Vatnshellir Lava Cave

It was a last minute decision to reserve a tour for the next day as we missed the opportunity when we were here in 2012. Paula was our guide. She’s very entertaining and knowledgeable, it was a very interesting tour with lots of information. Paula explains things very well and provide us with opportunities to take pictures of the awesome cave.

The tour was safe, fun, and educational. We booked in advance since we heard it’s a popular experience, and we’re glad we did. Before the tour, they emailed us with helpful reminders—like using the restroom elsewhere beforehand. We need to bring gloves to help grip the ropes, which can be a bit challenging at times. Inside, the temperature stays between 0–3°C no matter how warm and sunny it is outside. Our guide was both professional and friendly. She answered all of our questions, kept the group engaged, and even added some humor along the way. Overall, we really enjoyed the tour and would definitely recommend it.

Great tour! It was extremely insightful, and the guide was amazing. He was funny and interactive. They also provided us with safety helmets and a torch. Also, we had a small group of 6 at 10.30 am, which was perfect like a private tour. Definitely recommend visiting this lava cave

I had a great time exploring the lava cave! They gave me a helmet and flashlight. The stairs were, as explained online and beforehand, very windy and straight down. I took my time with each step and with the flashlight provided, it wasn’t too bad. The ground is very uneven so be sure to wear proper footwear for lots of rocks and uneven surface. It was cool to see how the cave looks and the guide explained what we were looking at. The best part was when we were in the deepest part and we turned our lights off. We got to see how truly dark it is down there and when we turned the lights back on, we could see so much more than before. A great experience!

Vatnshellir Lava Caves offers an enthralling descent into the Earth's fiery past, making it a truly unique tourist attraction. Our guide led us through three immense volcanic caves, each a geological marvel formed by ancient lava flows. The experience was made even more captivating by their insightful commentary, drawing fascinating parallels to Jules Verne's "Journey to the Center of the Earth," which truly ignited our imagination. A crucial tip for future explorers: the caves are remarkably cold, maintaining a constant, chilly temperature year-round. Layering up is essential to comfortably enjoy the subterranean wonders. This captivating journey beneath the surface is a must-do for anyone seeking a blend of natural wonder, history, and a touch of literary adventure.

This place is amazing! It’s easy to imagine what it looked like eight thousand years ago. I’m really glad I joined the guided tour; the guide explained everything in English very thoroughly.

Fun tour with an interesting guide, it adds to the understanding of the region and the appreciation of the cave. The tour is not too short, not too long, but quite cold and uneven flooring (which is part of the experience, but might be hard for some people with limited stability). There's a blackout moment where everyone needs to cut their flashlight, it creates a unique experience but can feel a bit claustrophobic.

Exploring the Vatnshellir Lava Cave was a cool experience. The tour guide offered detailed safety rules prior to the start of the tour and explained the history and fun facts of the lava cave throughout the tour of the three chambers in an insightful and funny manner. Helmets and flashlights were provided to each visitor to ensure their comfort and safety during the tour. An excellent stop during our visit to Snaefellsnes Peninsula!