Caves are among the most awe-inspiring natural marvels of Creation that over many centuries have served as shelters or religious sites for ancient people when the technical and advance tools were not discovered yet. Today caves have become a major tourist attraction among adventure travelers, offering exceptional, breathtaking beauty and absolutely unique features sure to delight. From limestone caves formed by rainwater mixing with hydrogen sulfide in the earth to lava caves formed by volcanic flows to sea caves of various shapes and sizes, the world’s caverns are truly amazing and worth a visit.
Caves formed entirely of ice are properly termed glacier caves (do not confuse them with ice caves that are typically karst caves or lava tubes, containing ice year round). Glacier caves are very dynamic and can change from year to year by erosion or melting. They can be found in the Pacific Northwest, while ice caves are found in many locations where temperatures drop below freezing. Those who have had the unique chance to capture some of the most spectacular glaciers in the world, say they are something truly magic, with much to offer visitors, including amazing sights and views that will take your breath away. Now it’s quite affordable to be witness of this natural wonders as nowadays cheap all inclusive holidays are being offered even online. Some of the most amazing glacier caves in the world are discussed below.
Glacier Caves of Patagonia
Do you want an ultimate adventure? Head to Patagonia – one of the most enduring adventure destinations on Earth tucked far at the southern tip of Argentina. Blessed with spectacular scenery, Patagonia is where the impressive over-750,000 hectares ‘Parque Nacional Los Glaciares’ is found, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covered by giant ice formations, and glacier caves, among which Moreno Glacier is of special interest, drawing thousands of visitors for day trips. Formed by water running through or under the glacier, these amazing features of Mother Nature offer an unrivaled experience you will not soon forget.
Alaska Glacier Caves
Alaska is blessed with many natural treasures but what you are going to see in the Glacier Bay National Park and Reserve (some 3.3 million acre), is something magnificent and more than adventurous – an icy wilderness, freshwater streams, lofty mountain peaks and an abundant marine wildlife. Alaska boasts an interesting number of various caves, including the striking Matanushka Glacier Cave, situated in the Chugach Mountains. An interesting fact about Matanushka is that it’s an active glacier that advances around one foot (0.3 meters) every day.
Kverkfjöll Ice Caves in Iceland
The Kverkfjöll Ice Caves in central Iceland are perhaps one of the most famous glacier caves in the world that are actually the result of ice and fire. Though quite isolated, the caves, which are part of one of the largest geothermal areas in the world, are accessible and offer unique hiking opportunities. First they were explored by a French expedition in the 80s, who were able to follow the main cave over 2 kilometers. Two groups of caves are fpund, the ‘Upper Kverkfjöll Ice Caves,’ located at Hveradalur, a geothermal area on the mountain and the ‘Lower Kverkfjöll Ice Caves’ found in the Jökulsá á Fjöllum – the biggest river of central Iceland.
Awesooooooome i am going there no matter what!!! 😀