Gjábakkahellir Lava Tube

Gjábakkahellir

Golden Circle

About 40 kilometers from Reykjavík near Þingvellir, Gjábakkahellir is a 360-meter lava tube formed around 9,000 years ago that you can explore without a guide — a rarity among Iceland's lava caves. Entry is free and self-paced. The tube has openings at both ends, so you walk straight through rather than doubling back. Inside you'll find shark-tooth lava stalactites, colored mineral deposits on the walls, and in winter, ice formations on the floor. The entrance requires a crawl through a narrow low opening; once inside, the passage opens up enough to walk upright in most sections. A good headlamp is essential — not just a phone torch — as is warm layering, since cave temperatures stay near freezing year-round. Wear sturdy waterproof boots because the floor can be slick with ice or moisture. The cave sits off a gravel road and makes a straightforward half-hour detour from Þingvellir or en route between Þingvellir and Geysir. There is no formal car park or signage, so the coordinates here are the practical way to find the pull-off. Budget around 45 minutes for a relaxed walk-through.

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