Vatnshellir Cave Tour: Explore Underworlds of Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Lava Tube Formations
4.8
24 Ratings
Snæfellsbær

Explore the hidden depths of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Gain a deeper understanding of how lava tubes, striking natural features, are formed. Witness a diverse array of appearances, hues, and structures such as lava stalactites, lava pustules, and lava stalagmites.

Duration: 45 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Vatnshellir Cave - Join us on a 45 minute guided tour of Vatnshellir Lava Cave. The lava cave is located on the slopes of a volcano that erupted 8000 years ago and created this beautiful natural formation. Explore different formations, textures and colors of lava rock.
    On this tour you will learn about the geology of Iceland, its volcanoes and lava tubes.
    The cave is right next to Snfellsjkull, the stratovolcano that was made famous by Jules Verne and his story “A Journey to the Center of the Earth”. Join us on a tour in Vatnshellir Cave to take the first steps in the Journey!
What's Included
  • Helmet and flashlight provided
Additional Information
  • Participants need to be reasonably fit to walk up and down the two spiral staircases in the cave.
  • Participants need to be able to walk on uneven ground.
Location
Vatnshellir Cave
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(24 Ratings)
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Briarlee2016
Apr 11, 2024
Fun... fantastic... GO! - Our guide was Anita... and she was wonderful. Not only was she so knowledgeable and has been down in that cave hundreds of times... it was like it was the first as she guided us into this amazing world. We were so amazed at what we saw and experienced, and she clearly had a good time sharing this with us. The tour is not long... less than an hour, but you go very deep below the surface into this lava tube. Walking can be difficult for me... I use a cane... that did not matter to her or the other 6 guests. There was also a young boy with us... and he was able to enjoy the incredible adventure as well... so, this really is a family oriented experience... and amazing to see such stunning structures created thousands of years ago through violent volcanic events.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
John_b
Jan 1, 2024
Great interesting tour - This was a great tour. Wonderful guide and an amazing cave. Highly recommend, some stairs to navigate but not very difficult.
Review provided by Viator
Birk3
Aug 17, 2022
Great fun! - Extremely cool experience! They take you down to three different levels of the cave that was created by receding lava over 8K years ago! It was both beautiful and somewhat haunting at the same time. Crazy rock formations, and you can see where the lava flowed very clearly. Our guide was exceptional with lots of knowledge to share. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Funwithfamilyva
Aug 1, 2022
Well organized! Highly recommend! - My family of 5, ages 12-75, had a great time on this tour. Really well organized tour will you a glimpse inside the lava cave. Well worth the money. I also liked that it was fairly easy to book the tour and it’s right near a bunch of other sights located in the National park. Nice excursion to include in your trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Teachingtiggertravel
Apr 6, 2022
Highly knowledgeable staff providing a fascinating tour. - Brilliant tour with a guide who was clearly passionate about volcano's and knew what he was talking about! Our guide was keen to share knowledge, open to questions and had a good sense of humour, There was the right balance of science to satisfy the geology geek (husband) whilst being comprehendible to all. You were not rushed and there was plenty of time to ask questions. Yes it was wet and cold, you will need to wear warm clothing and be aware of the drips, (Icey water has a way of dripping right down your neck!) So dress for conditions take your gloves and don't forget to smile. You are kitted out with a hard hat and a (nicely powerful) torch on a rope, Hard hats are adjustable and you can wear your hat (but not the bobble!) underneath it! Enjoy - we certainly did! Please be advised this tour is not for you if you have any fear of heights or vertigo. The long spiral stairs as seen in the photo can take your breath away!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Richtheweasle
Apr 6, 2022
A great tour into the volcanic heart of Iceland - A worthwhile tour, hosted by knowledgable and passionate guides, who strike the perfect balance between humourous stories and solid science. We weren't rushed at all and the guides are happy to answer any questions. Some stunning formations to be seen, although perhaps not for those who struggle with vertigo as there are a couple of long spiral staircases to get to the base of the lava tube. A hard hat and torch/flashlight are provided, but warm, waterproof clothing and gloves are definitely required.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scubachica95
Feb 16, 2022
Unique peak inside a volcano! - We highly recommend this cave tour during a road trip around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Our guide, Thor, was very knowledgeable on the volcano and shared interesting facts about Icelandic culture. The tour is about 45 minutes and easy to find from the main road.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jcbru91
Aug 25, 2023
instructive discovery - Very different from the caves of the Alpine mountains! Here almost no concretions. But an interesting geological formation, colors,... A visit that is both fun and informative
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hroxon
Aug 13, 2023
Three lava chambers - We booked online in advance. Large car park (no toilets) with modern reception office. Given helmet and torch for 45 minute guided tour. Visits three lava chamber with two long spiral stairs directly down. An interesting stop off with friendly helpful guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rita_m
Aug 10, 2020
New experience - Good explanation about how the cave was formed. Enough time to observe and take pictures. Slow speed which was good for older participants
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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