Toyota Yaris (Automatic)
The same reliable Yaris with automatic transmission — one of only two automatic options in this category.
Drive 2WD
Seats 5
Luggage 2 max
Transmission Automatic
The dramatic landscapes of southern Iceland attract thousands of road trippers every year. As you navigate the famous Ring Road, iconic waterfalls and black sand beaches dominate your itinerary. However, you can find some of the most memorable moments of your journey in the lesser-known roadside marvels that most travellers overlook. The historic Rútshellir Caves offer a perfect example of such a hidden gem, providing a quick and fascinating cultural detour.
To ensure a smooth journey along this stunning coastline, we highly recommend that you book your rental car in Iceland with us before you arrive. At our offices, our legacy shapes our unwavering commitment to delivering the absolute best customer service to every client, ensuring 24/7 Nationwide Support via our emergency phone line and complete peace of mind.
What are the Rútshellir caves?
The Rútshellir Cave in Iceland represents one of the largest and oldest artificial caves in the country. Rather than a natural geological formation that volcanic activity or water erosion carved, early settlers hollowed out this structure directly from palagonite rock. The name Rútshellir carries deep local context, translating directly to “Rútur’s Cave” in honor of a legendary figure from Icelandic history, a menacing troll who ruled over enslaved workers.
The main site of the Rútshellir Caves consists of a massive, freestanding boulder attached to a grass-covered mountain ridge, which closely resembles a traditional Icelandic turf house from the outside. Historically, local farmers utilised this unique space for agricultural purposes, building a stone sheepcote directly over the entrance. Inside the main chamber, which stretches twenty meters long, visitors will find a spacious interior.
Where is Rútshellir in South Iceland?
You will find the historic site of Rutshellir in South Iceland positioned directly along the Ring Road, making it an incredibly accessible stop. The cave lies in the shadow of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which erupted spectacularly in 2010.
- Proximity: It sits only a few kilometres away from some of the most famous natural landmarks on the South Coast, providing an excellent opportunity to break up your driving itinerary near the Rutshellir Caves.
- Compatibility with other locations: This convenient location allows you to combine cultural sightseeing with your waterfall visits without adding hours to your travel schedule. Because the site sits so close to the Ring Road, you can enjoy a quick walk to the cave entrance without losing daylight.
How to visit Rútshellir by car
Visiting the historic Rútshellir Caves by car offers the ultimate flexibility for your southern Icelandic road trip. Self-drive travellers can easily incorporate this stop into a standard day trip from the capital or during a multi-day journey along the Ring Road. Because public transport options to this specific site do not exist, renting your own vehicle remains the only practical way to reach the cave.
Before you start your engine, we always advise that you check the local road conditions to ensure a safe and stress-free journey. You can choose to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the southern countryside in complete solitude.
Driving from Reykjavík, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Vík
The drive to Rutshellir in South Iceland remains flat, fully paved, and easy to navigate for drivers of all skill levels:
| Starting Location | Route Directions | Distance & Approx. Time | Regional Landscape Highlights |
| Reykjavík | Follow Route 1 East | 151 km (approx. 2 hours) | Scenic agricultural towns, sweeping mountain backdrops, and active farmlands. |
| Seljalandsfoss | Drive east on Route 1 | 21 km (approx. 15 minutes) | Smooth tarmac path flanked by rolling green hills and distant mountain peaks. |
| Skógafoss | Continue east on Route 1 | 5 km (approx. 5 minutes) | Effortless, quick highway stretch making this a perfect short detour. |
| Vík í Mýrdal | Travel west on Route 1 | 36 km (approx. 30 minutes) | Glacial outwash plains, volcanic black sand horizons, and ocean cliffside vistas. |
What to expect at Rútshellir
When you pull off the main highway to visit the Rútshellir Caves, you should expect a peaceful, low-key experience rather than a commercialised tourist park.
- Natural atmosphere: The site does not feature visitor centres, ticket booths, or tour guides, offering an authentic encounter with raw Icelandic heritage instead. A simple stone slab path leads visitors from the parking area through lush green fields directly to the cave.
- Essence of Iceland: The surrounding landscape features vibrant green grasses in summer and dramatic, snow-dusted ridges during winter, offering beautiful photo opportunities. These landscapes perfectly encapsulate the nature of the land of fire and ice.
- Traditional facade: You will immediately notice the impressive stone-and-turf facade that covers the cave entrance, showcasing the traditional building techniques of historic Iceland.
History, cave access, parking and visit duration
The fascinating history of the Rútshellir Caves includes a mix of factual farming records and colourful local legends.
- Historical records: The earliest written records of the site date back to 1714, which scholars Árni Magnússon and Páll Vídalín compiled in an estate register.
- Mythical stories: Local folklore attributes the cave to a legendary, ruthless figure named Rútur, whom locals describe variously as a powerful chieftain, a thief, or a troll. According to legend, his enslaved workers plotted against him, carving a secret chamber beneath his bed to attack him with spears. This deep legacy makes it stand out among the best historical sites in Iceland for travelers who love hidden folklore.
- Cave access: To access the site, you can park your vehicle at the dedicated gravel Rútshellir parking area located just off the Ring Road.
- Duration of your visit: The walk from your car to the cave entrance takes less than two minutes across flat ground. Most travellers spend about 15 to 20 minutes exploring the chambers.
How to add Rútshellir to a South Coast route
You can easily integrate a visit to the historic Rútshellir Caves into a well-planned South Coast self-drive itinerary. Our preferred itinerary includes:
- Morning: We recommend starting your morning early from Reykjavík to beat the afternoon crowds. Your first major stop should be Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the cascading water for a unique perspective.
