FROM 76,900 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.
Blue Dragon Helicopter Ice Cave Tour | Hidden Iceland
Blue Dragon Helicopter Ice Cave Tour. Hidden Iceland
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.
Blue Dragon Helicopter Ice Cave Tour. Hidden Iceland | Photo by Scott Drummond
Blue Dragon Helicopter Ice Cave Tour. Hidden Iceland. Photo by Scott Drummond
Blue Dragon Helicopter Ice Cave Tour | Hidden Iceland
Blue Dragon Helicopter Ice Cave Tou.| Hidden Iceland. Photo by Scott Drummond
Blue Dragon Helicopter Ice Cave Tour by Scott Drummond, Hidden Iceland. Featured
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.
Tour Highlights
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Booking
Scenic Helicopter flight to reach the glacier, English speaking glacier guide and all the safety equipment required.
Meeting place
Tour meeting and departure point is from Skaftafell Terminal, just off the main highway in Skaftafell. This is a meet on location tour in the South East of Iceland. You MUST arrive at least 15 minutes before your set departure time.
Skaftafell Terminal is 320 km east of Reykjavík. It is located just off the main highway, Road number 1 (to the right of the road if driving from Reykjavik). Without stopping it will take around 4 hours to drive from Reykjavik with good conditions. We suggest allocating between 5 and a half and 6 hours just to be safe. You can search Skaftafell Terminal in google maps. We recommend arriving in the area the night before for any departures in case of delays.
ATTENTION
You must bring sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, all weather outdoor clothes (including fleece and waterproof jacket), gloves and a warm hat.
This tour involves very minimal walking, but it is sometimes on uneven terrain so it is best that you do have reasonable mobility. You should be prepared with clothing to be out in the elements for up to 2 hours. The wind in Iceland on the glaciers can be cold and fierce. Denim jeans are NOT appropriate. Waterproof or water resistant clothing should be worn. We’ve created a handy guide for what to wear in an Icelandic Winter.
Speak to Hidden Iceland if you wish to organise a private transfer to the meeting point, and combine this with two or more days touring along the wondrous South Coast.
GOOD TO KNOW
The flight time is approximately 10 – 15 minutes each way from the glacier touch down, with around 1 hour spent in the cave with a trained glacier guide.
Your safety is of the utmost importance to Atlantsflug. Ice Cave and Helicopter tours are weather dependent and sometimes tours have to be cancelled with short notice due to unsafe weather conditions. If a suitable alternative is not possible then Atlantsflug will also always offer a full refund.
This tour is operated by our friends at ATLANTSFLUG & LOCAL GUIDE.
