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Glaciers – Volcanoes – Mountains – Waterfalls – Thermal Pools

Activities : Cave exploration in Iceland

"Batman Begins" was (partially) filmed in Iceland. The Raufarhólshellir cave is where it is at. The 1,4 km long cave Raufarhólshellir is the second longest lava tube system in Iceland. It is 10 – 30 m wide and up to 10 m high and it brims with lava formations that are officially protected. The cave is an ice cave of the cold trap type. All openings are going up to the surface, so cold air flowing downwards into the cave is trapped. The cave is famous for its ice formations, but also for many lava formations. It is strongly recommanded to bring a torch when exploring the cave as it is dark and difficult going. Hiking all the way to the spectacular formations at the utmost end is worthwhile. 

Easy to get there The cave is within easy reach just east of the main road (route 39) from Reykjavík to Þorlákshöfn. About halfway through the cave was a framed document, an epitaph, and a cinerary urn on a lava ledge. The urn contained the earthly remains of the last member of an Indian tribe from the Fire Island. It was brought there by a German friend of this Indian and later removed by a thief. The lava field, in which the cave is situated, is said to have been created during a fissure eruption in the year 1000, leaving an 11 km long crater row.

There are also some nice caves to explore (with guides) in the Fjallabak Reserve, including several stunning ice caves.

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