Vatnshellir cave- underground jewelry
On your way to the highlights of the Snӕfellsnes Peninsula, you might want to stop for a fantastic experience: lava caving. The Snæfellsjökull National Park is a lava cave trendy for people who wish to experience lava caving.
The cave’s name is Vatnshellir Cave, translated as ‘Water Cave’. The name is related to the formation process of the cave. About 8,000 years ago, a volcanic eruption happened on Snӕfellsnes Peninsula, and the lava river that flowed from the volcano started to cool from outside to inside. This process left a hollow tube after the lava flowed over, and the eruption stopped.
Vatnshellir cave is 200 meters long and 35 meters deep at the deepest point. The cave has impressive colours due to the minerals inside the volcanic rocks: yellow from sulfur, red from the iron deposits, and green from copper deposits. You will have a fantastic experience there. The cave is easily accessible because there is a staircase descending inside it.
Photo source: west.is
Lava caving in Vatnshellir is available during the summer, and guided tours are organized. It is essential to go there with a guide as they know everything about the cave, and more importantly, they know the terrain better, and if you listen to their tips, you won’t hurt yourself. On a guided tour, you will also get the equipment needed.
Photo source: west.is
Remember that you should do this tour only if you are fit and trust your legs, as the terrain is rough inside the cave. On a tour of the cave, you will also find out exciting facts about the geology and the folklore of the cave from your guide. People believe that trolls used to live in the caverns.
To reach the Vatnshellir cave, you must drive west from Borganes town to Road 54; after you pass by Budir village, you must go to Arnarstapi fishing village.
From there, if you go further on the road, you will find Vatnshellir cave on the right side, just before the Djúpalónssandur beach. You will see signs along the highway when you should turn right to arrive near the cave.
Visit Vatnshellir Cave on a tour.
