Vatnshellir

Vatnshellir is a lava cave, or lava tube, located on the Snæfellsnes peninsula in western Iceland. The name Vatnshellir translates to “water cave” in Icelandic. The cave lies within the vicinity of Snæfellsjökull National Park and is one of the region’s best-known subterranean formations, attracting visitors who seek to understand Iceland’s volcanic landscape.

The cave was formed by flowing lava that built a hollow tunnel as the surface crust cooled and the molten interior drained away. Inside, visitors can see smooth volcanic walls, lava stalactites, benches formed by relict lava channels, and damp areas where water has accumulated over time. The environment is sensitive to disturbance, and much of the cave preserves features that reflect its natural history.

Access and conservation: Vatnshellir is typically visited via guided tours operated by licensed local guides. Tours provide safety equipment and interpretive information about the geology, history, and ecology of the cave. Because the formations are delicate, visitors are required to follow rules designed to protect the cave’s structure and microhabitats. The site is part of protected regional and national protections that aim to preserve Iceland’s lava-tube systems for education and research.

Significance: Vatnshellir serves as an accessible example of Iceland’s lava-tube geology and offers insight into volcanic processes that shaped the island. It is commonly featured in discussions of Icelandic caves and is used for both educational purposes and ecotourism, contributing to the broader understanding of Iceland’s dynamic volcanic landscapes.