Surtshellir
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Surtshellir
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.
Bring a light and watch the shadows play on ancient rock walls. Iceland from the inside.
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.
Some caves require booking tours in advance. Check before driving out to remote locations.
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 Surtshellir
Small groups
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Nearby
Waterfalls
A waterfall in West Iceland. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
A waterfall in West Iceland. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
A waterfall in West Iceland. One of many cascades that make Iceland a waterfall paradise.
A waterfall in Iceland.
Hot Springs
Geothermal spot. Naturally heated, no facilities. Respect the nature around it.
Hot pot in nature. Naturally heated, no facilities. Check conditions before going.
Hot spring in Highlands. Natural geothermal bathing spot.
Swimming_pool hot spring
Campsites
West Iceland camping. Access to Snæfellsnes peninsula and western attractions. Good…
The camping site at Husafell is a top site with lots of features. Close to the site you…
West Iceland camping. Access to Snæfellsnes peninsula and western attractions. Good…
The camp site has 80-100 spots for tents, trailers and RV’s. In 60 spots you’ll find…
Supermarkets
Krambúð supermarket — supplies
Supermarket — supplies
Supermarket — supplies
Bónus supermarket — supplies
Gas stations
Orkan · 308.6 kr/L petrol
N1 · 310.9 kr/L petrol
Orkan · 303.6 kr/L petrol
N1 · 310.9 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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