Iceland Caves of Hella: Guided Tour with Ancient Carvings

Summary

Stories carved in stone at the Caves of Hella near Route 1

You’ll step into Iceland’s oldest archaeological site near Hella, exploring four ancient man-made caves with a local guide. Touch centuries-old carvings, listen to stories about their mysterious origins, and feel that strange hush underground. It’s simple but unforgettable — especially if you like history that leaves you with more questions than answers.

What’s the experience like?

I felt a weird mix of excitement and quiet when we pulled off Route 1 near Hella — you know that feeling when you’re about to see something really old, but you don’t know what it’ll actually be like? Our guide, Sigrún, met us by the small sign (you could miss it if you blinked) and led us toward the caves. The air was chilly, almost damp, and I could smell wet earth before we even stepped inside. I tried to imagine who first dug into this hillside — Vikings or maybe even someone before them. Sigrún just grinned when I asked and said, “That’s the big question.”

Inside, it was darker than I expected, but my eyes adjusted fast. The walls were rough under my hand — cold stone with these odd little grooves and crosses carved deep in places. Sigrún pointed out a seat hacked right from the rock and told us some people think monks or hermits might’ve used these caves for worship ages ago. There was this moment where she shone her flashlight on an old carving and everyone went quiet — all you could hear was someone’s jacket rustling and the drip-drip from somewhere further in. I got goosebumps (and not just from the cold). It’s hard to explain why that hit me so much.

We wandered through four of the twelve caves open to visitors, each one with its own strange details — a carved niche here, a mysterious symbol there. I tried saying one of the Icelandic words for “cave” and made everyone laugh (pretty sure I butchered it). Kids on our tour seemed happy poking around too; nothing felt unsafe or too cramped. Honestly, I still think about how much is left unsolved here — nobody really knows who built these or why they picked this spot by Hella.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore ancient caves at Ægissíða

• Drive to Ægissíða caves
• Meet local guide
• Visit four ancient man-made caves
• Learn about cave carvings and history

Top questions

How far are the Caves of Hella from Reykjavik?

The Caves of Hella are about an hour’s drive from Reykjavik along Route 1 (the Ring Road).

How many caves can you visit during the tour?

The guided tour takes you through four of the twelve ancient man-made caves at Ægissíða.

Is the Caves of Hella tour suitable for children or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed at the Caves of Hella site.

Do I need special fitness levels to join this tour?

No special fitness level is required; it’s suitable for all physical abilities.

Is there a local guide included in the experience?

Yes, all tours include a knowledgeable local guide who shares stories and history during your visit.

What’s included

Your visit includes entry to four ancient man-made caves at Ægissíða near Hella plus a guided walking tour led by a local expert — perfect for families or anyone curious about Icelandic history.