Cave Length
~1,970 meters
One of Iceland's longest lava caves, with the connected Stefanshellir extending the system further.
Surtshellir Cave Iceland: Historic Outlaw Cave Guide
A nearly 2 km long lava cave in West Iceland named after the Norse fire giant Surtr, with a storied history as an outlaw hideout and one of the earliest explored caves in the world.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
West Iceland, Hallmundarhraun
Named after fire giant Surtr. Rough terrain.
Surtshellir is one of Iceland's most historically significant caves and among the earliest documented caves explored anywhere in the world, first described in the 12th-century Landnamabok (Book of Settlements). Stretching nearly 1,970 meters through the Hallmundarhraun lava field in West Iceland, this massive lava tube was formed around 1,100 years ago. The cave served as an outlaw hideout in the Viking Age, with ruins of stone structures still visible inside. Named after the Norse fire giant Surtr, the cave connects to the smaller Stefanshellir cave, forming an extensive underground system.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Surtshellir is undeveloped with rough terrain, loose rocks, and ice in winter. A guided tour with proper equipment is strongly recommended. Access roads may require a 4x4.
Sources to check
Historical Significance
Viking-age outlaw cave
Archaeological evidence of 10th-century occupation. One of the world's earliest documented caves.
Difficulty
Challenging
Rough, uneven terrain with loose rocks, ice patches, and no installed paths or lighting.
What to Expect
Outlaw Ruins
Stone wall remains and structures from the Viking Age are still visible inside the cave, evidence of the outlaws who used it as a hideout over 1,000 years ago.
Massive Lava Tube
The cave is vast in places, with high ceilings and wide passages formed by an enormous lava flow through the Hallmundarhraun field.
Rough Terrain
The floor is strewn with loose rocks, collapsed ceiling blocks, and ice in winter. Careful footing is essential throughout the cave.
Connected Cave System
Surtshellir connects to Stefanshellir, a smaller but equally interesting cave that can be explored as part of an extended visit.
Historical Documentation
First mentioned in the 12th-century Landnamabok, Surtshellir is one of the earliest caves documented in human history.
Norse Mythology
Named after Surtr, the fire giant who will destroy the world during Ragnarok, reflecting how early Icelanders viewed this volcanic cavern.
Getting There
Surtshellir is located in the Hallmundarhraun lava field in West Iceland, near Húsafell and the Borgarfjörður valley. From Reykjavík, take Route 1 north to Borgarnes (75 km), then Route 50 east and Route 518 north toward Húsafell, a total drive of about 2 hours (150 km). From Húsafell, continue north on Route 518 for approximately 15 km; the cave is signposted with a turnoff onto a gravel track leading to a small parking area. The last portion of the road is unpaved and can require a 4x4 vehicle in wet conditions or after heavy rain. Parking is free but limited with no facilities. The nearest services (fuel, food, accommodation) are in Húsafell, about 15 km south. The area is close to other attractions including Víðgelmir cave (10 km), Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls (20 km), Deildartunguhver hot spring, and the Langjökull glacier ice tunnel.
Best Time to Visit
June through August is the best time to visit Surtshellir, as access roads are clear and daylight stretches to 20+ hours. July offers the warmest temperatures (10-14°C) and driest conditions for the approach. September is possible but the access road may become muddy and conditions deteriorate quickly. From October through May, the cave can be visited but ice and snow both inside the cave and on access roads make it significantly more challenging and potentially dangerous -- experienced cavers only. Winter ice formations near the entrance can be spectacular in January and February. The cave interior is cold year-round, typically around 0-2°C with ice patches on the floor in all seasons, so warm clothing, sturdy boots, and proper caving equipment are essential. A guided tour is recommended in all seasons for safety and to learn about the Viking-era outlaw history.
Planning help
Surtshellir Cave FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.