Ancient Historical Site Tour at the Caves of Hella
Active
1h - 1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Twelve ancient man-made caves have been discovered on the land of Ægissíða by Hella on the South coast of Iceland. Five of them have now been open to the public on our guided tours. The historical site is Iceland's oldest still standing archaeological remains, some believe the caves to date even further back than the settlement of the Nordic Vikings.
The wonders of the Caves of Hella include ancient crosses, wall carvings and carved seats.
Mystery surrounds the caves and for centuries people have wondered:
Are the caves the handiwork of the Celts?
Were the caves a place of ancient worship?
The caves are an historic landmark site where you will learn about hidden secrets and other untold stories from Iceland's history.
Join one of our local guides to discover the secrets our caves hold and experience the magical Underworld of the South.
The Caves are located right next to Route 1 (the Ring Road), an approximately hour drive from Reykjavik.
Available options
Ancient Historical Site Tour at the Caves of Hella
What's included
Guided tour
Detailed itinerary
1
At this location, called Ægissíða, there are 12 ancient man made caves. In this tour your local guide will take you to four of them.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.5
20 reviews
5★
15
4★
2
3★
2
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.6
167 reviews
5★
137
4★
12
3★
7
2★
5
1★
6
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
You should find the exact location by typing "Caves of Hella" in Google maps. If you dont use that the location should be easy to find, just west of the town of Hella, market with big signs and flags.
About Vik
Vik is a charming coastal village in South Iceland, known for its stunning black sand beaches, dramatic basalt columns, and picturesque landscapes. It's a gateway to some of Iceland's most iconic natural wonders, including Reynisfjara Beach and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
Top Attractions
Reynisfjara Beach
One of Iceland's most famous black sand beaches, known for its basalt columns, powerful waves, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Reynisfjall Mountain
A striking mountain with dramatic cliffs and views over Reynisfjara Beach and the surrounding area.
Nature
1-3 hours depending on hike length
Free
Dyrhólaey Arch
A dramatic rock arch formation with panoramic views of the coast and Reynisfjara Beach.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Vík í Mýrdal Church
A historic wooden church with a rich history and beautiful views over the village and coast.
Historical
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free (donations appreciated)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Lamb Soup
A hearty soup made with Icelandic lamb, root vegetables, and herbs.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat, gluten (from bread served with it)
Fish and Chips
Freshly caught fish, typically cod or haddock, battered and fried, served with chips (fries).
Lunch/Dinner
Contains fish, gluten (from batter and chips)
Skyr
A thick, protein-rich Icelandic yogurt-like dairy product, often served with berries or fruit.
Breakfast/Snack
Dairy product, can be sweetened or plain
Popular Activities
Hiking
Ice caving
Photography
Beach walks
Coffee breaks with a view
Stargazing
Visiting local churches and museums
Exploring Icelandic crafts and history
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer offers the best weather for outdoor activities, with long daylight hours and milder temperatures. However, it's also the busiest time of year.
8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F)
46°F to 59°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Icelandic
- Widely spoken: English, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish
- English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas
Currency
Icelandic Krona (ISK)
Time Zone
GMT+0 (Western European Time)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Vik is generally safe, but visitors should be cautious of natural hazards like powerful waves and unpredictable weather.
Important Precautions:
- • Stay away from the water's edge at Reynisfjara Beach due to powerful waves
- • Be cautious of weather changes and dress appropriately
- • Follow safety guidelines for all activities, especially hiking and ice caving
Getting there
By air
- Keflavík International Airport • 130 km (80 miles) northeast of Vik
By bus
Reykjavík Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are available but infrequent. Check schedules in advance.
Taxis
Available • Apps: None widely available, call local taxi services
Rentals
Car
Neighborhoods
Vik Village Center
Day trips
Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls
30 km (18 miles) northeast of Vik • Half day
Two stunning waterfalls where you can walk behind the cascading water. Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls, while Gljúfrabúi is a hidden gem tucked into a canyon.
Katla Ice Cave
60 km (37 miles) northeast of Vik • Full day
A breathtaking ice cave formed within the Katla volcano. Guided tours are required to enter the cave.
Thakgil (Þakgil)
40 km (25 miles) northeast of Vik • Half day to full day
A stunning glacial valley with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It's a popular spot for camping and outdoor activities.
Festivals
Vík í Mýrdal Music Festival • Late June to early July
Pro tips
- Visit Reynisfjara Beach at different times of day for varying light and wave conditions
- Dress in layers and be prepared for rapid weather changes, especially near the coast
- Book tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season
- Try local Icelandic cuisine, including lamb soup and fresh seafood
- Be cautious of the powerful waves at Reynisfjara Beach and stay away from the water's edge
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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