This glacier tour is operated by our friends at North Tides.

This tour takes you hiking to a natural ice cave and exploring the winter glacier in Vatnajökull National Park. In winter, the glacier enters a deep freeze, revealing crystal blue ice and stunning sub-glacial features that become safe and accessible. In our usual style, we take an extra step- hiking a bit farther than most- to reach more remote locations and ensure a quieter experience. To keep it personal and immersive, the tour is run in a small group of no more than 8 people.

This tour starts at the Glacier Adventure basecamp in Hali. From here, we will take a 4×4 journey of approximately half an hour towards the glacier. Depending on the cave location and terrain, expect to hike for up to 1 hour to reach the ice cave.

Upon arrival, we will slow down our tempo to appreciate one of nature’s great marvels: the splendor of an ice cave carved by glacial meltwater. Time taken inside the cave depends on the group, weather/terrain conditions and the size of the ice cave, but this is usually from 45 – 75 minutes.

We will use the remaining time to explore the glacier and visit other natural features such as arches, tunnels and moulins.

For photographers, or anyone that would appreciate the extra solitutde, please consider enquiring about our private departures. With a private tour, we can spend as long as we need at each location to set up tripods, explore interesting angles and get the perfect shot!

NOTE: The glacier is a dynamic, natural environment and ice caves change from year to year. The above itinerary is subject to change depending on the safety and accessibility of ice caves and glacial features. At North Tides, we will do all we can to show you the absolute best that Vatnajökull has to offer on the day of your tour. We cannot guarantee cave aesthetics or size. Whilst pictures from previous years give an idea of what we aim to showcase, exact locations cannot be replicated.

Visiting ice caves has become an increasingly popular activity during winter in the Vatnajökull region. We aim to stay away from the most crowded areas and achieve this by being flexible with departure times and tour locations, however we cannot guarantee to be alone in the caves.

The meeting point for this tour is at the Glacier Adventure basecamp in Hali.

Click here for directions

The Glacier Adventure basecamp is located just off route 1, approximately 10 minutes’ drive to the east of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon at the farm Hali.

After turning off route 1, pass the restaurant and turn right to reach our parking area, which is just in front of the basecamp where we will gear you up and go over the plan for the day!

This tour is operated by our local friends at North Tide. If you need to contact them:
+354 762 0296 – [email protected] – www.northtides.is

If you decide to cancel your tour up to 48 hours before the departure time, you will receive a 95% refund. This 5% fee covers the cost of payment processing fees.

If you cancel with 48 hours of the scheduled departure then no refund will be provided.

If we cancel the tour for any reason (e.g. weather) then a full refund will be provided.