Icelandic Caves & Geothermal Wonders

Southern Iceland’s geothermal landscape features the Great Geysir and the reliable Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes. This selection includes the Reykjadalur valley, where a warm river allows for natural bathing, and the silica-rich, turquoise waters of the Blesi hot spring. Subterranean highlights range from the 9,000-year-old Gjábakkahellir lava tube to the man-made Laugarvatnshellir, inhabited by families until 1921. The list also covers the distinct basalt column caves found along the black sand beaches near Vík.

Geysir

Historic geothermal geyser known for its eruptions and geothermal activity within a notable hot springs area.

Strokkur

Active geyser erupting every 5 to 15 minutes with water fountains reaching up to 40 meters high. Located within a geothermal area, it is known for frequent and reliable eruptions.

Reykjadalur

A hiking area featuring natural hot baths in a scenic valley north of Hveragerði.

Rútshellir Cave

Listed in Natural Heritage Register, Rútshellir Cave is one of the first man-made caves in Iceland.

Reynisfjara Columnes

Basalt column cave located on the Reynisfjara black sand beach. The geometric pillars were formed by the rapid cooling of volcanic lava.

Laugarvatnshellir

Known as the "Cave People's Cave," these man-made dwellings were inhabited by Icelandic families as recently as 1921.

Hálsanefshellir

A natural sea cave set within a wall of geometric basalt columns on the Reynisfjara black sand beach.

Blesi

Geothermal feature consisting of two pools. The upper pool is clear and boiling, while the lower pool is an opaque, vivid blue due to dissolved silica.

Gjábakkahellir cave

A 364-meter-long lava tube formed 9,000 years ago. It is an open-ended cave featuring various stalactites and lava formations.

Tintron

A rare lava chimney and spatter cone located in the Gjábakkahraun lava field, formed by gas escaping through molten lava.