Dacia Bigster AWD
Manual | 4×4. A roomier step up from the Duster, with extra space for longer trips and budget Highland access.
Seats 5
Luggage 3 Large
The Caves of Hella are a series of twelve ancient, man-made sandstone chambers in South Iceland that date back over 1,000 years, likely preceding the official Viking settlement. Located directly off the Ring Road (Route 1), this unique cultural landmark is accessible only via guided tours, making it a convenient, fully paved detour for any South Coast road trip. This practical guide outlines ticket prices, historical mysteries, and driving directions to help you seamlessly plan your stop.
What Are the Caves of Hella?
When you visit the Caves of Hella, you step into a subterranean world shrouded in mystery. These formations consist of twelve historic sandstone chambers, four of which currently welcome public visitors. While nature carved Iceland’s famous basalt columns, human hands painstakingly dug these caves out of the soft rock.
Man-Made Sandstone Caves and Local History
The Caves of Hella are not natural ice or lava caves; they are a man-made sandstone wonder that offers a unique cultural and historical detour. Widely recognized among the most intriguing and best historical sites in Iceland, the true highlight of this 1,000-year-old site is the unresolved mystery of its origin. Competing historical theories debate whether the chambers were carved by Celtic monks (the Papar) as hidden religious hermitages before the official settlement, or by early Norse settlers shortly after their arrival.
Over the centuries, these sandstone rooms served multiple, evolving purposes, transforming from clandestine worship sites to agricultural storage and livestock shelters. Today, you can explore the chambers to see ancient carvings, inscribed crosses, and carved seats etched directly into the soft sandstone walls..
Where Are the Caves of Hella?
The Caves of Hella are nestled directly within the historical town of Hella, a charming community situated in the heart of South Iceland. This prime location lies right on the banks of the famous Ytri-Rangá river, a scenic region celebrated for its dramatic volcanic landscapes. Because the town of Hella is conveniently situated right along the Ring Road (Route 1), these mysterious sandstone chambers serve as an easily accessible stop for anyone embarking on a South Coast Iceland road trip.
How to Visit the Caves of Hella by Car
Driving yourself remains the best way to reach this remarkable archaeological site on your own schedule, allowing you to set your own pace without relying on crowded tour buses and explore at your own pace.
Driving from Reykjavík, Selfoss and the South Coast
Visiting the hella caves by car is very straightforward. Here we will show the best routes to get there:
| ORIGIN | ROUTE DIRECTIONS | DISTANCE | TIME |
| From Reykjavík | Take the Ring Road (Route 1) eastbound. | The drive is approximately 94 kilometres (58 miles). | It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. |
| From Selfoss | Continue east on Route 1 for about 50 kilometres (31 miles). | 53 kilometres (33 miles). | It takes about 40 minutes. |
Before turning your vehicle’s ignition key each morning, always review live wind speeds, temporary closures, and real-time path classifications directly on our Iceland Road Safety & Conditions Portal. For instant assistance while operating along our national routes, our vehicles remain fully backed by 24/7 Nationwide Support via our primary emergency hotline. Driving to the Caves of Hella offers a chance to enjoy the scenic landscapes of South Iceland.
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Caves of Hella Tickets, Tours and Visitor Information
To visit the site, purchasing Caves of Hella tickets is necessary. Guided tours are available, providing valuable insights into the Caves of Hella, their history and significance. A guided tour enhances the experience, offering a deeper understanding of these intriguing historical sites. This landmark offers different tours: a standard, a luxury and a private tour, depending on your budget and group size.
Pro tip: we highly recommend booking your tickets and tour slots well in advance. During the peak summer season (June to August), slots can sell out weeks ahead due to strictly limited group sizes. In winter, booking 3 to 5 days in advance is typically sufficient, but securing your spot early ensures you can perfectly align the tour with your self-drive itinerary.
