The Lava Tunnel

Explore the magnificent lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland. It is located just 30 minutes from Reykjavík and is easily accessed year round.

A journey into Raufarhólshellir is a unique experience and a great opportunity to witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption as one walks in the path of lava that flowed during the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred east of the Bláfjöll mountains about 5200 years ago. Every winter spectacular ice sculptures are formed inside the entrance of the cave making the experience of visiting the lava tunnel even more breathtaking.

The cave formed as a lava tube during the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred about 5200 years ago.

The total length of the tunnel is an impressive 1360 m (4500 ft), the main tunnel being 900 m (3000 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 tunnels 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 Raufarhólshellir the tunnel branches into three smaller tunnels where magnificent lava falls and formations are clearly visible.

Raufarhólshellir is a lava tube formed during the Leitahraun eruption and is one of Iceland´s longest cave. 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. Up until the last century, the tunnel was full of stalactites but in the 1950s, more and more people started visiting the tunnel and as a result the stalactites began to disappear and today almost none are left.

The total length of the tunnel is an impressive 1360 m (4500 ft), the main tunnel being 900 m (3000 ft) long

A trip through Raufarhólshellir is a unique opportunity to get a close look of the impressive forces of nature that emerge from the center of the earth and a guided tour of the wondrous world that can be found just under the surface.

1.4

Km Long

10-30

Mtr Wide

10

Mtr High

Year Round

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

The Tours

We offer two kinds of tours to The Lava Tunnel. The Standard tour takes you to the part of the tunnel that is easily accessible for most people and the journey last approximately 55 - 60 minutes (also available with transfer). The Lava Falls Aventure tour is for the true explorers that want to take on adventures tour to the bottom of the cave. The tour is approximately 3-4 hours in the tunnel.

Standard Lava Tunnel Tour

Our standard tour allows you to explore the tunnel in an easy and enjoyable manner. A footbridge has been built and impressive lighting in this part of the tunnel highlights the changing colors and clearly shows the powerful volcanic activity that formed the tunnel.

8.400 ISK

1H

Standard Tour With Transport

This is a standard tour that includes a bus fare from Reykjavik. Our standard tour allows you to explore the tunnel in an easy and enjoyable manner. A footbridge has been built and impressive lighting in this part of the tunnel highlights the powerful volcanic activity that formed the tunnel.

13.900 ISK

3H

The Lava Falls Adventure Tour

The Lava Falls Adventure Tour takes you off the beaten path and into the depths of The Lava Tunnel to explore the source of the cave, the magnificent Lava Falls. The Adventure tour requires good fitness and balance. It takes on average 3-4 hours, relying on an experienced guide and head torches to navigate this wonder.

25.900 ISK

3-4H

Evening Lava Tunnel Tour

The standard tour takes approximately 1 hour and this evening version is ideal way to take advantage of the long summer days or to combine with an evening activity such as Northern light hunt (in winter) or dinner along the south coast.

8400 ISK

1H

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