Iceland: Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel Tour with Guide & Gear

Summary

Walk beneath ancient lava in Raufarhólshellir cave near Reykjavik with guide

You’ll walk through Iceland’s Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel with a local guide, helmet and headlamp included. Feel ancient volcanic textures underfoot and see wild ice formations as you learn about eruptions from thousands of years ago. This self-drive tour is easy to join from Reykjavík and leaves you with that strange mix of awe and curiosity you only get underground.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, that’s all lava?” I blurted out before even stepping inside Raufarhólshellir. Our guide grinned and handed me a helmet — you could tell he’d heard it a hundred times, but he still made it feel like our first. The drive from Reykjavík was quick (maybe half an hour? I lost track watching the mossy fields), but stepping into the tunnel felt like dropping into another world. It smelled faintly earthy, cold and damp, and my breath made little clouds in the flashlight beams.

The path underfoot was uneven — not dangerous, just enough to make you pay attention. I kept brushing my hand along the rough wall, half expecting it to be warm (it wasn’t). The guide pointed out these strange ice formations hanging from the ceiling, almost like glass daggers. He told us about the Leitahraun eruption — 5,000 years ago! — and how the lava carved this whole place out in just a few days. Someone asked if trolls lived here; he didn’t say no.

I tried to take a photo of the colors where sunlight sneaks through a skylight hole, but honestly, my phone couldn’t catch it right. There’s this weird silence down there, broken only by boots crunching and someone’s nervous laugh echoing off stone. Helmets and headlamps were included (thank god — I would’ve bonked my head otherwise). No pickup for this one; you have to drive yourself, which somehow made it feel more like an adventure we’d stumbled into by accident. I still think about that cold air on my face when we turned off our lights for a minute — total blackness except for your own heartbeat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel

• Drive to Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel
• Wear helmet and headlamp
• Join English-speaking guide group
• Walk through lava tunnel path
• Learn about volcanic eruption
• Observe geological features inside tunnel

Top questions

How long does the Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel tour last?

The tour lasts approximately one hour inside the tunnel.

Is transportation or pickup included for this lava tunnel tour?

No, this is a self-drive tour; transportation or pickup is not included.

Are helmets and lights provided during the lava tunnel tour?

Yes, helmets and headlamps are provided for all participants.

How far is Raufarhólshellir from Reykjavík?

The lava tunnel is located about 30–40 minutes’ drive from Reykjavík.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?

The tour is not recommended for children under 3 or those with back, knee or other health issues due to uneven surfaces.

Are bathrooms available at Raufarhólshellir?

Yes, bathrooms are available on location at the cave site.

What should I wear for the Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel tour?

Sturdy shoes are important; bringing a raincoat or jacket is recommended due to cool conditions inside.

What’s included

Your visit includes an English-speaking local guide who shares stories of volcanic eruptions as you explore together, plus all necessary safety gear like helmets and headlamps so you can focus on walking through Iceland’s ancient lava flows without worry.