Víðgelmir

Víðgelmir, situated 136 km north of Reykjavik city, in west Iceland Borgarfjorður, is a lava tunnel cave in Hallmundarhraun lava fields, which is believed to have been formed around 900 AD, when Viking settlement took shape in Iceland. Considered the largest lava field in Iceland, Víðgelmir is 1585 metres long, 15.8 metres tall and 16.5 metres wide, with volume over 5 million cubic feet. The only entrances to the lava tube are the two openings towards the northern end of the tube, caused due to the roof collapse.

Víðgelmir, situated 136 km north of Reykjavik city, in west Iceland Borgarfjorður, is a lava tunnel cave in Hallmundarhraun lava fields, which is believed to have been formed around 900 AD, when Viking settlement took shape in Iceland. Considered the largest lava field in Iceland, Víðgelmir is 1585 metres long, 15.8 metres tall and 16.5 metres wide, with volume over 5 million cubic feet. The only entrances to the lava tube are the two openings towards the northern end of the tube, caused due to the roof collapse.

Geologists say the eruption, which took place over an area covering 200 km2, did not subside for several years. The formation of a lava tube cave happens when the outer layer of the lava cools faster than the inner layer forming a crust and a shell around the molten lava which then flows out of the shell, shaping the tube structure. Volcanologists believe there are over 500 lava tubes in the country. Several lava tubes have been discovered in Hallmundarhraun, including Surtshellir and Stefanshellir.

It has been a popular belief among early Icelanders that the caves were inhabited by outlaws and several Viking-age artefacts found here seem to substantiate this belief. The interior of the lava caves are riddled with amazing lava stalactites and stalagmites that hang from the roof and are on the ground respectively. Some other attractions in the vicinity include Snorralaug hot springs, Snaefellsnes National Park, Langjökull Glacier etc. Visitors keen on seeing these artefacts should visit the National Museum of Iceland, which now houses these objects. It is advised to go on a guided tour in the cave and going solo, though it is very easy, should not be attempted for safety reasons. For entering the cave one must first be granted access at Fljótstunga.

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