Grjotagja (Grjótagjá) is a small lava cave with a hot spring that became famous as the backdrop for the hot love scene between Jon Snow and Ygritte in the Game of Thrones series.
The jagged rocks, total darkness and desolate surroundings meant that law-abiding Icelanders avoided lava caves. They were the domain and best refuge of outlawed carnage (well, and trolls). It is said that in the 18th century, the Grjótagjá cave was inhabited by the criminal Jón Markússon. Although little is known about him, after the bandit’s death, the fear of his cave gave way to… excitement. No wonder. Although it looks inconspicuous from the outside, you only have to go downstairs to reach a small natural pool with shimmering blue water. It is currently the biggest motivation for tourists visiting Grjótagjá.
To protect Grjótagja from destruction, it has been closed several times in recent years. The cave is located on private land. According to the landowners, many visitors have left garbage in and around the pool, including organic waste, toilet paper, glass bottles and beer cans.
Sometimes the reason for closing the cave can also be the excessive temperature of the water inside.
In this area, the hot lava is located a short distance below the surface. This means that it can be very unpredictable. For this reason, bathing is no longer allowed in Grjótagjá.
Don’t want to give up bathing in the hot springs? Visit Myvatn Nature Baths There you will find public hot pools with changing rooms, changing rooms and a restaurant.
Grjotagja is located on the eastern shores of Lake Myvatn, on road 860. Right next to the cave there is a public parking lot with quite a lot of spaces.
It’s not a place worth coming to for its own sake, but you can drive up to it for a while while touring all the attractions around Myvatn.
A short rocky path leads to the cave. On the descent to the cave itself, you should be careful not to tear your clothes, twist your ankles, or fall into the water.
A similar place is the Storagja cave, located in Reykjahlid (about 2 km to the northwest). Bathing there is also not recommended, but mainly for the reasons of water’s “sanitary condition”.
