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Northern Lights and Ice Cave Tour Iceland

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Discover the ultimate winter adventure in Iceland with a tour that combines two of the country's most iconic natural phenomena— Northern Lights and ice caves. This tour brings together the celestial beauty of the aurora borealis with the crystalline wonder of glacier caves, offering travelers an unforgettable and uniquely Icelandic experience. Whether you're visiting for a few days or planning a longer itinerary, these tours are perfect for winter travelers looking to explore Iceland's raw natural power and Arctic beauty.

Our carefully crafted Northern Lights and Ice Cave tours allow you to chase the auroras at night while venturing into the heart of a glacier during the day. This thrilling combination highlights Iceland's contrast of fire and ice—dark skies illuminated by glowing auroras and shimmering blue ice carved into ancient glaciers. It’s an experience that’s both mystical and deeply immersive, with professional guides, small groups, and photo-worthy moments throughout.

What to Expect from Northern Lights and Ice Cave Tours

These combo tours typically span one to three days, depending on the package. They often begin with a journey from Reykjavík toward South iceland , where some of the country's most stunning glaciers and aurora-friendly skies await. Most tours are fully guided and include transportation, gear, and expert commentary. You’ll explore the Vatnajökull glacier region—home to some of the most famous and safest ice caves in Iceland—and return under the stars in search of the elusive aurora borealis ..

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Key experiences include:

  • Super Jeep or minibus transportation to glacier areas and dark-sky locations
  • Guided ice cave exploration with safety gear (helmet, crampons, etc.)
  • Evening Northern Lights hunting with real-time aurora forecasts
  • Scenic stops at waterfalls, black sand beaches, or lava fields (depending on route)
  • Photography tips and guidance throughout the journey

Why Combine Ice Caves with Northern Lights?

Iceland’s dramatic winter landscape allows for unique combinations of daytime and nighttime natural wonders. Ice caves—formed by meltwater and pressure inside glaciers—are only accessible in winter, typically from November to March. The same months offer the best conditions for viewing the Northern Lights. By combining both activities in one tour, you maximize your time and enjoy two once-in-a-lifetime experiences during a single journey.

Benefits of combining both:

  • Maximized use of daylight for daytime activities and aurora viewing at night
  • Efficient logistics and guided expertise
  • Photogenic contrasts between blue glacial ice and green auroras
  • Less stress planning two separate excursions

Best Locations for Northern Lights and Ice Cave Tours

Most of these tours take place in the southern part of Iceland, particularly around Vatnajökull National Park. Some of the key locations include:

  • Vatnajökull Glacier: Europe’s largest glacier and home to some of the most stunning natural ice caves
  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: A surreal setting of floating icebergs and deep silence—great for aurora reflection photos
  • Diamond Beach: Black sand beach dotted with crystal-clear ice chunks
  • Vík and Reynisfjara: Famous for basalt columns, black sands, and dark skies perfect for aurora viewing

Depending on your chosen itinerary, you may also stop at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, which are beautifully illuminated in winter.

Tour Itinerary Sample: 2-Day Northern Lights and Ice Cave Tour

  • Day 1: Departure from Reykjavik, stops at South Coast waterfalls, arrival at Vatnajökull region, evening Northern Lights hunt
  • Day 2: Morning ice cave adventure, visit Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach, return to Reykjavik in the evening

Longer tours may include an overnight stay in a countryside hotel for better aurora visibility and extra time for sightseeing.

Ice Cave Safety and Accessibility

Ice cave tours are led by experienced glacier guides who provide all necessary safety equipment, including:

  • Helmets
  • Crampons
  • Harnesses (if needed)
  • Ice axes

These caves are dynamic and ever-changing, and only certified guides are allowed to lead tours into verified safe ice caves. All participants should be in moderate physical shape and capable of walking on uneven or slippery surfaces. Many tours are suitable for beginners, but always check with the provider for mobility considerations.

