Lofthellir Ice Cave Tour From Lake Myvatn in North Iceland

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Description

Summary

Tour starts
Gamli Bærinn, Reykjahlíð, Iceland
Duration
4,5 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
Languages
English
Available
May - Mar.
Minimum age
8 years old

Description

Embark on an extraordinary four to five-hour adventure exploring the mysteries of the Lofthellir ice cave, a permafrost cave inside a lava tunnel in North Iceland. Adventurous travelers seeking a unique journey through a frozen underworld should book this mesmerizing ice cave tour now.

Your tour begins in the car park of Berjaya Hotel Myvatn, where you'll greet your expert guide.

You'll depart the Lake Myvatn area, traversing the rugged tracks of North Iceland and passing incredible geological features. The drive to the cave offers glimpses of iconic landmarks like the Mount Hverfjall volcano and the enchanting Ludentarborgir crater row. Enjoy the unfolding natural beauty of your surroundings, setting the stage for an exceptional experience.

Upon reaching the roots of Mount Hvannfell, a 30-minute guided hike across relatively smooth lava fields leads you to the entrance of Lofthellir cave. Equipped with a helmet, headlamp, and studded boots for secure footing, you'll step into this frozen realm.

Guided in a single line by a cave expert, you'll cautiously navigate the cave's narrow entrance, requiring you to crawl on all fours. Prepare for a unique experience navigating through a small entry and encountering ice and water on the cave floor.

You'll only need to crawl about 3.9 feet (1.2 meters) and take a short slide halfway into the cave. Travelers with claustrophobia might not enjoy the experience, but you should be fine if you're okay traveling in an elevator.

The cave's interior maintains a temperature of around 28.4-32 F (-2 to 0 C), emphasizing the necessity of suitable gloves and waterproof pants.

As you enter the cave, your surroundings expand, revealing a lost world of ice and magic frozen in time. Marvel at the unique and intricate ice formations adorning the cave's interior. These include stunning ice columns of varying heights and delicate ice crystals that glisten in the cave's dim light.

The cave walls are often covered in a tapestry of ice, creating patterns and textures. Depending on the ice's light and density, the ice can vary in color from crystal clear to shades of blue. The cave's floor is usually uneven and covered in a mixture of ice and volcanic rock, a sign of the cave's volcanic origin.

The cave's atmosphere is serene yet awe-inspiring, with the silence only broken by the occasional drip of melting ice. The combination of darkness and the occasional light filtering through openings creates a surreal and almost otherworldly experience for those who venture inside.

The cave, a delicate ecosystem, is a protected site that benefits from a conservation program. This initiative ensures sustainable cave tours with limited daily visits operated by specially certified cave guides.

The fee for the protection program, included in every ticket, contributes to preserving this natural wonder for future generations. Furthermore, a portion of each ticket directly supports local landowners.

Beyond its captivating beauty, Lofthellir ice cave holds significance for ongoing research, for example, in understanding cave exploration on Mars. 

Once your adventure is complete, you'll return to your meeting point.

Don't miss the opportunity to unravel the secrets of Lofthellir ice cave on this four to five-hour small-group tour from Lake Myvatn area. Check availability by choosing a date.

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Included

Fully guided tour
Transportation from Myvatn
Cave exploration equipment - helmet, headlight and studded boots 

Activities

Caving
Hiking
Super Jeep
Sightseeing
Ice Caving

What to bring

Warm and waterproof clothes
Gloves
Good walking shoes
Water bottle 

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