Aldeyjarfoss & Lofthellir Ice Cave – Private Tour
Book NowExplore two of North Iceland Most spectacular Natural Gems, The Underground Glacier of Lofthellir Cave & Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall
Highlights:
Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall – a dramatic glacial waterfall framed by columnar basalt.
Hrafnabjargafossar – hidden waterfalls along the route.
Ludentaborgir crater row – explore the volcanic source of the Myvatn lava flows.
Lofthellir Ice Cave – an underground glacier with remarkable natural ice formations.
Private Super Jeep travel with a local guide, flexible pace and small-group experience.
Short drives between stops, with local stories and lesser-known places along the way.
Tour Description
This private full-day tour combines two very different sides of North Iceland: the powerful glacial landscape around Aldeyjarfoss and the underground ice of Lofthellir. The tour is designed for travelers who want a little adventure, local insight and time away from the busiest routes, without spending the day on long transfers.
We start
from the Lake Myvatn area and travel by Super Jeep toward Aldeyjarfoss, using the old mountain road through Ingidalur when conditions allow. The journey is part of the experience. Along the way we can stop at places that are easy to drive past if you do not know the region: viewpoints over Bardardalur, hidden waterfalls, and the ruins of an abandoned turf farm with a remarkable story from the 1920s.
At Aldeyjarfoss,
the waterfall appears suddenly as you approach the canyon edge. The glacial river is forced through dark columnar basalt, creating one of the most distinctive waterfall settings in North Iceland. We take time to explore the area and, depending on the route and conditions, may also visit Hrafnabjargafossar and other nearby waterfalls.
Around midday
we return toward Lake Myvatn, where there is a good choice of restaurants for lunch. Lunch is not included, allowing the group to choose what suits the day. A packed picnic lunch can also be arranged as an optional extra.
In the afternoon
we head toward Lofthellir. On the way, conditions and timing may allow us to stop at Ludentaborgir, the crater row connected with the lava flows that shaped much of the Lake Myvatn landscape around 2,300 years ago. A short walk onto the crater gives a very different perspective on how fire, lava, water and steam created the landscape seen today.
The final main destination is
Lofthellir Ice Cave. After a short walk across the lava field, we enter the cave equipped with helmets, headlamps and studded boots. Inside, permanent ice formations create an unusual underground world. The visit is kept private and carefully managed to protect this fragile environment.
Throughout the day,
the pace can be adapted to the group. The aim is not simply to tick off locations, but to understand the geology, nature, local history and stories that connect them. Most driving sections are short – generally no more than about 30 minutes at a time – making it possible to fit a surprising amount into one day around Lake Myvatn.
Suggested itinerary
Itinerary is tailored to weather, conditions and your needs.
Lake Myvatn departure: Private pickup and departure around 08:00. Timing can be adjusted to the group.
Engidalur mountain route: Travel an old mountain road toward Bárðardalur with local viewpoints and story stops when conditions allow.
Hidden stops: Possible stops include the abandoned turf farm ruins in Engidalur, Ullarfoss and other lesser-known places along the route.
Aldeyjarfoss: Explore Aldeyjarfoss and, depending on conditions and timing, nearby waterfalls including Hrafnabjargafossar.
Lunch near Lake Myvatn: Choose a local restaurant, or arrange an optional packed picnic lunch.
Ludentaborgir: Walk to the crater row and learn how the Myvatn lava landscape formed.
Lofthellir Ice Cave: Walk across the lava field, gear up and explore the protected ice cave with your guide.
Return: Return to the Lake Myvatn area. Total duration is normally 10-12 hours.
What’s included
- Private Super Jeep transportation
- Local guide
- Entry/permit fee for Lofthellir Ice Cave
- Helmet
- Headlamp
- Studded boots for the cave
- Required cave safety equipment
Not Included
- Lunch and drinks
- Optional packed picnic lunch, unless added to the booking
Good To know
This is a private tour and can be started from the region of Akureyri & Mývatn for other locations request a quote.
The tour operates year-round, but the exact route may change with snow, road conditions and spring snowmelt.
A minimum of about 10 hours is recommended. A normal day is 10-12 hours.
Because this is a private tour, the pace and stops can be adjusted to the group.
Guests should be comfortable with light hiking and entering a natural lava cave.
Lofthellir is a protected site. Only one group is allowed into the cave per day under GeoTravel’s management.
The cave access fee contributes to landowner costs, maintenance, protection and research connected with the site.
Crampons are not used inside Lofthellir because the ice is fragile; studded boots are provided instead.
Why Geo Travel
Travel with local guides who know the roads, stories and lesser-known places of the North Iceland region. The day is flexible, and the smaller stops are chosen to fit conditions, timing and the interests of the group.