Quick answer: Less than you'd think. You spend most of the trip seated inside a heated monster truck with panoramic windows. A heated cabin, an onboard restroom, and only a short walk to get in and out of the ice cave itself keep the actual cold exposure brief. Dress warmly for that stretch, and the rest of the four hours is comfortable.

How much time do you actually spend outside in the cold?

The walk from the truck to the ice cave is short, and once inside the cave there is no wind, although it is naturally cold. You spend some time outside while getting your spikes on and preparing to enter, and there is also a photo stop during the drive.

The cave stop lasts about one hour. You can spend as much of that time inside or outside as you prefer. We recommend dressing in warm layers so you can adjust comfortably to the conditions.

What's the passenger cabin actually like?

The tailor-made passenger cabin is heated and has panoramic windows, leather seats with three-point seatbelts, and an onboard restroom.

Do you need to be fit or used to cold weather?

No special fitness level or cold-weather experience is needed. There is no hiking or snowmobile riding, and the tour is suitable for guests aged 4 and older. You travel onto Langjökull glacier in our comfortable monster truck, followed by a short walk to the ice cave. Spikes are provided, but you should be comfortable walking on uneven ground and steps.

Inside the cave, the temperature is usually around 0–4°C (32–39°F). Time outside can be kept relatively short if you prefer, although you are welcome to spend longer outside. We recommend dressing in warm layers, as you would throughout your Iceland trip. With most of the journey spent seated in the truck and only a short walk to the cave, this is one of the most comfortable ways to experience a natural ice cave in Iceland.

What should you actually wear?

Dress in warm layers so you can adjust to the conditions. Wear a warm inner layer, a waterproof outer layer, and sturdy, waterproof footwear. A hat and gloves are essential. You do not need specialist glacier gear — we provide the spikes for the walk to the ice cave. 

Travelling Light? Rent Your Clothing in Iceland

If you prefer to pack light, you can rent high-quality outdoor clothing and boots in Iceland through IcelandCover.

They deliver directly to your hotel, making everything easy and convenient. Travel lighter — and still be fully prepared for Icelandic conditions.

See our blog here about how to dress for an ice cave tour in Iceland: https://www.sleipnirtours.is/how-to-dress-for-an-ice-cave-glacier-tour-in-iceland

Is the ice cave itself colder than outside?

Not necessarily. Inside the ice cave, there is no wind, and the temperature stays fairly steady at around 0–4°C (32–39°F), reflecting the temperature of the glacier ice itself. In Iceland, wind can have a much greater effect on how cold it feels outdoors.

Even though the cave is sheltered from the wind, we recommend keeping your jacket, hat and gloves on while exploring the cave so you stay warm and comfortable.

Does bad weather cancel the tour?

Yes. The tour may be cancelled if weather or road conditions make it unsafe to travel or operate on the glacier. Conditions in the highland area around Langjökull can be significantly more severe than at Gullfoss, where the tour starts. Weather in Iceland can change quickly, and a tour might be cancelled with short notice.

If we need to cancel the tour due to weather conditions, guests can choose to reschedule for another available date or receive a full refund.

If a tour is cancelled due to weather, you'll be offered another date or a full refund, so booking ahead doesn't mean losing flexibility if conditions change.

Frequently asked questions

Is it warmer inside the truck or inside the cave? 

Both offer a welcome break from the cold and wind outside. The truck is heated, while the natural ice cave is sheltered from the wind and stays at a steady temperature of around 0–4°C (32–39°F).

Can I warm up during the tour if I get cold? Yes. You can always go back inside the truck, which is heated, if you get cold. 

Is this trip suitable if I've never dealt with real winter cold before? Yes. You can choose how much time you spend outside, and the walk to the ice cave is short. Inside the cave, the temperature is usually 0–4°C (32–39°F), while the truck is heated. 

Do I need special gear beyond warm winter clothing?. No. We provide spikes for walking on the ice. You should wear warm clothing, a good pair of shoes or waterproof boots, and bring a hat and gloves. 

If staying warm is the only thing holding you back, experiencing a real glacier and natural ice cave is more comfortable than you might expect. 

See you onboard the Sleipnir Glacier truck!