Lofthellir Lava Cave

A Frozen World Inside a Lava Tube

Lofthellir is a 370-metre lava tube located several kilometres east of Lake Myvatn in North Iceland. It was formed roughly 3,500 years ago when lava from a volcanic eruption flowed beneath the surface of the Laxardalshraun lava field. The outer crust cooled and solidified while molten rock continued to drain away underneath, leaving behind a long, hollow tunnel. What makes Lofthellir exceptional among Iceland's many lava caves is what happened next: groundwater began seeping through the porous rock ceiling, freezing on contact with the cave's permanently sub-zero air, and over centuries building up ice formations of extraordinary size and intricacy.

The Ice Sculptures

The interior of Lofthellir contains ice stalagmites, frozen columns, and delicate curtains of ice that have been growing undisturbed for hundreds of years. The constant temperature around freezing means these formations never melt, only grow. Some reach from floor to ceiling. When torchlight hits them, the ice glows in shades of blue and white against the dark volcanic rock. The cave walls themselves add to the visual impact, stained red by iron deposits, yellow by sulphur, and green by traces of copper.

Getting There

Lofthellir cannot be reached by normal car. After meeting your guide at the Myvatn Information Centre in Reykjahlid, a modified super jeep takes you along rough tracks through some of the most dramatic volcanic terrain in the Myvatn area. The route passes the imposing Hverfjall tephra crater and the jagged Ludentarborgir crater row before arriving at a parking area near Mount Hvannfell. From there, a 30-minute hike across raw, moss-covered lava fields brings you to the cave entrance.

Inside the Cave

The entrance to Lofthellir requires crawling on hands and knees through a low, narrow passage. This is the most physically challenging part of the tour and the reason it is not suitable for anyone with claustrophobia or limited mobility. Once past the entrance, the cave opens up into larger chambers where you can stand upright and take in the ice formations by headlamp. Guides explain the geological processes that formed the cave, the conditions that allow ice to persist year-round, and the folklore connected to this hidden underground world. The temperature inside hovers around zero degrees Celsius regardless of the season outside.

Practical Information

The total tour takes between four and five hours, including the drive from Reykjahlid, the hike, and roughly one hour inside the cave itself. Tours run year-round but may be cancelled in severe weather or when road conditions make the rough tracks impassable. Groups are kept small, typically no more than 14 people, to protect the delicate ice formations and ensure a quality experience. All necessary equipment, including helmets, headlamps, and studded boots, is provided by the tour operator. Minimum age is 8 years old.