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Surtshellir

Self-guidedModeratehelmet, flashlight
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CaveWest Iceland

Surtshellir

West IcelandSelf-guidedModeratehelmet, flashlight

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.

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.

Map of Surtshellir

Map

64.7815°N, 20.7237°W · West Iceland

Plan your visit

Getting there
Road 578 (Arnvh:Kalm-Surtshellir)
Off the main road
23.7 km from Route 1
Nearest town
Reykholt — 30.2 km away
Distance from Reykjavík
92 km in a straight line
What else is close
94 mapped places within 20 km

Surtshellir weather and conditions

Last updated

4°Clight drizzle · feels -1°C7 m/sgusts 139 h 47 mdaylight · 08:15 – 18:02
In season now · Winter in IcelandInto The Glacier - From Húsafellfrom 27.900 ISK · 4 hAll 1,648 tours

Photos & videos

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Nearby

Fuel

  1. 1Húsafell11 km · 308.6 kr/L
  2. 2Reykholt30 km · 310.9 kr/L
  3. 3Hreðavatnsskáli39 km · 303.6 kr/L
All fuel →

Supermarkets

  1. 1Krambúð61 km
  2. 2Hyrnan62 km
  3. 3Ljómalind62 km
All supermarkets →

Frequently
asked
questions

Can I visit Surtshellir without a guide?
Surtshellir is generally open to self-guided visitors, but treat it seriously: it is dark and cold inside, the floor is uneven lava rock, and you must bring a head-torch and helmet. Never enter a cave alone or without telling someone your plans.
How do I get to Surtshellir?
Surtshellir is in West Iceland. Many Icelandic caves sit off highland tracks that need a 4WD — check live road and weather conditions on this page before you drive, especially in winter when routes close.
What should I bring to Surtshellir?
A helmet and a proper head-torch or flashlight are the minimum — there is no daylight inside and the floor is broken lava rock. Add warm layers and sturdy boots; the cave stays near freezing year-round. Recommended gear: helmet, flashlight.
Does Surtshellir cost anything to visit?
Surtshellir is generally free to enter, though the access road may need a 4WD. Guided cave tours elsewhere in Iceland are paid. Conditions change with weather, so plan around the forecast.

Data & sources

Everything on this page comes from the sources below. Live feeds refresh automatically.

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