About Tour
Discover the mysterious world beneath Iceland’s surface with the Víðgelmir Lava Cave Tour. This exciting adventure takes you deep into one of Iceland’s largest and most impressive lava tubes, offering a unique opportunity to explore the volcanic forces that have shaped the country’s landscape. With its enormous size, fascinating rock formations, and stunning colors, Víðgelmir is truly a natural wonder.
Located in the Hallmundarhraun lava field in West Iceland, Víðgelmir offers an unforgettable experience for those looking to delve into Iceland’s volcanic history. Whether you’re a geology enthusiast or simply looking for an awe-inspiring adventure, this guided tour is perfect for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.
Included
- Super Jeep transfer to and from the Crystal Blue Ice Cave
- Guided tour of a breathtaking Crystal Ice Cave
- All essential glacier gear provided
- All necessary safety equipment included
- Licensed English-speaking adventure guide
What to bring
- Warm Clothing: The temperature inside the cave stays around 4°C (39°F) year-round, so it’s important to wear warm layers, even in summer.
- Sturdy Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as some parts of the cave can be uneven or slippery.
Good to know
- Duration: The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, including time for safety briefings and exploration.
- Group Size: Small groups ensure a more intimate and personalized experience.
- Difficulty Level: Easy – suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
- Equipment Provided: Helmets and headlamps are provided for all participants.

Itinerary
1. Meeting Point and Introduction
Your adventure begins at the Fljótstunga farm in West Iceland, where you’ll meet your knowledgeable guide and receive all the necessary safety equipment, including a helmet and headlamp. From there, you’ll head to the cave entrance for a short introduction to the tour.
2. Guided Tour Inside Víðgelmir
As you descend into Víðgelmir, you’ll immediately notice the vastness of the cave’s chambers. The well-maintained walkways make it easy to navigate, even for those who are new to cave exploration. As you venture deeper, your guide will explain the unique features of the cave, including the formation of the lava tubes and the natural processes that created the vibrant colors and intricate lava formations.
The tour lasts around 1.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to take in the cave’s stunning geological features, including lava stalactites and stalagmites, which are rare and preserved within the cave’s cool, dry environment.
3. Spectacular Lava Formations and Ancient Relics
The tour will take you past some of the most impressive formations in the cave. You’ll see lava falls, lava ropes, and other intricate formations that showcase the beauty of volcanic processes. In some sections of the cave, ancient ice formations may still be visible, even in summer.
As you walk through the cave, your guide will also point out historical remnants, including bones and artifacts left by early settlers, adding a layer of historical intrigue to your visit.
4. A Family-Friendly Adventure
Víðgelmir is an ideal destination for families, as the tour is designed to be both informative and accessible for children and adults alike. The wide walkways and carefully constructed platforms ensure that the tour is safe and comfortable for all visitors, while the intriguing sights keep everyone engaged.
What Makes Víðgelmir Lava Cave Special?
- Iceland’s Largest Lava Cave: Víðgelmir is the largest lava cave in Iceland, measuring 1,585 meters (5,200 feet) in length. Its massive chambers and wide passageways make it easy to explore, even for families and beginners.
- Stunning Lava Formations: Inside the cave, you’ll see a variety of stalactites, stalagmites, and vibrant lava formations, showcasing the natural beauty of the underground world. The walls are colored in reds, oranges, and purples, adding to the surreal atmosphere.
- A Journey Through Iceland’s Volcanic Past: Víðgelmir was formed during a massive volcanic eruption over 1,000 years ago. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the cave’s formation and Iceland’s volcanic history, giving you a deeper appreciation of the forces that shaped this incredible landscape.
- Easy Accessibility: The cave has been made easily accessible with well-lit walkways and sturdy platforms, allowing visitors to explore its depths comfortably and safely.
Why You Should Visit Víðgelmir
Víðgelmir is more than just a cave; it’s a journey into Iceland’s volcanic heart. Unlike many caves that require crawling or squeezing through tight spaces, Víðgelmir offers spacious chambers that make it easy for everyone to explore. The cave’s vast size, combined with its natural beauty and geological significance, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Iceland’s unique natural history.
Plus, the cave’s location in West Iceland means it’s easy to include in a day trip from Reykjavik or as part of a longer exploration of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula or Borgarfjörður region.
FAQ
The meeting point for the tour is at Víðgelmir lava cave.
The driving time to Víðgelmir from Reykjavik is 1 hour 57 minutes.
If you are going to Víðgelmir lava cave on a day tour from Reykjavik we recommend that you visit Hraunfossar & Barnafossar waterfalls, Húsafell, and take a dip into Krauma geothermal baths or Giljaböð Canyon hot spring.
To add something extra special to the day, you can include the Into the Glacier Tour on Langjokull.
This hike is rated as easy and is appropriate for all skill levels. An easy access walkway has been built inside the lava cave so it is easy to walk through the cave.
You will receive a full refund if the tour gets cancelled due to weather.
Yes, and you definitely should! The setting on the tour is full of amazing, scenic views.
Do you have a question?
Interesting locations in the area
Self Driving Activities
Locations
- Hraunfossar
- Barnafossar
- Surtshellir lava cave
- Snorralaug
- Reykholt
- Deildartunguhver
Restaurants & hotels
- Hotel Húsafell
- Fosshotel Reykholt
- Húsafell Bistro
- Hotel Húsafell
- Krauma Restaurant