Iceland is a country that is known for providing tourists with the opportunity to take in some of the most spectacular natural beauty you’ll find on the planet. Those traveling to Iceland typically aren’t in search of a bustling city-based holiday, rather they are looking to get outdoors and be a part of nature. While there seems to be a never-ending list of activities, sights and tours that let you do just that, one of the premiere activities for many tourists is caving.
Iceland is located in an interesting geographic position, sitting right on the Mid-Atlantic ridge. What makes this so important is that it creates one of the most active volcanic areas in the entire world. This activity has produced some of the most awe-inspiring naturally formed caves below the ground’s surface. These caves were formed by the magma that flowed under the earth and are called tube caves. Tourists have the incredible opportunity to explore them year-round and experience the beauty first hand.
If caving is one of the activities you plan on taking part in when you visit Iceland, there are some tips and advice that can help you to make the most of your experience, so let’s jump right in.
Iceland is well-known for its abundant natural wonders and scenery.
Can All the Caves Be Toured All Year-Round
Even though caving is an activity that you can do all year round, there are some caves that are only able to be explored during particular seasons. Some examples include the Leiðarendi Cave which is in the Bláfjöll area. This cave can only be explored during the winter months. On the flip side is Gjábakkahellir Cave which is located close to the Thingvellir National Park. This particular cave can only be explored during the summer months.
What this means is that if you have a particular cave in mind such as Katla ice cave tour that you want to explore, do your research ahead of time to ensure it’s accessible at the time of year that you plan on visiting.
A Once in a Lifetime Experience – Step Inside a Volcano
Again, thanks to its history with active volcanoes, Iceland provides tourists with the rare opportunity to explore the insides of a volcano. The Thrihnukagigur crater can be found in Southwest Iceland just east of the Blue Mountains, and as its name suggests it is a massive crater. As you step inside you will in fact be walking right into a magma chamber.
Besides the fact that it’s incredible to be inside a magma chamber, there is also the fact that its natural beauty is bound to leave you speechless. Unlike what you may expect, inside the crater there are all kinds of incredible and vibrant colours. Many people liken the inside to a citadel.
Caving Can Be Dangerous
While there is a lot of focus on the natural beauty of Iceland’s caves, and for good reason, there should also be respect for safety. Exploring the caves can be dangerous as there is a lot of uneven ground and slippery surfaces, and even reaching the caves themselves can be tricky for those who don’t know where they are going.
This is exactly why it’s a good idea to look into an organized tour. This takes all the guesswork out of the experience, plus the guides will be providing you with insightful and interesting information throughout the experience. Guide to Iceland is the perfect place to find information on sightseeing tours in Iceland, allowing you to pick the ones that appeal to you the most. The tours also combine other must-see sights.
Northern lights at Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, found in Southeast Iceland
What Gear Will You Need?
In order to make the most out of your caving experience in Iceland there is some gear that you may want to bring with you. First, you’ll want to bring a good quality camera, not just your phone. Experts recommend something with a wide-angle lens so that you can get the full impact of the cave. Lighting inside the caves can be tricky, so it’s something you’ll need to keep in mind as you snap your photos. It can also be very handy to pack a lightweight collapsible tripod.
You will also want to dress warm and in layers with waterproof boots that are also warm, and you may need to rent a helmet depending on where you are caving.
Combine Caving with Other Adventures
Even though caving may be the main reason you are visiting Iceland, don’t forget the country is also filled with other natural wonders and beauty well worth exploring. Be sure to combine caving with other activities and adventures. Some of the top activities include embarking on a whale watching tour, checking out the stunning Lake Mývatn found in Northern Iceland, seeing the Dettifoss Waterfall in person, exploring all the city sights in Reykjavik, and capping off all your activities with a visit to the Blue Lagoon Spa.
Reykjavik in the winter.
An Experience You Won’t Soon Forget
One thing is for certain, exploring caves in Iceland is something you won’t soon forget as it is truly an experience of a lifetime.
