THE RAW BEAUTY OF AN ICE CAVE: DISCOVER ASKUR

Imagine stepping into a world where time seems to stand still, a place where nature's artistry is etched in ice and volcanic ash. The Askur Ice Cave, nestled at the foot of the mighty Mýrdalsjökull glacier, is just such a place. From the moment you enter, the blend of deep blue ice and dark volcanic ash layers, the intricate natural patterns, and the soothing sound of trickling meltwater create an otherworldly experience.

The Askur Ice Cave is unlike any other. Its unique features tell a story of geological and climatic history that is both fascinating and visually stunning. One of the most remarkable aspects of the cave is the layers of volcanic ash embedded within the ice.

These layers are remnants of historic eruptions from the nearby Katla volcano, creating striking black streaks that contrast beautifully with the blue and white ice. Each ash layer is like a page in a book, offering a glimpse into the past eruptions that have shaped this landscape over centuries.

As you venture deeper into the cave, the intricate ice patterns become more apparent. The ice is sculpted by natural processes, resulting in mesmerizing formations that look like works of art. These patterns are created by the flow of meltwater, the freeze-thaw cycles, and the pressure exerted by the glacier.

Some parts of the ice are incredibly clear, allowing you to see bubbles that have been trapped for thousands of years. These bubbles, perfectly preserved, provide a window into the ancient atmosphere and are a reminder of the glacier’s long and storied history.

The sensory experience of the Askur Ice Cave extends beyond the visual. The meditative sound of meltwater streams dominates the cave's soundscape.

As the ice slowly melts, streams form and flow along the cave’s floor, creating a soothing soundtrack that enhances the sense of tranquillity and wonder. This constant, quiet drip of water is a reminder of the cave’s dynamic nature, always changing and evolving with the seasons.

Walking through the Askur Ice Cave, you can't help but feel a deep sense of connection to the natural world. The cave's beauty is raw and unfiltered, showcasing the power and artistry of nature.

Every visit to the cave is a unique experience, as the light, ice formations, and even the sounds can vary with the changing conditions.

One of the most captivating aspects of the Askur Ice Cave is its ever-changing colour palette. The ice here can range from vibrant blue to shades of white, grey, and black, influenced by lighting conditions, seasonal changes, and the unique presence of volcanic ash.

The blue hue, which often captivates visitors, is a result of the dense glacial ice absorbing all colours of the light spectrum except blue. However, this blue is not always as vivid as one might expect.

The layers of volcanic ash from Katla’s historic eruptions play a significant role in this. These ash layers, embedded within the ice, create dark streaks and bands that often dominate the visual landscape, giving the ice a more varied appearance with significant patches of black and grey.

Seasonal changes also have a profound impact on the cave’s appearance. During the summer months, as the cave melts, the ash becomes more prominent, and the blue hues can be overshadowed by the darker ash layers.

Winter brings a different spectacle. When the moulin is open and more natural light flows through the cave, it can enhance the blue tones. In the deeper, central parts of the tunnel, where it is naturally dark, we use artificial lights to highlight the cave’s features in these areas.

The entrance area, where natural light penetrates, often showcases the blue ice at its best. As you move deeper into the cave, the lack of natural light means the colours can naturally appear more muted.

Ice caves are living, breathing formations that reflect the dynamic nature of their environment. While phone cameras might not capture its full beauty, the cave’s true allure lies in its natural, pure state—unpredictable and ever-evolving, just like nature itself.

The Askur Ice Cave is a testament to the incredible forces of nature that have shaped it over millennia. The cave’s formation is primarily driven by the flow of meltwater, a process that begins during the warmer months when surface ice and snow melt. This meltwater flows through cracks and crevices in the glacier, gradually eroding the ice and carving out pathways that evolve into larger tunnels and chambers.

As the meltwater travels through the glacier, it follows the path of least resistance, which often leads to the formation of winding passages and intricate ice formations. The continuous flow of water not only smooths the walls and ceilings of the cave but also contributes to the creation of stunning natural sculptures within the ice. Over time, the relentless action of the meltwater enlarges these pathways, eventually giving rise to expansive tunnels like those found in the Askur Ice Cave.

The freeze-thaw cycles play a crucial role in shaping the cave's interior. As temperatures fluctuate, the water inside the cave freezes and thaws repeatedly. These cycles cause the ice to expand and contract, leading to the formation of cracks and fissures. The freeze-thaw process also contributes to the creation of unique ice formations and patterns, adding to the cave's visual appeal.

