Cave Length
1,585 meters
Iceland's largest lava cave, with chambers up to 16.5m wide and 15.8m high.
Vidgelmir: Iceland's Largest Lava Cave
Iceland's largest lava cave, 1,585 meters long and fitted with walkways and lighting, in West Iceland near Husafell.
Location
West Iceland, Husafell
About 1,100 years old. Walkway-equipped.
Vidgelmir is the largest known lava cave in Iceland and one of the biggest lava tubes on Earth. Formed around 1,100 years ago during an eruption beneath the Hallmundarhraun lava field, the cave stretches 1,585 meters, with chambers reaching over 15 meters high. Installed walkways and lighting let visitors see its colorful lava formations, stalactites, stalagmites, and winter ice sculptures in comfort and safety.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Vidgelmir is well-managed with walkways and lighting. Warm clothing and sturdy footwear are still recommended as the cave stays cool year-round.
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Official sources to check
Accessibility
Walkways installed
Paved paths and lighting make the cave accessible for families and most fitness levels.
Cave Age
~1,100 years
Created by an eruption under the Hallmundarhraun lava field near Langjokull glacier.
What to Expect
Massive Lava Chambers
Walk through underground chambers reaching over 15 meters in height, with colorful mineral deposits on the walls.
Lava Stalactites & Stalagmites
See delicate lava formations including stalactites, stalagmites, and flow lines that reveal the cave's volcanic origin.
Winter Ice Formations
During colder months, ice stalagmites and frozen columns form near the cave entrance.
Professional Lighting
Lighting has been installed throughout the cave to pick out the geological features and lava colors.
Viking History
Vidgelmir is mentioned in Icelandic sagas and was known to settlers over 1,000 years ago. Archaeological remains have been found inside.
Expert Guided Tours
Guides explain the geology, history, and folklore of the cave during the 1.5-hour tour.
Getting There
Víðgelmir is located near Húsafell in West Iceland, about 150 km northeast of Reykjavík. From Reykjavík, drive Route 1 north to Borgarnes (75 km), then take Route 50 east and Route 518 north toward Húsafell. The Víðgelmir Cave visitor center (The Cave) is clearly signposted from Route 518, about 5 km past Húsafell. The drive from Reykjavík takes about 2 hours on paved roads. The visitor center has a reception area with a small exhibition, restrooms, and parking for approximately 30 cars. From the visitor center, a short shuttle ride (included in the tour) takes visitors to the cave entrance. The nearest town for fuel, food, and accommodation is Húsafell (5 km south) or Reykholt (25 km south), the latter being the historic home of Snorri Sturluson. The area is also close to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls (20 km), Deildartunguhver hot spring (30 km), and the Langjökull glacier ice tunnel, so it is easy to build into a full West Iceland day trip.
Best Time to Visit
Víðgelmir is open year-round with guided tours running daily. June through August has the easiest driving conditions, the longest daylight hours (up to 21 hours), and the most frequent tour departures, typically every 1-2 hours. July is the busiest month; book at least a day in advance. May and September are good shoulder months with smaller groups and comfortable conditions. Winter visits (November through March) bring ice formations (frozen stalagmites, ice curtains, and columns) near the cave entrance; January and February usually have the most elaborate displays. The cave's interior temperature stays relatively constant at around 1-2°C regardless of outdoor weather, so warm layers are needed in all seasons. Tours run daily year-round but on a reduced winter schedule (2-3 departures per day). Advance booking is recommended in all seasons, especially during peak summer and holiday periods.
Planning help
Vidgelmir Cave FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.