Leidarendi Cave
Leidarendi Cave
4.5
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4.5
51 reviews
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Mar 2014 • Solo
A great lava tube to visit, but I wouldn't recommend going it alone as per previous reviewer as I would imagine it could be tricky to do the whole circular route without a guide. Also we were glad of the helmets provided (by Extreme Iceland) as we did bang our heads in lower roof sections more than once! Torches are also essential, I took my own head torch which I thought was better than the hand-held torches given out to the group as I could then use both hands to help stay upright along the icy stretches.
When we visited (end of March) it was snowy and iced up around the cave which made just getting in and out an interesting experience, with most of us half scrambling half sliding in on our bottoms! Once inside it is rocky and uneven underfoot but manageable if you are in reasonable fitness. On the walk you pass the remains of a sheep, thought to have become lost a thousand years ago. It is fenced off but you can see the ashes quite clearly. There are a couple of other fenced off sections, where tourists have removed parts of formations (cave candles) which is a bit sad that visitors would feel the need to do that.
At the furthest point in the tunnel, our guide asked us to switch off our torches - wow, complete and utter darkness and not a sound! You can return to the entrance via the same route or take a slightly trickier path that does become very low - requiring crawling in sections (you will likely get a bit scuffed up in the cave, so wear clothes you are happy to get dirty). It is quite strenuous but manageable if you are ok with small spaces and have no knee/back problems.
Definitely a worthwhile trip, we went with Extreme Iceland (review written also under their listing) and the guide was very good, explaining the geology to the tube as we went along.
When we visited (end of March) it was snowy and iced up around the cave which made just getting in and out an interesting experience, with most of us half scrambling half sliding in on our bottoms! Once inside it is rocky and uneven underfoot but manageable if you are in reasonable fitness. On the walk you pass the remains of a sheep, thought to have become lost a thousand years ago. It is fenced off but you can see the ashes quite clearly. There are a couple of other fenced off sections, where tourists have removed parts of formations (cave candles) which is a bit sad that visitors would feel the need to do that.
At the furthest point in the tunnel, our guide asked us to switch off our torches - wow, complete and utter darkness and not a sound! You can return to the entrance via the same route or take a slightly trickier path that does become very low - requiring crawling in sections (you will likely get a bit scuffed up in the cave, so wear clothes you are happy to get dirty). It is quite strenuous but manageable if you are ok with small spaces and have no knee/back problems.
Definitely a worthwhile trip, we went with Extreme Iceland (review written also under their listing) and the guide was very good, explaining the geology to the tube as we went along.
Written April 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paul r
Forres, UK80 contributions
Feb 2014 • Couples
An interesting trip. Leidarendi cave is located about a 20 min drive outside of Reykjavík on the airport road. We had our own hire car so instead of paying £50 each for the trip we simply asked a tour guide for directions. Each person should have a torch, or if you are alone take two and tell someone where you are going (althrough there will probabley be others at the cave). We didn.t have hard hats and so used a couple of hoodies which worked just fine. Be prepared to get a little wet and a little scuffed up as there is a degree of crawling around. You don,t have to be super fit but the sections where you have to crawl are a little strenuous. I managed it at 50 but did see an older couple turn back!
Written February 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
QGJohn
Davie, FL934 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
We went on the Volcano Veins Tour of the Leidarendi Lava Tube, run by Extreme Iceland. Our guide was Vikner. We started by entering the cave in the easier of the two entrances. You had to step down a few steps in the ice opening, then slide into the cave on your butt, sliding on the snow & ice a short way, much like snow tubing, without the tube. Inside was very fascinating. The cave was hollowed out 2,000 years ago from lava that flowed from the nearby volcano’s caldera after an eruption. We saw large pieces of volcanic rock that was formed into flat shingles of rock, many of which had fallen from the ceiling and we had to walk over and around them to navigate through the cave. Also there was at least one stalagmite forming and remains of a sheep that was trapped in the cave several hundred years ago. Also there were many icicles of various sizes. In many places we had to get very low, even crawling at times. The head room was often very limited, thankfully we were given helmets, which made all the head bumping painless. After going the furthest into the cave (over 900m) we started back out. At one point, our guide missed a turn off and we were a little lost in the cave for a while. After passing one area a few times back and forth, Vikner finally lead us back to the main section and towards the exit. I call this primitive in that it is not all decked out in lights and footpaths like many of the well traveled caves and caverns. There is a chain guard about a foot high in places, but other than that, nothing man-made. To leave, Vikner strung a rope so that we could pull ourselves up toward the exit and then out. This was another exciting and unique experience during our visit to Iceland
Written March 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
diana c
Bucharest, Romania249 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
We went there on a rainy day, but we were not sorry.
