Katla Ice Cave

The ice caves in Kotlujokull, an outlet of Myrdalsjokull, sit on top of the Katla volcanic system, and the ash that Katla and its neighbours have thrown out over centuries is frozen into the ice in dark bands, which is why these are sold as black ice caves rather than blue ones. They are the caves most tour operators use in summer, when the better known crystal caves under Vatnajokull have usually melted out and closed. Access is by modified vehicle across the outwash sands and then on foot with a helmet and crampons. Caves here are not permanent - they form, shift and collapse, so the one visited changes from season to season.

What you actually see

• Ash frozen into ice - dark bands from Katla and its neighbours.
• A summer option - open when the Vatnajokull crystal caves have melted.
• Sand crossing by modified vehicle - the outwash plain before the ice.
• A cave that is never the same twice - they form and collapse each season.

When to go

Year round, though every trip depends on conditions on the day. Half a day.

Honest expectations

There is no way to visit independently and no reason to try - roofs collapse. Trips are cancelled often for weather or ice movement. The ice is grey and black rather than the blue of marketing photographs. Cold and wet gear matter more than cameras.

Nearby

Vik and Reynisfjara are west; Hjorleifshofdi stands on the sands east.