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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Grjótagjá Summary
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| Public website: | guidetoiceland.is |
Iceland – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type F
Type F:
 Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Icelandic Króna (ISK) £1 ≈ ISK 163 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are highly common in Iceland, especially in cities. Most businesses accept credit and debit cards, including smaller establishments. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are popular.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not common in Iceland and not expected in restaurants. A service charge is usually included in the bill. Tipping taxi drivers or hotel staff is appreciated but not necessary. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed, especially in designated areas during festivals or outdoor events. Alcohol is also available at licensed venues. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces and on public transport. Designated smoking areas are available outside of many restaurants and public buildings. |
| Icelandic National Day (June) |
Expect parades and celebrations throughout the country. Hotels and tourist spots can get busy. |
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| Christmas (December) |
Christmas is widely celebrated, and it’s a great time to visit for festive markets, but accommodation can be more expensive. |
| Þorrablót Festival (January) |
A festival celebrating Icelandic cuisine, it’s a popular time to visit, though some businesses may have reduced hours. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Hreyfill, Reykjavik Taxi |
| Other: | Iceland's weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to prepare for sudden changes in climate. Always check weather forecasts before venturing into nature. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
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The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
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Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Grjótagjá, Iceland
Bathing in the cave is prohibited because the water is dangerously hot; visit to look only
Midges swarm around nearby Lake Mývatn from June to August
Don't miss
- ♨️ Soak in the geothermal hot spring water inside the cave
- 📸 Capture stunning photos of the blue-tinged cave interior
- 🌋 Explore nearby lava formations and rugged Icelandic landscape
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Grjótagjá formed by volcanic eruptions in the Krafla volcanic system, offers a fascinating glimpse into Iceland’s dynamic geology. The cave’s interior houses a geothermal hot spring whose water temperature fluctuates due to volcanic activity. Historically, it was a popular bathing site until eruptions in the 1970s made the water too hot and unsafe.
The cave regained some of its bathing appeal when temperatures cooled but remains unpredictable, so swimming is currently prohibited to protect visitors. The cave gained international fame when it was featured in the TV series Game of Thrones, increasing tourism but also raising concerns about environmental preservation and crowding.
Visitors should be cautious when exploring the cave entrance, as it is rocky and can be slippery, especially in winter. Seasonal weather can change rapidly, making sturdy shoes and warm clothing essential. Respecting the site’s fragile nature and following local guidance helps preserve this natural wonder.
Nearby attractions include the vast volcanic crater Hverfjall, the eerie lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the soothing geothermal waters of Mývatn Nature Baths, which offer a warmer and safer bathing alternative.
Knowledge before you go
- No bathing allowed. Entry prohibited due to hot temperatures.
- Access via rocky path from Dimmuborgir; wear sturdy shoes for uneven terrain.
- Combine with Lake Mývatn area on Diamond Circle route for full-day exploration.
- Game of Thrones fans know it as Jon Snow and Ygritte's romantic cave scene location.
How to travel to Grjótagjá
Grjótagjá is located in northeast Iceland, about six hours’ drive from Reykjavik. The nearest town is Reykjahlíð by Lake Mývatn. Visitors often rent a car or join guided tours from Reykjavik or Akureyri. There is parking available near the cave with a short walk following marked paths.
Access summary
- From Akureyri Airport (AEY): Drive via Ring Road and 860, about 1–1.5 hours.
- From Akureyri city: Drive Route 1 toward Lake Mývatn, around 1–1.5 hours.
- From Reykjavík: Drive Ring Road north to Mývatn area, about 5–6 hours.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Grjótagjá
Accommodation options are mostly concentrated in the nearby village of Reykjahlíð, offering a range of guesthouses and hotels suitable for visitors exploring the Mývatn area and Grjótagjá.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Grjótagjá
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
🥾
Walking boots
📷
Camera
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🧥
Light jacket
🎒
Small rucksack
🔦
Torch
🥿
Non-slip shoes
🔋
Power bank
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 59% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot more on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to ISK) is 6% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Visitors to Grjótagjá cave in Vatnajökull National Park can enjoy a safe experience if they follow basic precautions. The area is well‑marked, but loose rocks and sudden weather changes pose risks; stay on designated paths, avoid climbing walls and check local advisories before entering.
Accessibility
Grjótagjá cave in Vatnajökull National Park offers limited accessibility: a short, uneven path and narrow entrance suit able-bodied visitors but pose challenges for wheelchairs or strollers. Good signage and guided tours help, yet the rugged terrain requires caution and preparation.
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