What to Wear for an Ice Cave Tour in Iceland
Questo articolo è in inglese.
Walking inside a glacier, under a ceiling of blue ice, is one of the most unforgettable things you can do in Iceland. It's also cold, wet underfoot and a long way from the nearest shop. Dress right and you'll spend the tour looking up instead of thinking about your toes.
When ice caves are open
Natural ice caves form inside glaciers and change every year, so guides search for new ones before each season. Most tours run from about November to March, when it's cold enough for the caves to be safe; some operators start in October and run into April, depending on conditions. Tours often last two to three hours on the glacier, plus a drive to get there.
What the tour usually provides
Most operators lend you a helmet and crampons, and some a headlamp. Check your booking to be sure. Everything else is up to you.
What to wear, layer by layer
- Base layer: thermal top and leggings in wool or synthetic fabric. No cotton: it stays wet and cold.
- Warm middle layer: a fleece or wool sweater.
- Outer layer: a warm, waterproof, windproof parka. Ice caves drip, and the walk across the glacier is often windy.
- Waterproof pants: you may kneel, sit or brush against wet ice. Jeans are a bad idea: they soak up water and get heavy and cold.
- Hiking shoes or boots: sturdy, waterproof and with ankle support. They need a firm sole the crampons can be strapped onto; trainers won't do.
- Warm gloves and a beanie: choose a thin beanie that fits under a helmet.
- Wool socks, plus a spare pair in your bag for the drive back.
What to leave behind
- Long scarves and loose straps that can catch on crampons
- Big backpacks: a small one with water, a snack and your phone is enough
- Cotton hoodies and jeans
Photo tip
Phone batteries drain fast in the cold. Keep your phone in an inside pocket until you're in the cave, and bring a small power bank.
Get the whole outfit delivered
Few people pack a proper parka, waterproof pants and hiking shoes for one tour. With Tourvo you can rent the lot, in your size, delivered to your hotel in Reykjavík the evening before your trip starts. Our Winter Package includes a parka, pants, hiking shoes, gloves and a beanie, and you pay per night, not per calendar day.