Grjotagja is a small lava cave located near Lake Myvatn in North Iceland, famous for featuring a beautiful geothermal hot spring in its depths. Read on to discover its unique history and how to see its grandeur in person.
Iceland is home to many one-of-a-kind locations and dynamic geographic formations, and Grjotagja Cave is no exception. This famous cave can be found in North Iceland, near Lake Myvatn, and has a stunning geothermal hot spring.
Though you cannot bathe in the hot spring anymore because of its heat, Grjotagja Cave can be driven to by those who rent a car, take a tour of Myvatn, or book self-drive tours that travel north. The region is also visited on some multi-day trips.
Key Takeaways
- Learn about the unique history of Grjotagja Cave and its role in popular culture — if you've watched Game of Thrones, you may have already seen it!
- There are several different routes you can take to see Grjotagja's beauty in person, though you can't drive the entire way.
- While visiting Grjotagja Cave, there are a few nearby towns in the region that have their own attractions.
- In addition to Grjotagja, the surrounding area is home to many other lava caves and formations.
History of Grjotagja Cave
The formation of the Grjotagja lava cave is rooted in Iceland’s dynamic geology. It was created by volcanic activity during the eruptions of Krafla Caldera. Molten lava that flowed beneath the Earth's crust carved the cave out and sculpted its dynamic look.
As the surface cooled and hardened, it formed a hollow passage. This would later house the naturally heated waters in the Grjotagja lava cave.
Grjotagja’s known history begins in the early 18th Century when it was known to be the home of outlaw Jón Markússon. Throughout Iceland’s history, the icy, jagged rocks, total darkness, and reputation for trolls meant that law-abiding folk avoided Iceland’s lava caves. They were thus the perfect spots for bandits who had been ostracised from Icelandic society by the parliament.
Little is known about Jón, but after his death, fears of his cave gave way to excitement at its potential. It was used by locals as a hot spring in the decades that followed until the 1970s, when Iceland’s unpredictable geothermal forces prevented them from doing so.
From 1975 to 1984, the Krafla Volcanic System erupted nine times, making the water in the caves boiling and unusable. After 1984, the temperature slowly cooled, but it was known to heat again rapidly.
In the surrounding area, liquid rock is just over a mile (two kilometers) under the surface of the Earth, meaning it can be very unpredictable. As a result, bathing is no longer allowed in Grjotagja Cave.
Getting to Grjotagja Cave
Grjotagja Cave is located in the Lake Myvatn area, which is part of the most popular sightseeing route in North Iceland, the Diamond Circle. It's also on the Ring Road that encircles the country.
Reaching it and getting to the hot spring, however, requires a reasonable level of fitness and a little sense of adventure. There is a slightly rocky path that takes you from the Dimmuborgir Lava Field to the cave itself. As noted, however, the hot spring cannot be entered.
Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Petr Brož. No edits made.
Grjotagja Cave in Game of Thrones
The Grjotagja Lava Cave and its hot spring have such an otherworldly beauty that they have attracted many Hollywood producers. HBO’s Game of Thrones even shot one of the season’s most iconic love scenes here. If you don’t want spoilers, please skip ahead to ‘Getting to Grjotagja’.
In Season Three, Episode Four, protagonist Jon Snow and the wildling woman Ygritte consummate their relationship here. This is where Jon Snow ‘proves’ his abandonment of the Night's Watch. In the televised version of the cave, there is a waterfall added with CGI, but otherwise, Grjotagja is as it appears in reality.
Grjotagja is far from the only place in Iceland used to build up the world of Westeros. In fact, it is not even the only one in the local area. Also in the Lake Myvatn area is the lava fortress of Dimmuborgir. In midwinter, this dramatic area was used to reflect the wildling camp of Mance Raider throughout Seasons Two and Three.
Also in the series are Mount Kirkjufell and the Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks in the penultimate episode of Season Seven. There's Vatnajokull Glacier, on which ‘the Wall’ is built with CGI effects, and much of the landscape around Thingvellir National Park throughout. Icelandic mountain ranges can also be seen cut behind scenes filmed in Ireland and Croatia.
Top Game of Thrones Tours
- Game of Thrones Discount Bundle | Glacier Hike & Ice Cave or Boat Ride on Jokulsarlon — This combination tour gives you the chance to hike, sail, or cave in scenic and unforgettable places.
- 3-in-1 Bundled Tours of Game of Thrones Locations with the Golden Circle, South Coast & Myvatn — Venture across the Golden Circle and explore several of Game of Thrones' memorable filming locations.
- Amazing 6-Day Summer Vacation Tour in Iceland with Game of Thrones Locations & Glacier Hiking — Immerse yourself in the world of Game of Thrones and visit iconic locations across Iceland's diverse and varied landscapes on this six-day tour.
Towns Near Grjotagja Cave
While visiting Grjotagja Cave, there are several towns in the surrounding region you can stay in. Each has its own accommodations you can rest in overnight, as well as attractions and sights to experience.
Husavik
Husavik, often called the whale-watching capital of Iceland, lies on the scenic shores of Skjalfandi Bay. This coastal town offers more than whale-watching tours, though its waters teem with humpbacks and other majestic species. Visitors drawn by ocean wildlife often stay to explore the Husavik Museum and the GeoSea Geothermal Baths and can rest in one of many Husavik hotels and accommodations.
Akureyri
Akureyri, known as the "Capital of the North," serves as the cultural and commercial heart of northern Iceland. Situated beneath snow-capped mountains and along the Eyjafjordur Fjord, it blends urban sophistication with natural beauty. The city stands out as a hub of activity and comfort in an otherwise rugged landscape, and there are many excellent accommodations and hotels in Akureyri to stay in during your visit.
Grenivik
Grenivik is a peaceful fishing village nestled at the base of Kaldbakur mountain, offering visitors a quiet retreat from Iceland’s more tourist-heavy locations. The village, though small, boasts stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Its many hiking opportunities are particularly rewarding, as its trails lead to beautiful, untouched areas.
Other Lava Caves in Iceland
While the Grjotagja Cave in Iceland is perhaps best known for its striking geothermal pool, other notable formations capture the imagination. Surtshellir in the Hallmundarhraun Lava Field stretches for over a mile and features magnificent ice formations in winter. Vídgelmir, another standout, is the longest lava cave in Iceland and is great for beginners to explore along with a guide.
- The Raufarholshellir Lava Cave Tour — Venture through Iceland's longest lava tunnels and witness the majesty of its iconic geological formations.
- The Vidgelmir Cave Tour — On this unforgettable guided tour, you'll travel through an impressive lava tube that will give a glimpse into the land's volcanic past.
- The Vatnshellir Cave Tour — Discover the distinct lava formations of this 8,000-year-old cave during this memorable and one-of-a-kind tour.
Include Grjotagja Cave in Your Icelandic Adventure
Whether you're a fan of Game of Thrones, lava caves, or magnificent formations, Grjotagja has something for everyone to enjoy. If you're planning on visiting Iceland, make sure to include this wondrous sight on your list of things to see!
