Lofthellir Ice Cave Super Jeep Tour

Ice waits underground near Lake Mývatn.

This is the Lofthellir Ice Cave tour: a rare permafrost ice cave tucked inside a lava tube in North Iceland, where the whole point is to see ice formations in near-total darkness. The experience also starts with a super jeep ride through the lava fields, so you’re already in the right mood before you even lace up your boots.

What I like most is the cave access itself. Lofthellir stays frozen because of a delicate air-flow balance, so it’s carefully controlled and visited only in small windows. I also like that you explore without preset cave lighting, which makes the ice feel less like a show and more like a place you’re discovering.

One thing to consider: you’ll need to accept the physical side of the visit. Crawl through a short entrance and expect kneeling, bending, and moving over wet ice surfaces, so it’s not for everyone.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Permafrost inside a lava tube: ice on top of ancient rock, in a setting that’s rarely found
• Carefully limited access: controlled entry to protect the temperature and the cave
• Super jeep into the Mývatn wilderness: a real ride out into Búrfellshraun lava fields
• Studded rubber boots + helmet headlamp: traction and hands-free light, without damaging the ice
• No preset lighting inside: your timing, your steps, and your guide’s pacing make each tour different

Lofthellir’s permafrost ice cave is the main event

Lofthellir is special in a very practical way: it’s not just an ice cave. It’s a permafrost ice cave inside a lava tube, and that combination is rare on Earth. The ice floor is made up of ice that can be 2,000 to 3,000 years old, with formations that vary from younger pieces to older ice that may reach around 500 years.

The other reason Lofthellir feels different is the rule about temperature. The cave stays frozen because of a delicate air-flow balance. That’s why entry is restricted, and why your time underground is intentionally limited. You’re not being rushed for sport. You’re being paced for protection, so your breathing doesn’t disrupt the conditions that keep the cave stable.

And yes, it’s dark. Proper dark. The tour leans into that instead of fighting it. There are no fixed lights set along the route, so when you turn your headlamp toward the ice, you’re controlling what you see. That gives the cave a slower, more personal feel—like you’re moving through a real underground world instead of a lit-up attraction.

Riding from Mývatn: the super jeep stretch sets the tone

The tour starts in Mývatn at the Berjaya Iceland Hotels area. Your guide meets you either at the entrance area (and the super jeep when it’s time to leave) or in the lobby. There’s parking, so you can drive in if that’s your plan.

From there, you’re on modified super jeeps for the trip into the lava fields. The drive is usually around 45–50 minutes, depending on weather and ground conditions. Along the way, you’ll pass Mt. Hverfjall and travel through Búrfellshraun lava country, with scenic stops when conditions allow.

Why this matters: the ride is part of the story. North Iceland’s Mývatn area is volcanic terrain, but you don’t always feel that scale when you’re only looking from roads. The super jeep takes you deeper into the rougher ground so the cave location feels earned rather than sudden.

A short stop called Ludentshaedhir also happens along the way for sightseeing and views. It’s the kind of pause that keeps you from going straight from pickup to cave-crawl without any transition.

The last 800 meters: walking out to the cave

When the road ends, you walk about 800 meters to the entrance area. This is straightforward walking, not a hike with huge elevation changes in the information you’re given, but you still want outdoor gear that handles cold wind and wet ground.

This portion matters because it cues you in on conditions. If it’s slick outside, it’s likely slick inside too—because you’re moving over ice surfaces in Lofthellir. I’d treat this walk as a quick test run: are your outer layers comfortable, are your boots secured properly, and are you ready to move slowly?

Cave gear check: studded boots and a headlamp that fits

Before you head in, everyone gets the equipment that makes the cave visit workable and safer for the ice. You’ll receive studded rubber boots with spikes designed specifically to avoid damaging the ice. You also get a helmet and a headlamp.

This combination is a big deal. Traction helps you avoid overthinking each step. A helmet keeps the light stable when you’re bending, crouching, or crawling. And because the tour doesn’t rely on permanent cave lighting, your headlamp is your main tool for seeing ice textures—so it needs to work well for you.

Once you’re geared up, the guide gives safety instructions. The rules here are part of why the ice still exists in a visitable condition.

Inside Lofthellir: why there’s no preset lighting

One of the clever choices on this tour is the lack of fixed lights. The goal is for your group to experience the excitement of exploration, so the cave route isn’t lit like a tunnel in a theme park.

Instead, you navigate using your headlamp and what your guide points out. That means you’ll likely see ice differently from one moment to the next. A formation that looks like plain ice from one angle can reveal folds, bubbles, or carved-looking edges when the light hits from the side.

Your time inside is limited to about 1 to 1.5 hours. That limit ties back to the temperature balance. Your breathing and the warmth of your presence matter here. This also shapes the pacing: you won’t “wander forever,” but you also shouldn’t feel like you’re sprinting.

