All year
1 Hour
Easy
No
None
ISK 8.400
Located just 30 minutes from Reykjavík, Raufarholshellir is one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland. The total length of the tunnel is an impressive 1,360 m (4,500 ft). The main tunnel is 900 m (3,000 ft) long, and at its end, the tunnel branches into three smaller tunnels. Here magnificent lava falls and formations are clearly visible.
Those who journey here are in for a truly unique experience. This tour is the perfect addition to any exploration of the Golden Circle or the South Coast. This tour is a great opportunity to witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption. As you explore the cave, you will walk along the same path where lava flowed 5,200 years ago during the Leitahraun eruption.
This standard tour allows you to explore the tunnel in an easy and enjoyable manner. In the tunnel, a footbridge and several paths were built to make the tunnel accessible. Impressive lighting in the tunnel highlights the changing colors and clearly shows the powerful volcanic activity that formed the tunnel. This is a fun and informative tour for kids and adults alike. Led by an expert guide, you will learn more about the wonders of the lava tunnel. You will also get to know more about the volcanic eruption that formed it.
If you need transfer check out the Lava Tunnel Tour with Pick-up From Reykjavík
Yes, the Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel Tour is available all year. In winter, spectacular ice sculptures form inside the entrance of the cave making the experience of visiting the lava tunnel even more breathtaking.
No, all necessary equipment such as helmets and lights are provided on location. However, you should be sure to wear good hiking shoes and dress warmly. The temperature inside the cave is 0-4 degrees Celsius, or 32-38 degrees Fahrenheit. Water sometimes drips from the ceiling of the cave so wearing a waterproof jacket is recommended.
This tour is easy for most people, although we do not recommend it to those who have difficulty walking on uneven surface or walking up or down steep stairs. It should also be noted that those who experience claustrophobia may not be able to fully enjoy this tour.
Yes, this tour is a great choice for families with children aged 3 years and older. Children from 3 – 11 years of age go on the tour for free when travelling with adults.
No, this is the meet-on-location version of this tour. If you are interested in going on the tour but don’t have a rental car, please check out Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel Tour with a pickup option.
The Lava Tunnel is located less than 30 minutes outside of Reykjavík and is easily accessible year round. From Reykjavík, drive east on road number 01 for 18 km. Then turn right onto road number 39 (Þorlákshöfn) and drive for another 12 km. The parking lot is right by the road.
The GPS coordinates are N63° 56.407 / W21° 23.742
Lava tubes are a natural conduit, formed when an active low-viscosity lava flow develops a continuous and hard crust, which thickens and forms a roof above the still-flowing lava stream.
The total length of the tunnel is an impressive 1,360 m (4,500 ft), the main tunnel being 900 m (3,000 ft) long. The tunnel is up to 30 m wide with headroom up to 10 m high, making it one of the most expansive lava runnels in Iceland. Near the entrance of the tunnel, the ceiling has caved in creating three beautiful columns of light inside the tunnel. At the end of Raufarholshellir, the tunnel branches into three smaller tunnels where magnificent lava falls and formations are clearly visible.
No, there is no flowing lava in the cave. However, you will clearly see the path that the lava flowed during the Leitahraun eruption some 5,200 years ago.
Cancellations for individuals and small groups (less than 10 persons):
Reservations can be canceled 24 hours prior to departure without penalty.
Cancellations received less than 24 hours prior to departure are non-refundable.
Cancellations for private tours and larger groups (10 persons or more):
Reservations can be canceled 1 week prior to departure without penalty.
Cancellations received less than 1 weeks prior to departure, but 48 hours prior to departure, are refunded by 70%. Cancellations made 48 hours or less prior to departure are non-refundable.
Notice for all bookings:
Cancellations must be submitted in writing to info@iat.is.
Please be mindful of possible time zone differences. Iceland is in the GMT time zone and cancellations must be submitted at least 48 hours before departure in Icelandic local time (GMT).
If you do need to cancel your tour, we recommend that you contact us as soon as possible.
The meeting point for this tour is at the Raufarholshellir Lava Tube. The meeting point is about 35 minutes drive from Reykjavík, about 45 minutes drive from the town of Selfoss and about 1 hour and 10 minutes drive from Keflavík International Airport.