Litla Kaffistofan is a historic roadside café and well-known landmark on Route 1 along the Hellisheiði mountain pass, just 20 minutes east of Reykjavík. Surrounded by lava fields, geothermal steam vents, and the Hengill volcanic system, it serves as both a traditional Icelandic rest stop and a gateway to outdoor adventures.
For decades, Litla Kaffistofan has welcomed travelers crossing the highland plateau between Reykjavík and South Iceland. Today, it combines its classic café atmosphere with northern lights hunting and adventure tours, including ATV excursions into the surrounding volcanic landscape.
- GPS Coordinates:
- 64.05777° N, 21.50161° W
- Distance from Reykjavík (BSÍ)
- 25 km (15 miles)
- Best time to visit
- All year
A Historic Stop on Hellisheiði
The Hellisheiði mountain pass has long been an important route between the capital and southern Iceland. Before modern roads were built, crossing this area was challenging due to weather, rough terrain, and volcanic conditions.
Litla Kaffistofan developed as a service stop for travelers, offering warmth, food, and shelter in a region known for sudden weather changes. Over time, it became a well-known landmark for both locals and visitors.
Today, anyone heading east from Reykjavik on the famous Route 1 will pass this historical landmark.
Geology and Surroundings
Litla Kaffistofan sits within one of Iceland’s most geologically active regions.
The surrounding landscape includes:
- Svínahraun (Kristnitökuhraun) lava field, formed around the year 1000 AD
- The Hengill volcanic system, one of Iceland’s major geothermal areas
- Steam vents, hot springs, and visible geothermal activity
- Proximity to Hellisheiði Power Plant, one of the world’s largest geothermal energy facilities
The area lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly move apart. This tectonic activity creates the geothermal heat that powers nearby energy production and shapes the dramatic landscape around the café.
The contrast between black lava fields, green moss, rising steam, and modern geothermal infrastructure makes this one of the most visually striking regions near Reykjavík.
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Today, Litla Kaffistofan serves as a base for our Northern Lights excursions, ATV tours and outdoor experiences on Hellisheiði and around Hengill.
From here, visitors can explore:
Northern Lights in winter
Lava fields
Geothermal valleys
Mountain slopes
Panoramic viewpoints over southwest Iceland
Its location makes it an accessible starting point for adventure tours while remaining within easy driving distance of Reykjavík.
Why Visit Litla Kaffistofan?
Litla Kaffistofan is more than just a roadside café. It is:
- A historic travel landmark
- A gateway to the Hengill volcanic area
- A convenient stop between Reykjavík and South Iceland
- A base for exploring geothermal landscapes
- A dark park for Northern Lights hunting
Whether you stop for coffee, local food, or an ATV adventure into the surrounding lava fields, Litla Kaffistofan offers a glimpse into both Iceland’s past and its powerful geological present.