In short
- Vatnshellir requires descending 35 meters via narrow spiral stairs.
- Viðgelmir features larger spaces with installed lights and paved paths.
- Vatnshellir tours provide helmets and headlamps for the unlit 200-meter tube.
In this article
Both caves offer fascinating glimpses into Iceland's volcanic past, but their accessibility and atmosphere differ greatly. Vatnshellir leans into raw, unlit exploration at the foot of Snæfellsjökull glacier. Viðgelmir is known for its size and improved walkways, making it easier for visitors who prefer a smoother path.
What is the main difference between Vatnshellir and Vidgelmir?
Vatnshellir offers a raw, unlit experience requiring headlamps, while Viðgelmir features paved walkways and installed lighting.
Vatnshellir embraces its natural, rocky state. You enter through a narrow metal silo and descend a tall spiral staircase into absolute darkness. Viðgelmir provides a more accessible environment with wider, lit paths. If you want an authentic expedition feel, Vatnshellir delivers a more rugged challenge.
How deep underground is Vatnshellir Cave?
The deepest point of Vatnshellir reaches 35 meters (114 feet) below the surface.
You reach this depth by navigating steep, narrow metal spiral staircases. The total accessible length of the lava tube is approximately 200 meters (656 feet). This 8,000-year-old formation offers distinct upper and lower chambers. Guides typically turn off flashlights at the lowest point to show visitors absolute darkness.
What are the key features inside Vatnshellir?
Vatnshellir features distinct lava layers, stalactites, and bright mineral deposits on the walls.
The cave walls show streaks of red from iron, yellow from sulfur, and green from copper. Visitors use provided flashlights to spot cooled lava crusts and blisters. It sits exactly at the base of Snæfellsjökull volcano, famously known as the setting for Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth.
How hard is it to walk in Vatnshellir Cave?
Vatnshellir requires walking unsupported on uneven, sharp lava rock and climbing steep stairs.
You must wear closed-toe shoes with strong grip, preferably hiking boots. The uneven floor makes sturdy footwear essential. If you cannot manage narrow stairs or rocky terrain, the paved paths of Viðgelmir may be a safer choice for your group.
What equipment is required for Vatnshellir?
All visitors must wear safety helmets and use flashlights or headlamps.
The cave is completely unlit and the ceiling can be low, so helmets protect your head from sharp rock. Guides provide the helmets and lights. The temperature inside stays near freezing year-round. You need warm layers, a jacket, and gloves to stay comfortable. Cave Clothing Guide
Can you go inside Vatnshellir Cave without a guide?
No, independent exploration is strictly forbidden in Vatnshellir.
Entry is only permitted with a licensed guide to protect the delicate lava formations and ensure safety. Standard tours last about 45 minutes and cost approximately 4,500 to 5,400 ISK for adults. Guides provide the safety briefing and essential gear before you enter.
Questions travellers ask
How do I get to Vatnshellir Cave from Reykjavik?
Drive about 2.5 to 3 hours (200 km) on Route 574. The parking lot is located directly off the road inside Snæfellsjökull National Park. Parking is free.
What should I wear to Vatnshellir Cave?
Wear sturdy hiking boots, warm layers, an insulated jacket, and gloves. The cave temperature stays near freezing year-round, regardless of the weather above ground.
Is Vatnshellir the Journey to the Center of the Earth cave?
Yes, Vatnshellir sits at the foot of Snæfellsjökull, the volcano featured in Jules Verne's classic novel as the entry point to the center of the earth.
