Explore luminous ice caves beneath glaciers, try traditional ice fishing and serene ice floating on frozen waters, these journeys connect you with Arctic nature in intimate and unforgettable ways.
Ice Caves, Ice Fishing and Ice Floating Adventures
Glacial Ice Caves: Natural Cathedrals of Ice
One of the most remarkable winter experiences in Iceland and Sweden is exploring glacial ice caves. These spectacular formations are sculpted by water and time, creating tunnels and chambers of pure blue ice that glow in ethereal light.
In Iceland, the Vatnajökull glacier and surrounding ice caps offer world-class ice cave experiences. Each season shapes the caves differently, forming unique structures that draw adventurers into an otherworldly realm beneath the surface. Guided tours take you safely into these natural ice chambers, where every wall, arch and icicle reflects light in vivid shades of blue.
Expert local guides lead small groups into hidden recesses of ice, explaining how glaciers move, melt and reform over time. These ice caves are a reminder of nature’s enduring power and artistry.
@ Anders Nyberg
South Iceland Super Jeeps and Snorkelling Adventure
A thrilling journey through South Iceland featuring the Golden Circle, ice caves, snorkelling, super jeep adventure, and unforgettable Northern Lights experiences.
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£4,505 - £6,760 pp*
Summer in Iceland: Lava, Lagoons & Glaciers
Luxury Iceland escape: lagoons, glaciers, whale watching and black sand beaches on a 9 day adventure of fire and ice.
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£10,475 - £15,175 pp*
@ Isbreen The Glacier
Isbreen the Glacier
A luxury Arctic hideaway beneath Norway’s glaciers with igloos, private snow adventures, gourmet dining and uninterrupted views of the Northern Lights.
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£4,995 - £7,495 pp*
© Visit Iceland
Luxury Active Iceland
The perfect balance of activity and adventure, with luxury accommodation and your own private chef.
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On request
Ice Fishing: A Nordic Winter Tradition
Ice fishing is a timeless winter activity that connects you with Nordic culture and the rhythms of nature. In Sweden, frozen lakes and sheltered bays become playgrounds for anglers during winter, offering peaceful settings and the chance to catch local fish species beneath thick ice.
Sweden’s frozen lakes are dotted across the landscape, each offering its own environment for ice fishing. From remote wilderness lakes in Swedish Lapland to sheltered inland waters, these experiences combine outdoor activity with cultural connection. Ice fishing is perfect for small groups or families seeking relaxed yet rewarding winter moments.
Ice Floating: Serenity on Frozen Waters
For those seeking a truly unique Arctic experience, ice floating offers calm, contemplative immersion in frozen landscapes. Ice floating involves drifting on a specialised dry suit in icy water surrounded by snow and crystals. The sensation of weightless floating with the vast winter sky above creates a profound sense of peace and connection.
In Iceland, ice floating can be enjoyed on serene glacial lagoons or slow-moving river inlets where safe conditions and expert supervision ensure a secure environment. The contrast of cold water, warm breath and expansive white panorama heightens awareness and presence.
Local guides prioritise safety and comfort, offering instruction and support that allow you to experience ice floating with confidence.
Why Choose Ice Experiences in Iceland and Sweden
Iceland and Sweden offer distinctly different yet equally captivating ice environments. Iceland’s volcanic geology and expansive glaciers create dramatic settings where ice caves and lagoons meet stark mountain scenery and black sand plains. Sweden’s northern wilderness reveals gentle frozen lakes, ancient forests and vast open skies that seem to stretch for ever.
Off The Map Travel crafts each journey with expert local knowledge, prioritising small group sizes and immersive experiences that go beyond the typical tourist routes. Whether you explore a luminous ice cave, patiently fish through thick ice or float weightlessly beneath the winter sky, your adventure is shaped by safety, wonder and cultural context.
@ Shutterbird Production
Practical Information and Seasonal Timing
Ice experiences are seasonal, dependent on safe winter conditions and expert assessment of ice stability. In Iceland, winter months bring reliable freeze conditions around glacial areas and inland lakes, while coastal waters near Reykjavik and the south coast can offer sheltered spots for outdoor activities. Sweden’s Arctic regions, including Swedish Lapland and the high plateau near Kiruna, enjoy long, deep winters ideal for ice-related activities.
All ice adventures with Off The Map Travel include experienced guides, quality equipment and detailed briefings to ensure your safety and enjoyment. Specialised clothing and gear are provided where needed, whether you are heading into a deep ice cave or preparing to float on frozen water.