Volcanic activity from the nearby Katla volcano has also left its mark on the Askur Ice Cave. Historic eruptions have deposited layers of volcanic ash across the glacier. Over time, as new ice forms, these ash deposits become encapsulated within the glacier, creating distinct stratifications that are visible within the ice cave. These ash layers not only tell the story of Katla's past eruptions but also enhance the cave’s aesthetic by adding contrasting dark streaks against the blue and white ice.

The combination of meltwater erosion, freeze-thaw cycles, and volcanic activity has created a dynamic and ever-changing environment within the Askur Ice Cave. Each visit to the cave can reveal new features and formations, shaped by the ongoing natural processes.

Located on private land, the cave is exclusively accessible to visitors through the Icelandia family, ensuring a serene experience without the crowds that multiple tour companies might bring. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path gem. To ensure safety and preserve the cave’s pristine condition, visits are only possible through guided tours.

The Askur Ice Cave Adventure tour offers several exciting versions, each tailored to the season. In summer and autumn, you can embark on a buggy ride directly to the cave. There’s nothing like driving through the rugged Icelandic landscape in an off-road vehicle—no experience needed, just a valid driving license.

Two customers typically share a vehicle, but there are also 4-seater buggies available, and single rides can be arranged for an additional fee. Sometimes, a short hike is necessary if road conditions prevent the buggies from parking close to the cave, adding a bit more adventure to the journey.

When winter arrives, and snow conditions are ideal, we switch to snowmobiles for the final leg of the journey. The snowmobile tour starts with a glacier truck shuttle to the snowmobile base camp before transitioning to snowmobiles. The thrill of riding a snowmobile across the glacier is an experience in itself, culminating in the awe-inspiring exploration of the ice cave.

For a more family-friendly option, consider the lite version of the tour, Askur Ice Cave in a Mountain Truck, which features a ride in a large glacier truck or a Super Jeep, depending on the group size. This tour is suitable for children as young as four and includes a short, manageable hike. Proper hiking boots are essential for this tour to ensure safety and comfort.

For those starting their adventure in Reykjavík, we offer the Adventure Bus tours. These tours provide a carbon-neutral transfer to the base camp, with stops at two of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. This makes for a full day of exploring Iceland’s natural wonders, combining the majesty of the ice cave with the beauty of the country’s iconic waterfalls.

Safety is our top priority, and to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, all visitors are equipped with crampons and helmets. Crampons provide necessary traction on the icy surfaces, while helmets protect against any potential falling ice or bumps within the cave.

Our experienced guides give instructions on how to use the equipment properly and emphasize the importance of following these guidelines closely.

Waterproof boots are a must, as the cave’s floor can be wet and slippery due to the trickling meltwater streams. If you don’t have your own, don’t worry—waterproof boots can be rented at the base camp. Proper footwear not only keeps your feet dry but also offers better stability as you traverse the icy terrain.

Our guides inspect the Askur Ice Cave daily to ensure it remains safe for visitors. They monitor the cave's ever-changing conditions and the rugged road leading there. Regular vehicles cannot access the site, which is why we use specialized transport for our tours.

Walking through the Askur Ice Cave is awe-inspiring. The entrance area often glows with natural light, revealing the striking blue hues of the ice. As you venture deeper, the natural light fades, and the cave transitions into a shadowy realm.

Here, artificial lights strategically placed by our guides highlight the intricate ice patterns, volcanic ash layers, and bubbles trapped within the ice, creating a magical atmosphere. While these lights do not enhance the blue tones as effectively as natural sunlight, they provide a unique and fascinating perspective on the cave’s features.

Walking through the long tunnel, you’ll notice the colours shifting from vibrant blues near the entrance to a more subdued palette of whites, greys, and blacks deeper inside. The crunch of ice beneath your crampons, the cool air against your face, and the ever-changing visual tapestry of the cave combine to create an unforgettable experience.

It’s a reminder of the cave’s natural, unpredictable beauty and the importance of respecting and preserving such pristine environments for future generations to enjoy.

When visiting the Askur Ice Cave, it's important to embrace nature’s unpredictability. Natural sites like this are influenced by weather, seasonal changes, and environmental conditions.

Have realistic expectations, as each visit is unique. The true beauty of the Askur Ice Cave lies in its natural, pure state—unpredictable and ever-evolving. Let your journey into Iceland’s wild beauty remind you of nature's incredible power and splendor, and the importance of preserving these pristine environments for future generations.