Grjotagja Hot Spring: Visit Iceland’s Most Romantic Cave
Die-hard fans of the show Game of Thrones agree that one of the most memorable episodes of the series is “Kissed by Fire,” when Jon Snow has a romantic rendezvous with his nemesis-turned-lover Ygritte in a gorgeous cave that looks as fantastical as the dragons that that fly through the skies of Westeros. Located in Northern Iceland, the strikingly gorgeous Grjotagja Cave is in fact a real place that Games of Thrones fans and nature lovers can visit.
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Local lore states that Grjotagja Cave has long been inhabited by trolls, and even an 18th century outlaw who used the secluded cave as a secret hiding spot to evade the law. Grjotagia Cave became a popular hot spring among people who lived in the area, until a volcanic eruption in the mid-1970s caused the temperature of the water to spike to dangerously hot levels. Thankfully, the waters of Grjotagia Cave have been steadily cooling in the decades since the eruption, although the temperature of the hot springs still climbs frightfully high on occasion.
Grjotagia Cave isn’t always open to visitors, so it’s very important to check local listings if you have your heart set on going there. Several tour companies such as Artic Adventures offer tour packages that allow visitors to explore the inside of the cave. Wading in the water and swimming has been prohibited in recent years due to unsafe water temperatures, but conditions are constantly changing, so you may get lucky.
Photo by DepositPhotos.com
Even if you can’t frolic in the water Jon Snow-style, the vibrant blue waters and toasty, snug interior of Grjotagia Cave are ideal for a romantic morning or afternoon of adventuring with your sweetheart. It is important to note that Grjotagia Cave is located on private land, so visitors are asked to be on their best behavior.
Photo by DepositPhotos.com
If you’re yearning to soak in a natural hot spring, nearby Earth Lagoon Myvatn features mineral-rich natural hot springs, steam baths, and a cafe which serves bread that is baked underground using geothermal heat. Earth Lagoon Myvatn also features a sweeping view of breathtaking Lake Myvatn—which is considered one of the most breathtaking locales in Northern Iceland.
Photo by depositphotos.com
A digital waterfall may have been added to the famous Grjotagja Cave scene in “Kissed by Fire,” but seeing the vibrant colors and textures of the cave up-close will make you feel as though you have stumbled upon a hidden paradise that is perfect in every possible way.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Grjótagjá cave, Lake Mývatn area, North Iceland
- Access
- Grjótagjá is on privately owned Vogar farm land. Visitor sources conflict about current access: Atlas Obscura marks the site permanently closed, while a current Iceland travel guide describes viewing access. Until the landowner or a current on-site notice confirms public access, do not cross a gate or fence or enter the cave; the route is uneven, slippery and subject to rockfall. Bathing is prohibited and the geothermal water temperature fluctuates dangerously.
- Admission
- No current public admission tariff was found. A travel guide describes viewing as free, but Atlas Obscura marks the site permanently closed and the cave is on private land; do not treat an unlisted fee as permission to enter. Confirm current access and any parking charge with the landowner before visiting.
- Time needed
- No authoritative visit duration is published. A current travel guide describes only a few minutes at the cave and a 2–3 minute walk from roadside parking, but access is disputed and the cave itself may be closed. Do not plan a visit without confirmed permission; do not enter the cave or approach the water.
- Best season
- No source establishes a best season. One current guide describes year-round access, but that conflicts with Atlas Obscura’s permanent-closure notice and does not establish landowner permission. Check current access, weather and Route 860 road conditions before considering a visit.
- Opening hours
- No authoritative opening hours were found. Atlas Obscura currently marks the place permanently closed, while another current travel guide describes access. Because the cave is on private land and public permission is unclear, do not visit unless the landowner or current on-site notices confirm access and hours.
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-14
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