Vatnshellir is one of Iceland’s oldest lava tunnels. It is located in the northwestern part of the island, on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Vatnshellir was formed by an eruption about 8,000 years ago. It is 200 meters long (220 yards), and its deepest point is 35 meters (38 yards) below the entrance..
The distinctive feature of the cave is, first of all, that the lava here did not just flow horizontally (as usual), but fell from the rock sills, forming siphons and “vertical passages.” Hence, among other things, the cave’s famous winding staircases. One of them is used to enter the cave and the other leads us from one tunnel, through a vertical siphon, to another tunnel a level below.
Another unique feature of the Vatnshellir cave is the ‘lava stalactites’. Not created by dripping water and minerals precipitating out of it, but by dripping more lava ‘blobs’… This may not be the most spectacular sight, it may even come across as repulsive, but – according to the guide – you won’t find this in any other cave (probably: in Iceland).
In addition, some of the rock infiltrations on the walls are also unique. Reds represent iron deposits, yellows represent sulfur, and greens – copper.
Certainly the Vidgelmir is larger, and a visit there is surely more interesting. However, the uniqueness of the Vatnshellir cave lies not only in its aesthetic or geological qualities, but also in the fact that it was here – inspired by an earlier visit – that Julius Verne placed the beginning of the adventures of his book “Journey to the Center of the Earth”. So for all the Verne’s enthusiasts there’s surely no other place like this one 🙂
Vatnshellir – tips and practical information
- Tours of Vatnshellir cave are possible year-round, from noon to 4 PM.
- Tours are guided in English and you need to buy a ticket / book admission in advance.
- The parking lot for visitors is located slightly to the east (to the right looking at the ‘reception’) – do not try to drive through the chain at the reception building itself.
- Ticket prices (2023) are the following: adults: $33 (4500 ISK), teenagers 12-17 years old: $25 (2000 ISK); children under 12 enter for free (minimum age is 5); get your tickets here: entry to Vatnshellir cave;
- During the guided tour you will not only see the cave, but also learn a lot of interesting information about its geology and… Icelandic folklore.
- Vatnshellir is equipped with stairs and appropriate landings, but much of the route runs directly along the bottom of the magma tunnel and is not illuminated (everyone gets their own small flashlight and helmet). Completely basic physical fitness is sufficient for a visit, but those who dislike small, dark, enclosed spaces may feel uncomfortable here.
- Vatnshellir is located within the Snæfellsjökull National Park. It is therefore a protected area.
| Vatnshellir Cave – details | |||
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| location | Western Iceland, peninsula of Snaefellsnes | ||
| GPS coordinates | 64.75503186534785, -23.81863642647397 |
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| cave length | 200 m | ||
| opening hours | daily, 12:00 – 16:00 | ||
| entry fees | adults: $33 (4500 ISK) teenagers 12-17 years old: $15 (2000 ISK) children under 12: free (min. age: 5); |
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| remarks | Guided tours only. Tour time: about 45 minutes. |
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| tickets | access to Vatnshellir Cave | ||
Photos from Vatnshellir Cave
