Iceland- ice cave or glacier hike

[Midsizegal29]

Hi all!

Looking at going to Iceland in Feb for the first time and trying to firm up our plan. Out of the 2 activities below, which would you do and why? Bonus points for experiences if you’ve done them and double points for any other must do recommendations!

For context, I want to do both (but it’s not cheap) and DH says we need to pick one and isn’t bothered which!

I’ve done a glacier hike in Iceland which was excellent- thoroughly recommend. Didn’t do the ice cave as DH gets a bit claustrophobic. We also enjoyed kayaking among icebergs and snorkelling in glacier water- suspect those are summer only though.

We did a rib boat trip to see whales and puffins which was a highlight for me.

Happy to recommend places to stay etc if helpful. Be warned, everything costs an arm and a leg.

We did ice climbing on a glacier, also in Feb. Inevitably involves a bit of a hike to get there so you get two activities for the price of one. Good fun.

I went to an ice cave. It wasn’t that interesting and cost an absolute fortune. It was a big cave but at the end of the day it’s just ice. Once you’ve seen it you don’t really need to spend an hour looking at it. You can see ice on the lagoon and the beach for free without paying about £200 per person.

I've done both and would recommend both. Sorry...

We did an intermediate glacier hike and it was hard work, so don't underestimate their difficulty ratings.

Ice caves are very dependent on what nature creates. We were lucky (I think). If I go back I think I would go to Katla cave, but it's probably not the prettiest if you're seeking blue ice.

Of the two activities I'd choose the hikeas you get more bang for your buck, as long as you're reasonably fit.

How long are you there for? Are you driving? Make sure you go to Jokuksarlon Lagoon, it's beautiful.

The Lava Show was interesting.

We didn’t do the ice cave but did do the glacier hike , so can’t compare, but the glacier hike was amazing.

I agree with others that the boat trip from Jokulsarlon is definitely worth the money.

All recommendations welcome! We’re thinking of doing a week doing the golden circle/south Iceland. Accommodation is proving more difficult than we anticipated!

Both reasonably fit and hike in the UK :) I’d love to do both for the experience but I don’t think the budget will cover that haha!

We’re planning on a week and driving ourselves!

We did both and both were wonderful, I don’t think you can go wrong. Just as a wild card we really enjoyed the lava cave too https://thelavatunnel.is/

https://www.torfhus.is/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22236112475&gclid=CjwKCAjwisnGBhAXEiwA0zEOR5JNEbkvgedepcy1-C0l42ShVBS0wncywhTHRwi0aHSwB9Md87xpehoCkzAQAvD_BwE We stayed here- would really recommend.

I’m the same - done both and would recommend both but if I really had to choose one then the ice cave was very unique. I had done a ice hike in Nz and Patagonia which was similar to the Iceland one but I have never seen another ice cave

I’d do the hike personally because it more my thing.
my brother lives in Iceland so we’ve been. Take more money than you would usually on holiday as it’s very expensive. We hired a car and went out to see some scenery, the black sand beach, waterfalls etc. Its a truly beautiful place.

A ln Iceland Glacier hike is honestly one of the most memorable things I’ve ever done. Incredible experience.