Caves of Hella — Attraction in undefined

This was something my wife and I did on a whim but I'm glad we did. A very interesting tour and also quite unique for this reason -- These caves have only been open to the public for a few years and only recently have the property owners actually gone through and actually explored these caves to try and learn their history. And because of that, there are still things about these caves that are unknown or open to interpretation. Typically on any kind of "history tour," the history is fully known and you get the full breakdown.

But this tour is a mix of interesting information but also transparency of "we THINK this is what this means, but we aren't 100% sure." They of course provided legitimate reasoning for why they think what they think. But if you are the type of person that likes to try and figure things out and you're a big history buff, this could be more than a tour for you and can act as an exploratory adventure for you to figure out things that even the property owner doesn't know! However, you aren't allowed to touch anything so don't go in here with forensic tools expecting to be able to "gather" or "uncover" evidence. If you want to try and figure stuff out, you'll have to do it based solely on what your eyes tell you.

The tour guide was transparent that at least one aspect of one particular cave that they thought was for something else, they actually now believe they were wrong thanks to something that was pointed out to them by a tourist previously.

As they continue to learn more about these caves, it's possible that you'll get more definitive info about certain things than I got on my tour. And perhaps someone who takes a tour after you, will have more information than you as well.

But the guide was very informative and it was all really interesting. If I remember correctly, I believe we were told that there are about 12 caves total on the property but many of them are not in great shape. Only 4 caves are open to the public, but only 3 of the 4 are open to the public in the winter. (I was able to see 3 of...

The curious caves of Hella

If you're looking for an offbeat adventure that's a stone's throw away from the usual Icelandic hotspots, the caves of Hella are your go-to. Just a 95km jaunt from Reykjavík, these underground attractions are a odd mix of history and modernity.

Originally carved by hand rather than volcanic activity, these caves were the unsung heroes for local farmers, doubling as storage units for sheep and hay during harsh winters. Fast forward to today, and they've swapped their woolly residents for carloads of tourist and a few whiskey barrels, aging spirits to perfection in the cool, steady climate.

Visiting these caves isn't your average walk in the park. It's not exactly pocket-friendly—then again, what is in Iceland?—and you'll need a guide to explore their depths. The caves are spacious enough to wander without feeling claustrophobic, yet they still hold that intimate vibe that makes you feel like you're in on a secret.

They might not have the typical rugged look of lava caves, but that's part of their charm. It's like stepping into a hidden world where each corner tells a story, and every barrel holds a promise of a good time.

All in all, it's a curious experience that's a little off the beaten path and a lot cool—literally and figuratively. So if you're up for something different, give these...

In September of this year, my girlfriend and I had the opportunity to visit the Caves of Hella in Iceland. It was an epic experience that transported us back in time, spanning centuries of history.

Our guide was amazing. He was very passionate about the caves and their history, and shared his knowledge with us in a captivating way. We learned about the Norse settlers who used the caves for shelter and storage, the Irish monks who built a chapel in one of the caves, and the Icelandic farmers who used the caves for livestock and agriculture.

As we explored the caves, we could see traces of all the people who had lived and worked there over the centuries. There were ancient carvings on the walls, old tools and artifacts scattered on the ground, and even the remains of a Viking longhouse.

The light filtering into the caves creates a magical atmosphere, and we felt like we were stepping into another world. Our visit to the Caves of Hella was an unforgettable experience. It was a journey through time and a celebration of nature's beauty. I highly recommend visiting the caves to anyone who is interested in history and culture. It's a great stop for...