It's just a short drive from Reykjavik (20 minutes). The guide (from Extreme Iceland) picked us up from our guesthouse and drpped us off in the same place. He was very nice and gave us a lot of information not only about the cave, but also about Reykjavik, on the way to/from Leidarendi.
It's just a short drive from Reykjavik (20 minutes). The guide (from Extreme Iceland) picked us up from our guesthouse and drpped us off in the same place. He was very nice and gave us a lot of information not only about the cave, but also about Reykjavik, on the way to/from Leidarendi.
Written September 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
199ronf
Virginia Beach, VA9 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
Interesting, but not like caving in the USA. JUsr a big lava tube. Stilla great stop on the ay to Reykjavik from the airport.
Written June 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bmac1260
Lafayette84 contributions
Jan 2019
Iceland is a must visit. I went during January 2019 and participated in a five day tour with a group of 15. It's a beautiful country. It's people, culture and government are very interesting. Icelanders are rated among the happiest people in the world and share their happiness with visitors.
Walking on a glacier and visiting the ice caves are musts. There are also several spectacular waterfalls. My primary motivation in going was to see the Northern lights. No luck. But, by the end of the trip it didn't matter. There was so much to see, do and learn. Moreover by the end of the day all you'll want to do is sleep. The only drawback is that it is very expensive. I ate at a restaurant in Reykjavik. The cost of spaghetti, salad and a coke was $45! Iceland is well worth the cost though.
I recommend going during the winter months even though there is limited daylight. There are fewer visitors and thus less crowds. And, there are winter activities you won't be able to do during the summer. I've seen enough beautiful landscape and flowers. There is also no chance of seeing the Northern lights during the summer. Finally, I strongly recommend taking a four or five day tour. Let them do the driving. Sit back, relax, and let your guide take you to the main points of interest and inform you along the way. Icelanders also have a great sense of humor and world view.
Walking on a glacier and visiting the ice caves are musts. There are also several spectacular waterfalls. My primary motivation in going was to see the Northern lights. No luck. But, by the end of the trip it didn't matter. There was so much to see, do and learn. Moreover by the end of the day all you'll want to do is sleep. The only drawback is that it is very expensive. I ate at a restaurant in Reykjavik. The cost of spaghetti, salad and a coke was $45! Iceland is well worth the cost though.
I recommend going during the winter months even though there is limited daylight. There are fewer visitors and thus less crowds. And, there are winter activities you won't be able to do during the summer. I've seen enough beautiful landscape and flowers. There is also no chance of seeing the Northern lights during the summer. Finally, I strongly recommend taking a four or five day tour. Let them do the driving. Sit back, relax, and let your guide take you to the main points of interest and inform you along the way. Icelanders also have a great sense of humor and world view.
Written May 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alejandro K
Los Angeles, CA81 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
The degree of difficulty is based on the fear you have of tight spaces. I went with my wife who was concerned about been underground, but ultimately we enjoy the experience and we highly recommended.
The rock formations, the stalactites-stalagmites you will found in the cave, were amazing, nowhere else to be found.
The rock formations, the stalactites-stalagmites you will found in the cave, were amazing, nowhere else to be found.
Written March 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
terrdeter
Oakton, VA145 contributions
Oct 2018 • Family
the cave came up on Google Maps, but when we "arrived" there was no cave in sight. took us up the mountains on unpaved road (so 4wheel is recommended). turned out to be a big waste of time. don't use Google Maps, it's not right- ask your hotel desk instead.
Written October 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yapyy
Singapore, Singapore52 contributions
Sept 2018 • Friends
If you drive, you can key in GPS Coordinates 63.981606, -21.834674 in Google map to find the place; it's not exactly at this coordinate, but as you approach this location, you will see mini bus and small carpark by the road side. You won't miss it because there is nothing else along the road. The adventure require some physical strength, not advisable for babies and people that are physically challenged. Don't bring big backpack or hang your DSLR in your neck, because some sections of the cave is narrow, and require your 4 limbs to move. gloves are must, you are likely to get your pants and gloves dirty due to the wet cave. There are 2 tour guides. They guides are knowledgeable, you learned how the lava tube is formed. You get to feel total darkness in one section, when the guides asked everyone to turn off the light. The 1.5 hr experience worth the money because there aren't many places you can visit lava cave. The temperature inside the cave is low, but after some physical exercise inside, I felt warm and sweated. theoretically the cave allow self exploration but I don't recommend that because you may get lost inside, and end up becoming like the sheep skeleton inside the cave, it died there 200 years ago for going in without guides.
