Leidarendi Lava Caves
Hafnarfjordur, Iceland
The Basics
Exploring the Leiðarendi lava caves is a popular adventure day trip from Reykjavik, with its rugged terrain requiring visitors to scramble, clamber, and crawl through the narrow passageways, using flashlights to light the way. The cave itself can only be accessed with a certified tour guide, and many full-day tours combine a lava caving adventure with activities such as snorkelling at the Silfra fissure, a swim in the Reykjadalur hot springs, or a Jeep or ATV tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Lava Tunnel Caving & Snorkeling in Silfra with Transfer | Free Photos
$229.00 per adult
Traveler Favorite
Once in a lifetime experience
One of the best things I've ever done. Once you're in the water in a dry suit, you don't feel the cold at all. I was very worried about swimming and trying to stay afloat, but the dry suit takes care all of that, you just have to keep calm and enjoy the view. Our snorkeling guides, Vero and Chicco were excellent and funny and such great company. There was another chap from Mexico, I can't remember his name, and he was wonderful as well. What a great experience!
The lava caves were breathtaking and an experience I'll never forget.
Matthew_W, Dec 2021
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Things to Know Before You Go
Cave tours include helmets, safety equipment, and full instruction, but bring warm clothes, hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, and plenty of water.
Follow the rules and avoid touching or disturbing any of the cave’s natural structures in order to preserve the fragile rock formations.
There is no cell phone coverage or WiFi at the Leidarendi Lava Caves.
Due to the natural terrain, the Leidarendi lava tube is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for children under 5.
How to Get There
The Leidarendi lava caves are located just southeast of Hafnarfjordur, about a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik, and close to the Blue Mountains in southwest Iceland. There is no public transport to the caves, and most guided tours include round-trip transfers from Reykjavik.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Leiðarendi lava tubes are open year-round, but the most popular time to visit is summer. Plan an early morning tour if you want to avoid the crowds and always book ahead to avoid disappointment. Visiting in winter means you will be at the mercy of the weather, although cancellations are rare.
Discovering the Land of Fire and Ice
The Leiðarendi tube caves are one of the most accessible lava tubes in Iceland. The natural phenomenon was formed more than 2,000 years ago when hot magma flowed over already petrified lava. The network of caves run beneath the Stora-Holuhraun lava field for more than half a mile and are renowned for their spectacular lava formations, including solid lava streams, lava flakes, stalagmites, and stalactites, as well as natural ice sculptures, which form in winter.
- Hafnarfjordur
- Árbaer Open Air Museum (Árbaejarsafn)
- Bessastadir
- Thrihnukagigur Volcano
- The Pearl (Perlan)
- Laugardalur
- Landmannalaugar
- National Museum of Iceland
- Hofdi House
- Hallgrim's Church (Hallgrímskirkja)
- National Gallery of Iceland
- Sun Voyager (Solfar)
- Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhús
- Harpa (Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre)
- Volcano House