Vidgelmir Cave, west Iceland

GPS POINTS N64° 45′ 11.538″ W20° 48′ 8.511″

Vidgelmir Cave, west Iceland

Location: West Iceland
Directions from Reykjavík to Vidgelmir Cave on Google maps.
Duration: Cirka 2 hours drive from Reykjavík to Vidgelmir Cave.

Do you love unique and exciting experiences? If so, then you need to check out Vigelmir Cave in Iceland. This lava cave is unlike any other and offers visitors a unique experience that they will never forget.

First and foremost, what makes Vigelmir Cave so unique is its location. The cave is situated in the middle of a lava field, Hallmundarhraun, which gives it a unique atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else. Halmmundarhraun is the largest lava field in Borgarfjörður fjord. When this lava field came about is unknown. However, according to geologists, it’s estimated that the eruption took place around 1.300 years ago.

Víðgelmir is, without a doubt, the best-preserved cave of the well-known caves in the country. It is so well preserved due to ice buildup during the 1960s, making it impossible to enter it by closing the only way into Víðgelmir in 1972. The cave was, however, reopened in the 90s. Thus, lava formations long since have been destroyed in other well-known caves.

If you’re interested in visiting Vigelmir Cave, there are a few things you need to know:

  1. The cave is only accessible during certain times due to weather conditions.
  2. It would be best if you were prepared for a bit of a hike.
  3. Entrance is only allowed with proper guidance.

So, why should you travel to Vigelmir Cave? If you’re looking for an incredible and unique experience, this is your place. There’s nothing quite like exploring a lava cave, and we guarantee that you won’t be disappointed!

From Reykjavík take Road 1 towards Borgarnes. Before Borgarnes turn right onto Road 50, this will lead to Road 518 to Reykholt. Stay on Road 518 driving past Hotel Húsafell. Once the tarmac road turns to gravel turn left over a small bridge. Follow the signs marked “The Cave”. Approx. 65 km/ 40 miles from Road 1 to The Cave.

There are several attractions to be found nearby Vidgelmir cave. One of the most obvious ones is Deildartunguhver hot spring. Deildartunguhver is one of the most powerful hot springs in Iceland, with water temperatures reaching 97 degrees Celsius. The spring produces an impressive 180 liters of water per second, making it the largest hot spring in Iceland. Once you arrive at the hot spring, you’ll be able to see (and smell) the steam rising from the ground.

Another attraction nearby is Reykholt. Reykholt is a fascinating place to visit in Iceland. It was the home of several bishops and an important cultural center site over the years. Today, it is open to visitors, and there are plenty of things to see and do there.

And while you are in the neighborhood, so to speak, why not check out Hraunfossar lava falls? It is made up of a series of rivulets that flow over a distance of about 900 meters from under the Hallmundarhraun lava field. What makes Hraunfossar so unique is that the water seeps out of the lava, giving it a special appearance. Hraunfossar lava falls and the nearby area has been protected since 1987.