety.
  • No facilities near the glacier: Restrooms and cafes are only in Vik or on South Coast stops; plan breaks accordingly.
  • Travel light inside the cave: Narrow passages mean only essential items are allowed while large bags stay in the vehicle.
  • Follow the guide in the cave: The ice constantly shifts, and stepping outside marked paths can be dangerous.
  • Road transfers take time: Pick-up tours from Reykjavik include long scenic drives, and you can enjoy the mountains, waterfalls, and coastline en route.
  • Safety gear provided: Helmets, crampons, and microspikes are included, use them as instructed for secure footing on ice and ash.

Plan your visit to Myrdalsjokull Glacier

Frequently asked questions about Myrdalsjokull Glacier tours

No prior experience is needed. Tours involve short walks on icy and uneven surfaces. Basic mobility is required to navigate steps, ice cave entrances, and light slopes. Children ages 6+ can usually join with adult supervision.