What to Wear and Bring on an Ice Cave Tour in Iceland
What to Wear and Bring on an Ice Cave Tour in Iceland
Short answer: what to wear and bring
Wear warm layers, a waterproof outer layer, hat, gloves and sturdy ankle-support hiking boots. Bring a camera.
On a Glacier Travel ice cave tour, safety gear is provided:
Crystal Ice Cave Tour: helmet, crampons and head lights are included. Bring warm clothing, head wear, gloves, good hiking shoes and a camera.
Extreme Ice Cave Tour: helmet, crampons, head lights, harness, ice axes and carabiners are included.
Included vs. bring: Crystal vs. Extreme
Crystal Ice Cave Tour | Extreme Ice Cave Tour | |
Duration / price | ~3 hours, 23,900 ISK | 4.5–6 hours, 36,900 ISK |
Season / fitness | October to end of April | Moderate fitness required — glacier hike + ice cave |
Meeting point | Jökulsárlón parking lot — arrive 20 minutes early | Check the Extreme tour page for current meeting details |
Included | Helmet, crampons, head lights | Helmets, crampons, head lights, harness, ice axes, carabiners |
Bring | Warm clothing, head wear, gloves, good hiking shoes, camera | Warm layers, waterproof outer layer, hat, gloves and sturdy hiking boots — see the general guidance above |
Book / details |
Not sure which suits you? See our Crystal vs. Extreme comparison and ice cave season guide.
Layer by layer: what to wear
General clothing advice for cold, wet glacier conditions:
1. Base layer: Warm, moisture-wicking top and bottoms. Avoid cotton — it stays cold when damp.
2. Mid layer: Fleece or insulated jacket to trap heat.
3. Outer layer: Waterproof jacket and trousers. Ice caves are wet, and glacier weather changes quickly.
4. Head and hands: Warm hat / head wear and gloves — both are on the Crystal bring list.
5. Feet: Warm socks and sturdy ankle-support boots (below).
Dress so you can add or remove a layer, rather than relying on one heavy coat.
Footwear: the most important choice
Bring good hiking shoes on Crystal, and as general guidance choose sturdy hiking boots with ankle support and a firm sole.
Footwear matters because you will walk on uneven ice and glacier terrain with crampons fitted over your boots.
Until confirmed, do not rely on rental or on trainers being accepted.
What not to wear
As general guidance, avoid:
Jeans — cold and uncomfortable when wet, and restrictive for walking on ice
Cotton layers — lose insulation when damp
Trainers / sneakers — lack ankle support and grip for glacier terrain
Loose, dangling clothing that could catch on equipment
If in doubt, choose warm, waterproof and sturdy over fashionable.
Camera and phone tips
A camera is on the Crystal bring list. As general tips:
Charge devices fully — cold drains batteries faster
Keep them in a warm, dry inside pocket when not in use
Use a strap — gloves and ice make drops more likely
Follow your guide on where it is safe to stop
Your guide is owner Vigfús Ásbjörnsson, local since 2015, AIMG Hard Ice 1 & 2 + Ice Cave qualified and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified. Safety first — follow photo guidance on the day.
FAQ
What is included on an ice cave tour with Glacier Travel?
Crystal includes a helmet, crampons and head lights. Extreme includes helmets, crampons, head lights, harness, ice axes and carabiners.
What should I bring on the Crystal Ice Cave Tour?
Bring warm clothing, head wear, gloves, good hiking shoes and a camera. The tour lasts about 3 hours, costs 23,900 ISK, runs from October to the end of April, and departs from the Jökulsárlón parking lot — arrive 20 minutes early.
How fit do I need to be for the Extreme tour?
Extreme requires moderate fitness. It lasts 4.5–6 hours, costs 36,900 ISK, and combines a glacier hike with an ice cave visit.
What is the cancellation policy?
See the current policy here: Ice Cave Trips Cancellation Policy
Ready to book?
Choose the shorter, classic visit with the Crystal Ice Cave Tour, or the longer glacier hike and cave experience with the Extreme Ice Cave Tour.
Compare them side by side: Crystal vs. Extreme Blue Ice Cave Tour — and check ice cave season in Iceland before you travel.
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