Iceland's first and the world's largest man-made ice cave is now open to visitors. The project cost $2.5 million and also serves as a venue for parties, weddings and concerts.
Bjorn Ludviksson
Ancient ice —
The man-made cave is 1,260 meters above sea level and stretches deep underground, exposing ice that's been forming over centuries. Visitors wear crampons over their shoes to walk on the slippery floor.
Bjorn Ludviksson
Crevice concerns —
Because crevices are a danger, a 20-ton truck customized to traverse snow and rocky ice is used to reach the ice cave.
Bjorn Ludviksson
Colors of ice —
Jagged cuts in the ice turn smooth and the colors of the ice changes as visitors get deeper. The ice changes from a cloudy white to a deep blue.
Bjorn Ludviksson
Frozen facts —
Information about Iceland's receding glaciers have been frozen into sections of the cave's walls to inform visitors.
Bjorn Ludviksson
The Ice Explorer —
The Ice Explorer is the cave's designated transportation vehicle. The truck, which seats up to 45 passengers, had a former life as a NATO cruise missile launcher.
Bjorn Ludviksson
Weather woes —
The cave's guides say weather is the most difficult factor in its upkeep. The entrance has to be cleared every day during winter months.
