Most bookedVatnshellir Lava Cave Tour
Discover the underworlds of Snæfellsnes peninsula. Learn about the formation of lava tubes, a beautiful natural formation. See different textures, colors and formations...
- Helmet and flashlight
Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland
Visit Vatnshellir Cave
Descend 35 meters into an 8,000-year-old lava tube. Explore 200 meters of underground rock formations on a mandatory guided tour.
4.8 from 151 traveller reviews on Viator
- 8,000 yrsage of the lava tube
- 35 mdeepest point
- 200 maccessible length
- 45 minstandard tour duration
Tickets & tours
Choose your Vatnshellir Cave tour
You cannot enter the cave without a licensed guide.
Most booked
Small group2-Day Snaefellsnes & Borgarfjörður Fjord Small-Group Tour
Embark on this 2 day adventure where you can experience all the wonders that the Snaefellsnes peninsula has to offer and expect to see stunning waterfalls, the...
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- Breakfast at the hotel
- Hotel pickup
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and discover Iceland’s dramatic coastlines, steaming springs, black sand beaches and volcanic...
- Support: Toll free phone, chat and email
- Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline
- Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
Explore
Inside the lava tube
Discover three main areas of the cave.
3 spotsSurface & SurroundingsThe volcanic landscape where your Vatnshellir journey begins.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsUpper Cave ChamberThe initial descent into the ancient lava tube.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsDeepest Cave SectionThe deepest accessible section of the cavern, reaching 35 meters down.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
The cave sits at the foot of the Snæfellsjökull glacier.
This is the volcano from Jules Verne's 'Journey to the Center of the Earth'.
Plan your visit
Plan your descent
Duration
The standard guided tour lasts 45 minutes. Arrive 10 minutes early to gear up.
Best time
Visit between May and September. Summer offers safer road conditions and more departures.
Getting there
Drive Route 574 on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It takes 3 hours from Reykjavik.
Budget
Standard adult tickets cost roughly 4,500 to 5,400 ISK. Parking is free.
About Vatnshellir Cave
Vatnshellir is an 8,000-year-old lava tube. A volcanic eruption in the Purkhólar area formed it. The cave sits inside Snæfellsjökull National Park.
You must take a guided tour to enter. Visitors descend via a tall, metal spiral staircase. The temperature stays near freezing year-round.
Inside, you will see layers of cooled magma. The walls feature red, yellow, and green mineral deposits. Read our guide on Cave Clothing Guide before you arrive.
How we compare tours
Official entry
We highlight which tours include the mandatory guided cave access.
Transport options
We separate self-drive tickets from guided day trips from Reykjavik.
Clear facts
We only use verified data about the cave and operating rules.
From Viator
What visitors say
4.8
151 reviews of the vatnshellir cave tour on Viator
Amazing experience. Klaudia guided us through this adventure with funny stories and interesting facts. Always available to give us some time or take a photo. Highly recommended. 😄
The Lava Cave Tour was a really nice experience we recommend to do ! The guide was really nice and we could experience a little surprise down there, which I will always remember. Thank you
Had an amazing 2 day tour with Lili! She was super friendly and knowledgeable, sharing lots of great facts on each location we stopped at, while being very happy and welcoming to our whole group. Could not have asked for a better experience than what Lili provided, which matched the fantastic scenery along the entire tour. Thank you Lili and Artic Adventures for an amazing birthday!
Travel tips
Practical advice
Ticket PricesCost of adult and youth tickets for Vatnshellir Cave guided tours.Read 
Driving & DirectionsDirections, road conditions, and parking at Vatnshellir Cave.Read Best Time to VisitFind out the best season for road conditions and frequent tours.Read Cave Clothing GuideFind out what to wear for near-freezing temperatures and sharp lava rocks.Read Vatnshellir vs. ViðgelmirCompare the rugged Vatnshellir cave with the paved paths of Viðgelmir.Read Visiting with kidsSafety rules, physical requirements, and tips for families with kids.Read How do I get to Vatnshellir Cave from Reykjavik?
Drive north on Route 1, then take Route 54 and Route 574 along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The drive is roughly 200 kilometers. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours by car. The parking lot is right off Route 574.
How long is the Vatnshellir Cave guided tour?
The guided tour takes approximately 45 minutes. This includes a safety briefing, gearing up, and the full underground walk. Read more on Plan your visit.
Do I need to book Vatnshellir Cave tickets in advance?
Yes. You cannot enter without a licensed guide. Tour groups are limited in size. Book your tickets early to ensure you get your preferred time. Go to Tickets to check options.
How cold is it inside Vatnshellir Cave?
The temperature hovers near freezing year-round. It does not warm up during summer. You must wear a warm jacket, gloves, and thick socks. Check Cave Clothing Guide for details.
Can you go inside Vatnshellir Cave without a guide?
No. Independent exploration is strictly forbidden. The cave entrance is locked and protected. You must join a tour with a licensed guide to enter.
What should I wear to Vatnshellir Cave?
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots with strong grip. Bring warm layers, waterproof outer pants, and gloves to protect your hands from sharp rocks. A thin hat that fits under a helmet is also useful.
Ready for the underground?
Book your guide to explore this ancient lava tube.