FROM 73,900 ISK
The Helicopter Ice Cave tour barely needs an introduction. Fly by helicopter to find a completely hidden blue ice cave. Glide above the glacier and volcanic terrain of the Vatnajökull National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend an hour exploring this secluded beauty without a care in the world and barely a tourist in sight. Every ice cave in Iceland is unique and beautiful! But to enter one so far off the beaten path that a helicopter is needed is certainly something special.
The ice cave that the helicopter takes you to is an enormous series of icy tunnels that sparkle with so many hues of blue you can barely believe your eyes. Formerly known as Blue Dragon, this network of caves changes every year so you get a unique experience every time. You will fly over the incredible glaciers that have shaped the Skaftafell area. Then you touch down onto the largest outlet glaciers in Europe to explore a secluded icy tunnel, only accessible by helicopter. The ice cave is a natural wonder of the Vatnajökull region. This is an incredible experience that most people don’t get the chance to do. Thankfully, our friends at Atlantsflug can take you there.
On this approximate 90 minute tour you are taken on an exhilarating 10-15 minute helicopter flight to a nearby outlet glacier on the Vatnajökull icecap. A comfortable Atlantflug’s 4-5 seat helicopter offers everyone spectacular views of the glaciers on the way.
Minimal hiking is required, though you will encounter uneven ground so a general fitness and good mobility of knees and ankles is required.
The Scenic Flight
During your short flight you will marvel at Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur, at 2,110m. This peak is also the edge of one of the largest active volcanoes in the country, Oræfajökull. Luckily it hasn’t erupted for a few hundred years.
Beyond this peak is the beginning of one of Europe’s largest ice caps at 8,100 square kilometres. Seeing this icy expanse from above is something many people don’t get the chance to experience.
On the return journey your attention may switch to the view of the never ending Atlantic ocean. Along the coast line you will see what appears to be a black desert, Skeiðarársandur. This is a black sand, glacier out-wash plain that is so big, all other glacier out-wash plains are named after it around the world.
Don’t worry if it’s a cloudy day, which can often be the case in Iceland, you will still see lots but close up. After all, we’re landing on top of a glacier! And, next up is the ice cave. Clouds, nestled in the mountains, sometimes create an atmospheric feel to the ice caves that would not be out of place on the set of Game of Thrones.
The Ice Cave
From the helicopter landing spot there is just a short walk to the cave entrance to the massive opening of the Ice Cave (yet to be named, formerly Blue Dragon).
In Icelandic folklore there is the belief of a great dragon which protects the South-Eastern part of Iceland, one of four mythical protectors of the land. You might have just found it here! The sparkling crystalline colors of sapphire blue are embossed with vivid shapes and patterns which look like giant icy scales.
Your guide will take you through the enormous icy tunnels, explaining their formation and assisting you to get some breathtaking photos. Many of the popular ice caves are almost as large in size but the real treat is that you get it all to yourself, at least until the pilot possibly returns with another small group a little later.
Meeting point
Skaftafell Terminal
Flugvallarvegur 5
Skaftafell
This tour is a meet on location. Meeting and departure point is from Skaftafell Terminal. You must arrive at least 15 minutes before departure time. The meeting point is only a short drive from Skaftafell National Park Visitor Center.
Not self driving but want to partake in this tour?
Take your private tour on the south coast to the next level and incorporate this Helicopter Ice Cave Tour! Browse our selection of private tours here or get in touch and we will customise the private tour of your dreams.
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Booking
To book this tour email info@hiddeniceland.is.
Included