




Available languages
45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Discover the underworlds of Snæfellsnes peninsula. Learn about the formation of lava tubes, a beautiful natural formation.
See different textures, colors and formations such as lava stalactites, lava blisters and lava stalagmites.
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
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 Snæfellsjökull, 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!
Helmet and flashlight
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
122 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
StellaC573,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Vatnshellir Cave do not allow visitors to use their restrooms. Despite the fact that my husband is at this moment doing a lava tour with you. I am told that I must drive to the Visitors centre further on. I do not have permission to drive in Iceland. I'm sorry Cave Vatnshellir, I think this is a very poor show on your part!
Ivanorbe,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Expensive for the experience Three lava caves with nothing extraordinary about them. The same kind of caves as in France or Belgium, except with lava instead of rock Disappointed
garethmA7897DS,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Nice, but short. Also, not for those who have issues with uneven surfaces or stairs. There were a number of folks on our tour that struggled with this.
liamsO6145XE,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Excellent tour. Well organized for a family
Brilotsa,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Excellent visit and very informative. Great guide and at 45 mins the tour was just right.


mattide84,May 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We arrived already rain-soaked from some stormy weather that blew in quickly, to the receiving area inside a small, heated structure. There we found some interesting artifacts and backstories to the origin and exploration of the cave. They say that the Snæfellsjökull volcano system gave inspiration to the entryway in the novel Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne, and there’s some framed info supporting that, although Verne never visited himself. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and seemed to understand the very ideas that would pop into our head as we navigated the barely-visible, craggy, wet cave. Vatnshellir is actually a lava tube cave that formed approx. 8000 years ago. You'll find consistent but chilly conditions, no natural light, and an immediate one-hundred plus foot descent down a metal, silo-style stairwell. There are a few larger lava chamber rooms, but thankfully, you're never actually spelunking; no ropes or crawling through mud or into claustrophobic crawlspaces. It's more of a guided lava walk, helmets and headlamps included. We really enjoyed our time here; the guide was fantastic and created some drama in his storytelling and the way he presented the cave to the group, in a safe and purposeful fashion. The entrance to the cave itself can be slippery, obviously, but it’s very near to the parking area, which is right off the main road. Book ahead if you can; we thought it was one of the more unique experiences that you can only replicate in a few places in Iceland, so well worth the price, and it only takes an hour out of your day.










339olavf,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Exciting to see the cave. Learned much from the guide. Children aged 7 and 9 liked the tour.
Feinschmecker365,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Professional guides with excellent explanations, English excellently understandable. More expensive than expected, but fair prices for this experience!"
G2875XOsarahp,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was such a cool adventure to do to see inside of a lava cave, the tour was 45 minutes long, our tour guide was helpful and informative on how it was formed and showed us the cool things inside of the cave. Highly recommend.




tinagM8033XE,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
The national park is incredible and this tour is a real treat. Especially good for a family activity when the outdoor weather is a little unfriendly. Lovely guide and the total darkness for one minute was a rare experience. For those with claustrophobia, there's plenty of space. Definitely a vertical experience on the stairs.
Operated by Summit Adventure Guides