Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel: Walk Inside 5000-Year-Old Cave

Walk through lava that flowed five millennia ago, lit and guided the whole way

You drive to the lava tunnel, put on a helmet and headlamp, and walk through a 5,200-year-old passage carved by underground lava flow. A guide explains the volcanic geology as you move through the lit tunnel for about an hour, stepping over uneven ground and stairs. All gear is included, and you pick your own departure time. Just bring sturdy shoes and arrange your own transport from Reykjavik.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel

• Drive from Reykjavik to lava tunnel
• Put on helmet and headlamp
• Join English speaking guide
• Walk through lava tunnel path
• Learn about volcanic eruption
• Explore geological features inside cave

The experience

You drive out from Reykjavik toward the Leitahraun lava field, and the landscape shifts: the ground turns black, moss-covered, otherworldly. Raufarhólshellir sits about 30 to 40 minutes away, and when you arrive, your guide hands you a helmet and headlamp. The tunnel entrance opens into darkness, and you step down into a passage carved by lava that flowed underground roughly 5,200 years ago. The path is uneven, with stairs and slopes, but platforms and installed lighting make it walkable without scrambling or crawling.

The tour lasts about an hour. Your guide (English-speaking, knowledgeable about the geology) walks you through the tunnel, pointing out how the lava moved, where it pooled, how the walls formed. The headlamp cuts through the black, and you notice the texture of the rock, the way the ceiling rises and narrows. It's not a long hike, and the difficulty is rated easy, but you do need to watch your footing on the uneven surfaces and manage the stairs. Sturdy shoes matter here. The ground is rough and sometimes damp.

The tunnel is one of Iceland's longest and best-known lava tubes, and the fact that it's accessible year-round, no seasonal closures, means you can visit whenever you're in Reykjavik. All equipment is provided: helmet, headlamp, and the guide's knowledge. You choose your departure time when you book. One thing to know upfront: this tour is self-drive only, so you'll need a rental car and the ability to navigate to the site yourself. There's no hotel pickup, and no transport is arranged.

What’s included

• Your tour includes a professional English-speaking guide, a safety helmet, and a headlamp to light your way through the tunnel. All equipment is provided.
• you just need to bring sturdy shoes and arrange your own transport from Reykjavik.

Options for this experience

9 options

Standard tour at 10 AMGuide in English · Available from 4 Apr 2027Tours run every hour, on the hour, and each one lasts roughly 55 to 60 minutes. To secure a place at your preferred time of day, we suggest booking in advance.

Standard tour at 11 AMGuide in English · Available from 3 Apr 2027Tours run every hour, on the hour, and each one lasts roughly 55 to 60 minutes. To secure a place at your preferred time of day, we suggest booking in advance.

Standard tour at 12 PMGuide in English · Available from 3 Apr 2027Tours run every hour, on the hour, and each one lasts roughly 55 to 60 minutes. To secure a place at your preferred time of day, we suggest booking in advance.

See 6 more options

Standard tour at 1 PMGuide in English · Available from 3 Apr 2027Tours run every hour, on the hour, and each one lasts roughly 55 to 60 minutes. To secure a place at your preferred time of day, we suggest booking in advance.

Standard tour at 2 PMGuide in English · Available from 3 Apr 2027Tours run every hour, on the hour, and each one lasts roughly 55 to 60 minutes. To secure a place at your preferred time of day, we suggest booking in advance.

Standard tour at 3 PMGuide in English · Available from 3 Apr 2027Tours run every hour, on the hour, and each one lasts roughly 55 to 60 minutes. To secure a place at your preferred time of day, we suggest booking in advance.

Standard tour at 4 PMGuide in English · Available from 3 Apr 2027Tours run every hour, on the hour, and each one lasts roughly 55 to 60 minutes. To secure a place at your preferred time of day, we suggest booking in advance.

Standard tour at 5 PMGuide in English · Available from 4 Apr 2027Tours run every hour, on the hour, and each one lasts roughly 55 to 60 minutes. To secure a place at your preferred time of day, we suggest booking in advance.

Standard tour at 9 AMGuide in English · Available from 3 Apr 2027Tours run every hour, on the hour, and each one lasts roughly 55 to 60 minutes. To secure a place at your preferred time of day, we suggest booking in advance.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 3 Apr 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (6 to 15 years) · Child (under 6): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Raufarhólshellir

Is this one for you?Pick this if you have a rental car and want to explore Iceland's volcanic geology without a guided group transport. You control the timing and drive yourself, which works well for flexible schedules or travelers who prefer independence.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 15 years); Child (under 6): free.

How far is Raufarhólshellir from Reykjavik?

About 30 to 40 minutes by car.

What's included in the tour?

Professional guide, helmet, headlamp, and access to the lit tunnel. You provide your own transport.

How long does the tour take?

Approximately one hour inside the tunnel.

Is the tunnel difficult to walk through?

It's rated easy, but the path is uneven with stairs and slopes. Sturdy shoes are important.

Can I visit year-round?

Yes, the tunnel is accessible every day of the year.

Do I need to be fit to do this tour?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels, though it involves walking over uneven surfaces and climbing stairs. It's not recommended for people with back, knee, or other health issues.

What should I bring?

Sturdy shoes and a rain jacket or waterproof layer. Bathrooms are available on site.