Cave Length
~300 meters
A compact lava cave, walkable in under an hour.
Buri Cave
A small, little-known lava cave in South Iceland named after the first Norse god, with ice formations in the winter months.
Location
South Iceland
Named after Norse god Buri. Winter ice.
Buri Cave is one of Iceland's lesser-known lava caves, set in a lava field in South Iceland. It is named after Buri, the first god in Norse mythology, who was licked from ice by the primordial cow Audhumla; fittingly, ice formations appear in the cave during the colder months. At about 300 meters it is small, and it sees far fewer visitors than Iceland's better-known caves.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Buri Cave is unlit and undeveloped. Always bring proper caving equipment including a headlamp, helmet, and warm layers. A guided tour is recommended.
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Official sources to check
Key Feature
Winter ice formations
Ice stalagmites and frozen columns appear from November to March.
Crowd Level
Very low
Far fewer visitors than the major caves.
What to Expect
Winter Ice Sculptures
From November through March, water seeping through the lava rock freezes into stalagmites, columns, and other ice formations inside the cave.
Norse Mythology Connection
Named after Buri, the first Norse god, who emerged from ice. In winter the cave's icy interior matches the myth.
Off the Beaten Path
Buri Cave sees far fewer visitors than Iceland's popular tourist caves.
Compact Exploration
At about 300 meters, the cave is manageable for most visitors and can be explored in under an hour.
Lava Tube Features
Beyond the ice, the cave has typical lava tube features including flow lines, lava shelves, and mineral-stained walls.
Photographic Opportunity
The ice formations stand out against the dark lava rock, a good subject for photography.
Getting There
Buri Cave is located in a lava field on the Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland. The exact location is typically shared by tour operators upon booking to protect the cave from unsupervised access. Most guided tours depart from Reykjavík or meet at a designated point on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. From Reykjavík, the drive to the Snæfellsnes area takes approximately 2-2.5 hours via Route 1 north and Route 54 west. The cave is near the western end of the peninsula within the Snæfellsjökull National Park area. Parking is at a small pull-off near the cave entrance. The surrounding area offers other attractions including Djúpalónssandur beach, Arnarstapi, and the Snæfellsjökull glacier itself. The nearest village for fuel and supplies is Ólafsvík or Grundarfjörður.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Buri Cave is during winter (November to March), when the ice formations are at their fullest. December and January typically produce the most elaborate ice stalagmites and frozen columns, as temperatures deep inside the cave drop well below freezing. February and March have slightly longer daylight for the approach walk while the ice remains in place. Summer visits (June through August) are still worthwhile for the lava tube geology and warmer approach conditions, but the ice is gone. April and May see the ice beginning to melt, while October marks the start of new ice formation. Winter tours may require crampons or ice cleats for the approach walk across potentially snow-covered lava fields. The cave interior drops below freezing in winter, so dress in warm layers with waterproof outer clothing regardless of season.
Planning help
Buri Cave FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.