@ Brynjar ¡g˙stsson Photography
Culture and Connection in Winter Landscapes
Beyond the activities themselves, ice adventures bring insight into how Nordic cultures have understood and lived with winter for centuries. From traditional fishing techniques to the deep respect for glacial environments, these experiences connect you to local knowledge and ways of life. Off The Map Travel complements adventure with storytelling, cultural context and opportunities to enjoy local cuisine, warm lodges and genuine hospitality.
Ice caves and ice floating in Iceland and ice fishing in Sweden are more than activities; they are journeys into elemental winter landscapes that stay with you long after you return home. With Off The Map Travel, every moment is crafted to bring wonder, discovery and connection in some of the most extraordinary winter environments on Earth.
I used OTMT to organise a holiday to see the Northern Lights for my partner’s 50th birthday. They took the time to understand my priorities, the kinds of places we like to stay and the things we like to do. They recommended a fabulous itinerary in Norway centred around the Lyngen Experience Lodge. The holiday itself lived up to expectations and I have no hesitation in recommending OTMT. They listened carefully during the planning and delivered the perfect present for my partner.
Alex
Hello Lucy!! Kim and I had a fantastic time in Iceland! Probably one of my top 3 trips I’ve ever taken!
It was everything we asked for and you did a wonderful job coordinating it all so beautifully!!
Thank you very much and we will contact you again when we get ready to plan our trip to Norway and Lapland!
Doreen
Fantastic trip to Svalbard which delivered the true Arctic experience we were hoping for. The hotels were excellent and the activities – dog sledding and snowmobile expedition were lead by first class guides.
Top tip! The champagne tasting in the world’s most northerly wine cellar in the exceptional Funken Lodge is not to be missed!
Faith
Amy was a great help with planning this trip. Our trip turned out amazing. I also was very grateful for Off the Map’s Front Desk service, which promptly handled an on the spot issue we had.
Karen
The ease of everything stood out to me. All we had to do was be there at the right time. The dog sledding was the highlight for my daughter and sister. We had the best time! For me, Manshausen was the highlight. We were very lucky and the only guests there for the majority of our stay. The staff was amazing and the food was so delicious. We had moose steak and it was the best meal I’ve ever had.
The cabins were comfortable and we were so lucky to have 2 clear nights where we just sat and watched the northern lights. We were able to get some awesome pictures too.
I appreciate all your time and care with planning our trip! I won’t hesitate to use Off the Map travel for our next adventure.
Kelly
The best travel experience ever on every level you can think of during a Lapland expedition (food, activities, timings, accommodation, transport, service, equipment…). I highly recommend Off The Map Travel for their outstanding level of professionalism and detail oriented mindset!
Sophie & Guy
Amy planned a fantastic trip! Everything was very well-thought out. All transfers went smoothly, accommodations were amazing, great restaurant recommendations and the tours were once-in-a-lifetime, can’t book it yourself off the internet experiences. The guides were all fantastic. Communications were prompt and everything worked exactly the way it was supposed to. What a pleasure! Already working on our next trip.
Anonymous
What an amazing trip we are having. It is incredible. Many many thanks for arranging such an incredible trip.
Giles
We did! Everything was truly wonderful! I think the Holman Husky Lodge was our favourite place. Beautiful accommodations, but best of all, wonderful people! Everyone was so friendly and accommodating, excellent food, we really enjoyed our time there. We also greatly enjoyed Bergen! Opus XVI was beautiful and we loved being able to walk to restaurants and bars and take in the sights. All of our drivers were punctual and friendly. The itinerary was full but not overfull.
Thank you so much! It was an epic trip, we are taking home wonderful memories!
Shelly
I would thoroughly recommend this company. Their planning and advice was spot on. Alex responded to my calls and emails very promptly. I will definitely use them again for future trips.
Rosie
We originally hired Off the Map Travel in 2020 to set up a trip to see the Northern Lights. That didn’t happen, thanks to COVID. But, we persisted and in March of 2023, we took a 16-day trip that included both Iceland and Norway. IT WAS MAGICAL! Off the Map took care of everything! We were pampered at every stage of our trip. The people they hired and the activities they planned added up to a trip that will set the standard for any we’ll ever take in the future. Alex and his team were fabulous! We recommend them without restraint!
Jim & Kris
Arctic Retreat was simply magical. Graham and his team were superb. Their entire focus was on ensuring we had an outstanding experience. The accommodation, setting and food were all excellent. The team, experienced professionals, each brought their own personal touch and local nuance. It was faultless. The dog sledging trip directly from Arctic Retreat was also superb. We would return to Arctic Retreat in a heartbeat.
George