Arctic Adventures is excited to introduce the Azure Ice Cave & Glacier Hike at Sólheimajökull — a rare opportunity to explore one of Iceland’s most vivid natural ice caves. This guided tour takes travelers across one of the country’s iconic outlet glaciers and into a brilliant blue ice cave, newly accessible as of September 2025.
Sólheimajökull Glacier is one of the most accessible ice tongues in Iceland, located just 2.5 hours from Reykjavík. It’s known for dramatic ridges, deep crevasses, and streaks of black volcanic ash. Each winter, new ice caves appear, formed by meltwater and shifting ice. These formations are temporary—typically accessible only during the colder months, then disappearing in spring.
Even in the same location, a cave may open one year, vanish the next, or return in a completely new shape—making each appearance rare and remarkable.
The highlight of 2025 is the Azure Ice Cave, where smooth walls glow in vivid shades of blue and aquamarine. To reach it, travelers join a certified glacier guide at the Sólheimajökull parking lot, gear up with crampons, helmet, harness, and ice axe, and hike across the glacier’s icy terrain. Experienced Arctic Adventures guides provide safe access to the glacier and into the ice cave.
“We’ve been observing this cave for years, though it is rarely accessible. We had a brief chance to enter it in 2019, and now we are once again gifted with the opportunity to visit it.” — Francesco Li Vigni, Glacier Operations Manager at Arctic Adventures.
The walk to the ice cave and back covers around 4 km (2.5 mi) in total at a moderate pace, making it suitable for participants in good fitness condition. For safety reasons, the minimum age is 12 years, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
What to Expect on the Azure Ice Cave and Glacier Hike Tour
- Expert glacier guides — Safety briefings and insights about the glacier’s constant change.
- Meet on location — Start directly at Sólheimajökull, a short drive from Reykjavík.
- Small groups — A more personal and attentive experience.
- Moderate glacier hike — Approximately 4 km (2.5 mi) across varied terrain.
- Glacier cave access — Step into the Azure Ice Cave, revealed in 2025.
- Included gear — Crampons, ice axe, helmet, and harness provided.
The tour starts at the Sólheimajökull glacier parking lot, about 164 km (101 mi) from Reykjavík. The experience lasts around four hours, allowing plenty of time to take photos and admire the cave from within.
The Azure Ice Cave is open seasonally from September 2025 to April 2026. Like all natural ice caves, its appearance and accessibility may change from year to year—making this a truly limited-time opportunity.
After a day exploring the Azure Ice Cave, travelers can extend their adventure with an overnight stay. For those who want to stay close to the glacier, Hotel Skógafoss and Hotel Katla by Keahotels offer cozy accommodations with views of Iceland’s dramatic south coast. If you prefer a base with more dining and nightlife, Reykjavík has a wide range of boutique stays and luxury hotels, such as the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavík City Centre and The Reykjavik EDITION, both perfect for unwinding after a day on the ice.
