Standard Cave Tour

By The Cave People - Historic Cave AdventureTop rated

Standard Cave Tour, photo 1 of 15Standard Cave Tour, photo 2 of 15Standard Cave Tour, photo 3 of 15Standard Cave Tour, photo 4 of 15Standard Cave Tour, photo 5 of 15Standard Cave Tour, photo 6 of 15Standard Cave Tour, photo 7 of 15Standard Cave Tour, photo 8 of 15Standard Cave Tour, photo 9 of 15Standard Cave Tour, photo 10 of 15Standard Cave Tour, photo 11 of 15Standard Cave Tour, photo 12 of 15Standard Cave Tour, photo 13 of 15Standard Cave Tour, photo 14 of 15Standard Cave Tour, photo 15 of 15

Step inside the caves where real Icelandic families once lived. This is not a replica or museum setup. These are the original caves, carefully restored and full of stories. During this guided tour, you’ll hear about the lives of the people who once called these caves home.

Duration
25 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Season
September to October
Getting there
Self-Drive
Group size
Up to 24
Book by
15 minutes before
Cancellation
Free up to 48 h before

from

2.000 ISK

per adults

Check dates & book

Next departures

  • Wed 30 Sept · 16:00
  • Wed 30 Sept · 16:30
  • Wed 30 Sept · 17:00
  • Wed 30 Sept · 17:30

Runs: September to October

  • Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
  • Secure payment, confirmation from the operator
  • No account needed

Why it's on Icebreaker

Laugarvatnshellir (The Cave People)

About a hundred years ago, two separate families made their home in a cave dug into the soft rock of a hillside between Þingvellir and Laugarvatn. One of them had two of their three children born in it. Otherwise it belonged to the sheep, until The Cave People spent a year researching and restoring the place and opened it to visitors in 2017. The guided tour takes 25 minutes and runs every half hour through the day: old photographs, true stories of freezing winters and hard living, and the occasional run-in with the hidden people. Bring a light jacket, as the cave runs cool. Groups can also book it privately, with a tasting of flatbread and smoked lamb, dried fish, fermented shark and a shot of Brennivín.

From the Icebreaker app, curated with The Reykjavík Grapevine.

Prices

Adults2.000 ISK
Infant0 - 5 years0 ISK
Children6 - 14 years1.000 ISK

Prices for the next departure, checked Wed 30 Sept. They can change with the date; the booking shows the exact price.

About this tour

Step inside the caves where real Icelandic families once lived. This is not a replica or museum setup. These are the original caves, carefully restored and full of stories.

During this guided tour, you’ll hear about the lives of the people who once called these caves home. We’ll show you historic photos, tell their stories, and give you time to explore the space. It’s a quiet and personal experience, and many guests say it leaves a lasting impression.

Located in the middle of the Golden Circle, the caves are easy to find and a great stop between Þingvellir and Laugarvatn. The tour takes about 25 minutes and runs every half hour during the day.

Perfect for families, travelers, and anyone curious about Iceland’s history.

  • Adults (15 and older): 2,000 ISK
  • Children (6–14): 1,000 ISK
  • Infant (0–5): Free
    • Children under 6 join for free with a parent or guardian.


What's included

  • Guided tour through the historic caves
  • Free parking near the entrance
  • Entry and facility fees
  • Local guide with real stories from the past
  • Access to photo areas
  • Free WiFi at the reception area
  • All taxes and service fees included
  • Smiles and warm welcomes

What to bring

You don’t need any special gear. Just wear something comfortable for walking and bring a light jacket, especially in summer when the cave can feel a bit cooler. Camera is also nice to have. Most of all, bring your curiosity and a smile.

Good to know

Accessibility:
The caves are not fully wheelchair accessible. The path includes a short walk up a natural hill with a gentle slope.

Where it starts

The Cave People - LaugarvatnshellarThe Cave People - Laugarvatnshellar

Map of The Cave People - LaugarvatnshellarOpen in Google Maps

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the tour.

For all bookings of day tours, a minimum of 24 hours' notice prior to your scheduled departure is required in order to receive a full refund. If a cancellation is made with less than 24 hours notice, no refund is given.

For all bookings of multi-day and custom private tours, a minimum of 72 hours' notice prior to your scheduled departure is required in order to receive a full refund. If a cancellation is made with less than 72 hours' notice, no refund is given*

*Note that in the event the client requests a refund for any reason, Tour Desk reserves the right to charge a 3% administration fee to cover costs incurred.

Cancellation and refund requests need to be sent in writing to info@tourdesk.io

Questions

How long is Standard Cave Tour?
About 25 minutes.
How much does Standard Cave Tour cost?
From 2.000 ISK. Adults: 2.000 ISK. Infant (0 - 5 years): 0 ISK. Children (6 - 14 years): 1.000 ISK. Prices are per person unless the category says otherwise, and can change with the date.
Where does it start?
There is no pickup: you meet the operator at The Cave People - Laugarvatnshellar, The Cave People - Laugarvatnshellar. Most people drive there themselves.
When does it run?
September to October, going by the departures listed for the next twelve months.
Can I cancel?
Yes. Cancellation is free up to 48 hours before the tour starts.
How hard is it?
The operator rates it easy.

Explore more

Read next: The South Coast: waterfalls, black sand and Jökulsárlón

Other tours at Laugarvatnshellir (The Cave People)

More caving and lava tunnels