Cave Length
~1,970 meters
One of Iceland's longest lava caves, with the connected Stefanshellir extending the system further.
Surtshellir: Lava Cave and Viking Age Rituals
A nearly 2 km long lava cave in West Iceland named after the Norse fire giant Surtr. It contains Viking Age remains interpreted in a 2021 study as evidence of ritual activity.
Location
West Iceland, Hallmundarhraun
Named after fire giant Surtr. Rough terrain.
Quick Answer
Surtshellir is a nearly 2 km lava cave in West Iceland named after the fire giant Surtr. A 2021 study interprets its Viking Age remains as ritual deposits.
Surtshellir is among the earliest documented caves in the world, first described in the 12th-century Landnamabok (Book of Settlements). The lava tube stretches nearly 1,970 meters through the Hallmundarhraun lava field in West Iceland and formed around 1,100 years ago. Its Viking Age stone structures and animal bones have been reinterpreted as evidence of ritual activity. Named after the Norse fire giant Surtr, the cave connects to the smaller Stefanshellir cave.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Surtshellir is undeveloped with rough terrain, loose rocks, and ice in winter. A guided tour with proper equipment is strongly recommended. Access roads may require a 4x4.
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Official sources to check
Historical Significance
Viking Age archaeological site
Archaeological interpretation has shifted from outlaw shelter toward ritual activity.
Difficulty
Challenging
Rough, uneven terrain with loose rocks, ice patches, and no installed paths or lighting.
What to Expect
Viking Age Remains
Stone structures and animal-bone deposits are archaeological evidence, but they do not by themselves establish an outlaw settlement. Leave remains undisturbed.
Massive Lava Tube
The cave is large in places, with high ceilings and wide passages formed by a major lava flow through the Hallmundarhraun field.
Rough Terrain
The floor is strewn with loose rocks, collapsed ceiling blocks, and ice in winter. Careful footing is essential throughout the cave.
Connected Cave System
Surtshellir connects to Stefanshellir, a smaller cave that can be explored on the same visit.
Historical Documentation
First mentioned in the 12th-century Landnamabok, Surtshellir is one of the earliest documented caves in the world.
Norse Mythology
Named after Surtr, the fire giant who will destroy the world during Ragnarok; early Icelanders linked the cave to volcanic fire.
Getting There
Surtshellir is located in the Hallmundarhraun lava field in West Iceland, near Húsafell and the Borgarfjörður valley. From Reykjavík, take Route 1 north to Borgarnes (75 km), then Route 50 east and Route 518 north toward Húsafell, a total drive of about 2 hours (150 km). From Húsafell, continue north on Route 518 for approximately 15 km; the cave is signposted with a turnoff onto a gravel track leading to a small parking area. The last portion of the road is unpaved and can require a 4x4 vehicle in wet conditions or after heavy rain. Parking is free but limited with no facilities. The nearest services (fuel, food, accommodation) are in Húsafell, about 15 km south. The area is close to other attractions including Víðgelmir cave (10 km), Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls (20 km), Deildartunguhver hot spring, and the Langjökull glacier ice tunnel.
Best Time to Visit
June through August is the best time to visit Surtshellir, as access roads are clear and daylight stretches to 20+ hours. July has the warmest temperatures (10-14°C) and driest conditions for the approach. September is possible but the access road may become muddy and conditions deteriorate quickly. From October through May, the cave can be visited but ice and snow both inside the cave and on access roads make it significantly more difficult and potentially dangerous; experienced cavers only. Ice formations near the entrance are at their largest in January and February. The cave interior is cold year-round, typically around 0-2°C with ice patches on the floor in all seasons, so warm clothing, sturdy boots, and proper caving equipment are essential. A guided tour is recommended in all seasons for safety and to learn about the Viking Age archaeology.
What changed the interpretation?
Smith, Ólafsson and Pálsdóttir combined radiocarbon dating, volcanic ash layers and written accounts in their 2021 study. Their analysis suggests people deposited animal remains deep inside the cave over roughly 80–120 years, with the activity ending shortly after Iceland’s conversion to Christianity. The dating provides a stronger explanation than treating every stone wall as an outlaw’s shelter, while the purpose of the activity remains an archaeological interpretation.
Planning help
Surtshellir Cave FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Who was Surtr and why is the cave named after him?
Surtr (or Surtur) is a fire giant in Norse mythology who guards the fiery realm of Muspelheim. He is prophesied to set the world ablaze during Ragnarok. The cave was named Surtshellir ('Surtr's Cave') because early Icelanders associated it with the fires of the volcanic underworld.
Were outlaws really living in Surtshellir?
The cave has long been interpreted as an outlaw shelter, but the remains do not prove that explanation. A 2021 archaeological study instead interprets the animal bones and stone structure as evidence of repeated Viking Age ritual activity. Treat the outlaw story and the excavated evidence separately.
How long is Surtshellir Cave?
Surtshellir stretches nearly 1,970 meters (almost 2 km), one of the longest lava caves in Iceland. Together with the connected Stefanshellir cave, the system extends even further.
Do I need special equipment for Surtshellir?
Yes, the cave is undeveloped with rough terrain, loose rocks, and no lighting. You need a reliable headlamp, helmet, sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, warm layers, and gloves. A guided tour is strongly recommended as the cave has challenging sections.
For a countrywide view of Iceland’s volcanic systems, explore our Iceland statistics.