Vatnshellir
Quick Facts
- Location
- Iceland, Stykkishólmur
- Category
- National Park & Nature
- Duration
- Allow about 1 hour
- Opening Hours
- Daily 仅限导览团 · Entry by guided tour only, booked in advance on the operator site; summer (June-August) hourly departures 10:00-18:00, winter three departures daily, about 45 minutes; inside 0-4°C year-round, bring warm clothes and gloves.
- Ticket Price
- Adult: Adult ISK 5,900 · Senior: Senior (65+) and student ISK 4,600 · Run exclusively by Summit Adventure Guides, the park’s licensed operator; price includes English guide, helmet and torch, no personal headlamps.
- Address
- Route 574, Snæfellsjökull National Park, Snæfellsnes, Iceland
- Coordinates
- 64.7481, -23.8180
Introduction
Vatnshellir is a lava tube in Snæfellsjökull National Park on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, formed about 8,000 years ago and famous because Jules Verne used Snæfell as the gateway to the centre of the Earth. About 200 metres long and 35 metres deep, it was left as a tubular cavity when the crust of a lava flow cooled and the molten interior drained away. Inside, a constant 0-4°C reveals lava stalactites and cooling cracks. Entry is by guided tour with the park’s licensed operator, with provided helmet and light down two spiral staircases; children 5-11 are free, minimum age 5, tour about 45 minutes.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Monday | 仅限导览团 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 仅限导览团 |
| Wednesday | 仅限导览团 |
| Thursday | 仅限导览团 |
| Friday | 仅限导览团 |
| Saturday | 仅限导览团 |
| Sunday | 仅限导览团 |
Entry by guided tour only, booked in advance on the operator site; summer (June-August) hourly departures 10:00-18:00, winter three departures daily, about 45 minutes; inside 0-4°C year-round, bring warm clothes and gloves.
Ticket Information
| Adult | Adult ISK 5,900 |
|---|---|
| Senior | Senior (65+) and student ISK 4,600 |
| Student | Student ISK 4,600 |
| Child | Teen (12-17) ISK 2,600 |
| Free Admission | Free for children 5-11 (minimum age 5) |
Run exclusively by Summit Adventure Guides, the park’s licensed operator; price includes English guide, helmet and torch, no personal headlamps.
Transportation
On route 574 in Snæfellsjökull NP; 15 minutes from Arnarstapi
Nearest toilets at Malarrif visitor centre, 3 minutes drive; none at the cave
💡 Tips
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Vatnshellir?
Monday: 仅限导览团; Tuesday: 仅限导览团; Wednesday: 仅限导览团; Thursday: 仅限导览团; Friday: 仅限导览团; Saturday: 仅限导览团; Sunday: 仅限导览团; Entry by guided tour only, booked in advance on the operator site; summer (June-August) hourly departures 10:00-18:00, winter three departures daily, about 45 minutes; inside 0-4°C year-round, bring warm clothes and gloves.
How much is the admission for Vatnshellir?
Adult: Adult ISK 5,900; Senior: Senior (65+) and student ISK 4,600; Student: Student ISK 4,600; Child: Teen (12-17) ISK 2,600; Free Admission: Free for children 5-11 (minimum age 5); Run exclusively by Summit Adventure Guides, the park’s licensed operator; price includes English guide, helmet and torch, no personal headlamps.
Any practical tips for visiting Vatnshellir?
Entry is by guided tour booked ahead on the operator site; walk-up spots are not guaranteed. Inside stays 0-4°C year-round, so bring warm clothes, gloves and grippy shoes.
How long should I spend at Vatnshellir?
A typical visit takes Allow about 1 hour.
How do I get to Vatnshellir?
Driving/Parking: On route 574 in Snæfellsjökull NP; 15 minutes from Arnarstapi
