By 
Few places on this planet allow you to venture into the depths of the earth. Iceland is not only a country that boasts a stunning landscape, but the hidden landscape underneath the surface is just as striking, and Vatnshellir Cave is the stone-cold proof of that.
Born from one of the most impressive geological phenomena, Vatnshellir Cave is a must-see on an Icelandic holiday. In this article, we do a deep-dive into everything there is to know about this cave so that you can deep-dive into the cave itself and know exactly what to expect.
What is Vatnshellir Cave?
In the Land of Fire and Ice, there are geological wonders littered all over the country. If you are looking for an adventure of a lifetime, Vatnshellir Cave is the spot to visit. This cave is an 8,000-year-old lava tube, running 200 meters long and sitting a staggering 35 meters underground. To put things into perspective, that is roughly two football fields long and goes as deep as six giraffes standing on top of each other’s heads.
Where is Vatnshellir Cave?
On the southwestern tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, in the Snæfellsnes National Park, sits the entrance to the Vatnshellir Cave. The park is in the western part of Iceland, just 10 minutes west of Arnarstapi and roughly 25 minutes south of Hellisandur. It sits right next to Road 574, quite far from Ring Road 1.
If you go along Ring Road1, you’ll have to go west just after Borgarnes. This will be the shortest way, regardless of whether you’ve just done the best things to do in Reykjavik and are coming from the south or coming from the north.
How was Vatnshellir Cave Formed?
Lava tubes have a fascinating way of taking shape. As you probably already know, the Land of Fire and Ice has a long history of volcanic activity. Sometimes, during volcanic eruptions, a “lava river” forms, which is basically a funneled stream of lava that flows just like a river instead of spreading out like a blanket.
In these instances, the outer layer of lava sometimes hardens, creating a hard crust and a soft inside. Kind of like a chocolate praline, but a thousand degrees warmer and not so tasty. The lava will flow through this newly created stone pipe and eventually reach the end and either spread out on the ground or fill up a hollow chamber in the bedrock.
After a while, the lava empties from the tube, creating a hollow tunnel covered in colorful mineral deposits along the walls. In Vatnshellir Lava Tube Cave, for example, you can see plenty of green, yellow, and red streaks and patches all throughout the cave. The green represents any copper-dominant deposits, the yellow is from sulfur, and the red is from various iron oxide compounds.
Visiting Vatnshellir Cave
Even if it may sound like a fantastic solo adventure, the only way you’re going down Vatnshellir Cave is going to be with a guide. Luckily, this also means that you won’t have to buy a full set of spelunking gear to experience this since the guided tours provide this for you.
In the summer in Iceland, the tours are incredibly frequent. They are offered between 10 am and 6 pm, every hour, every day. However, there are only 2 tours per day in the wintertime, so plan accordingly if you visit Iceland in the winter.
What You Can Expect from a Vatnshellir Cave Tour
If you’re under 5 years old, you shouldn’t expect to go on a Vatnshellir Lava Cave tour. Even though exploring the cave is an easy task, the smallest younglings are not allowed to come due to safety reasons. Everyone who is 6 and up is more than welcome, but all children must be accompanied by an adult.
When you’ve booked your spot and come to the cave’s entrance, the guide will quickly go through some safety measures before you can start the expedition. The guide will also give you the required helmet and flashlight that you’ll need when descending into Cave Vatnshellir.
Even though the name “lava tube” might trick you into thinking it’s going to be warm and cozy, the temperature down there is low, even in the summer. If your hands get cold easily, make sure to put on a warm jacket and maybe some gloves.
How Much Does a Vatnshellir Cave Tour Cost?
To enter the cave, you must pay according to your age. Children between 6 and 11 will pay absolutely zero dollars because amazing caves should be free for small children. If you're between 12 and 17, you’ll have to fork out the Icelandic Króna equivalent of $15.
For adults who are 18 and older, the price is roughly $35. Unless you’re a student, then you only have to pay roughly $26 (but you’ll need proof of a valid student card). Please remember that the prices are subject to changes in ISK and the USD currencies. They won’t vary too much, though.
Things to Do Close to Vatnshellir Cave
If you are looking for adventure, the area around Vatnshellir Cave has more to offer. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula contains a myriad of sights, so make sure to leave some room in the planning for when you’re done with the spelunking. Below are some nearby attractions that are worth a visit:
- Lóndrangar Cliffs – for another stunning geological formation.
- Djúpalónssandur Beach – for the mystery and history of a black sand beach.
- Hólahólar Crater – a massive amphitheater-like crater from a volcanic eruption.
- The mysterious Kirkjufell Mountain – Iceland’s most photographed mountain.
Is a Vatnshellir Cave Tour Worth it?
If you don’t like cool stuff, like colorful caves created by ancient lava streams deep in the bedrock, then this is not for you. If you do like cool stuff, then we strongly recommend you take the time to visit Vatnshellir Cave. A tour of the cave won’t take up your entire day, but it will definitely remain as lifelong memories.
Stepping into this cave is the experience of a lifetime, so we strongly encourage everyone to try it out. Just rent your campervan in Iceland and start your adventure!
