west-iceland · Iceland
Viðgelmir
About Viðgelmir
Kannaðu Viðgelmi, stærstu hraunhelli Íslands að rúmmáli, neðanjarðarundur sem mótaðist af fornum eldfjallakröftum. Röltu um upplýsta stíga sem afhjúpa stórkostlegar hraunmyndanir og gefa innsýn í sögu víkingatímans.
History & Background
Viðgelmir myndaðist um árið 900 e.Kr. í gríðarlegu eldgosi sem skapaði hið víðfeðma Hallmundarhraun, sem nær yfir um 200 ferkílómetra. Hraunhellirinn myndaðist þegar ytri hluti fljótandi hraunár kólnaði og harðnaði, á meðan bráðna hraunið undir rann burt og skildi eftir opið göng. Fyrstu víkingabyggðarmenn nefndu hann "Víðgelmi," sem þýðir "stóri snákur" eða "stóri ormur," sem endurspeglar túlkun þeirra á stórri, vindingasömri mynd hans. Hellirinn hefur einnig heillandi mannkynssögu. Vísbendingar um mannabyggð, sem talið er að nái aftur til víkingatímans, hafa fundist í djúpum hans, en gripir eru nú varðveittir í Þjóðminjasafni Íslands. Talið er að útlaga, sem var algeng refsing á miðöldum á Íslandi, hafi notað hellinn sem bústað, sem bætir dulúð við fortíð hans. Hellirinn hefur verið varinn með járnhliði síðan 1991 og opinberlega friðlýstur síðan 1993, sem tryggir verndun viðkvæmra mynda hans fyrir komandi kynslóðir.
Did You Know?
- Iceland's largest lava tube by volume, reaching approximately 148,000 cubic meters.
- Formed around 900 AD during a massive volcanic eruption that created the Hallmundarhraun lava field.
- Named "Víðgelmir" by Vikings, meaning "big snake" or "big worm," due to its winding form.
- Contains evidence of human habitation dating back to the Viking Age, possibly by outlaws.
- Features impressive lava stalactites, stalagmites, and beautiful seasonal ice formations.
Tours Near Viðgelmir
Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation
Why Visit
Witness the breathtaking scale and intricate beauty of one of the world's largest and most accessible lava caves.
Did You Know?
Viðgelmir, named "big snake" by early settlers, was formed around 900 AD and holds evidence of Viking-age human habitation.
The Troll Hallmundur and the Outlaw's Lair
The Hallmundarhraun lava field, home to Viðgelmir, is named after the formidable troll Hallmundur from Grettis saga. While no direct folklore about Viðgelmir from sagnagrunnur.is was found, the cave's naming as "big snake" by early settlers hints at mythical interpretations of its formation. Additionally, a deep hole nearby, Skeggjahola, is linked to a 1923 discovery of a skeleton, possibly relating to the legendary killing of Skeggi from Ás in Vatnsdal mentioned in Grettis saga.
Hidden Gems Nearby
Lava Formations Close-Up
Look carefully at the lava formations near Viðgelmir — each tells a story of how it cooled.
Rope lava, pillow lava, and columnar basalt each formed under different conditions, creating a geological textbook in stone.
Moss & Lichens
The moss and lichen growing on the volcanic rock are some of the first life to colonize new lava fields.
Some of these organisms grow less than 1cm per year, meaning the patches you see may be decades or centuries old.
Sunset Colors
The volcanic rock takes on incredible red and gold hues during sunset.
The iron-rich minerals in the lava glow in warm light, creating a photographer's paradise.
Practical Information
Best Time
All year, with guided tours available daily. Winter offers the chance to see beautiful ice formations.
Duration
Guided tours typically last 1-2 hours, offering ample time to explore the main passages.
Access
Located in the Hallmundarhraun lava field, approximately 2 km southeast of Fljótstunga farm in Hvítársíða, Borgarfjörður. Guided tours are mandatory and typically depart from a visitor center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Viðgelmir suitable for all ages?
Yes, its paved walkways, installed lighting, and handrails make it accessible and suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Are guided tours mandatory?
Yes, guided tours are mandatory to explore Viðgelmir, ensuring safety and preservation of the delicate cave formations.
What can I expect to see inside Viðgelmir?
You'll see stunning lava formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, and potentially beautiful ice formations in winter, all within a massive lava tube.
How old is Viðgelmir?
The cave was formed around 900 AD during a major volcanic eruption that created the Hallmundarhraun lava field in West Iceland.
