Cave Age
~3,500 years
Formed during a volcanic eruption in the Laxardalur lava field near Myvatn.
Lofthellir Ice Cave
A lava cave near Lake Myvatn in North Iceland with natural ice sculptures that last year-round, visited by guided tour only.
Location
North Iceland, Myvatn
Guided tours only. About 3,500 years old.
Quick Answer
Lofthellir is a lava cave near Mývatn with persistent ice formations. Guided trips include rough-track transport and a roughly 30-minute approach walk.
Lofthellir is a lava tube cave formed roughly 3,500 years ago during a volcanic eruption in the Laxardalur area near Lake Myvatn. Inside, water has seeped through the porous lava rock and frozen into natural ice sculptures that persist year-round: frozen stalagmites and ice formations, lit only by headlamp.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Lofthellir requires crawling through narrow passages. Visitors with claustrophobia or limited mobility should consider this carefully. Always visit with an authorized guide.
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Official sources to check
Access
Guided tours only
Tours include transport, helmets, and headlamps. Crawling is required to enter.
Temperature
Below 0°C year-round
The cave acts as a natural freezer; ice formations stay intact even in summer.
What to Expect
Ice Sculptures
Massive natural ice stalagmites and frozen formations that have been growing for centuries inside the lava tube.
Crawling Entrance
The cave entrance requires crawling on hands and knees through a narrow lava passage for several meters before reaching the main chamber.
Lava Field Hike
A 20-minute walk across the rough Laxardalur lava field to reach the cave, with views of the Myvatn landscape.
Subzero Temperatures
The cave interior stays below freezing year-round, so the ice remains even during Iceland's warmest months.
Headlamp Exploration
The cave is completely dark inside. Tours provide helmets and headlamps to light the ice formations.
Small Group Tours
Tours are kept small for safety and to preserve the delicate cave environment. Advance booking is essential.
Getting There
Book with Geo Travel and follow the pickup instructions for your Mývatn departure. A modified vehicle takes the group along rough tracks past Hverfjall and Lúdentarborgir toward Hvannfell, followed by about 30 minutes on foot across lava. The privately owned cave has limited guided access, and the ticket includes a contribution to its protection programme. Bring refreshments: they are not included.
Best Time to Visit
Trips are offered in winter and summer, subject to weather and road conditions. The operator lists four to five hours for the excursion. Inside, expect ice and water underfoot, a short crawl through the entrance and a short slide farther in. Helmets, headlamps and studded boots are supplied. Wear warm clothing, gloves and preferably waterproof trousers; ask the operator about suitability if anyone in your group is very young, uneasy in confined spaces or unable to crawl.
Planning help
Lofthellir Ice Cave FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How do you get to Lofthellir Ice Cave?
Geo Travel runs guided trips from the Mývatn area, using a modified vehicle on rough tracks followed by a roughly 30-minute walk to the cave. The full excursion is listed as four to five hours. Confirm the pickup location on your booking; the cave is not a quick independent roadside stop.
Is Lofthellir open year-round?
Geo Travel lists winter and summer departures, but weather and road conditions can lengthen or cancel a trip. The cave contains persistent ice; that does not guarantee access on a particular day. Check your confirmed departure before travelling.
Do you need to crawl inside Lofthellir?
Yes, entering Lofthellir requires crawling through a narrow passage for several meters. The cave entrance is low and tight, so visitors must be comfortable with confined spaces. The main chamber opens up significantly once inside.
What should I wear to visit Lofthellir?
Wear warm, layered clothing and sturdy hiking boots. The cave temperature is below freezing year-round. Tour operators provide helmets and headlamps. Gloves and a warm hat are essential as you will be crawling on ice.
For a countrywide view of Iceland’s volcanic systems, explore our Iceland statistics.