The largest lava tunnel in Iceland!
Here a path leads you underground, to a place where lava flowed around 1000 years ago. The impressive lava tunnel with a volume of 1,5 m16 extends over 148.000 km long and up to 3 meters high in the west of Iceland. In 900, shortly after Iceland was settled, fresh lava emerged from a row of craters on the western side of Langjökull Glacier. It covered an area of almost 250km2: the Hallmundarhraun lava field. The lava flow cooled only slowly from the outside to the inside. This created the largest lava cave in Iceland - The Cave Vidgelmir.
The Cave Vidgelmir Hiking in the lava tunnel - near Reykholt and Husafell - the largest lava cave in Iceland
The Cave Vidgelmir lava tunnel - at Reykholt and Husafell - largest lava cave in Iceland
The Cave Vidgelmir - bacteria and minerals create colors in the lava tunnel - the largest lava cave in Iceland near Reykholt and Husafell
The Cave Vidgelmir Lava Tunnel - Path through the largest lava cave near Reykholt and Husafell in Iceland
The Cave Vidgelmir Lava Tunnel - Detail photo of the largest lava cave near Reykholt and Husafell in Iceland
The Cave Vidgelmir lava tunnel - largest lava cave near Reykholt and Husafell in Iceland
“In amazement, I touch the rock structure next to me. I almost expect a creamy texture and the image of freshly melted chocolate comes to mind. Here the rock has exuded lava, explains the guide. Then we go deeper into the cave. It's hard to believe that a glowing stream of lava once flowed here. At the end of the path, all of them turn off their lights and remain silent. We are surrounded by deep silence. All-encompassing darkness. And in the calm of the moment there is a touch of understanding for the fascinating power of the earth and the power of time that spans our little being. "
“In amazement, I touch the rock structure next to me. I almost expect a creamy texture and the image of freshly melted chocolate comes to mind. Here the rock has exuded lava, explains the guide. Then we go deeper into the cave. It's hard to believe that a glowing stream of lava once flowed here. At the end of the path, all of them turn off their lights and remain silent. We are surrounded by deep silence. All-encompassing darkness. And in the calm of the moment there is a touch of understanding for the fascinating power of the earth and the power of time that spans our little being. "
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Experiences with the Vidgelmir lava cave:
A special experience!
A snapshot from 1000 years ago, the largest cave in Iceland and a well-developed lava tunnel. This is Vidgelmir. The cave has been open to visitors since 2016 and lures young and old down into the heart of the cooled lava flow.
What does a guided tour of the Vidgelmir lava cave cost? (Stand 2021)
• Cave tour including helmet with helmet lamp
- 7000 ISK (approx. 47 euros) for adults
- 3800 ISK (approx. 25,50 euros) for children from 7-15 years
- Children aged 0-6 are free
Please note possible changes. You can find current prices here.
How much time should I plan? (Stand 2021)
The offered Cave Explorer Tour lasts approx. 1,5 hours.
Is there food and toilets?
Meals are not included and there is no possibility to purchase food on site. Toilets are available at the meeting point and can be used free of charge before and after the cave tour.
Where is the Vidgelmir lava cave located?
The Vidgelmir Lava Cave is located in the south-west of Iceland. It is located near Reykholt, in the area between the Reykjanes and Snaefellnes peninsulas and is around 140 km from Reykjavik.
Which sights are nearby?
12 km to the northeast are the Surtshellir lava caves. These are difficult to access, but you can explore them on your own. The well-known beckons 12 km to the southwest Husafell waterfalls. In Husafell there will also be Tours from Into the Glacier which lead under a real glacier in an artificial ice tunnel. Almost 30 km southwest of the lava cave offers the small one Museum about Snorrri Sturluson in Reykholt Church Cultural History.
Exciting background information
Was the Vidgelmir lava cave inhabited?
Yes. Bone fragments, glass and leather artifacts were found. These indicate a human use of the front cave area in the year 1000 AD. It is unlikely that the lower areas will be used because they are too dark and do not offer any fresh air.
What types of rocks and minerals characterize the cave?
About 90 percent are basalt lava rocks. About 5 percent are rhyolitic lava. Sulfur and iron create colored effects in individual areas.
Good to know
What can I expect from a cave tour?
After a short walk and the descent down a few steps into the cave, the ascent takes place on a well-developed, illuminated boardwalk. In some areas there are colored elements, icicles or microstalactites. The guide will point out details and explain how the cave was formed. The tour leads about 600 meters deep into the cave and back on the same route.
Attractions in Iceland for volcano fans
- Icelandic Lava Show - feel the heat of real lava
- Lava Center Iceland - interactive museum for volcano fans
- Vidgelmir lava cave - Largest accessible lava tube in Iceland
- Krafla Lavafield - through the lava field on your own
- Kerið crater lake and Viti blue crater lake
to Iceland • Vidgelmir lava cave
Content for print / online media can be licensed on request.
Information boards on site, discussions with the tour guide, as well as personal experiences when visiting the cave in July 2020
Outdoor Magazin (29.06.2016): Viðgelmir Cave. The largest lava cave in Iceland is now open to visitors. [online] Retrieved on April 06.04.2021th, XNUMX, from URL:
https://www.outdoor-magazin.com/outdoor-szene/vidgelmir-hoehle-die-groesste-lavahoehle-islands-ist-jetzt-fuer-besucher-geoeffnet/#:~:text=Island%3A%20Vi%C3%B0gelmir%2DH%C3%B6hle%20Die%20Lavah%C3%B6hle,als%20gr%C3%B6%C3%9Fte%20H%C3%B6hle%20der%20Insel.
The Cave Vidgelmir: Homepage of The Cave. [online] Retrieved on April 06.04.2021th, XNUMX, from URL: https://thecave.is/