Rútshellir is a man-made cave in the rock beside the Ring Road near Skógar, in South Iceland. It is one of the oldest known man-made structures in the country, and it served as a dwelling, an outhouse and a store for stockfish. Inside there is a large main chamber and a smaller one at the rear, which may have been a forge or a heathen temple. Visitors walk in through the main opening and can reach the back of the cave.
Rútshellir Caves
Local name: Rútshellir
Icelanders lived in this cave, kept an outhouse in it and stored dried stockfish — and the smaller chamber at the back may have been a forge or a heathen temple.
- Entrance
- Free
- Accessibility
- The entrance is not wheelchair accessible.
- Parking
- Paid car park at the site, plus paid street parking. One visitor found the charge steep for such a quick stop and left the car at the nearby petrol station instead.
- Difficulty
- Easy — a few steps from the roadside
- Transport
- Self-drive; right beside the Ring Road near Skógar
- Hours
- Open 24 hours, every day.
- Address
- Drangshlíð 2, 861
What makes it special
The cave was cut into the rock by hand, and it counts among the oldest known man-made structures in Iceland. It served as a dwelling, an outhouse and a store for stockfish. Inside there is one large chamber, with a smaller one at the back that may have been a forge or a heathen temple. The rear of the cave is unlit, and the far wall stays in darkness. Legend gives the place a dweller named Rútur, remembered as a looter. Horses graze the land around the entrance.
Good to know
- Take a torch — the rear of the cave is unlit, and the far wall stays in darkness.
- A working farm — horses roam the ground around the caves, and a farm dog follows visitors about hoping for treats.
- Children can explore it — the main chamber is walk-in, and the whole stop is a short one.
- Two chambers, and that is all — treat Rútshellir as a stop between Skógafoss and Vík, not a destination in itself.
Getting there
Rútshellir stands beside the Ring Road near Skógar, roughly a mile from Skógafoss, and most people take it in on the drive towards Vík. Arrive by car and park at the site. From the car park the cave mouths are already in sight, and the rest is on foot.
Things to do nearby
All tours in Skógar on GetYourGuide
Paid links: booking through them supports YowJourney.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
Similar Places
Your whole travel map in one place
Get inspired by new places around the world and find the ones worth the journey
Frequently asked questions
What is Rútshellir?
A cave cut into the rock by hand, and one of the oldest known man-made structures in Iceland. It was used as a dwelling, an outhouse and a store for stockfish.Can you go inside the cave?
Yes. You walk into the large main chamber and can reach the smaller one at the back. The rear is unlit, so bring a torch.Is parking free?
No. The car park at the site is charged, and street parking here is charged as well. One visitor left the car at the nearby petrol station and walked in instead.Who was Rútur?
Local legend names Rútur as a dweller of the cave and a looter. The stories are part of why the place is remembered.