The Underworld of the South
While most of Iceland’s history is defined by Vikings, a much older mystery lies hidden just off the South Coast highway. This one-hour guided exploration takes you inside ancient, man-made caves that predate Nordic settlement. You will walk through subterranean tunnels, examining cryptic wall carvings and stone seats left behind by unknown settlers.
Overview
The Anomaly
Iceland is famous for its natural lava tubes, but the caves are an entirely different phenomenon. Hidden beneath a farm on the South Coast, this is a network of ancient, man-made sandstone caves. Historical evidence suggests they predate the arrival of the Nordic Vikings. The running theory is that early Celtic monks carved these shelters long before the first Norse longships landed, making this the oldest surviving archaeological site in the country.
The Exploration
Of the twelve caves discovered on the property, this one-hour tour takes you inside the most significant chambers. You will walk through Kirkjuhellir, known for its carefully vaulted ceiling, and navigate a 25-meter subterranean tunnel connecting the historic barn and lamb caves. Along the walls, you will find cryptic crosses, intricate carvings, and stone seats carved directly into the rock face by the original architects.
The Local Difference
Because these caves are located on private farmland, access is strictly limited to guided walks. You are exploring the site with people who intimately know the land and the ongoing archaeological theories. It is a rare chance to step away from the crowded tourist stops of the Ring Road and see a piece of Icelandic history that researchers are still trying to fully understand.
Included
- 1-hour guided cave exploration
- Entrance fee to the historic site
- Expert local storytelling and historical interpretation
What to Bring
- Warm mid-layer (the caves are cold year-round)
- Sturdy walking shoes
Meeting Point
Hella South Coast
Meet on Location
The exact meeting address and parking instructions will be provided on your ticket immediately upon booking. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure.
Reviews(249)
We loved this tour. It made us feel good that our money is being used in a regenerative way to support this family run business to explore more caves. Loved hearing about the origin story and our guide was fantastic.
This was such a great tour. The guide was very knowledgeable about the area both past and present. He was able to speak about the challenges of preserving history, while using land for farming, and navigating working with the government. The caves predates the Vikings arriving on Iceland.
That was such an interesting experience and the staff were extremely kind and friendly. It is a dive into the history of the Icelandsrs and their newly found origins. Absolutely worth it! Really enjoyed it!
We are a family of three (mum plus two teenage boys) and absolutely LOVED this tour. Stefan was super knowledgeable and clearly passionate about Icelandic history. 10/10 would recommend.
This was an unexpectedly nice surprise for a new attraction. If you are at all interested in the history and settlers of Iceland, this location has rewritten the origin story and changed the history books taught in school. Most impressive is that the Icelandic people have accepted this new story even with the less than flattering new information.
This place offers a fascinating glimpse into how people lived and thrived many years ago. It’s not only incredibly interesting but also set in a stunningly beautiful area. A special shout-out to our amazing and entertaining guide — thank you for sharing such engaging stories and insights!