Depth
35 meters underground
Descend via spiral staircase through two levels of the lava tube.
Vatnshellir Cave Iceland: Journey to the Center of the Earth Guide
An 8,000-year-old lava tube on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, descending 35 meters underground near the glacier that inspired Jules Verne's "Journey to the Center of the Earth."
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Near Snaefellsjokull glacier. Two-level cave.
Vatnshellir is an 8,000-year-old lava tube cave located within the Snaefellsjokull National Park on the western tip of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. The cave descends 35 meters below the earth's surface through two distinct levels, offering visitors a genuine "journey to the center of the earth" experience near the very glacier that Jules Verne chose as the entrance in his famous 1864 novel. A spiral staircase leads visitors into a world of lava formations, colors, and absolute darkness.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Vatnshellir has a spiral staircase and maintained paths. Wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes as the cave is cool and the ground can be uneven.
Sources to check
Cave Age
~8,000 years
One of the oldest accessible lava tubes on the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
Tour Duration
~45 minutes
Guided tours run regularly from the visitor center at Purkholar.
What to Expect
Spiral Staircase Descent
Enter the cave via a modern spiral staircase that takes you 35 meters below the surface into the upper chamber of the lava tube.
Two Cave Levels
Explore both the upper and lower chambers, each with distinct lava formations and geological features from the ancient eruption.
Total Darkness Experience
At one point during the tour, all lights are turned off so visitors can experience the profound silence and complete darkness of the cave.
Lava Colors & Formations
See vivid mineral deposits on cave walls in reds, yellows, and greens, along with lava stalactites and flow textures.
Jules Verne Connection
The cave sits beneath Snaefellsjokull glacier, the very volcano Jules Verne used as the gateway to the earth's interior in his novel.
National Park Setting
Vatnshellir is within Snaefellsjokull National Park, surrounded by dramatic coastal landscapes, lava fields, and the iconic glacier.
Getting There
Vatnshellir is located on the western tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, about 200 km from Reykjavík (approximately 2.5 hours by car). From Reykjavík, take Route 1 north to Borgarnes, then Route 54 west around the peninsula. The cave entrance and visitor center are at Purkhólar, well signposted from Route 574 near Hellnar village within Snæfellsjökull National Park. A free parking area at the visitor center has space for about 20 cars and has restroom facilities. The drive is entirely on paved roads. The nearest villages for fuel and services are Hellnar (3 km) and Ólafsvík (about 20 km east on Route 574). Vatnshellir is easily combined with other Snæfellsnes highlights like Kirkjufell mountain (60 km east), Arnarstapi (5 km east), Djúpalónssandur beach (3 km north), and Lóndrangar cliffs (2 km east), all accessible within a day trip around the peninsula.
Best Time to Visit
Vatnshellir is open year-round with tours running daily during summer (every 1-2 hours from June through August) and on a reduced schedule in winter (1-2 tours per day from November through March). July and August are the busiest months with temperatures of 10-14°C and up to 21 hours of daylight -- ideal for combining the cave with a full day exploring Snæfellsnes. May and September offer comfortable conditions with smaller tour groups. November through February brings the chance to see ice formations inside the cave and the dramatic winter atmosphere of the Snæfellsjökull glacier landscape, though daylight drops to 4-6 hours and weather on the exposed peninsula can be harsh. The cave temperature stays around 2-4°C regardless of outdoor weather, so bring warm layers in all seasons. Advance booking is recommended during July and August peak season; off-season tours should also be booked ahead to confirm schedules.
Planning help
Vatnshellir Cave FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.