Höfn in 1 Day for Couples - Early arrival to reduce crowds inside the ice cave
In Collaboration with Ice Journey ehf. Updated on February 16, 2026.
Beat the crowds and enter a quieter Sapphire Ice Cave on Vatnajökull Glacier. Meet at Jökulsárlón (Glacier Lagoon), ride in a 4×4 to the glacier, gear up, hike to the cave, and enjoy a guided photo session. Guide will edit and send your photos within 14 days.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Ice Journey ehf, inspired by the tour Early Bird Ice Cave. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Early arrival to reduce crowds inside the ice cave
- Guided walk on Vatnajökull Glacier
- Professional guide + photographer with 3-shot photo package included
Itinerary
Day 1
Full guided ice-cave experience beginning at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and returning there at the end.
Meeting with your guide — Jökulsárlón (Glacier Lagoon) parking lot
Meet your guide at the Glacier Lagoon parking area. Check in, use restrooms, and confirm equipment and footwear. (Please plan to arrive 15–20 minutes before departure time as advised by the operator.)
Tips from local experts:
- Plan to arrive 15–20 minutes before the listed departure time to use restrooms — facilities are at the Jökulsárlón parking area.
- Dress in warm, layered, water-resistant clothing; mornings near the glacier are cold even in summer.
- Bring photo ID and confirmation; your guide will meet you in the bus parking lot with the company vehicle marked 'Ice Pic Journeys'.
4×4 transfer to Vatnajökull glacier parking area
Board the 4×4 vehicle and drive toward the glacier. The route includes a short paved section, then an F‑road with bumpy surfaces; your guide will provide narration about the landscape.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a bumpy F‑road section—secure loose items and store cameras in padded bags until you reach the parking area.
- Sit where you can see the guide for commentary; motion can be felt on the unpaved sections, so choose a stable seat.
- Keep a light outer layer handy for when the vehicle doors open—wind chill increases close to the glacier.
Gear distribution, safety briefing and hike to the ice cave
At the glacier parking area, the guide distributes helmets with headlamps, crampons and any rented hiking boots. The guide covers safety procedures, fits equipment, and leads a mostly flat, rocky 20–40 minute walk to the cave entrance at a comfortable group pace.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes; if you rented boots, test the fit immediately so any adjustments can be made before the hike.
- Bring thin gloves for fitting crampons and a hat you can remove for photos; the guide will help with crampon fitting if required.
- Follow the guide’s instructions during the safety briefing—this short session ensures correct use of crampons and safe movement on mixed terrain.
Enter and explore the Crystal (Sapphire) Ice Cave — guided photo session
Enter the ice cave with your guide. Explore multiple chambers as conditions allow while the guide and photographer frame portraits and group shots. Enjoy a quieter cave experience and, if conditions permit, watch the morning light accent the blue ice.
Tips from local experts:
- Protect camera batteries from cold by keeping spares warm in an inner pocket; flashes and strong backlight can change exposures rapidly inside the cave.
- Respect the guide’s directions for positioning—this ensures safety and better photos for couples wanting intimate shots.
- This is the designated 'special moment'—ask the photographer for a few posed and a few candid shots; three edited shots per person are included and sent within 14 days.
Return hike and 4×4 transfer back to Glacier Lagoon
Hike back to the glacier parking area and board the 4×4 for the return drive to Jökulsárlón. The guide will share final observations about the glacier and local landscape during the drive back.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow time to re‑pack cameras and remove crampons carefully before boarding the vehicle to avoid equipment damage.
- If you feel cold after exiting the cave, layer up before the drive—the vehicle provides quicker warmth once doors are closed.
- Use the return drive to ask your guide any follow-up questions about glacier formation and local history; guides are happy to explain landmarks you passed.
Finish at Glacier Lagoon — photos & farewells
Return to the Glacier Lagoon parking lot, say goodbye to your guide. Your guide will edit the selected photos and email them to you within 14 days.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan onward travel from Jökulsárlón—if you are staying nearby, allow time to warm up and change before driving.
- Expect edited photos to arrive by email within 14 days; confirm the correct email address with your guide at the end of the tour.
- If you want additional souvenir photos on your own, the Glacier Lagoon area provides scenic viewpoints—keep camera gear handy but secure for the walk back to vehicles.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Transfer, Outdoor, Experience |
