Lofthellir, a 3500 year old lava cave, is a world of ice and darkness, located in the northeastern part of Iceland near Lake Myvatn. It is about 370 metres long. Great for those who have rented a car.
On this tour, we visit the Lofthellir Lava Cave, entering the amazingly weird world of ice and darkness which will be explored underground. Our destination is a cave that boasts the greatest natural ice sculptures currently known in an Icelandic lava cave.
The whole trip is an adventure as you drive through the volcanic outback of Lake Myvatn on the way to the cave, passing Hverfjall volcano and driving alongside the crater row of Lúdentsborgir. The drive from Myvatn to Mt. Hvannfell is around 45 minutes.
After a 30 minute walk across a lava field adorned by endless ropey lava, we reach the Lofthellir Lava Cave. Inside the cave, you will find natural ice sculptures of all shapes and sizes, formed by dripping water for thousands of years. This unique underworld will leave you in awe. At least one hour is spent inside the cave, observing this remarkable and some say unbelievable natural phenomenon.
We pick you up at Lake Myvatn and from there we drive alongside the unique volcano Hverfell, through the crater row of Ludentarborgir to the root of Mt. Hvannfell, about a 45 minute drive. The whole duration of the tour is around 4-5 hours.
Difficulty: This tour is not suitable for young children, people with claustrophobia or people that are not in reasonable physical condition. To reach the cave is a 30 minute hike across a relatively smooth lava field. The short entry (approx. 1,5m) ...)
Difficulty: This tour is not suitable for young children, people with claustrophobia or people that are not in reasonable physical condition. To reach the cave is a 30 minute hike across a relatively smooth lava field. The short entry (approx. 1,5m) into the cave is narrow and guests need to crawl on all fours to enter. This excursion is not suitable for young children, people with claustrophobia or people who are not in reasonable physical condition. You'll have to walk about 30 minutes through a lava field to reach the cave. The small entrance (1.5m) leading into the cave is narrow and participants will have to walk on four legs to enter.
Not suitable for: young children, people with claustrophobia or people who are not in reasonable physical condition.
Cave conditions: there is ice and water on the floor of the cave and the temperature inside the cave is around 0°C
Tourist Information Center. Click here for a map. Please show up at least 15 minutes before departure. See available departure times in the booking engine.)
Tourist Information Center. Click here for a map. Please show up at least 15 minutes before departure. See available departure times in the booking engine.
Still got questions about the tour? Hopefully you will find the answer here.
Yes, we will provide you with a headlight and a helmet.
The Icelandic weather is very unpredictable therefore we highly recommend to dress in layers. Warm layers closest to you preferably wool/thermal underwear, pants sweater and on top waterproof outdoor clothing. It is also suitable to wear good hiking shoes and gloves. Jeans have proven to be a bad choice.
