Glacier Trips, Thank You, Contact,Glacier Trips

The Atlantis Ice Cave on the west side of Breiðamerkurjökull (an outlet of Vatnajökull) is one of those rare places where access is straightforward and the payoff is immediate. From Jökulsárlón it’s about a 30-minute drive on off-road tracks to the glacier’s edge, followed by a short 10–12 minute walk over mostly flat terrain. Once inside, we typically spend 35–45 minutes—enough time to look around, take photos, and simply stand still while the cave’s shapes and tones reveal themselves.

Our tour to Atlantis—Ice Cave Inside the Largest Glacier—runs October through April with daily departures at 10:45 and 14:15. It’s rated Easy, suitable for most visitors who are comfortable walking on uneven ground for a short distance. The total outing is 2.5–3 hours door-to-door, starting and finishing at Jökulsárlón (64°02’54.2″N, 16°10’46.0″W).

Person standing in blue ice cave in iceland, Atlantis ice cave

What Atlantis looks like

Expect smooth blue ice with whitish and ash layers that tell a story of winters, summers, and windblown volcanic dust. The cave shifts through the season—it’s a natural formation and it changes—but lately Atlantis has shown clean contours and openings in the ceiling that let light in. On clear days, the overhead glow gives enough ambient light for photos; on snowy or overcast days, parts of the cave feel moodier and lower-lit.

Atlantis sits near the old Crystal Ice Cave area—a zone many guides know well. We haven’t found a cave this close to that historic location in years, which adds a small sense of “we’re back in a place that keeps giving.”

Facts of Atlantis Ice cave

Quick facts (so you can compare tours fast)

  • Location: West side of Breiðamerkurjökull, outlet of Vatnajökull
  • Meet: Jökulsárlón car park — 64°02’54.2″N 16°10’46.0″W
  • Season: October–April
  • Departures: 10:45 (quieter), 14:15 (often the best light)
  • Group size: Max 13 guests per guide
  • Difficulty: Easy — 10–12 min walk, no elevation gain
  • Time inside the cave: 35–45 min (we adapt to the group)
  • Total duration: 2.5–3 hours
  • Vehicle/road: Off-road tracks to the glacier
  • Price: ISK 23,900 per person (minimum age 8, same price)
Person walking through ice cave

Crowds, timing, and how we plan around them

Ice caves in Iceland are popular. We make a real effort to choose quieter windows. If your schedule allows, the 10:45 departure tends to be calmer; the 14:15 slot often brings better light for photos. Because multiple operators share the area, wait times can vary. On many days at 10:45 or 11:00 there’s little to no waiting, but conditions and other companies’ plans can change. We’ll communicate on the day and adjust so you get maximum time in the cave.

Safety, gear, and what to bring

We run ice cave tours for a living—11+ years of doing this, and still learning every season.

  • Included: Helmet, microspikes, and headlamps if needed.
  • Bring: Warm layers, hat, gloves, and sturdy outdoor footwear.
  • Standards: Full Vatnajökull National Park permits. Guides hold WFR, Jökla 1/2, and Ice Cave certifications and have extensive local experience.
  • Age & fitness: Minimum age 8. If you can comfortably walk on uneven ground for 10–12 minutes, you’re set.

If weather or ice conditions require a change, we’ll pivot to the safest and best available option nearby. Nature sets the rules; we follow them.

Photography notes (read before you pack)

  • Tripods: Not on this tour. If photography is your main goal, ask us about a dedicated photography tour with more time, fewer guests, and tripod use.
  • Phones & lenses: Wide-angle works well. Keep the flash off to avoid glare and colour cast on ice.
  • Etiquette: Don’t touch or chip the walls, watch your footing, and follow your guide’s placement so everyone gets a clean shot at the main vantage points.

Practical tips from your guide

There’s a small moment I love on this route: stepping from the glacier into the cave. From outside, the entrance can look plain; two steps in, the space opens up and the walls start to show layers and curves you couldn’t see a second earlier.

  • Parking: Jökulsárlón can be busy; arrive early to find a spot.
  • Weather/roads: Check vedur.is and road.is before you start your drive.
  • Food/coffee: The cafeteria and food trucks by the lagoon are handy. If you forgot hats or gloves, you can sometimes buy them on site.
Explorer in stunning ice cave
Glacial cave with rocky floor.

FAQs

Is the cave guaranteed?
No—ice caves are natural and weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t safe or a cave changes, we switch plans and choose the best available option.

Is it suitable for kids?
Yes—for kids 8+ who can walk 10–12 minutes on uneven ground.

What if I’m afraid of tight spaces?
If enclosed spaces bother you, this might not be a good fit.

Are there restrooms on the tour?
Only at the meeting point (Jökulsárlón). No facilities at the cave.

What should I wear?
Outdoor shoes and warm layers, plus hat and gloves.

Is it dark inside?
It can be, especially after snowfall; some sections are darker than others. We carry headlamps as needed.

Can I do this tour from Reykjavík?
Practically speaking, no—the distance and timing make it unrealistic in a day. Stay nearby for the best experience.

Where exactly is the meeting point?
Jökulsárlón car park — 64°02’54.2″N, 16°10’46.0″W.

Book “Ice Cave Inside the Largest Glacier”

  • Price: ISK 23,900 per person (age 8+)
  • Season: Oct–Apr
  • Departures: 10:45 and 14:15 from Jökulsárlón

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