Lofthellir Ice Cave Super Jeep tour

The Lofthellir Ice Cave Super Jeep Tour is a rare chance to step into an underground realm of ice and darkness, deep within North Iceland’s volcanic landscape. For around $387 per person, you’ll spend roughly four hours exploring a permafrost ice-cave inside the largest lava tube in North Iceland. Guided by local experts, this tour takes you on a scenic super jeep drive through the volcanic wilderness around Mývatn, then on a manageable 800-meter trek to the entrance of a cave that few get to see.

What we really love about this experience is its combination of adventure and conservation. The limited number of visitors ensures the delicate ice formations are protected, and the tour’s emphasis on education and preservation adds a respectful, sustainable dimension. Plus, the personalized small-group setting means you’ll get plenty of attention from your guide, making it a more intimate and engaging outing.

A consideration to keep in mind is that crawling through a short, low-lying entrance and walking on wet, icy surfaces demands a bit of flexibility and comfort with confined spaces. It’s not suited for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia. Nevertheless, for travelers craving an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Icelandic adventure, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s best for those who enjoy a mix of scenery, geology, and hands-on exploration, especially if you’re not adverse to some crawling and bending.

Key Points

• Exclusive Access: Only one group per day inside Lofthellir to protect its fragile environment.
• Unique Ice Formations: Inside the cave, you’ll see ice that’s 2000-3000 years old, with some formations possibly dating up to 500 years.
• Scenic Drive: The super jeep ride passes iconic volcanic landmarks like Mt. Hverfjall, with stops to enjoy views of the surrounding lava fields.
• Limited Duration Inside: About 1 to 1.5 hours inside the cave, balancing exploration with conservation considerations.
• Preparation Needed: Waterproof pants and a sense of adventure are recommended—this is a hands-on, physical tour.
• Educational & Responsible: Part of the ticket price goes toward research and protection efforts, ensuring future visitors can enjoy Lofthellir.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Lofthellir Ice Cave Super Jeep Tour

Exploring Iceland often involves breathtaking landscapes—volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers. But for those craving something truly extraordinary, the Lofthellir Ice Cave offers a glimpse into a rare natural phenomenon: a permafrost ice-cave inside a lava tube. This isn’t your typical tourist stop; it’s an adventure that appeals to those interested in geology, untouched nature, and a bit of physical activity.

The Journey Begins: Scenic Drive from Mývatn

Your day starts in the Mývatn area, a region celebrated for volcanic activity and stunning scenery. You’ll meet your guide, who is typically waiting either near the Berjaya Iceland Hotel or in the hotel lobby. After a quick briefing and gearing up with studded rubber boots, helmets, and headlamps, you’ll hop into a modified super jeep—a vehicle designed to handle Iceland’s rugged lava fields and rough terrain.

The drive lasts about 45-50 minutes, during which you’ll pass notable volcanic landmarks like Mt. Hverfjall and traverse the Búrfellshraun lava fields. The route offers spectacular views of the volcanic landscape, and it’s common for guides to make stops along the way for photos and points of interest.

What we love here is the sense of anticipation as you leave the familiar landscape behind and enter the wilderness. The jeep ride itself is a highlight, providing a comfortable yet adventurous way to access the remote site.

The Short Hike and Cave Entrance

Once the drive concludes, the adventure continues with an 800-meter walk across lava fields to the entrance of Lofthellir. The trail is straightforward but can be challenging for those with mobility issues since it involves walking on uneven, potentially slippery terrain.

The cave’s entrance presents a short, low crawl of about 1 meter—a fun, if tight, introduction to what lies inside. The guides provide helmets with headlamps, and each guest gets a pair of spiked rubber boots that protect the ice formations and ensure safe footing on the icy surfaces.

Inside the Ice Cave: Darkness, Ice, and Unique Formations

The core of this experience is the exploration of the ice cave itself. Once inside, you’ll find yourself in a silent, dark world of glittering ice formations, some as old as 2,000-3,000 years, with a few possibly being 500 years old. The cave’s frozen floor is a testament to Iceland’s unique climate, maintained by a delicate airflow that keeps the ice intact.

Unlike many caves, Lofthellir stays permanently frozen because of this airflow balance—a natural phenomenon that guides the temperature and preserves the ice. The lack of permanent lighting means every tour is different, as your guide will set the pace and highlight formations as you explore. This spontaneous setup fosters a real sense of discovery and adventure.

The tour involves some crawling, bending, and sitting on wet ice, so flexibility and waterproof clothing are recommended. Although the terrain isn’t technically difficult, it’s not suited for the mobility-impaired. The experience lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours inside, a carefully managed timeframe that balances the fragile environment’s preservation with visitor enjoyment.

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The Importance of Conservation

This is not just an adventure; it’s a responsible exploration. Lofthellir’s protected status means only one group per day can visit, ensuring minimal impact. Part of your ticket goes toward research and protection efforts, helping preserve this natural wonder for future generations. The guides are committed to this cause, and their knowledge adds depth to your understanding.

The Return Journey

After exploring the cave, you’ll retrace your steps back to the jeep and enjoy a scenic drive of about 40 minutes back to Mývatn. The journey offers more photos and reflections on what you’ve experienced—an awe-inspiring mix of nature, geology, and adventure.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits adventurous travelers who don’t mind some physical activity and are curious about Iceland’s volcanic and ice formations. It’s perfect if you enjoy small-group experiences that offer a personal touch, and if you’re comfortable with a short crawl and walking on icy terrain. Given the limited access and fragile environment, it’s not suitable for those with mobility challenges, back problems, or claustrophobia.

The experience is particularly appealing for geology enthusiasts, photography lovers, or anyone wanting a unique, off-the-beaten-path adventure that combines stunning scenery with responsible tourism.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind Icelandic experience that combines adventure, education, and conservation, this tour delivers. You get to see a rare natural phenomenon—a permafrost ice cave inside a lava tube—while enjoying the scenic Icelandic wilderness by super jeep. The small-group setting and knowledgeable guides elevate the experience, making it more personal and meaningful.

While it’s a physically involved tour that requires some crawling and bending, the unique ice formations and the thrill of exploring a dark, ancient cave make it well worth the effort. Plus, knowing that part of your ticket helps protect the cave adds a layer of satisfaction.

If your travel style leans toward authentic, hands-on adventures that respect nature and offer something truly different from typical sightseeing, this tour will meet your expectations. It’s a special, responsible way to connect with the raw, untouched beauty of Iceland.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about four hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and exploration time.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the entrance to Lofthellir, equipment like boots, helmets, and headlamps, and the guided tour.

Do I need special clothing?
Yes, waterproof pants and outdoor clothing are recommended because you’ll be walking on wet ice and crawling through the entrance.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for those with mobility challenges, back problems, or those over 70. The tour involves some crawling and walking on uneven, icy terrain.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a small, intimate group and personalized attention.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your plans.

What language is the tour guided in?
The tour is conducted in English, with guides ready to share their knowledge throughout the exploration.

Where do I meet the guide?
At the Berjaya Iceland Hotel in Mývatn, either in front of the hotel or in the lobby. Parking is available.

Can I book now and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now without payment and pay later, offering flexibility for your travel schedule.

In essence, the Lofthellir Ice Cave Super Jeep tour offers a rare glimpse into Iceland’s volcanic and icy depths, blending adventure, natural beauty, and conservation. It’s a chance to experience something truly special—one that will resonate long after you leave the cold, dark caves behind. For those ready for a physically engaging journey into an underground icy world, this tour is a memorable choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: