Katla

Explore a natural ice cave on this guided trip from Vik. Board a jeep in Vík and go off the beaten track into the Icelandic wilderness. Geared up in safety equipment, journey through a landscape of majestic mountains and glaciers toward the Katla Ice Cave. From Vík, jump into a jeep and step into the mighty glaciers and ice caves of South Iceland. Strap on your crampons and helmets to explore this natural phenomenon. Hike across the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, situated below the Katla volcano. Wander through the cave and marvel at spectacular color combinations of blue, gray and black, as your guide tells you about the Kötlujökull glacier and the Katla ice cave’s formation.

Your guide will pick you up in Reykjavik or Vik and you’ll soon experience breathtaking views as you drive along the country's spectacular south coast. Along the way you will visit the small town of Vík, there you will jump on a Super Jeep and take a turn onto a rural road. Stop at Kötlujökull Glacier, where you’ll find a stunning ice cave to explore. Admire the interior of the magnificent ice cave with an experienced guide. Head back to the minivan for the return drive to Reykjavik or Vik. On the way back you'll stop to take in the popular Skógafoss waterfall.

This hike is for anyone who wants to experience hiking on the beautiful glacier of Mýrdalsjökull. Located underneath the ice cap is one of the largest Volcanoes in Iceland, Katla who erupted last in 1918. You will meet your guide at the Sólheimajökull parking lot where you will receive all the necessary safety gear and hike towards the glacier. There you will get a safety briefing as well as a tutorial on how to attach the crampons to your boots. You will have 60-90 minutes on the ice and be able to explore the impermanent glacier formations as well as crevasses and moulins. During the hike you will see the beautiful views of the area, surrounding mountains as well as some volcanic ash on the glacier. Your guide will be happy to explain these natural phenomena and answer your questions.  If you have never been on a glacier you don't need to worry! Your skilled guide will make sure you will have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Depart Reykjavik aboard a bus equipped with computer tablets in every seat that allow you to use the GPS-sensitive audio guide in 10 different languages. Learn interesting facts about Iceland and the places you will visit in a language that you are most comfortable with. Make use of other facilities, such as the USB charger and free Wi-Fi, and ask your host any questions you may have. Travel through fertile farm lands and pass small villages. Known for its Viking heritage, this epic scenery is guarded by the infamous volcanoes of Eyjafjallajökull and Hekla. On clear days, you will get some great views of the volcanically-active Westman Islands, where the eruption of the Eldfell volcano in the 1970s forced the island's 5,000 inhabitants to be temporarily evacuated to the mainland. Stop first at the rugged outlet glacier of Sólheimajökull, which flows from the main ice-cap of Mýrdalsjökull where the mighty Katla volcano lies. Put on the provided crampons to explore the glacier's cracks, crevasses and ice with a certified glacier guide. Hike for 20 minutes to find yourself standing on top of a few hundred meters of ice, yet still only slightly above sea level.  Continue to the stunning waterfall of Skógarfoss, and feel the spray of the water on your face. Climb up the 527 steps of the hill to look at the majestic 60-meter high waterfall from above, and watch the water plummet down on its way to the Atlantic Ocean.  Then, go to the Seljalandsfoss waterfall to discover one of Iceland’s most famous attractions. Get a different perspective of the landscape as you take a walk behind the cascades and look through the wall of water.

The outlet glacier is a rugged, raw and an ever changing environment of ancient frozen water, breathtaking to behold. Start the day with a peaceful walk up towards Sólheimajökull glacier.  After a short but very important demonstration on how to properly use the glacier equipment, head up the riddled outlet glacier ready for your climb. Walking between deep crevasses, amazing ice formations, jagged ridges and spine-tingling sinkholes, feel the vastness of this stunning landscape. Spend a good amount of time trying out various ways of ice climbing in a fun and educating way while you take in the amazing scenery surrounding you. This gives you the perfect opportunity to get that glacier climbing photo you've always wanted.

Head towards the east as far as the village of Vík. Discover the fascinating history of the area which goes as far back as the first settlers in Iceland and holds a lot of secrets that you will explore and enjoy along the way. On the way, visit the iconic waterfalls Skógafoss, where you will get to walk up the 527 steps up to look below you at the astounding view, and Seljalandsfoss, where you will walk behind the waterfall and look out at the incredible view. See the village of Vik, nestled under the mountains and close to some of the most powerful volcanoes in Iceland, Katla and Eyjafjallajökull, which many know for the trouble it caused in Europe when it last erupted.  During the tour, stop at a black sand beach and look out at the ocean. If possible, hike on the glacier Sólheimajökull or go on an ATV ride on the black sand and hunt for the DC-3 plane crash, if there is time for extra activities.