- Address: Höbn, Iceland;
- Official page: vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is;
- Phone: +354 470 8300.
Ice caves are another miracle of Iceland . They are located at the foot of the largest glacier in Europe - Vatnajokull .
How were they formed?
Ice caves are temporarily formed on the border of a centuries-old glacier, near the National Wildlife Refuge in Skapftal . In summer, the water from rains and melted snow, makes its way through the cracks and cracks in the glacier, washing long and narrow corridors. At the same time, sand, small particles and other deposits settle on the bottom of the cave, and the ceiling turns almost transparent, surprisingly beautiful blue hue. Every year the appearance and location of the ice caves changes, each summer new tunnels are formed, which in winter freeze and surprise tourists.
Why visit?
The blue ice caves of Scaftaftel are recognized as one of the most beautiful natural phenomena. Pressed with a large mass, the frozen water replaced the air bubbles contained in it, and sunlight, passing through the ice, illuminates it in a saturated blue color. When you are inside, there is a feeling that everything around is made of sapphire. Unfortunately, this phenomenon is not available all year round. Only at the beginning of winter, after the summer and autumn rains that wash off the snow cap from the glacier, you can witness this unique glow.
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Helpful Tips
Visiting ice caves is only with a professional guide and only in winter, when glacial rivers freeze, the ice becomes stronger and can not suddenly collapse. It should be borne in mind that even in the cold period, while in the Skaftefel caves, you will hear a soft crackle of ice, but this does not mean that the cave is now falling. Just the glacier, along with the caves in it, moves slowly.
Excursions to ice caves are held from November to March, if you visit Iceland at other times, it is unlikely that you will be able to get to the Skaftefel caves.
If you care about safety, then before going to the caves, specify if there is a special certificate from your guide. In addition, when buying an excursion, ask if included in the cost of special equipment necessary for movement on the glacier.
Deciding to visit this landmark, you should wear waterproof warm clothes and comfortable shoes. Do not forget gloves, a hat and sunglasses.
How to get there?
If you are traveling by car, then on the road 1 from Reykjavik you need to drive about 320 kilometers. After driving along the 998 road about two kilometers, you will enter the tourist center Skaftafell. There you can join the excursion group.
You can also take a shuttle bus from Reykjavik to Höbn .