Blue Crystal Ice Cave in Iceland: Everything You Need to Know

Planning the ultimate winter escape is an adventure in itself, and if exploring Iceland’s legendary blue ice caves is on your bucket list, prepare for an experience like no other. This guide is your key to uncovering the surreal beauty hidden beneath Iceland’s glaciers—where shimmering blue walls, crystal formations, and ancient ice tunnels create a world straight out of a dream.

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Where I stayed:

Hvolsvöllur: Stóra-Mörk III Guesthouse

Jökulsárlón: Old Cottage - Reynivellir II

I chose my accommodation with the goal of staying outside the city center as much as possible to maximize my chances of seeing the Northern Lights. A special mention goes to Stóra-Mörk III Guesthouse—it was incredibly cozy and comfortable. I can't recommend this place enough! I was staying here when the Northern lights showed up.

Practical Information:

• Location: Iceland is a Nordic island nation located in the North Atlantic Ocean, just south of the Arctic Circle, between Greenland and Norway.
• Transportation & Exploration: You can reach Iceland via Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located about 50 km (31 miles) from Reykjavík, the capital, or Akureyri Airport (AEY) in the north, which offers domestic and some international flights.

  Renting a car is a popular choice for exploring Iceland, especially if you want to experience the scenic routes of the Golden Circle, the South Coast, or venture into remote areas. During winter, make sure to rent a suitable vehicle for better control on icy roads. The road network is well-maintained, but weather conditions can affect driving, so always check road safety updates on the official website. I booked mine through Rentalcars. Public transportation is limited outside Reykjavík, but guided tours are widely available for popular sites like the Blue Lagoon, waterfalls, and glaciers. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather—roads can be icy, and storms may cause closures, especially in rural areas. Always check weather forecasts (vedur.is) and road conditions (road.is) before heading out.

• Weather: Iceland experiences a subarctic climate with cold winters, though not as extreme as one might expect due to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream. During winter temperatures range from -1°C to 4°C (30°F to 39°F) along the coast, while inland areas can be colder. Expect short daylight hours (4–6 hours per day), frequent snow, icy conditions, and strong winds. Despite the cold, winter is an excellent time to witness the Northern Lights, soak in geothermal hot springs, and explore ice caves.
• Money: Iceland is an expensive destination, from accommodation to dining out. Based on my experience, it's best to bring as much food as possible in your luggage, as even supermarkets are pricey. I opted for affordable guesthouses with kitchen facilities, allowing me to prepare my own meals instead of eating out every night. A typical dinner (main course plus a soda) costs around €50–60, while breakfast is about €20.

Blue Crystal Ice Cave

Iceland’s ice caves are truly natural wonders, and the Blue Crystal Ice Cave is one of the most awe-inspiring.

Situated beneath the Vatnajökull Glacier, the cave is illuminated by stunning, vivid blue hues created by layers of compressed ice. I highly recommend visiting this cave if you're eager to explore deeper and fully immerse yourself in the glacier’s beauty. Keep in mind that access to the cave is only available through a guided tour, which runs from November to March for safety and accessibility. Below a couple of tours you can book to visit this cave:

• Jökulsárlón: Remote Glacier Hike and a Natural Ice Cave
• Ice Cave and Glacier walk into blue glacier canyon

Tours start usually in the morning around 9 AM, and after a 30 minutes drive you will reach the entrance of the cave. 

Iceland in winter is a paradise for adventure seekers, where snow-covered landscapes, shimmering glaciers, and the magical Northern Lights create an otherworldly backdrop. From glacier hiking on Svínafellsjökull to chasing waterfalls like Skógafoss, exploring ice caves beneath Vatnajökull, and soaking in geothermal hot springs, every moment is unforgettable. Pack your winter gear, embrace the elements, and let the adventure begin!