Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Discover
Places to see

Caves

Iceland
Mýrdalshreppur

Hálsanefshellir Cave

Highlight • Cave

Hálsanefshellir Cave

Recommended by 69 hikers out of 75

Save

Share

  • More

  • Save

    Share

  • More

  • Take Me There

    Routes here

    Best Hikes to Hálsanefshellir Cave

    4.7

    (99)

    433

    hikers

    1. Reynisfjara Basalt Columns – Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks loop from Vik

    8.64km

    02:53

    400m

    400m

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Navigate

    Send to Phone

    Intermediate

    Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Intermediate

    Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Easy

    Tips

    April 21, 2023

    Hálsanefshellir Cave is a huge sea cave located at the beach close to the small town Vík. The cave is exceptional because of octagonal basalt pillars at the cave entrance. The vertical columns are quite similar to Fingal's Cave on Staffa Island. And the beach in front is the famous Reynisfjara black beach, which consists of the eroded black basalt.

    There are actually two sea caves at the beach looking quite similar. Even some websites mix them up. Hálsanefshellir has the pillars on the right, the other cave on the left side of the entrance.

    The beach is named after the mountain above, the Reynisdrangar (Three Trolls). It is formed by three huge basalt flows which look like an irregular stack. According to legend, there were three trolls who tried to pull a ship to shore, but took so long they were caught by the sunrise and turned into the three spiky rocks you see today. The mountain has various spots consisting of basalt pillars.

    The beach is not only famous, it is also infamous, because it is one of the two beaches on Iceland with dangerous undercurrent.

    Source: Showcaves.com

      July 22, 2023

      There are several coves/mini caves on the beach. The beach is black and great. But beware of the surf. You have the opportunity to see many seabirds.

      Translated by Google •

        August 10, 2023

        Impressive and unbelievably worth seeing.

        Translated by Google •

          In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

          Sign up for free

          Details

          Informations

          Elevation 0 m

          Weather

          Powered by AerisWeather

          Today

          Tuesday 11 November

          5°C

          0°C

          0 %

          If you start your activity now...

          Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h

          Most visited during

          January

          February

          March

          April

          May

          June

          July

          August

          September

          October

          November

          December

          Loading

          Location: Mýrdalshreppur, Iceland

          Other Popular Places to Check Out

          Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks

          Explore
          RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepacking
          Download the app
          Follow Us on Socials

          © komoot GmbH

          Privacy Policy