Just a bit to the southeast of Fljótstunga on Rte 518, a bright yellow sign marks the turn-off to Arnarvatnsheiði along Rte F578 (rental cars not allowed). Follow the bumpy track for 7km to reach Surtshellir, a dramatic, 2km-long lava tube connected to Stefánshellir, a second tunnel about half the size. You can explore Surtshellir on your own if you have caving gear (helmet, torch etc).
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
6.9 MILES
This enormous (300m-long) human-made tunnel and series of caves head into Langjökull glacier at 1260m above sea level. The glistening, LED-lit tunnel and…
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14.44 MILES
The Langjökull ice cap is the second largest glacier in Iceland, and the closest major glacier to Reykjavík. It's accessed from the 4WD Kaldidalur or…
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2.92 MILES
The easiest lava tube to visit, and the largest in Iceland, 1100-year-old, 1.5km-long Viðgelmir is located on private property near the farmstead…
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9.06 MILES
The name of this spectacular waterfall translates to 'Lava Field Waterfall' because the crystalline water streams out from below the lava field all around…
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21.71 MILES
Find Europe’s biggest hot spring, Deildartunguhver, about 5km west of Reykholt, just off Rte 50, near the junction with Rte 518. Look for billowing clouds…
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18.5 MILES
The interesting medieval study centre Snorrastofa is devoted to celebrated medieval poet, historian and statesman Snorri Sturluson, and is built on his…
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16.2 MILES
Farm workers walk you through pretty fields with endangered Icelandic goats. The farm's most famous resident is Casanova, a bright-eyed goat who had a…
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18.46 MILES
The most important relic of historian and chieftain Snorri Sturluson's farm is Snorralaug (Snorri’s Pool), a circular, stone-lined pool fed by a hot…
Nearby attractions
2.92 MILES
The easiest lava tube to visit, and the largest in Iceland, 1100-year-old, 1.5km-long Viðgelmir is located on private property near the farmstead…
6.9 MILES
This enormous (300m-long) human-made tunnel and series of caves head into Langjökull glacier at 1260m above sea level. The glistening, LED-lit tunnel and…
9.06 MILES
The name of this spectacular waterfall translates to 'Lava Field Waterfall' because the crystalline water streams out from below the lava field all around…
14.44 MILES
The Langjökull ice cap is the second largest glacier in Iceland, and the closest major glacier to Reykjavík. It's accessed from the 4WD Kaldidalur or…
16.2 MILES
Farm workers walk you through pretty fields with endangered Icelandic goats. The farm's most famous resident is Casanova, a bright-eyed goat who had a…
18.46 MILES
The most important relic of historian and chieftain Snorri Sturluson's farm is Snorralaug (Snorri’s Pool), a circular, stone-lined pool fed by a hot…
18.46 MILES
Among the more modern buildings found on the ancient farm of renowned historian Snorri Sturluson is a quaint church dating from 1896, which is open to the…
18.5 MILES
The interesting medieval study centre Snorrastofa is devoted to celebrated medieval poet, historian and statesman Snorri Sturluson, and is built on his…