Here we will detail all the information you need regarding tours and schedules:
| Type Of Tour | What’s Included | Duration | Official Base Rates (ISK) |
| Standard tour | You will be guided around five mysterious man-made caves, entering three and peeking into two. Along the way you will learn about their ancient history. | 60 minutes | • Adults: 6,950 ISK• Youth (6-15): 2,850 ISK• Kids (0-5): Free |
| Luxury tour | Private tour, tasting and sampling of whisky, gin and mead and delicacies, all made locally, and learning the processes for making each one. | 90 minutes. | From 18,500 ISK per person |
| Private tour | Enjoy in-depth insights and stories from your dedicated guide who will accompany you every step of the way. Perfect for families and groups. | 90 minutes | Custom operational pricing based on booking capacity. |
How to Add the Caves of Hella to a South Iceland Route
Golden Circle, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Hot Springs
The Caves of Hella make an excellent addition to any South Iceland itinerary, because they can be easily combined with other popular attractions. Consider visiting some of these to enrich your trip:
- Golden Circle: This classic route includes Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall.
- Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss (after visiting the Cave): These stunning waterfalls are iconic stops along the South Coast. Seljalandsfoss allows you to walk behind the cascading water, while Skógafoss boasts a powerful drop and the chance to climb to the top for panoramic views.
- Hot Springs: South Iceland is home to several relaxing hot springs, such as the Secret Lagoon near Fludir or the Laugarvatn Fontana Spa.
Best Rental Car for Visiting Hella and South Iceland
Choosing the right car depends on the season and your itinerary. Because the access road to the Caves of Hella is fully paved and contains no F-roads, a rugged off-road vehicle is not required.
- For Summer Travel: A standard sedan or compact car is perfectly sufficient for navigating the paved South Coast in summer, offering great fuel efficiency.
- When to Rent a 4×4: Considering a robust Hertz Iceland 4×4 rental SUV is essential only for winter driving (to handle coastal snow and ice) or if you plan to explore the rugged highland F-roads.
- Going Electric: Securing an eco-conscious electric car rental configuration is an ideal choice for traveling between South Iceland sites, thanks to the excellent charging network along Route 1. Always make sure to check road and weather conditions at safe.hertz.is before heading out.
| Vehicle Category | Recommended Models | Seasonal Focus | Local Surface Performance & Structural Advantages |
| Economy / Compact 2WD | Toyota Yaris, VW Polo | Summer Months(June to September) | Great fuel efficiency on the paved South Coast roads. Effortless to handle and park in local township layouts. |
| Electric AWD (EV) | Tesla Model Y, VW ID.4 | Summer & Mild Shoulder | Eco-conscious option supported seamlessly by the high-density rapid charging network up and down Route 1. |
| Robust Mid-Size SUV 4×4 | Dacia Duster, Toyota RAV4 | Winter & Heavy Shoulder(October to May) | Essential traction and structural safety buffers needed to comfortably manage coastal snow, slush, and high wind gusts. |
| Premium Large SUV 4×4 | Land Rover Defender | Year-Round(Highland Additions) | Mandatory option with heavy-duty ground clearance if your route shifts off Route 1 into rugged, unpaved highland F-roads. |
The Caves of Hella offer a unique and intriguing glimpse into Iceland’s history. Easily accessible by car and conveniently located near other popular attractions, the Caves of Hella are a must-see destination for any South Iceland road trip.
4×4 Rental Cars Recommendation
Toyota Land Cruiser
Automatic | 4×4. High ground clearance and strong suspension for full Ring Road comfort and tough terrain.
Seats 5
Luggage 5 Large
BMW iX3 AWD Electric
Long Range | Automatic | 4×4. Premium fully-electric AWD with extended range for quiet, smooth paved road touring.
Seats 5
Luggage 3
*Fleet availability varies by season. F-road certification applies to designated models like the Land Cruiser and Bigster; EV 4x4s are strictly for paved/approved gravel routes.
Common Questions About Visiting the Caves of Hella
What are the Caves of Hella?
The Caves of Hella are man-made sandstone caves in South Iceland, believed to be over 1,000 years old. Their original purpose is debated, with theories including dwellings, storage spaces, or religious sites.
Where are the Caves of Hella located?
The Caves of Hella are located in the town of Hella in South Iceland, easily accessible from the Ring Road (Route 1).
Do you need tickets or a guided tour for the Caves of Hella?
Yes, tickets are required to visit the Caves of Hella. Guided tours are available and recommended for a more in-depth understanding of the site.
Can you drive to the Caves of Hella?
Yes, driving to the Caves of Hella is the most convenient way to visit. The town is located on the Ring Road, making it easily accessible from Reykjavík and other South Iceland destinations.
What can you combine with the Caves of Hella on a road trip?
The Caves of Hella can be combined with the Golden Circle, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and various hot springs in South Iceland.
