Gjabakkahellir

Useful Information

Location:	Thingvellir National Park.
Open:	no restrictions. [2020]
Fee:	free. [2020]
Classification:	lava tube
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:	L=360 m.
Guided tours:	available by various operators
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Gjabakkahellir.
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

1907	discovered by workers preparing a road between Thingvellir and Geysir.

Description

Gjabakkahellir (Blueberry Cave) is a lava tube which was formed 9000 years ago. It was discovered by workers in 1907 when they were constructing a road between Thingvellir and Geysir. The cave is easy to reach, its only 50 m walk from the road, and it is a through cave. There are cave trekking operators offering tours into the cave but it is also possible to visit it without guide. If you do so please follow the rules for save Caving Caving. The cave floor is covered with large rocks that have fallen from the cave ceiling and walking can be treacherous at times. It requires good sturdy shoes and surefootedness, a bit of climbing and stooping is also necessary.

The rocks in the cave have fallen from the cave ceiling in the cooling phase of lava field. Incredible rock formations in various colors, and stalactites of all shapes and sizes were formed by the cooling lava.