Arnarker

Useful Information

Location:	816 Þorlákshöfn. Sveitarfélagið Ölfus. From Reykjavik Route 1 east, turn south on Route 39, turn southeast on Route 380. Parking lot on Route 380, 10 min hike to the cave entrance. (63.8929117, -21.4951932)
Open:	no restrictions. [2026]
Fee:	free. [2026]
Classification:	Lava Tube
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:	L=515 m.
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address:	Arnarker, 816 Þorlákshöfn, Tel: +354-.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

Arnarker (Eagle’s Basin), locally referred to as Kerid, is one of many lava tubes on Iceland, and was once frequented by visitors, although it was not developed and thus rather dangerous. To avoid accidents it was closed for many years, but now a circular staircase and trails were created to make the cave visit rather easy. It is accessible without restrictions and for free. The cave is located in the Leitahraun lava field, which was formed during a volcanic eruption 5,000 years ago, by an eruption of the Leitagíg volcano east of Bláfjöll. There were lava flows to the south coast to the sea, which created the Arnarker cave, north to Lake Ellidavatn at the rim of Reykjavík, and along the Ellidaá river to the sea in Reykjavík.

The cave is a 500 m long section of the lava tube, its possible to follow the passage about 100 m to the south and 400 m to the north. There is a sort of trail, but it is rather rough, so good hiking boots are essential. Also bring enough lamps, at least two per person, and warm clothes, it’s cool in the cave. There are guided tours to the cave, even tours with transportation from Reykjavík, which makes the visit not easier but safer.