Cave Length
~370 meters
A compact lava cave that can be explored in about 30-45 minutes.
Gjabakkahellir Cave Iceland: Accessible Lava Cave Guide
An accessible lava cave near Thingvellir National Park, offering a genuine underground experience without extreme crawling -- perfect for first-time cavers.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
South Iceland, near Thingvellir
Easy access. Headlamp required.
Gjabakkahellir (also known as Gjabakki Cave) is a lava cave in the Thingvallahraun lava field near Thingvellir National Park. At around 370 meters long, it offers a manageable but authentic underground experience. The cave is wide enough to walk through upright for most of its length, making it one of the more approachable lava caves in Iceland. Its proximity to the Golden Circle and Thingvellir makes it a convenient addition to any South Iceland itinerary.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Always bring a headlamp and helmet when visiting Gjabakkahellir. The cave is unlit and the floor can be uneven and slippery. A guided tour is recommended.
Sources to check
Difficulty
Easy to moderate
Mostly walkable upright with some low sections. Good for beginner cavers.
From Reykjavik
~50 km
Located near Thingvellir National Park, easily combined with Golden Circle tours.
What to Expect
Walk-Through Lava Tube
Most of the cave is tall enough to walk through upright, giving visitors an authentic caving feel without extreme physical demands.
Lava Formations
See lava shelves, flow lines, and small stalactites formed when molten lava cooled thousands of years ago in the Thingvallahraun lava field.
Natural Skylight
A collapse in the cave roof creates a natural skylight, allowing daylight to stream into the underground passage.
Thingvellir Proximity
The cave is just a short drive from Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Iceland's top attractions.
Headlamp Exploration
The cave is completely dark inside, and visitors explore by headlamp -- a thrilling experience for those new to caving.
Beginner Friendly
Gjabakkahellir is considered one of Iceland's most approachable caves, suitable for families and first-time cavers with basic equipment.
Getting There
Gjabakkahellir is located in the Thingvallahraun lava field, about 50 km east of Reykjavík and close to Thingvellir National Park. From Reykjavík, take Route 1 north then turn onto Route 36 toward Thingvellir. The cave entrance is accessible via a short walk (about 10 minutes) from a small pull-off along Route 36, approximately 5 km before reaching the Thingvellir visitor center. The drive takes about 45 minutes on paved roads. The pull-off has space for about 5-6 cars but no facilities. Guided tours typically depart from Reykjavík or meet at a designated parking area near the cave. The location makes it an easy addition to a Golden Circle day trip that also includes Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss. The nearest facilities are at the Thingvellir National Park visitor center, about 5 km further east on Route 36.
Best Time to Visit
Gjabakkahellir can be visited year-round, though summer (June to August) offers the easiest conditions with long daylight hours (up to 21 hours), dry access paths, and the most frequent tour schedules. May and September are good shoulder months with comfortable conditions and fewer visitors. October through April sees shorter daylight and the path to the cave may be icy or snow-covered, requiring extra caution and possibly crampons. Winter visits can reveal small ice formations near the cave entrance that are absent in summer. The cave interior temperature remains cool (around 2-4°C) regardless of season, so warm layers are always needed. Guided tours run most frequently from June through August, with reduced schedules in the off-season -- book ahead to confirm availability.
Planning help
Gjabakkahellir Cave FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.