Songhellir (Sönghellir) is a small lava cave in the Snaefellsjokull massif, on the Snaefellsnes peninsula. It is surrounded by other smaller caves and a rather prominent stone arch. Although it is incomparably smaller than the nearby Vatnshellir cave, it is a popular destination, especially among tourists passing under the Snaefellsjokull glacier via the F570 road.
The cave is also known as Song Cave and, according to some tourists, is notable for its magical acoustics and great echo quality. Its features also include centuries-old graffiti, including the names of two 18th-century travelers (unfortunately, 20th- and 21st-century travelers also leave various traces here…).
According to legend, the interior of the cave sheltered the family of the legendary 9th-century settler Bárður Snæfellsás. The mythical half-man, half-gigant is now considered the guardian of the region’s spirits, and a statue of him stands in nearby Arnarstapi.
There is also a beautiful view of the Arnarstapi coastline from near the cave.
How to get to Sönghellir Cave
Sönghellir is located near Arnarstapi, just off the F570 road leading ‘cross-country’ to Olafsvik on the northern shore of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Access here is only possible by 4-wheel-drive car, but a small but convenient and well-marked parking lot can be found near the cave.
