The Land of Fire and Ice has all sorts of interesting and contrasting landscapes and natural wonders, some of which can be found deep within the heart of the country (quite literally). One of these hidden gems (or at least it was for some time) is the incredible Vidgelmir Cave.
This cave stands as a testament to the island’s fiery side and is considered a must-visit for any seasoned explorer or curious traveler coming to Iceland. This article will tell you exactly what makes this geological wonder so special and why it deserves a spot on your trip itinerary.
Vidgelmir Cave: A Quick Introduction
At a staggering 1585 meters long, 16.5 meters wide, and 15.8 meters high, Vidgelmir is credited as one of the world’s largest lava caves (but more on why it’s called a lava cave a bit later). This cavern is filled with all sorts of incredible sights, such as rock and lava formations and minerals displaying as different colors within the cave walls.
Due to all these magnificent wonders, the cave, although open to the public, has been protected since 1993. Although the cave is very well maintained, allowing visitors to explore the cave via wooden stairways and pathways all throughout, certain areas have been closed off for safety and preservation’s sake.
Vidgelmir Cave: The Origin Story
Vidgelmir started with a bang (literally). 900 years ago, a major volcanic eruption saw mass amounts of lava cover roughly 200 square kilometers. It’s during this lava flow that one of nature’s most interesting phenomena occurred.
Sometimes, the lava flow looks more like a river than the slow-moving layer making its way across the landscape as is so often portrayed in the movies. When this happens, the outer layer of lava, coming in direct contact with cold air, ice, and snow, cools down and hardens much more rapidly than the lava in the middle of the lava “river”.
This causes the outer layer to form what resembles a pipe or tunnel. The remaining gooey lava center continues to flow till it disperses into the surrounding landscape, leaving only what is referred to as a lava tube behind. So, when does a lava tube turn into a lava cave?
Well, whether due to natural erosion over time or a geological event, parts of a lava tube roof may collapse, forming a sort of entryway into the cavern below. This is also why a lava cave doesn’t look like your typical cave in a rockface. It looks more like a random hole in the ground.
Vidgelmir’s Dark Side
It’s not just Vidgelmir’s depths that give this cave a dark side. Hundreds of years ago, places like Vidgelmir became the last resort for many unsavory characters. Those who committed crimes were often punished by being banished from the community, and no one was allowed to provide any aid to these outlaws.
Caves like Vidgelmir became their new homes, where they could hide, live safely, and try to survive off the land. The remnants of these criminals can still be found in the caves today, including Vidgelmir.
Where is Vidgelmir Cave Located in Iceland?
Vidgelmir is just one of the 11 lava cave “children” of Hallmundarhraun Lava Field. Hallmundarhraun is located in Western Iceland, just north of Husafell and west of Langjökull Glacier. The capital city of Reykjavik is roughly 136 kilometers away.
Reaching Vidgelmir
You can reach Vidgelmir in one of two ways: via guided tour or self-drive. Just keep in mind that even if you drive to Vidgelmir with your own transport, exploring the inside of the cave can only be done via a guided tour due to safety concerns. Here’s what to know:
A Guided Tour
You will find tour operators and guides all across the island offering tour packages that include Vidgelmir as a destination, although the majority will depart from Reykjavik. These tours range from dedicated day tours and combo day tours to multi-day holiday tours.
For on-site tours, the go-to company is The Cave People. Cave tours usually take about 1.5 hours. But we highly recommend that you be at the meeting spot at least 15 minutes before the official start of the tour.
A Self-drive
Driving to Vidgelmir is very easy, and since it’s located so conveniently close to the Ring Road, many make it a stop along their Ring Road road trip. Here’s how to reach Vidgelmir from Reykjavik:
- Head north on the Ring Road till you reach Borgarnes.
- Take Road 50 and head northeast.
- Continue for about 30 kilometers before turning right onto Road 518.
- Continue for about 20 kilometers before taking Road 523 (which will take you straight to the cave).
How Much Does a Visit to Vidgelmir Cost?
A tour inside of Vidgelmir with an experienced guide at the helm will cost you the following:
- Adults (those 16 years and older) = 8 000 ISK ($60/€)
- Children (those between 7 and 15 years) = 4000 ISK ($/€)
- Children (those 6 years and younger) = Free
*Please note that although Vidgelmir is a family-friendly cave, children under the age of 6 won’t be able to participate in the last stop of the tour due to safety concerns.
What to Pack for Your Vidgelmir Lave Cave Adventure
If you’re going on a tour inside Vidgelmir, the tour operator will provide you with all the gear and equipment you will need. This includes things such as a helmet and a headlight. But there are a few things you’ll need to take care of yourself:
- Warm clothes. The cave is cold, irrespective of the season. We also recommend wearing layers, especially during the summer when the temperatures inside the cave versus the outside can differ greatly. You want to be in a position where you can take things off or put things on as the situation requires.
- Warm gloves, woolen socks, and a warm hat (preferably a woolen beanie that’s easy to wear underneath the helmet).
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip. This is because the cave can often be a bit wet and slippery.
Other Things to Do Near Vidgelmir Lava Cave
If you would like to extend your exploration of the area, the following attractions are considered must-sees:
- Hraunfossar Waterfall
- Barnafoss Waterfall
- Krauma Spa
- Deildartunguhver Geothermal Area
- Langjökull Glacier Ice Cave Tour
Road Trip to Vidgelmir Cave
If you’re planning on road-tripping your way to the Vidgelmir cave, the best way to do so is by renting a camper in Iceland. This way, you’ll have both your transport and accommodation sorted and can take advantage of super affordable campsites along the way. So, plan out your Ring Road trip itinerary, and be sure to include Vidgelmir, the beautiful result of Iceland’s fiery forces.