Best Time to Visit

The Northern Lights and Ice Cave season runs from mid-November through March. This is when ice caves are stable enough for exploration, and the aurora is visible due to extended night hours.

Tips for timing:

  • November–January: Longest nights, best for aurora, colder weather
  • February–March: Slightly warmer, longer days for photography, still great aurora activity

What to Pack for Your Tour

  • Waterproof winter boots with good grip
  • Insulated jacket and pants
  • Wool base layers
  • Gloves, hat, scarf
  • Camera and tripod for night photography
  • Snacks and water bottle

Most tours provide thermal overalls, helmets, and crampons, so there’s no need to bring specialty climbing gear.

Travel Tips and Recommendations

  • Stay flexible: Ice caves and aurora visibility depend on weather conditions
  • Book in advance: Tours fill quickly during peak winter months
  • Choose experienced guides: Safety and expertise are essential for glacier environments
  • Layer up: Weather can shift quickly; be prepared for cold and wet conditions

Why Book with Iceland Holiday Packages?

At Iceland Holiday Packages, we curate high-quality winter adventures that combine top-rated aurora excursions with thrilling ice cave experiences. Our handpicked guides prioritize safety, comfort, and customer satisfaction, ensuring a seamless journey from Reykjavik to the glacier edge—and beyond.

Benefits of booking with us:

  • Expert local partnerships for safe ice cave access
  • Flexible cancellation or rebooking options in case of bad weather
  • Small-group and private tour availability
  • Multi-day itineraries with hotel options and add-ons
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FAQs

When is the best time to do a Northern Lights and Ice Cave tour in Iceland?

The best time is from mid-November to March, when ice caves are stable and nights are dark enough for Northern Lights viewing.

Are ice cave tours safe?

Yes, all ice cave tours are led by certified glacier guides who assess cave safety daily and provide helmets, crampons, and other gear.

What should I wear for an ice cave and Northern Lights tour?

Wear warm, waterproof layers, including insulated jackets, thermal underlayers, gloves, hats, and waterproof boots with good traction.

How likely am I to see the Northern Lights during this tour?

Aurora visibility depends on weather and solar activity. Most tours include real-time forecasts and offer rebooking if the lights are not visible.

Are these tours suitable for families with children?

Yes, many tours welcome children aged 8 and older. Check each tour’s physical requirements and age policy before booking.

 

Conclusion

Combining the brilliance of the Northern Lights with the shimmering magic of Iceland’s ice caves is one of the most extraordinary ways to experience the country’s winter landscape. These immersive tours offer both adventure and serenity—exploring otherworldly glacier formations by day and witnessing dancing lights by night. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway, an epic winter photo journey, or a family adventure, our Northern Lights and Ice Cave tours deliver memories that last a lifetime. Book your dream winter escape with Iceland Holiday Packages today.

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See what makes our Iceland trips special with testimonies from our lovely customers.

John & Marian
Australia

A truly amazing experience! With Iceland Packages, I reserved an Iceland trip package for my honeymoon, and it well above all my expectations. Everything about the experience was beautiful, from the breath-taking scenery to the flawless setups. Strongly advise anyone organizing a romantic gateway to use their services.

John Legend
United States

A Memorable Iceland Journey! I had the most amazing holiday ever with my family. All the must-see locations and activities were included in the thoughtfully designed tour package. The local guides were immensely informative, and the accommodations were excellent. I'm eager to make another reservation with them.

Jeff Daniels
United States

A Fantastic Trip to Iceland! I am so grateful to Iceland Packages for planning the ideal trip for me. Everything was handled perfectly from the time I landed until I left. I was able to take my time discovering Iceland's hidden treasures because I could alter my schedule to suit my needs. Absolutely once in a lifetime!".

Mel Gibson
Ireland

Easy Reservations and Top-Notch Support! It was really easy to book my flights and vacation package to Iceland. Their customer service team was really helpful throughout the entire process. The trip itself was excellent; every aspect had been carefully thought out. Strongly advised for hassle-free trip preparation!.