- Midday: From there, drive east to Skógafoss to admire its immense power and perhaps climb the staircase for a panoramic view of the coastline. After leaving Skógafoss, drive just five kilometres east to make your short detour at the historic cave.
- Afternoon: Afterwards, continue your drive east to the coastal village of Vík, where you can explore the black sands of Reynisfjara while enjoying a picnic before heading back.
Best rental car for South Coast cave stops
Choosing the right vehicle plays a crucial role in ensuring a comfortable and safe journey along the southern coast of Iceland. While the Ring Road remains fully paved and well-maintained throughout the year, weather conditions in Iceland can change rapidly.
- Summer Road Trips: A standard economy or compact car will easily suffice for visiting the Rútshellir Caves and major waterfalls when roads are clear and dry. If you prefer a green, fuel-efficient journey, opting for an electric car rental in Iceland is ideal due to the reliable charging infrastructure up and down Route 1.
- Winter Travel: If you plan to travel during late autumn, winter, or early spring, we strongly recommend securing a robust Hertz Iceland 4×4 rental SUV. A four-wheel-drive vehicle offers superior traction, stability, and safety when facing sudden snowstorms, black ice, or strong coastal winds.
- Cargo Space: An SUV is always a great choice for both summer and winter due to the fact that it provides ample cargo space for your luggage and outdoor gear, allowing you to travel comfortably.
For easier planning we have created the following table which will help you choose the best car for your trip according to your needs and season:
| Vehicle Category | Recommended Travel Scenario | Best Suited Season | Local Driving Performance Advantage |
| 2WD Economy / Compact | Budget-conscious couples or solo travellers sticking strictly to Route 1. | Summer Months(June–September) | Excellent fuel efficiency on paved highways; very easy to maneuver into roadside parking lots. |
| Electric AWD (EV) | Eco-conscious drivers wanting a green, fuel-efficient road trip. | Summer & Mild Shoulder | Smooth power delivery and low noise; heavily supported by charging stations along Route 1. |
| Robust 4×4 / SUV | Families or small groups carrying heavy outdoor adventure gear sets. | Winter & Shoulder(October–May) | Higher ground clearance and superior traction to safely combat unexpected black ice or coastal winds. |
Choosing us as your vehicle provider is your best choice for a safe and steady trip thanks to our 24/7 nationwide support on the road.
Economy Rental Cars Recommendation
Hyundai i10 (Automatic)
Our other automatic option in this class — compact, efficient, and easy to drive around the city or Golden Circle.
Drive 2WD
Seats 5
Luggage 1
Transmission Automatic
Toyota Aygo (Manual)
Our smallest and most budget-focused model — ideal for a solo traveller keeping costs to an absolute minimum.
Drive 2WD
Seats 5
Luggage 1
Transmission Manual
*Most of our economy fleet is manual transmission — if you specifically need automatic, the Toyota Yaris and Hyundai i10 are your two options, and they book out fastest of all.
Mid-size Rental Car Recommendation
KIA Sportage (Automatic)
Automatic | 4×4. A dependable crossover with real 4WD traction, one of our most requested 4×4 options.
Seats 5
Luggage 3
Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid
Automatic | 4×4. Combines all-weather AWD traction with plug-in fuel savings for lower running costs.
Seats 5
Luggage 3
Renault Captur Plug-in Hybrid
Automatic | 2WD. Lower running costs than a standard petrol model, with electric-only driving for city and short trips.
Seats 5
Luggage 3
*Fleet availability varies by season. The KIA Sportage and Hyundai Tucson PHEV are F-road certified; 2WD options like the Renault Captur are restricted to paved roads.
Full-size Car Rental Recommendation
Land Rover Defender
Automatic | 4×4. The definitive Highland-ready full-size SUV, combining serious 4WD capability with a comfortable cabin.
Seats 5
Luggage 3
Toyota Land Cruiser 250
Automatic | 4×4. The latest generation Land Cruiser, with the largest luggage capacity in our full-size range.
Seats 5
Luggage 5
KIA Sorento
Automatic | 4×4. Generous space for families, with the traction to handle F-road tracks when open.
Seats 5
Luggage 4
*Fleet availability varies by season. Always verify F-road openness on road.is before traveling into Highland areas.
Your Top Questions About the Rútshellir Caves
To help you plan your upcoming road trip, we have compiled answers to the most common questions about the Rutshellir Caves.
What is Rútshellir Cave?
Rútshellir is one of the largest and oldest man-made structures in Iceland. Early settlers hand-carved this specific Rútshellir Cave in Iceland out of palagonite rock, which farmers used as a sheepcote and storage barn.
Where is Rútshellir Cave in Iceland?
The cave sits in Rutshellir in South Iceland, directly alongside Route 1 (the Ring Road). It lies approximately 151 kilometres east of Reykjavík and just five kilometers east of the Skógafoss waterfall base.
Can you drive to Rútshellir Cave?
Yes, reaching the Rútshellir Caves is incredibly easy by car. To pull off safely, you can park at the dedicated gravel Rútshellir parking lot positioned right alongside the main highway.
Is Rútshellir worth visiting on the South Coast?
Yes. Booking a trip to the Rútshellir Caves by car provides a unique, 15-minute roadside stop that offers a close-up look at ancient Icelandic architecture.
What can you combine with Rútshellir nearby?
You can effortlessly combine this cave near Skógafoss with popular nearby stops like Seljalandsfoss, the Seljavallalaug geothermal pool, and the black sand beaches of Vík.
