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CaveWest Iceland

Surtshellir

West Iceland, IcelandSelf-guidedModeratehelmet, flashlight
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CaveWest Iceland

Surtshellir

West Iceland, 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

Surtshellir is in West Iceland at 64.7815°N, 20.7237°W. The interactive map has the exact pin, parking and everything around it.

Open Surtshellir on the interactive map →

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

At Surtshellir in West Iceland, conditions as of 1 September 2026, 07:15 (Iceland time): 1°C (feels like -2°C), overcast, wind 2 m/s. Daylight today: 14 h 46 m (sunrise 06:00, sunset 20:46). Check road status before driving on live road conditions.

Data verified 1 September 2026, 07:15· source: Open-Meteo at this location’s coordinates · refreshes hourly

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Visit now · Open year-round · 30 min stop · Visibility —
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Daily conditions for your trip

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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.

Nearby

km column = your drive

  1. 1Surtshellir< 1 km
  2. 2Stefánshellir1 km
  3. 3Víðgelmir5 km
  4. 4Þvottahellir51 km
  5. 5Tintron63 km

Hot Springs

#1.Selgil
11 km·~14 min drive

Natural hot spring

#2.Geothermal hot spring near Borgarbyggð
12 km·~14 min drive

Public_bath hot spring

#3.Englandshverir
24 km·~28 min drive

Geothermal spot

#4.Natural hot pot near Borgarbyggð
26 km·~31 min drive

Swimming_pool hot spring

4 hot springs near West Iceland

Campsites

#1.Fljótstunga
6.9 km·~8 min drive

West Iceland camping. Access to Snæfellsnes peninsula and western attractions. Good…

#2.Húsafell
11 km·~14 min drive

The camping site at Husafell is a top site with lots of features. Close to the site you…

#3.Reyðarfellsskógur
14 km·~17 min drive

West Iceland camping. Access to Snæfellsnes peninsula and western attractions. Good…

#4.Hverinn, Kleppjárnsreykjum
35 km·~42 min drive

The camp site has 80-100 spots for tents, trailers and RV’s. In 60 spots you’ll find…

4 campsites near West Iceland

Supermarkets

#1.Krambúð
61 km·~73 min drive

Krambúð supermarket — supplies

#2.Hyrnan
62 km·~75 min drive

Supermarket — supplies

#3.Ljómalind
62 km·~75 min drive

Supermarket — supplies

#4.Bónus
62 km·~75 min drive

Bónus supermarket — supplies

4 supermarkets near West Iceland

Gas stations

#1.Húsafell
11 km·~14 min drive

Orkan · 308.6 kr/L petrol

#2.Reykholt
30 km·~36 min drive

N1 · 310.9 kr/L petrol

#3.Hreðavatnsskáli
39 km·~47 min drive

Orkan · 303.6 kr/L petrol

#4.Staðarskáli
44 km·~53 min drive

N1 · 310.9 kr/L petrol

4 gas stations near West Iceland

Tours

#1.Day Trek to Akrafjall: The Troll's Mountain
6 hours 30 minutes

IF THIS ONE SHOWS UNAVAILABLE, CHECK OUR OTHER DAY TOURS as we run one tour per day.

from 18.101 ISKView tour →
#2.From Grundarfjörður Port: Private Snaefellsness Tour
8 hours

Step away from busy destinations like the Golden Circle and the South Coast with the tour.

from 269.900 ISKView tour →
#3.Grundarfjordur Port: Small Group Snaefellsnes Peninsula from Cruise Terminal
5 hours

Join a small group shore excursion from Grundarfjordur Port and explore the landscapes of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula often call

from 25.340 ISKView tour →
3 tours near West Iceland

Data & sources

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