Lava tube caving might be a completely new experience for you. But that's what Iceland is all about! In cave Leidarendi you get to explore the geological history of the island, from within! In the afternoon visit the highlights on the Golden Circle - A minibus tour where you'll see the main attractions of Iceland.
Duration: 10-11 hours
Pick-up: 8 a.m.
Group maximum: 19 persons
Available: All year
Age limit: 6 years
Difficulty: Moderate*
- Lava tubing in cave Leidarendi
- Thingvellir national park
- Geothermal area & Geysir
- Gullfoss waterfall
Combo tour: This tour is a combination of two tours. First, we do the Volcanic Veins caving tour and then we do the Golden Circle Afternoon tour. We will drop you off at a diner/bakery in Reykjavik between tours, where you can have lunch (there is also a supermarket close by). We will drop you off in Reykjavik after both tours at around 6 p.m.
Caving duration: Around 1 hour
*Difficulty: Suitable for all who can walk on uneven surfaces and crawl a bit. Age minimum: 10 years old.
Included: Pick up & drop off in Reykjavik, guided caving tour, flash light, gloves and helmet.
Not included: Lunch
Bring with you: Warm clothes, sturdy shoes, packed lunch.
Tour Description
Lava tunnels were formed by underground "rivers" of flowing magma
Description to the Leidarendi Cave Tour
We will enter through narrow cave entrances and find they open out to reveal an extraordinary scenery of lava formations and unexpected colours. You will see natural stalactites and different rock formations making this an experience of majestic and almost indescribable beauty.
We recommend you wear good walking shoes or hiking boots which are suitable for walking on uneven lava surfaces.
The cave's name translates to "End of the Journey". It was so named because the carcass of a dead sheep which reached its "End of Journey" and is found at the far end of the cave. It is likely that the sheep fell into the cave through a shakehole and was not able to climb out of it.
Cave Leidarendi is about 900 metres long and it is situated near a volcanic crater south-east of the town of Hafnarfjordur. It was first mapped in 1992.
On All Fours
The cave's ceiling and walls are broken or collapsed in very few places and it is therefore easy to navigate. Sometimes the cave’s ceiling gets a bit low so you might have to crawl for a short distance.
Leidarendi lava tube is considered to be a subterranean wonder world. The entrance is a small pit that leads down into the cave; the cave itself runs in both directions and connects in two parts so it runs as a line with a circle in the middle.
Lunch Arrangements
After the caving tour we drive you to Reykjavik where you will have about 30 minutes between tours. You can go to the bakery, or the supermarket, both are close by. We will also have lunch stops during the Golden Circle tour, since this is a long tour. After lunch you are picked up for the Golden Circle tour (detailed information on your voucher).
The Golden Circle
Thingvellir, site of the world's earliest parliament
This classic tour will take you to three of Iceland’s most popular attractions, Gullfoss, Geysir and the National Park Thingvellir. The Golden Circle tour is also operated in a minibus.
At Thingvellir National Park the Great Atlantic rift which is slowly pulling Iceland apart is clearly visible. The Icelandic Parliament Alþingi was established in the year 930 AD.
From Thingvellir you continue to Gullfoss Waterfall (meaning "Golden Falls"). The longest stop will be here.
Gullfoss Falls - The Golden Waterfall
We visit the hot spring geothermally active valley of Haukadalur which contains the super or Great Geysir which very rarely spouts now, but when it does it can spew steaming water 200 feet skywards.
The geysir Strokkur spouts about every few minutes and projects hot water and steam about 60-100 feet into the air. In this area there are many walking paths giving you a great view of steaming vents and colourful, mineral-rich mud formations.
You will be visiting some of the very best known historical sites and natural phenomena in Iceland.
Map - (click to enlarge)
Disclaimer: All our tours are undertaken on the responsibility of its participants. Extreme Iceland does not assume any responsibility for accidents that are caused by its customers or can be traced to their own actions. Participants have to sign a waiver before undertaking all trips stating that they realize that all outdoor activities carry an inherent risk.
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Related Tours:
Caving only: Volcanic Veins Tour: click here for the caving tour only.
Golden Circle only: Golden Circle Complete - Classic Minibus Tour: click here for the Golden Circle tour only.