The entrance crawl and moving over ice

Here’s the reality check section—important, because it determines who will love this tour and who won’t.

Entering Lofthellir requires crawling through a short entrance passage, about 1 meter. If you’re okay with tight spaces (think elevator-level claustrophobia), you’ll likely be fine. If you get panicky in confined spaces, skip this one.

After that, exploring is not described as technically difficult, but it does include crawling on ice. You may bend down, move on wet surfaces, and you might end up sitting on ice at some point. That’s why waterproof or water-resistant pants are strongly recommended.

The tour isn’t labeled for people with mobility impairments, and it isn’t a good fit for back problems. Even if you’re generally active, this is still a cave crawl day, not a casual stroll.

It feels educational because protection is part of the plan

This tour isn’t only about seeing ice. It’s also about keeping Lofthellir intact for future visits. The information you’re given explains that the tour team works with landowners to protect the cave, and that each ticket includes support for research and protection.

You can feel that approach in the structure: limited groups, controlled entry, and time limits underground. The cave’s fragility isn’t hidden behind marketing. It’s built into the experience.

What the timing feels like over a 4-hour day

The whole tour runs about 4 hours, with time spent on the road and the walking plus your underground visit. You’ll spend time in jeeps for pickup-to-cave travel, then a short walking approach to the cave entrance, and finally a guided cave exploration window.

Inside Lofthellir, your underground time is about 1 to 1.5 hours. That’s a solid chunk for seeing ice formations, taking photos (with your headlamp angle), and absorbing the darkness effect—without turning the cave into a long exposure room.

On the return, you head back by super jeep to the Mývatn hotel area. The total day stays short enough that it fits easily into a typical Northern Iceland itinerary.

Price and value: $401 makes sense for limited access

At about $401 per person for a 4-hour tour, this isn’t a budget activity. The value comes from things you can’t easily replicate yourself:

• Limited access to a protected permafrost cave with temperature rules
• Specialized traction gear designed to avoid harming the ice
• Helmets and headlamps that let you explore without fixed cave lighting
• A guided experience that helps you move safely over ice while keeping you on schedule
• Research and protection support built into the ticket’s purpose

If you’re the type who wants a quick stop photo and then to move on, you might feel the cost. If you care about rare access and a guided approach in a fragile environment, the pricing starts to look like part of the bargain.

Group size, guides, and the personal feel

The tour operates as a small group limited to 10 participants. That limit matters in the cave because it helps keep the temperature balance more stable and reduces crowding while you’re moving in tight spaces.

The experience also includes a live English guide. One of the provided guide-name details includes Pirkir, who was described as friendly and personal, and who helped make the visit feel guided rather than just logistical.

Sometimes the group can be very small, which gives you more time to look closely at ice formations and ask questions. Even when the group is full, the format keeps things focused because the cave route isn’t trying to entertain large crowds with lighting and distractions.

Who this tour is for (and who should skip it)

You’ll likely love Lofthellir if you:

• Want rare ice access near the Mývatn area
• Don’t mind darkness and prefer headlamp-led discovery
• Are comfortable with crawling for a short distance and moving carefully on slick surfaces
• Pack outdoor layers and can handle wet ice conditions

You should probably skip it if you:

• Have back problems
• Have mobility impairments
• Have claustrophobia
• Are over 70 (as stated for this activity)

It’s not a knock on the cave. It’s about fit for the movement and the entrance conditions.

Should you book Lofthellir now?

Book this tour if you want one of the most controlled, rare cave experiences in North Iceland—and you’re okay with the physical realities. The “no preset lights” approach plus the permafrost-in-a-lava-tube setting creates a kind of quiet thrill that’s hard to fake.

Skip it and look for a different activity if crawling through a small entrance sounds stressful or if wet, slick ice movement is a no-go for your body. This cave is protected and temperature-sensitive, so the rules exist for a reason.

If you’re on the fence because of the cost, remember what you’re paying for: controlled access to a fragile permafrost cave, the right gear, and a guided experience designed to avoid damage.

FAQ

Where is the Lofthellir Ice Cave tour picked up?

You meet in front of Berjaya Iceland Hotels in Mývatn. Your guide is either by the super jeep or in the lobby, and parking is provided.

How long is the tour, and how much time is spent inside the cave?

The full tour is about 4 hours. Time inside Lofthellir is limited to about 1 to 1.5 hours due to the cave’s delicate temperature balance.

What gear is provided for the cave?

The tour includes boots with spikes designed for the ice, plus a helmet and a headlamp.

Is the cave visit easy if I’m moderately active?

It’s described as not hard in a technical sense, but you do need to crawl a short entrance (about 1 meter) and expect crawling on ice, bending over, and possibly sitting on wet ice.

What should I wear for this tour?

Bring outdoor clothing. Waterproof or water-resistant pants are recommended because you may be on wet ice.

Is the tour refundable if my plans change?

Yes. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.