Leidarendi Lava Caves

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 the caving experience with activities such as snorkeling at the Silfra fissure, a swim in the Reykjadalur hot springs, or a Jeep or ATV tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

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 caves.

• Due to the natural terrain, the site is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for children under 5.

How to get there

The 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 transportation to the caves, but most guided tours include round-trip transportation from Reykjavik.

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 the winter means you'll be at the mercy of the weather, but 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 cave network runs beneath the Stora-Holuhraun lava field for more than 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) 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 the winter.

Ways to explore

Exploring the Leidarendi Lava Caves requires scrambling and crawling through narrow passageways illuminated only by flashlights, and you should only do it in the company of a guide who knows the terrain well. A visit here is a popular adventure day trip from Reykjavik, and many group and private full-day tours combine the caving experience with activities such as snorkeling at the Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park or a Jeep adventure around the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Accessibility

The Leidarendi Lava Caves are not wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

Some tour operators have minimum and maximum age requirements, so check before booking.

What to pack

Camera, lunch or snack, water

What to wear

Hiking boots, warm clothing, waterproof outer layer, gloves

Not allowed

Touching stalagmites and stalactites, heeled shoes

Address

The Leidarendi Lava Caves are around a 30-minute drive southwest of Reykjavik. Tours are a convenient option, as most include pickup and drop-off from accommodation in Reykjavik.

Driving

Take Route 49 out of Reykjavik, follow Route 40 through Gardabær and Hafnarfjördur, merge onto Route 41, then turn onto Krýsuvíkurvegur and follow signs to Leidarendi. There is a parking area near the entrance.

Public transportation

There is no public transportation access to the caves.

Best times to visit

It doesn’t matter what time of day you visit, as it’s dark inside the caves.

Best days to visit

Tours typically run daily and are quieter on weekdays.

Best months to visit

Some travelers say the caves are even more spectacular during winter (November to February) when the lava walls are dotted with natural ice sculptures.