Rutshellir Caves

Very cool roadside stop along ring road. The entry road is not exactly in front of the cave. The road connecting cave parking area to ring road is a little rough. Use the ladder to cross the animal fence. You can go inside. It is very neat to see. It wasn't too crowded when I was there. Would recommend if you're driving by!

We didn’t plan this stop but it was easy to see and we were so glad that we pulled over. There are many of these man made caves in Iceland and this one is easy to get to and it is right off the Ring Road and it is one of the largest. It was open to go inside and free parking. There was sign with information and a few step to go over a barbed wire. I would recommend to make this a place to see while traveling the Ring Road.

We did not plan this stop but saw it as we were driving! Very cool to see what dwellings were like, there's a wooden staircase to get over the fence and an info sign with donation box. Please be respectful while visiting.

Easy stop that’s less crowded on the ring road. Gravel road, just pass the street food restaurant. On a pretty mountain. Free. Cave doesn’t do far. Also, you have to get over a sheep ladder(3 step)

Quick stop to see such a beautiful cave hut. You need to climb over the fence from the parking lot.

Beautiful views out in the country and one of the many man made caves that spread across the land. This is also located right in between a couple of the waterfalls which makes it a great bonus stop along your trip without adding any extra time except for what is spent taking in the landscape. Be careful on the paths as the grass can be slick.

it’s a really nice stop along the Ring Road.
That is an ancient dwelling carved into the rocks, while on the other side there’s something which looks like a farm storage. There is no cost for tickets, only a box for donation.
Actually It is an active sheep pasture and there are signs warning visitors not to bother the sheep, for example riding then.
it is recommended to watch carefully your steps, simply because you can step in sheep’s poop. 😅

Great place to stop for a break. A nice old house inside the cave. Our kids read Icelandic stories about the Hidden People of Iceland and that house was right out of the legends.

This is a must stop right off 1. You can explore the cave and walk the trail to the top of small overlook. There’s a cool wooden ladder over the barbed wire fence to access trail.

Visit for the elves stay for the views. An old sheep hut has become a tourist hotspot because some elves have taken up occupation and offer their magic wishing services for a small donation. Set amongst the magnificent south coast this is a great spot to take five minutes and perhaps make a wish or two.

This was a fun stop on highway 1. It is an ancient dwelling carved into the rock. The other side of it looks like it is currently or was recently used for farm storage. There is no cost for tickets. It is an active sheep pasture and there are signs warning visitors not to bother the sheep or walk where they are gazing. Visitors should also watch their step, lest their step in poop.

Beautiful and it is not a big tourist stop so we pretty much had the stop to ourselves.spent about 15 minutes at this stop. You have to climb over the ladder to get over the fence.

This was an added stop on our south coast tour nearby to Skogafoss. This was a cool roadside secret cave that you can go into. Fun for a quick stop and a few pics.

Loved this stop. Walked up the hill by the cave and loved the view. There were also some sheep close by. If it would not have been so windy, we would have explored more.

This was a fab little find as we drove the 5 hours to see the lagoon of Icebergs.
Sadly the sign has been damaged and the road to the area is under construction but you can still get to the little style and cross over.
There was a little cafe in the carpark we used that had a lovely lady in. We bought a hot drink and used the facilities. She was very welcoming.

Very cool to see. There is a ladder to get over the sheep fence.

The owners of this land have created an interesting and fun place to stop and rest. A cool example of life long ago and who knows, maybe your wishes will all come true.

Also - those sheep can really climb!

Just a nice pit stop on the road to see a turf house on a cave. Free parking. Need to climb a small staircase to enter.

This is a cool little building, bit of real Icelandic history you can just wander round. Massive respect to the land owner for allowing free access. I love that Icelanders celibate their history by keeping it open to everyone. It may not be a spectacular waterfall, but well worth a few minutes of your time if you are passing.

Super easy to find and get to. Cool photo op. You can walk into the stone house and then the 'cave' is only about 12' deep. Still neat.