Lofthellir Ice Cave
About Lofthellir Ice Cave
Lofthellir is a lava cave in the lava fields southeast of Lake Mývatn in North Iceland, known for the thick ice formations that fill it all year. Water seeps through the porous rock above, freezes in the cold air of the tube and builds up into columns, curtains and frozen floors that never fully melt.
Unlike the glacier ice caves of the south, Lofthellir is a permafrost cave inside a lava tunnel, so it doesn't depend on winter conditions. Some of the ice inside is several hundred years old. The cave is on private land, and the landowners have closed it to independent visitors to protect the ice.
The only way to visit Lofthellir is on a guided tour that starts at Lake Mývatn. Tours drive out on a rough track in a modified super jeep, then cross a fairly smooth lava field on foot for about 30 minutes to the entrance. Expect the whole trip to take four to five hours.
Inside, the floor is ice and the passages get tight in places, so the guides hand out helmets, headlamps and studded boots. Bring warm gloves and waterproof pants, because you'll crawl and slide over ice in spots. The tour isn't suitable for young children or anyone uncomfortable in confined spaces.
Lofthellir ice cave tours run in both summer and winter, with later morning departures in the dark months. Book ahead, because only a limited number of groups are allowed into the cave. Pair it with a walk through Dimmuborgir or a look into Grjótagjá to round out a day of lava formations around Mývatn.
Good to know
Can you visit Lofthellir on your own?
No, Lofthellir is on private land and closed to independent visitors. The only way in is on a guided tour, which supplies the safety gear and handles transport over the rough access track.
Where is Lofthellir cave?
Lofthellir is in the lava fields southeast of Lake Mývatn in North Iceland. Tours start at Mývatn and reach the cave by super jeep and a 30-minute walk across lava.
Is Lofthellir open all year?
Yes, tours run in both summer and winter because the ice is permanent. Winter tours leave later in the morning to make use of the daylight.
How long is the Lofthellir ice cave tour?
Plan on four to five hours from Mývatn, including the jeep ride, about 30 minutes of walking each way and time inside the cave.
Is the Lofthellir tour difficult?
It needs moderate fitness. You walk across a lava field, then crawl and move over ice through tight passages, so it is not suitable for young children or anyone claustrophobic.
What should you wear in Lofthellir?
Dress in warm layers with waterproof pants and good gloves, because the cave stays below freezing. Helmets, headlamps and studded boots are provided on the tour.
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