Hellir
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Hellir
About
Surtshellir is a lava cave located in western Iceland, around 60 km from the settlement of Borgarnes. Approximately a mile in length, it is one of the longest such caves in the country. It was the first known lava tube in the world, at least by modern speleologists, and remained the longest known lava tube until the end of the 19th century. While mentioned in the medieval historical-geographical work Landnámabók, Eggert Ólafsson was the first to give a thorough documentation of the cave in his 1750 travels of the region. It is named after the fire giant Surtr, a prominent figure in Norse mytho...
Surtshellir is a lava cave located in western Iceland, around 60 km from the settlement of Borgarnes. Approximately a mile in length, it is one of the longest such caves in the country.
Underground, the usual rules don't apply. It's dark, quiet, and slightly unnerving in the best way.
Approximately a mile in length, it is one of the longest such caves in the country. It was the first known lava tube in the world, at least by modern speleologists, and remained the longest known lava tube until the end of the 19th century. While mentioned in the medieval historical-geographical work Landnámabók, Eggert Ólafsson was the first to give a thorough documentation of the cave in his 1750 travels of the region.
Bring a headlamp or flashlight even on guided tours. Caves are dark. Really dark.
Drive: Good·
Visit now·
30 min stop
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Entry: Free
Parking: Free
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Entry feeFree
ParkingFree
BookingNot needed
Getting thereCar recommended
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KEF airport pickup 24/74.8
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SleepsTours near Hellir
Small groups
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Nearby
Waterfalls
A waterfall in the Capital Area. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall…
A waterfall in the Capital Area. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall…
A waterfall in the Capital Area. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall…
A waterfall in the Capital Area. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall…
Hot Springs
Geothermal spot. Naturally heated, no facilities. Respect the nature around it.
Wild hot spring. Off the tourist path. Bring your own towel.
Natural pool. Real Iceland experience. Worth seeking out.
Hot pot in nature. Water temp varies but usually comfortable. Check conditions before…
Campsites
West Iceland camping. Access to Snæfellsnes peninsula and western attractions. Good…
West Iceland camping. Access to Snæfellsnes peninsula and western attractions. Good…
The camp site in the town Þorlákshöfn is located center of town, close to the sports area…
Icelandic campsite offering basic facilities for travelers exploring the area. Check…
Supermarkets
Krónan supermarket — supplies
Bónus supermarket — supplies
Krambúð supermarket — supplies
Nettó supermarket — supplies
Gas stations
Orkan · 308.6 kr/L petrol
ÓB · 308.7 kr/L petrol
N1 · 306.9 kr/L petrol
Orkan · 308.6 kr/L petrol
Tours
Snowmobile across a glacier, then hit the Golden Circle classics.
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Data & sources
Everything on this page comes from the sources below. Live feeds refresh automatically.
Wikimedia CommonsHero & gallery photography · Wikimedia Commons
WikipediaEncyclopedic description · CC BY-SA 4.0
VegagerðinLive road status & cameras · Icelandic Road Administration
Open-MeteoWeather forecast · CC BY 4.0
NOAA SWPCAurora (planetary Kp) forecast · public domain
OpenStreetMapInteractive-map data · ODbL
Esri, Maxar & Earthstar GeographicsSatellite imagery for the 3D terrain render · GIS User Community
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