01
The First Spiral Staircase
5 minutesNarrow stairs
A tall, narrow metal spiral staircase descends vertically into the mouth of the cave. The metal steps can become slippery. Hold onto the railings firmly and watch your step.
Explore
Upper Cave Chamber
Begin your 8,000-year-old underground journey by descending a tall metal spiral staircase.
The Upper Cave Chamber is the first section of your mandatory 45-minute guided tour. Here, you enter the ancient lava tube created by an eruption in the Purkhólar area.
Temperatures hover near freezing year-round. You must wear the provided helmet and use your flashlight to safely navigate the rocky, uneven floor.
02
The Main Lava Tube
15 minutesFlashlight required
This primary tunnel shows where a massive river of magma once flowed before cooling rapidly. Point your flashlight at the walls to spot distinct layers of cooled lava crust and lava stalactites. Do not touch the formations, as the lava rock is fragile and sharp.
03
The Mineral Walls
10 minutesLow-light photos
These cave sections feature vivid streaks of red, yellow, and green. The colors come from deposits of iron, sulfur, and copper in the rock. Use a camera or smartphone with a good low-light sensor to capture the colors without washing them out.
