Standard Cave Tour

by Caves of Laugarvatn · Sightseeing day tours · Golden Circle

  • Fine on your own
  • Couples
  • Good with teenagers
  • Eco-certified

from €14.69 per person

Next departure: Sat 24 Oct

  • Duration

    25 minutes

  • Difficulty

    Easy

  • Season

    All year

  • Starts in

    Laugarvatn

  • Pickup

    Meet at the start point

  • Starts at

    The Cave People - Laugarvatnshellar

    The Cave People - Laugarvatnshellar, Laugarvatn

  • Guide

    Guided in English

  • Departs

    09:10, 09:35, 10:00, 10:30 …

  • Cancellation

    Cancelling costs 50% of the price within 4 days of departure.

About this experience

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.

Description from the operator, Caves of Laugarvatn . Prices and availability in the booking panel are live.

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

Good to know

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.

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

Cancellation for this tour

Cancelling costs 50% of the price within 4 days of departure. If the operator cancels for weather or safety, you get a full refund or a new date.

Why we list it

Caves of Laugarvatn is one of 207 operators we work with — chosen for reliability, honest descriptions and how they treat guests when weather changes plans. We don't list everything; we list what we'd book ourselves. The six checks every operator passes →

What travellers say about Caves of Laugarvatn

Read all 1,421 reviews on Google →

Operator rating 4.8/5 from Google — these are reviews of the company, not this specific tour. Shown as Google returns them, unedited.

  • Chadonka

    ★★★★★ · 2 months ago

    The Caves of Laugarvatn ended up being one of the most authentic experiences of our trip to Iceland. From the moment we arrived, the brothers who own and operate the caves made us feel genuinely welcome. Their passion for preserving the history of the caves was evident, and their storytelling transformed what could have been a simple tour into an unforgettable experience. They did a fantastic job explaining what everyday life was really like for the families who once lived in these cave homes. Rather than simply reciting historical facts, they brought the stories to life with humor, personality, and firsthand knowledge, making it easy to imagine what cave living was actually like generations ago. We happened to visit on a rainy day, and the weather unexpectedly added to the experience. Hearing the rain outside and watching water slowly seep through the cave walls gave us a real appreciation for the harsh conditions the residents endured. It made the history feel tangible rather than something you simply read about. Of course, we also tried the fermented shark, and it’s an experience I’ll never forget! Tasting such an iconic Icelandic food while sitting inside a historic cave where generations of Icelanders once lived felt far more meaningful than trying it in a restaurant. It was the perfect setting to experience a unique piece of Icelandic culture. If you’re looking for an attraction that offers genuine history, engaging hosts, and an experience that feels personal rather than commercial, the Caves of Laugarvatn should absolutely be on your itinerary.

  • EMI TRAVELS

    ★★★★★ · a month ago

    Location is conveniently situated along the Golden Circle route. The tours, led by two brothers, are both informative and engaging. They provide insight into the challenges of life in Iceland, offer a taste of local folklore, and present the opportunity to sample Brennevin and/or hákarl (fermented shark). The surrounding landscape is quite impressive, offering excellent photographic opportunities and notable examples of pillow lava. Highly recommend.

  • Gabriela Świątek

    ★★★★★ · 2 months ago

    Our guide, David, gave us a warm welcome from the very beginning and made us feel comfortable the whole time. He guided us through the caves while sharing fascinating facts and stories. He also had a great sense of humor, which made the experience even more enjoyable. :) We absolutely loved this attraction and highly recommend David as a guide!

  • Dorothy Granger

    ★★★★★ · a month ago

    A slice of Icelandic history in this short tour of a preserved cave dwelling, told with great humour and insight by David our guide. Gives a wee glimpse into the harsh lifestyle of Icelandic families in the early 1900s - their food, living conditions and animals. Well worth stopping off here. The tour lasts about 20 minutes and includes an optional tasting of fermented shark! There is also a short gorge walk, if you want to take it, with some amazing lava formations.

Reviews from Google · updated 23 Oct 2026

Reviews from our travellers

Only people who booked this tour through us can write here. We publish every review in full — good or bad.

Reviews arrive the day after each trip — none yet for this one. After your tour we send one email asking how it was, and what you write goes here, unedited.

Hotels

Where to stay for this tour

From the cheapest to the top end of what is near Þingvellir, from our hotel partners. Rooms are booked on our hotels site.

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Pairs well with

Add any of these to this tour and 3 % comes off both at checkout — about €3 on the cheapest pair. One basket, one payment, however many operators they come from.

from

€14.69 per person

Book Sat 24 Oct · €14.69