Vatnshellir Lava Cave

About Vatnshellir Lava Cave

Vatnshellir is an 8,000-year-old lava tube on the southern slope of Snæfellsjökull, inside Snæfellsjökull National Park on the Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland. It lies about 500 meters from the Purkhólar craters, whose eruption formed it.

The tube took shape when a river of lava crusted over on top and the molten rock underneath drained away, leaving a hollow tunnel behind. Two spiral staircases lead down through a series of chambers, and along the way the guide points out lava formations and the mineral colors on the walls. Jules Verne sent his explorers into the earth through the summit of the volcano, but this is a far easier way down.

Vatnshellir lava cave can only be entered on a guided tour, and Summit Adventure Guides is the only licensed operator. The Vatnshellir cave tour lasts about 45 minutes and runs all year, with departure times that change with the season, so book through the official website and arrive at least 10 minutes early to check in. Helmets and flashlights are provided, while headlamps are not allowed inside.

Inside, the temperature stays just above freezing all year, so bring warm layers, gloves and sturdy shoes even in July. Everyone must be able to walk unaided on uneven ground and manage the stairs, and the minimum age is 5. Adults pay 5,900 ISK, seniors over 65 and students 4,600 ISK, and teenagers aged 12 to 17 pay 2,600 ISK, while children aged 5 to 11 go free.

The cave is roughly three hours' drive from Reykjavík, and there are no toilets at the entrance. The nearest are at the Malarrif visitor center, three minutes away by car. With the Lóndrangar sea stacks and Djúpalónssandur beach both a few minutes' drive away, the tour slots easily into a day on the peninsula.