Sönghellir Cave: A Must-Visit Spot in Iceland

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The Song Cave, also known as Sönghellir Cave, is a unique and intriguing location located within 4km of Arnarstapi. The cave gets its name from its remarkable acoustics. Singing or speaking inside the cave allows visitors to measure the quality of the echoes carried.  Because it was once used to store hay and house sheep, the cave is also well-known for its historical value. It is a well-liked location for get-togethers and picnics nowadays.

Location and Access

Sönghellir Cave is situated on the northern flank of Mount Stapafell in the Snaefellsnes peninsula. About 190 kilometers, or 2.5 hours by car, separate it from Reykjavík, the country’s capital. To get to the cave, visitors can park their cars in the adjacent lot and walk for roughly ten minutes. Although the cave is available all year round, summer is the best time to visit.

Songhellir Cave history and legend

Legend and History of Sönghellir Cave

Legend has it that the family of the fabled 9th-century settler Bárður Snaefellsás found refuge in Sönghellir Cave. Now regarded as the region’s guardian spirit, Snæfellsás is a half-giant, half-man.  duże pole do opisania historii Bardura

Because the numerous names etched into the cave walls are not the work of vandals but rather remarkable individuals and well-known persons who played important parts in Iceland. 

The cave also played a significant role in the preservation of Icelandic history. These include those who traversed the nation in the 18th century, like Eggert Olafsson (precursor of Icelandic Romanticism) and Bjarni Palsson (an Icelandic doctor and guide, he wrote the book “Eggert og Bjarna’s Book of Travels”).

Things to See and Do

In addition to seeing the cave and evaluating its acoustics, guests can engage in additional local activities. These include hiking the Snaefellsjökull Glacier, seeing the Gatklettur Rock Formation, touring Raudfeldsgja Canyon, touring Arnarstapi Village, and touring Stori-Hellir Cave.

Winter Visits

Sönghellir is always open, even in winter. However, it is recommended to travel in summer, as the winter months can bring harsh weather and difficult driving conditions.

To sum up, Sönghellir Cave in Iceland is a must-see destination. It is an intriguing tourist site because of its distinctive acoustics, historical relevance, and lovely surroundings.

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