Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/caves/gjabakkahellir Content updated: 2026-09-10 This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article. --- # Gjabakkahellir: Lava Cave Near Thingvellir An accessible lava cave near Thingvellir National Park. Little crawling is required, so it suits first-time cavers. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() Location South Iceland, near Thingvellir Easy access. Headlamp required. ## Quick Answer Gjabakkahellir is a lava cave near Thingvellir National Park with rough ground and dark passages. Guided tours are recommended for safety. Gjabakkahellir (also known as Gjabakki Cave) is a lava cave in the Thingvallahraun lava field near Thingvellir National Park. At around 360 metres long, it is wide enough to walk through upright for most of its length, one of the more approachable lava caves in Iceland. It sits close to the Golden Circle and Thingvellir, so it fits easily into a South Iceland itinerary. Sources and page update Updated: 2026-09-10 Always bring a headlamp and helmet when visiting Gjabakkahellir. The cave is unlit and the floor can be uneven and slippery. A guided tour is recommended. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [SafeTravel]() - [Road.is]() - [Icelandic Meteorological Office]() - [Environment Agency of Iceland]() Cave Length ~360 metres A compact lava cave that can be explored in about 30-45 minutes. Difficulty Easy to moderate Mostly walkable upright with some low sections. Good for beginner cavers. From Reykjavik ~50 km Located near Thingvellir National Park, easily combined with Golden Circle tours. ## What to Expect ### Walk-Through Lava Tube Most of the cave is tall enough to walk through upright, so there is little crawling. ### Lava Formations See lava shelves, flow lines, and small stalactites formed when molten lava cooled thousands of years ago in the Thingvallahraun lava field. ### Natural Skylight A collapse in the cave roof creates a natural skylight, allowing daylight to stream into the underground passage. ### Thingvellir Proximity The cave is just a short drive from Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Iceland's top attractions. ### Headlamp Exploration The cave is completely dark inside, and visitors explore by headlamp. ### Beginner Friendly Gjabakkahellir is one of Iceland's most approachable caves, whose suitability depends on the route, conditions and participants. ## Getting There Confirm the meeting point and actual cave with your operator before driving. Do not use an approximate roadside pull-off as a verified entrance. The Þingvellir area has several named tracks and caves, and an old tour description may refer to a different location. ## Best Time to Visit Gjabakkahellir can be visited year-round, though summer (June to August) has the easiest conditions with long daylight hours (up to 21 hours), dry access paths, and the most frequent tour schedules. May and September are good shoulder months with comfortable conditions and fewer visitors. October through April sees shorter daylight and the path to the cave may be icy or snow-covered, requiring extra caution and possibly crampons. Winter visits can reveal small ice formations near the cave entrance that are absent in summer. The cave interior temperature remains cool (around 2-4°C) regardless of season, so warm layers are always needed. Guided tours run most frequently from June through August, with reduced schedules in the off-season, so book ahead to confirm availability. ## Check which cave the booking actually visits The [DIVE.IS cave FAQ]() lists Gjábakkahellir at 360 metres and Leiðarendi at 880 metres. It says the cave used can change with season, weather and road conditions. That is useful context when reading an older combined-tour description, but it is not proof that a Gjábakkahellir departure is currently available. Get the cave name and meeting point confirmed for your booking. Independent access permission and current entrance conditions were not established in this check. Planning help ## Gjabakkahellir Cave FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **Do I need a guide to visit Gjabakkahellir?** While Gjabakkahellir can technically be entered independently with proper equipment, a guided tour is recommended for safety and to learn about the cave's geology. Several tour operators offer trips from Reykjavik and the Thingvellir area. **How long is Gjabakkahellir Cave?** DIVE.IS lists Gjábakkahellir at 360 metres. Cave length does not establish an easy walking route: confirm the chosen cave, required equipment and physical demands directly with the operator. **Where exactly is Gjabakkahellir located?** Gjabakkahellir is located in the Thingvallahraun lava field near Thingvellir National Park in South Iceland. It is about 50 km east of Reykjavik and can be reached by a short walk from the road. **What should I bring to Gjabakkahellir?** Bring a reliable headlamp or flashlight (with spare batteries), a helmet, warm clothing, and sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support. The cave floor can be uneven and slippery, and the interior is cool even in summer. [Back to Caves]() For a countrywide view of Iceland’s volcanic systems, explore our [Iceland statistics]().