Laugarvatnshellir – The Cave People

Laugarvatnshellir is a pair of natural caves where Icelandic families lived during the early 20th century. The caves have been restored to show how the residents cooked, slept, worked, and raised their families in this unusual home. Guided tours bring their stories to life through photographs, artifacts, and accounts of daily life, offering a fascinating insight into Iceland’s rural past.

Open Hours vary by season

Entry Admission fee

Parking Paid parking

Time needed 30–45 min

Why visit?

Step inside one of Iceland’s most unusual former homes
Hear the stories of the families who lived in the caves
Discover a little-known part of Icelandic rural history

What to Experience at Laugarvatnshellir

The Cave Homes · 20–30 min Step inside the restored caves where Icelandic families once lived

Guided Tour · 25–30 min Hear the stories of the people who made the caves their home

Historic Interior · 10–15 min See furnishings, photographs, and objects that recreate everyday life in the caves

Cave Surroundings · 5–10 min Explore the unusual setting between Þingvellir and Laugarvatn

Facilities

Restrooms Available at the reception area.

Accessibility Access to the caves may be difficult for visitors with limited mobility due to the natural terrain and historic setting.

Food & Drinks There is no restaurant on-site, so plan meals before or after your visit.

Reception Visitor information and guided tour check-in are available at the reception area.

Tips & insights

Join a guided tour to hear the full story of the families who lived here
Check tour times before arriving, as visits follow scheduled departures
Allow around 30–45 minutes for the complete visit
The caves are located directly beside the Golden Circle route, making them easy to include between Þingvellir and Laugarvatn

The Story of the Cave People

Laugarvatnshellir was inhabited by two Icelandic couples during the early 20th century. The best-known residents were Indriði Guðmundsson and Sigríður Tómasdóttir, who lived in the caves from 1918 to 1922 and raised a family there.

The caves were adapted into a surprisingly functional home, with living and sleeping areas, a kitchen, storage, and space for livestock nearby. The residents supported themselves through farming and by selling food and refreshments to travelers passing through the area.

Today, the restored caves provide a rare glimpse into a period when life in rural Iceland could be remarkably different from the country visitors see today.