Iceland: Víðgelmir Lava Cave Walkway Tour with Helmet

Summary

Víðgelmir cave walkway tour reveals Iceland’s wild underworld

You’ll step straight into Iceland’s Víðgelmir lava cave with a local guide leading the way and a sturdy helmet on your head. Expect easy walking along lit paths, surprising colors in ancient rock formations, and stories that bring the cave alive. There’s laughter too — plus moments of real wonder when you pause in those echoing halls beneath the earth.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly backed out when I saw the entrance — just this dark mouth in the mossy lava field, and honestly, my heart thumped a bit. Our guide, Jón, grinned and handed me a helmet (which felt reassuringly solid) and said something about trolls living deeper inside. He winked, but I still checked over my shoulder as we ducked in. The first steps were chilly and damp, like walking into a fridge that smells faintly of wet stone and old earth.

The walkway made everything easier than I expected — no scrambling or squeezing through tight spots. Light pools glowed along the path, just enough to see the wild reds and greens streaking the cave walls. Jón pointed out these weird lava straws hanging from the ceiling; he called them “stalactites’ little cousins.” We stopped so he could show us how the rocks sparkled if you shined your headlamp just right. My nephew tried to touch one and got gently scolded — “Icelandic elves might get upset,” Jón joked.

There was a moment halfway through when everyone went quiet. You could hear water dripping somewhere far off, echoing in this huge stone hall that felt older than anything I’ve ever stood inside. It’s strange how safe you feel down there, even though you’re deep under Iceland’s surface. The whole Víðgelmir cave tour took about an hour and a half, but time felt slippery underground — maybe because we were all busy gawking at colors and shapes that don’t make sense above ground.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a caving trip (especially when Jón tried to teach us how to pronounce “Víðgelmir” — not happening). Walking back up into daylight felt like waking from a dream where your shoes are muddy but your mind is clearer somehow. I still think about that silence in the big chamber sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Víðgelmir lava cave

• Arrive at The Cave's service house
• Put on helmet and headlight
• Begin guided cave tour
• Walk along lit cave walkway
• Observe rock formations and colors
• Complete 1.5 hour cave exploration

Top questions

How long does the Víðgelmir cave tour last?

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours from start to finish.

Is hotel pickup included for this lava cave tour?

No, hotel pickup is not available; you need to arrive at The Cave’s service house yourself.

What should I wear for the Víðgelmir cave tour?

Dress warmly with gloves and a hat; personal clothing is not provided.

Are helmets provided for the Víðgelmir cave walkway tour?

Yes, helmets are included for all participants.

Is this cave tour suitable for young children?

Children under 6 must follow special guidelines; some families may turn around before the last stop.

Do I need previous caving experience?

No prior experience needed; difficulty is rated 1 out of 5 and it’s family-friendly with walkways.

Are there fixed lights inside Víðgelmir cave?

Yes, selected areas are lit along the walkway for safety and visibility.

When do tours depart during summer months?

Tours run every hour on the hour from 09:00 to 18:00 in June, July, and August.

What’s included

Your visit includes use of a helmet for safety throughout the guided walkway tour inside Víðgelmir lava cave; simply arrive at The Cave’s service house ahead of time—personal clothing isn’t provided but you’ll be led by an experienced local guide who keeps things lively (and safe) underground before returning topside together.