Iceland is a country in a constant state of transformation, reshaped by ongoing volcanic eruptions, erosion, and shifting ice. And in October, a newly-formed ice cave was discovered on Langjökull, the second largest ice cap in Iceland.
The cave, which was found by Hekla Tang, the snowmobile operations manager for tour company Arctic Adventures, was likely formed by meltwater and shifting ice and features a spacious chamber made of high-clarity ice streaked with layers of volcanic ash from past volcanic eruptions. Once it was discovered, the company told Travel + Leisure it worked to build out the entrance and add lighting.
Its name, Neptune Ice Cave, came from the cave’s deep-blue hue.
“The name came to us immediately,” Tang said a statement shared with T+L. “Under certain light, the ice mirrors pure Neptune topaz. Everyone agreed the moment we stepped inside.”
The cave is now open to visitors who will get the chance to see Neptune as it was discovered. And since it is a seasonal formation, and the Iceland landscape is always changing, the cave’s color and ice clarity will evolve as winter progresses with the ice likely melting in late spring.
Arctic Adventures is currently running snowmobiling tours to the cave through April 2026.
The journey begins in Iceland’s capital of Reykjavík, which sits about 2.5 hours from the cave by car. A “super Jeep” takes travelers through the Icelandic Highlands to the Langjökull glacier, which travelers will then traverse by snowmobile. A guide leads the group into the newly-opened Neptune Ice Cave in all the necessary safety gear, including a helmet, balaclava, and warm overalls (and don’t worry, no prior snowmobile experience is required).
Travelers who are already exploring the Langjökull area can meet the group at the Skjól Campground, which is just minutes from the Gullfoss waterfall on the country’s iconic Golden Circle route.
Tours last between four and 10 hours, depending on which locations travelers choose to join from. The trip can also be paired with an after-dark northern lights hunt, which extends the journey up to 16 hours and includes warm cocoa and expert advice on spotting and photographing the aurora. Both tours require a basic level of fitness and are only suitable for children aged 8 and older.
Rates start at $306 per adult and include an expert guide and roundtrip transportation from Reykjavík.
Beyond this tour, there are plenty of other adventures travelers can experience across Iceland from bathing in the country’s geothermal pools to chasing waterfalls, exploring Thingvellir National Park, sampling its amazing cuisine, and more.
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