Grjótagjá Cave Mývatn Iceland
A small, ancient lava cave in Iceland's Mývatn region, famous for its striking geothermal spring and Game of Thrones filming location.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Grjótagjá Cave Mývatn Iceland
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A small, ancient lava cave in Iceland's Mývatn region, famous for its striking geothermal spring and Game of Thrones filming location.
"The cave was really really dark and you can climb in from one end only. Very short climb and it was really dark so you’ll have to use your phone light while grabbing on to the rocks so you dont fall."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path to the cave and inside is rocky. Good footwear is essential for safe exploration .
🔦 Bring a Phone Light
The cave is quite dark, so a light source is needed to navigate the rocks safely .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Geothermal Spring
Inside Grjótagjá Cave
Marvel at the crystal-clear, vibrant blue geothermal water nestled within the ancient lava rock formations.
Game of Thrones Filming Location
Grjótagjá Cave
Revisit a memorable scene from Game of Thrones, where Ygritte and Jon Snow shared an intimate moment.
Geological Wonders Above
Area surrounding Grjótagjá Cave
Explore the dramatic lava fields and witness the visible tectonic plate separation, a testament to Iceland's volcanic activity.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
What to Expect Inside
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path to the cave and inside is rocky. Good footwear is essential for safe exploration.
🔦 Bring a Phone Light
The cave is quite dark, so a light source is needed to navigate the rocks safely.
📸 Patience for Photos
You might have to wait for others to finish their photos, especially during peak times.
🚫 No Swimming Allowed
Water temperatures can be dangerously hot and fluctuate; swimming is prohibited.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path to the cave and inside is rocky. Good footwear is essential for safe exploration.
🔦 Bring a Phone Light
The cave is quite dark, so a light source is needed to navigate the rocks safely.
📸 Patience for Photos
You might have to wait for others to finish their photos, especially during peak times.
🚫 No Swimming Allowed
Water temperatures can be dangerously hot and fluctuate; swimming is prohibited.
🌌 Aurora Viewing Spot
The area offers minimal light pollution, making it excellent for Northern Lights viewing at night.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Grjótagjá Cave a visually stunning, albeit small, natural wonder, particularly appealing to Game of Thrones fans. While the cave's interior is dark and requires careful navigation, the vibrant blue geothermal spring is a highlight. Many appreciate the surrounding geological formations and the potential for aurora viewing, though some feel it's best as a quick stop rather than a dedicated destination.
"If you're already in the area and you have extra time, this is an interesting place to visit. I wouldn't make a special trip for it though since it's small and you may have to wait to see inside. We went in the evening last month and it wasn't too crowded. I can see why Game of Thrones was filmed here though. The geology is fascinating."
Terri Sanne
"A lot of people come here because of the Game of Thrones series. I haven’t seen the show myself, and still found the place absolutely spectacular. We went early in the morning and had the entire area to ourselves. At night, we returned to the parking lot to watch the northern lights, and it was a great decision—there’s no light pollution at all, making it a perfect spot for aurora viewing."
Marc Roca
"It's a beautiful one to do a quick pit stop . It has parking and the path to the cave is rocky so wear good shoes and also on a 10 meter walk up the cave where you can see earth separation after an earthquake"
REENA RONANKI
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Grjótagjá Cave is located in the Mývatn area, about a 6-hour drive from Reykjavik.
While it's possible to reach the Mývatn area via bus services from Reykjavik, direct public transport to the cave itself might be limited. Renting a car is generally the most convenient way to explore this region of Iceland.
The 'Tower' you might see is Jafnvægi (equilibrium), a landmark and visitor center designed with fractal geometries, inspired by the geological divide between tectonic plates.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Grjótagjá Cave and the surrounding area is generally free. There is also free parking available.
The cave is accessible at all times, as it's a natural formation. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and better visibility, unless you are specifically there for aurora viewing at night.
No, swimming is no longer permitted in the hot spring. Due to volcanic activity in the 1970s, the water temperature can rise dramatically and is often too hot for safe bathing.
Yes, Grjótagjá Cave is open to the public. While there were past concerns about closures, recent visitor reports indicate it is accessible.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside the cave, you can explore the small, dark space and admire the striking blue geothermal spring. It's a quick visit, primarily for viewing the unique geology and its connection to Game of Thrones.
A visit to Grjótagjá Cave is typically very short, often just a 'quick pit stop'. Allow around 15-30 minutes to explore the cave and take photos.
Children can visit, but caution is advised due to the rocky terrain inside and around the cave. Adult supervision is recommended, especially when navigating the darker areas.
The area is part of the Mývatn region, known for its volcanic activity. You can see lava fields and evidence of tectonic plate separation, as the cave is located between the North American and Eurasian plates.
Yes, the area around Grjótagjá Cave has minimal light pollution, making it an excellent spot for viewing the Northern Lights during the winter months.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late evening often provide softer light and fewer people, leading to better photographic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the cave's interior and surrounding landscapes. For Northern Lights, a tripod and a camera capable of low-light photography are essential.
The entrance to the cave with the blue water is the primary photo subject. The surrounding lava fields and the visible earth separation also offer unique photographic perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While swimming is not allowed, the cave's connection to Game of Thrones might appeal to older children or teens. The surrounding area also offers opportunities to discuss geology and volcanic activity, making it an educational detour. Keep the visit brief, as the cave itself is small and doesn't offer extensive activities.
📸 Photographers
The contrast between the dark lava rock and the vibrant blue geothermal water creates striking images.Beyond the cave itself, the surrounding lava fields and geological formations provide excellent subjects. If visiting during winter, the area's minimal light pollution makes it a prime location for capturing the Northern Lights.
🎬 Game of Thrones Fans
+1While you can't recreate the bathing scene due to safety concerns with the water temperature,
standing in the very spot where these characters shared a pivotal moment is an unforgettable experience. Imagine the dramatic backdrop as you explore the cave and its surroundings, connecting with the show's epic narrative in a real-world setting.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Game of Thrones Connection
+2 Fans will recognize it as the setting for the intimate scene where Jon Snow and Ygritte share a romantic moment. This association has drawn many visitors eager to see the real-life location of this iconic scene.While the cave's appearance in the show is memorable, it's important to note that the water temperature inside has become too hot for bathing due to geothermal activity.
Therefore, visitors can admire the cave and its surroundings, but the romantic bathing scenes from the show are not replicable in reality.Geology and Tectonic Plates
Visitors can observe this geological phenomenon firsthand. The surrounding landscape showcases dramatic lava fields and fissures, a constant reminder of Iceland's dynamic earth. The cave's formation and the geothermal activity within it are direct results of this ongoing tectonic movement, making it a fascinating spot for anyone interested in geology and the forces that shape our planet.
Visiting Safely and Responsibly
Remember that swimming in the geothermal spring is prohibited due to unpredictable and often dangerously high water temperatures.
Respect the natural environment and any posted signs. While the cave is a popular spot, maintaining a respectful distance and not disturbing the natural formations will help preserve its beauty for future visitors. Early morning or late evening visits can offer a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds.
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