The ice in the Katla cave isn't just blue. It's streaked with black volcanic ash, a reminder that the glacier overhead is sitting on one of Iceland's best-known volcanoes. It's a strange place to stand, and a good one.

What you'll do on the Katla ice cave tour from Vík

Gravel Travel runs this tour from Vík in a Super Jeep. The drive to Kötlujökull, an outlet of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier that covers the Katla volcano, takes about 45 minutes each way. From the end of the road it's roughly a ten-minute walk to the cave, then crampons go on and you get around an hour at the ice cave with your guide.

Ice caves are natural and change constantly, so what you see on the day won't necessarily match the photos. That's part of the deal with any ice cave in Iceland.

What's included

• Pickup and return from Vík
• Professional driver-guide
• Small group, with a maximum of 19 passengers per guide or Super Jeep
• Helmet and crampons

Food and drink aren't included, so bring your own snacks and water.

Good to know before you go

The whole tour takes about three hours. You should be able to walk about 2 km on uneven ground and climb a steep set of stairs with a rope for support. It may not suit anyone who is afraid of the dark or claustrophobic.

If you're travelling with children, note that Icelandic law requires kids under 135 cm to use a child car seat, and you'll need to bring your own. Children under 150 cm can't sit in front of an active airbag.

Wear water- and windproof outer layers, hiking boots, a hat and gloves, and bring a camera.

Pro tip: Keep your phone or camera in an inside pocket until you reach the cave. Cold drains batteries fast, and the cave is the bit you'll want photos of.