Askur Ice Cave & South Coast Adventure

This is no ordinary cavern of ice; it's an otherworldly sanctuary sculpted by nature's own hands and now, for the first time, declared safely accessible to those who dare to dream.

Myrdalsjökull is the fourth-largest glacier in Iceland. The thickness of the ice cap reaches 750 m (2,460 ft), and its ice is thousands of years old. Mýrdalsjökull glacier covers Katla, one of the country’s most active volcanoes, having erupted, on average, once every fifty years since 930 AD. The Askur ice cave expedition brings to life the dramatic interplay of fire and ice characteristic of Iceland's landscapes.

About the Tour

Your adventure begins at the Myrdalsjökull Base Camp, approximately a two hour and 15 minutes drive from Reykjavík. Boasting the title of the nearest and most accessible ice cave to the capital, its unparalleled beauty awaits your discovery.

From there, you’ll take a scenic and thrilling ride aboard a giant Mountain Truck, transforming the journey into an adventure of its own. This thrilling 20-minute ride weaves through stunning landscapes, bringing you ever closer to the glacier's edge, where the grandeur of nature momentarily takes your breath away.

Next, you'll hop on a snowmobile and drive to the ice cave. There is no need for a snowmobiling experience. However, you'll share a snowmobile with your travel partner, and one of you must have a valid driving license. 

Upon reaching your destination, you'll be outfitted with top-notch gear and provided with comprehensive information to ensure your exploration is both safe and enjoyable. Guided by our expertly trained glacier guide, you're set to embark on an enthralling exploration, delving deep into the glacier's very heart.

As you step inside the glacier, the air changes; it's crisper, filled with the purity of untouched snow and ancient ice. The cave's walls dance with shades of deep blue, volcanic black and sparkling white, a kaleidoscope of frozen hues.

Deeper into the cave, the true magnitude of this discovery becomes apparent. Spanning an awe-inspiring expanse of hundreds of meters, it is the largest and deepest ice cave tunnel revealed this season.

The cave's entrance, a grand 4x2.5 meters (about 13x8 feet) portal, marks the beginning of an extraordinary subglacial journey. The cave has a jaw-dropping depth of 250-300 meters (820 - 980 feet), and we will travel over 100 meters (330 feet) into the tunnel.

Inside, the cave's dimensions unfold in a fascinating display of nature's artistry. The height ranges from a cosy 1.7 meters (about 5.6 feet) to an expansive 4 meters (about 13 feet), with the width stretching from 3 meters (nearly 10 feet) to a spacious 8 meters (approximately 26 feet).

Along the way, you'll encounter open "domes" where the cavernous space expands even further, with heights exceeding 4 meters and widths reaching around 10 meters (about 33 feet). As you traverse the cave, the pathway is mostly flat, a blend of snow, ice, and small rocks. Climbing is not required, making the journey accessible and enjoyable for all.

An Exclusive Realm

As the sole tour operator granted access to this hidden gem, we offer an exclusive passage into a world few have seen. Far from the crowds, this is an intimate encounter with one of Iceland's most majestic creations, a privilege reserved for those who seek the extraordinary.

Here's what you can expect:

Breathtaking Ice Formations: Venture deep into the ice cave to witness stunning blue ice formations.
Expert Guidance: Accompanied by experienced guides, you'll not only experience the beauty of the cave but also learn about the geological wonders that shape Iceland.
Small Group Experience: Enjoy an intimate experience with a small group, ensuring a personalized adventure and time to capture the perfect photos.
Safety First: Mountain Guides prioritizes your safety, providing all the necessary equipment and ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience.