Surtshellir
A long lava cave named after the fire giant Surtr, with no lighting or boardwalks, suitable for properly equipped adventurers exploring on their own.
Surtshellir and Vidgelmir lie in the Hallmundarhraun lava field. Together with the connected Stefánshellir, they total about 3.5 km in length. The cave is named after Surtr, the fire giant of Norse mythology. It is one of Iceland's earliest lava caves to be scientifically described. Outlaws once hid here, and Viking Age bones and artifacts have been found inside. Unlike Vidgelmir, there is no admission fee here, and there is no lighting or boardwalk. Rubble fills the collapsed cave mouth, and ice often covers the cave floor. Bring a helmet, several headlamps and non-slip shoes. Always enter with a companion, and don't venture into unexplored side passages. From Húsafell, it's about 20 km along a rough gravel road. The road is bumpy, and in winter it is hard to reach.
Opening hours
All day (road accessible in summer)
Nearby sights
- Víðgelmir Lava Cave
- Húsafell
- Into the Glacier (Langjökull)
- Kaldidalur (Kaldadalsvegur)
- Barnafoss
- Hraunfossar
- Snorrastofa & Snorralaug, Reykholt
- Krauma Geothermal Baths