02 Jan The Yoda Cave in Iceland

An opportunity to see Yoda you shall not miss. The Yoda Cave in Iceland is in the shape of none other than Yoda himself. At first you might think this is just a tourist trap or maybe the cave barely looks like him. However, you will be pleasantly surprised to see the cave actually bears an incredible resemblance to Yoda. If you walk inside the cave and look at it from that angle, the resemblance becomes even more clear. Additionally, if you visit on a day with beautiful blue skies, you will be in awe. 

Are you road tripping around the entire country? Then check out our (very detailed) road trip itinerary for Iceland. It includes some of the most famous attractions in Iceland, for example the Blue Lagoon. It also includes some of my favorite attractions, for example Stuðlagil Canyon.

Contents:

1) Location of the Yoda Cave in Iceland

2) General Visitor Information

3) Quick Facts

4) Background

5) Nearby Attractions

1) Location of the Yoda Cave in Iceland

The Yoda Cave (also known as Gígjagjá) is located in southern Iceland along the coast, just off of the Ring Road. For reference, it is only 15 minutes east of the town of Vík. However, it is two and a half hours from the capital city of Reykjavík. While you can make a day trip here, I would advise you plan at least a whole weekend to explore the southern coast. 

If you do not want to have to plan out the logistics yourself, then book a two day tour along the southern coast.

Driving Directions

There is a small attraction sign to direct you, but if you follow the directions on google maps you should find your way easily. Turn right off the Ring Road if you are coming from the west or turn left if you are coming from the east. Then pass a small parking lot, which is for the hiking trail to Hjörleifshöfði mountain. Keep driving past that lot, and next take a small left bend in the road. The cave should appear on your left side in just a minute or two. You can then park anywhere right in front of the cave. 

As a note, the road to the cave right off the Ring Road is not the smoothest. It is fairly bumpy, but if you take it slow you should be okay with any type of car. However, when you pass the small parking lot for the hike, just watch for a sign to see if they do not recommend certain types of cars to continue. If that includes your car, park at the lot for the hike and then walk the rest of the way to the cave. 

Parking

You can simply park right in front of the cave entrance. However, there is a sign that denotes which types of cars can continue on the road. If your car does not fit those qualifications, park at the small lot for the hiking trail and then walk the rest of the way to the cave. The walk should only be about 10 or 15 minutes. 

There is a small parking fee of 1,000 ISK, which you can pay by scanning a QR code posted on the board by the parking area. A once in a lifetime opportunity to see Yoda (well, technically an outline of Yoda in a cave) for less than $10?! Sign me up. 

Nearby Lodging – Yoda Cave, Iceland

We stayed the previous night at The Barn in the nearby town of Vík. It was similar to a hostel with a bunch of beds in one large room and showers / bathrooms in the common area. For the next night as we made our way up the east coast, we stayed at Laekjarhus Farm Holidays. This accommodation was more similar to a bed and breakfast. 

On the other hand, you can book a room at one of the most romantic hotels in Iceland to turn your trip into a romantic getaway.

The outline of Yoda visible from inside the cave

2) General Visitor Information 

I am ready to give you some good news. There are no restrictions around visiting hours. You can visit at 7:00am, 7:00pm, or even 3:00am. However, it would be best to visit during daylight hours so you can clearly see the shape of Yoda in the cave. 

Additionally, there is no entrance fee and only a minimal parking fee. We love a fun, cheap attraction.

Lastly, plan for 15 to 30 minutes to explore and take some photographs. The cave is not too large, so exploring it will not take too long. However, we spent a fair amount of time taking photographs. We even tried to get a little creative and take photographs of us levitating rocks in the air. 

3) Quick Facts – Yoda Cave, Iceland

1. The Yoda Cave is in the shape of the Yoda character from Star Wars.

2. The Yoda Cave is located in southern Iceland, just a short distance off the Ring Road.

3. Hjörleifshöfði Cape is another name for the Yoda Cave.

4. The cave first formed due to a volcanic eruption underneath a glacier. 

5. Some nearby attractions include the Skógafoss waterfall, DC-3 plane wreck, and Reynisfjara black sand beach.

Front view of the Yoda Cave from the beach

4) Background

The Yoda Cave is also known as Hjörleifshöfði Cape. From the outside, you can see the cave is in the shape of Yoda. However, when you walk inside the cave and look at it from that angle, the Yoda shape is unbelievably clear. Looks just like Yoda the cave does. Also featured in the movie Star Wars: Rogue One the cave was. 

Origin Story

Many, many years ago a volcano underneath a glacier erupted, causing the formation of tuff rock in the shape of Yoda. Previously, the cave was hidden during the last ice age. As the ice melted, the cave was then surrounded by the ocean water. Over time the beach slowly started to dry up. Additionally, Katla volcano erupted in the 1300s. Katla was covered by a glacier, and thus when it erupted there was a lot of flood water caused by the melting of the glacier. That flood water then ran down onto the beach and washed away a lot of the sand. Yoda Cave then became fully visible to all.

Are you interested in hiking a volcano while in Iceland? Then head to Fagradalsfjall Volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Creative Photographs

If you have someone with you, you can attempt to take some cool photos. Thankfully my boyfriend was up for the challenge. He snapped a photo as he threw a small rock in the air while I meditated on the rock. The final picture thus made it look like I was using my Jedi powers to lift a rock in the air. 

Making a rock levitate at the Yoda Cave

5) Nearby Attractions to the Yoda Cave in Iceland

Due to the fact the Yoda Cave is in southern Iceland right off the Ring Road, you can plan to visit other nearby attractions. In addition to the attractions listed below, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon and Stokksnes Peninsula are nearby attractions worth a visit if you have time. 

Skógafoss

Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most majestic and powerful waterfalls. You might even see one or two rainbows in front of the falls. To get a unique view from the top of Skógafoss, hike the stairs on the right. Furthermore, Fimmvorduhals Pass, which is a 15.5 mile (~25 kilometer) hike, begins at the top of the stairs. 

Skógafoss is only 45 minutes west from the Yoda Cave. Moreover, you can even make a quick stop here if you do not have much time, for the falls are just a short walk from the parking lot. For nearby lodging in the area, check out South Iceland Guesthouse.

For more information: Hiking Skógafoss (Fimmvorduhals Pass) in Iceland.

Rainbow at the base of Skógafoss

Vík Black Sand Beach

There is so much to see along the black sand beach, including the basalt cave as well as the lighthouse. The hike up to the lighthouse is approximately 45 minutes each way, but it is worth the time and energy. The view from the top is incredible, and we even saw a bunch of puffins flying around. 

The black sand beach is only 20 minutes west from the Yoda Cave. I recommend you plan at least an hour in your itinerary to visit the beach so that you can fully enjoy all it has to offer. For nearby lodging in the area, check out The Barn.

For more information: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Vík, Iceland.

Taking in the views of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Laufskálavarða

If you want to plan a fun, quick stop in your itinerary, check out Laufskálavarða. Laufskálavarða is a lava ridge with stone cairns. When travelers crossed the desert of Mýrdalssandur, they stacked stones to bring good luck upon their journey. 

Laufskálavarða is only 25 minutes east from the Yoda Cave. Since it is located just off the main road, you can easily add it to your itinerary. For nearby lodging in the area, check out The Barn.

For more information: Laufskálavarda in Iceland.

Stones stacked in Laufskálavarda

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