Caves of Hella are a group of ancient man-made caves located near the town of Hella on Iceland’s south coast. The caves are carved into soft sandstone and are believed by some historians to date back to the early settlement period, though their exact origin remains uncertain. Several of the chambers contain carved crosses and other markings that have fueled theories that they may have been created by early settlers, possibly even before the Viking Age. Today you can explore the caves on guided tours that share the archaeology, legends, and history surrounding the mysterious underground complex.

QUICK NOTES:

• What it is: A series of ancient man-made caves carved into sandstone near Hella, whose exact origin remains uncertain.

• Best season: Accessible year-round.

• Best time of day: Usually tours run every two hours (with the first one starting at 10:00 and the last one at 2pm or 4pm depending on the season).

• Nice to know: Some caves contain carved crosses and unusual markings that have led to theories about early Christian settlers in Iceland.