Why Take a Cave Tour in Iceland? Delve Deep into Iceland's Wonders
Iceland is a nation full of surprises. Whether it’s multicoloured mountains, bubbling volcanoes, or opportunities for diving between continents, there are so many incredible things to take your breath away.
No doubt one of Iceland’s biggest surprises is what lies beneath your feet. On an Iceland cave tour, you’ll see a miraculous underground world, with caverns and tunnels created by lava and ice.
There are two main types of cave in Iceland. Most famously, there are the ice caves. These come in all shapes and sizes, from small pockets in glacial ice to enormous tunnels carved out of glaciers by hand. Whichever you visit, you’ll be dazzled by the deep blue colours of the ice and mesmerised by its intricate patterns.
Then there are the lava tunnels. Iceland boasts some of the largest and longest lava tunnels in the world, created by thundering streams of lava that surged beneath the earth. You can explore the caves opened up by these powerful volcanic events on foot and marvel at the strange colours and rock formations.
Iceland cave tours can take you to see both of these magical phenomena. And so you can enjoy the best cave tours for you, at Icelandia we help you experience them in any way you like.
Want a day trip from Reykjavík? We’ll pick you up in town and show you the enormous variety of caves near the capital city—including the largest cave in Iceland, Víðgelmir.
Prefer a walk to an ice cave? Led by one of our local guides, you can trek across glaciers and enjoy these mysterious caverns in Iceland’s wilderness all to yourself. It’s a thrilling adventure across some of the country’s most jaw-dropping landscapes.
There’s an option for everyone. Discover the best cave tours in Iceland and book your trip.
FAQ:
It's strongly advised against visiting Iceland’s caves without an expert guide accompanying you.
Ice caves are especially unpredictable, forming from shifting glaciers. Local specialists continuously assess these caves for safety—a precaution you might overlook if venturing solo.
Lava tunnels, too, have their dangers, having experienced collapses previously. Opting for guided tours ensures safety, as the condition and accessibility of these caves are rigorously overseen. Additionally, some caves are privately owned and are off-limits to unauthorised visitors.
There are many caves close to Reykjavík. In fact, it might be Iceland’s best region for seeing caves.
For example, Raufarhólshellir, Leiðarendi, and Víðgelmir are all lava tunnels that are less than an hour from the capital city. Similarly, some of Iceland’s best ice caves, including the Langjökull ice tunnel, are close by too.
There are many cave tours to choose from in Iceland, but the best one will depend on what interests you most.
Iceland’s lava caves showcase the power of lava, which gouged great holes in the earth beneath our feet. You can explore these ancient tunnels on foot and witness the strange effects of light on the crumbling rock.
Alternatively, there are Iceland’s ice caves. These are pockets of air in the moving glaciers that are always under transformation. Come and see the dazzling patterns in the ice.
Explore our tours to see all your options.
You can find caves across the whole of Iceland—from the westernmost tip of Snæfellsnes peninsula to Grjótagjá in the north. However, most of them are to be found on the south coast.
You’ll find many around Reykjavík too. For example, Raufarhólshellir, the Lava Tunnel, is just a short distance from the city. The iconic Leiðarendi Lava Cave is in the Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark too.
Iceland’s cave systems give you a different perspective on the fascinating geology of the youngest country on the planet. If you’re interested in the way that the earth moves, warps, and is violently transformed—or if you just want to see something truly special—you shouldn’t miss a cave tour.
Iceland has two main types of caves: ice caves and lava caves. They can both be visited on Iceland cave tours.
Ice caves come in two different forms. Firstly, there are those that are created naturally by the movement of glaciers. As glaciers melt, grow, or twist, air pockets get trapped in the ice, creating these caves.
Then, there are those that are created artificially. These are jaw-dropping works of engineering, carving tunnels out of the ice.
The most impressive lava cave in Iceland is Raufarhólshellir, better known as the Lava Tunnel. Located just half an hour from Reykjavík, this lava tube is an immense and complex cave system that’s over 5,000 years old. It’s a must-see sight in Iceland.
Caves in Iceland are perfectly safe, but only if you know what you are doing. That’s why we recommend that you only visit Iceland’s cave—both ice caves and lava tunnels—with a guide.
Ice caves are known to change shape and warp as glacial temperatures fluctuate. This means that they’re not always safe to enter, particularly in the summer when temperatures are highest.
Lava tunnels are much more stable, although they have collapsed in the past. They’re much more frequently monitored and controlled, though, so they’re a lot safer.
When visiting with a guide, you won’t be in any danger at all.
The largest cave in Iceland is Víðgelmir, in the west of the country close to the town of Borgarnes. At an incredible 1.5 kilometres long, this lava tube is truly an impressive sight!
Iceland’s longest ice cave, though, is the Langjökull ice tunnel. It’s an artificial tube of ice that stretches for over 500 metres through a glacier.