Cave Length
~300 meters
A compact lava cave that offers an intimate underground experience.
Buri Cave Iceland: Hidden Ice Cave & Norse Mythology Guide
A small, relatively unknown lava cave in South Iceland named after the first Norse god, featuring spectacular ice formations during the winter months.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
South Iceland
Named after Norse god Buri. Winter ice.
Buri Cave is one of Iceland's lesser-known lava caves, a hidden gem tucked away in a lava field in South Iceland. Named after Buri, the first god in Norse mythology who was licked from ice by the primordial cow Audhumla, the cave lives up to its mythological namesake with stunning ice formations that appear during the colder months. While small at about 300 meters, the cave offers an intimate and atmospheric underground experience far from the crowds that visit Iceland's more famous caves.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Buri Cave is unlit and undeveloped. Always bring proper caving equipment including a headlamp, helmet, and warm layers. A guided tour is recommended.
Sources to check
Key Feature
Winter ice formations
Spectacular ice stalagmites and frozen columns appear from November to March.
Crowd Level
Very low
Relatively unknown compared to major caves, offering a quiet and personal experience.
What to Expect
Winter Ice Sculptures
From November through March, water seeping through the lava rock freezes into beautiful stalagmites, columns, and delicate ice formations inside the cave.
Norse Mythology Connection
Named after Buri, the first Norse god who emerged from ice. The cave's icy interior in winter provides a fitting connection to the ancient myth.
Off the Beaten Path
Buri Cave sees far fewer visitors than Iceland's popular tourist caves, offering a more personal and atmospheric underground experience.
Compact Exploration
At about 300 meters, the cave is manageable for most visitors and can be explored in under an hour.
Lava Tube Features
Beyond the ice, the cave displays typical lava tube features including flow lines, lava shelves, and mineral-stained walls.
Photographic Opportunity
The combination of ice formations and dark lava rock creates striking contrasts that are rewarding for photography enthusiasts.
Getting There
Buri Cave is located in a lava field on the Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland. The exact location is typically shared by tour operators upon booking to protect the cave from unsupervised access. Most guided tours depart from Reykjavík or meet at a designated point on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. From Reykjavík, the drive to the Snæfellsnes area takes approximately 2-2.5 hours via Route 1 north and Route 54 west. The cave is near the western end of the peninsula within the Snæfellsjökull National Park area. Parking is at a small pull-off near the cave entrance. The surrounding area offers other attractions including Djúpalónssandur beach, Arnarstapi, and the Snæfellsjökull glacier itself. The nearest village for fuel and supplies is Ólafsvík or Grundarfjörður.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Buri Cave is during winter (November to March) when the ice formations are at their most spectacular. December and January typically produce the most elaborate ice stalagmites and frozen columns, as temperatures deep inside the cave drop well below freezing. February and March offer slightly longer daylight for the approach walk while ice formations remain impressive. Summer visits (June through August) are still interesting for the lava tube geology and warmer approach conditions, but lack the frozen element that makes Buri special. April and May see the ice beginning to melt, while October marks the start of new ice formation. Winter tours may require crampons or ice cleats for the approach walk across potentially snow-covered lava fields. The cave interior drops below freezing in winter, so dress in warm layers with waterproof outer clothing regardless of season.
Planning help
Buri Cave FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.