Written September 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travilingpilot
Cleveland, OH56 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
What a cool cave! It’s very long and narrows at certain points and requires you to get on your hands and knees to pass through a few tricky spots. But not to worry! I’m about 6 feet and made it through just fine. Now the city where the cave belongs wants you to register with them if you are going down and they want you to take a guide with you. Not saying I didn’t do that but no one would be there to stop you (unless a tour group pulls up). Now if you kept going into the cave on your own (not that it’s recommended in any way) go left. Head in that way for a while and marvel at the colors and stalagmites forming, but don’t touch! Be respectful of the cave and try not to damage it. On the way back (started by simply turning around) watch for where the tunnel forks the RIGHT fork is the one that will lead you to the entrance. Soon after you take it you’ll see light. The fork is hard to spot because it’s a small gap in the rock to crawl through. If you did manage to miss it and took the left fork pretty soon you’ll realize nothing looks familiar. Don’t panic! You’ll probably trace out your options and deiced well maybe…before nope that doesn’t work. Just head back the way you came in. The chains around the signs are a good landmark. If you reach those by heading straight out of that left fork turn around again and stay right looking for the right way out. If that fails and you’re in the left fork close to the entrance (and not saying this worked for me) wait for a tour group. You’ll hear them and see their light come from the right direction and then head that way. Again please do not go in on your own it can be very dangerous or damaging to the cave.
Written August 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Millainen on sää syyskuun alkupuolella Islannissa?
Written March 26, 2019
How does this Leiðarendi Lava Tube compare with The Lava Tunnel at Raufarholshellir? Which one is more spectacular?
Written March 20, 2019
I will self drive to Leidarendi. what's the landmark or sign I should watch out for?
Written August 7, 2018
I just came back from Iceland. I found the place. There was a mini bus at the meeting point and a lay-by parking space . You won't miss it because there is nothing else along the road. You can key in Leidarendi Lava cave in Google map to lead you to the right road.
Written September 18, 2018
We are interested in touring these caves (end of Aug) with a guide but will be in the area with a car and do not want a tour from Reykjavik as we'll be moving on afterwards. Does anyone know of a tour group that will offer meeting on site? I've done a fair bit of searching but may have to contact the tour groups individually.
Written July 16, 2017
I am planning to hire a car and explore the nearby area after the tour. Is there any cheaper guided tour without the pick up service?
I am planning to go to Iceland in mid march. Would it still be icy??
Written December 21, 2016
The roads should be fine, unless it is actually snowing at the time. We were there if Feb, and mostly the roads were clear.
Written December 25, 2016
Hello !
I'm trying to understand the parts of the tour when you are crawling and squeezing. You gave a height of two feet. How long did you have to squeeze and or crawl ?
My husband booked this trip as a surprise without considering my fear of closed in space. I can handed it briefly if I know space will be after a short crawl /squeeze. But I worry about becoming overwhelmed in the dark if the space is tight for most of the walk.
Did you have to crawl on your belly at all ? Any information you can giveanxious girl would be great !
If it helps I'm five foot four inches and small/medium frame and in good shape. Thank thank.
Written July 13, 2016
I did not have to crawl on my belly. Most places I was able to crab-walk. Hands and Feet, crouched low. In one spot, on the way out only, I had to drop to hands and knees. None of the places that you had to get real low to pass thru were very long, maybe 10 to 15 feet. Each such place always led to another room or chamber where you could stand. I suppose a very tall person would have to crouch down in most of the chambers. I am 5'7" and could stand, with the helmet on, in most places, (other than the passages that had to be crawled through).
Written July 13, 2016
In the areas where you have to crawl-- how long are they? We are planning to go but get a wee claustrophobic. It's not bad if I'm only crawling a short distance and then out into a larger area but if it's often and long I'm a bit concerned.
Thanks!
Written March 7, 2016
Is there a guide that we can hire at the location if we drive there ourselves? What are the entrance fees? Can we rent helmets and flashlights?
Written January 10, 2015
...if you have booked a guide you can join him/her at the cave, if not you must explore the lave tube by yourselve. It's an open place in the landscape without fee, about 3 min. from the parking at the gravel road.
Written August 18, 2019
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