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Reykjanes, Volcano & The Lava Tunnel

This tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Geldingadalur volcano area and The Lava Tunnel is an introduction to Iceland’s incredible landscapes, with it’s unique geology. This tour is operated by our partners Hidden Iceland, and you will join one of their expert guides for this excursion. Please note: This tour visits the lava fields from the 2021 eruption in Geldingadalur. The tour does not go close to the crater that is currently erupting (as of July 2023) by litli Hrútur. You may see some of the smoke from the erupting crater or lava flow but as hiking to the crater is about 10km (6 miles) each way it is too far for a day tour that includes other activities. Keflavík airport, just south-west of Reykjavík, is why most people head out to this peninsula, but there are plenty of amazing sights to see, including the newest lava field in Iceland created when the Geldingadalur volcano suddenly started erupting in March 2021, the first eruption in the area in about 800 years. You will also see geothermal hot springs, dramatic coastlines and the breathtaking Lava Tunnel. Explore this gem of Iceland, hiding in plain sight, often only visited by locals. This Reykjanes tour takes you to the most fascinating sights in this geological hotspot, which is included in the UNESCO Global Geopark. The day is topped off by taking a guided tour through one of Iceland’s largest lava tunnels, formed thousands of years ago. The formations and colours within the scorched earth of The Lava Tunnel have to be seen to be believed.

9

hours

29.990

isk

1

difficulty

On this tour we visit one of the highlights of the Reykjanes peninsula, the Geldingadalur volcano and the still cooling lava fields produced by the 2021 eruption. Note: The volcano hasn’t produced new lava since September 2021 meaning it’s not possible to see glowing or moving lava at present. However, it is still possible to see the ‘newest land on the planet’ by getting close to the new lava field. The walk from the car park to the lava field is only 20 minutes with one small hill to go over. Please note that it's often not possible to see the distant volcanic crater on the tour as it requires hiking up a very steep hill which can take too long for a daytour that also includes other activities such as The Lava Tunnel. There are many flat-ground sections around the lava field for exploring. Overall, we’ll spend around 1 hour in the area. Staying a respectful distance from the newly formed lava rock is important since there can be lava hiding beneath the cooled rock. This means we will not walk on the lava rocks while on the tour, even if you see others doing it. Safety is always our chief concern. Please keep in mind that our safety measures may be more stringent than some of the people you see at the volcano site.

Ryan was a great guide, taking the time to engage all of us both as a group and individually at sights to make sure all had the best possible experience.

From here we head to the south-western most point of Iceland, where you can admire the cliffs teaming with birds and the oldest lighthouse in Iceland. Reykjanesviti lighthouse was destroyed by an earthquake in 1905, with the new lighthouse being built in 1907-1908. Before leaving the south-western corner of Reykjanes we also visit Gunnuhver, a highly active geothermal area of mud pools and steam vents, being Iceland´s largest hot mud spring. We will also visit Lake Kleifarvatn with its black volcanic shores and its surrounding moss covered lava fields. Nearby is the Mars like landscape of Seltún with its steam vents and mud-pots bubbling right to the surface. Then comes the real highlight of the tour with a visit to The Lava Tunnel, Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland. A journey into Raufarhólshellir is a unique experience and a great opportunity to witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption as you’ll walk the same path that lava flowed during the Leitahraun eruption 5200 years ago.

Price:
29.990 isk
Minimum age:
10 years old
Total duration:
9 hours
Difficulty:
1

This tour is for most people although we do not recommend to those that have difficulties with balance, difficulties walking on uneven surface (such as snow) or difficulties walking up or down steep stairs.

Departures:
09:00 am
Included:
The Lava Tunnel tour, pickup and drop-offs in Reykjavik, transportation with a small group and an English speaking guide.
Not Included:
Food and drinks
Bring with you:
As with all our trips, be sure to bring along waterproof jackets and pants for the unpredictable Icelandic weather. Waterproof jackets and pants are available to hire. Make sure to order in the booking process or contact Hidden Iceland directly.

How to arrive at The Lava Tunnel

Pickup is included to all the designated bus stops in Reykjavik and at location in Reykjavík outside the city centre.

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour. Our guide was both knowledgeable and funny. The cave is remarkable and fascinating. I would recommend this to anyone!

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