North IcelandLava cave
Lofthellir
Lava cave near Mývatn with stunning natural ice sculptures year-round. Guided tours only—crawling through narrow passages required. Bring warm layers.
Caves
Caves of Iceland: Lava Tubes, Ice Sculptures & Underground Tours
Lava tubes, ice sculptures, and underground worlds carved by volcanic forces—most require guided tours for safe exploration.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Important
Guided tours required
Most caves require a guide—bring warm layers and sturdy boots.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Caves can have unstable surfaces, poor air quality, and zero visibility without lights. Always use guided tours and follow safety instructions.
Sources to check
West IcelandLava cave
Víðgelmir
Iceland's largest lava cave at 1,585m long. Walkways and lighting installed for guided tours. Impressive lava formations and colors throughout.
SnæfellsnesLava tube
Vatnshellir
8,000-year-old lava tube beneath Snæfellsnes peninsula. Guided tours descend 35m underground. Said to be the entrance to the center of the Earth (Jules Verne inspiration).
South IcelandLava tunnel
Raufarhólshellir
One of Iceland's longest lava tunnels at 1,360m. Only 30 minutes from Reykjavík. Walkways and lighting on the standard tour; adventure tour goes deeper.
South IcelandLava cave
Gjábakkahellir
Also known as Gjábakkahellir or Helguhellir. Accessible lava cave near Þingvellir. Relatively easy to enter with a headlamp.
ReykjanesLava tube
Leiðarendi
900m lava tube near Reykjavík on the Reykjanes peninsula. Requires crawling in places. Guided tours recommended—easy to get disoriented inside.
South IcelandLava cave
Búri Cave
Small lava cave with beautiful ice formations in winter. Named after the Norse god. Relatively unknown and uncrowded.
West IcelandLava cave
Surtshellir
Historic lava cave used by outlaws in the Middle Ages. Nearly 2 km long. Named after the fire giant Surtr. Rough terrain inside—proper footwear essential.
Planning help
Iceland caves FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.