Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel Tour: Guided Exploration

Walk inside a lava tunnel instead of past it on a map

A guided tour of Raufarhólshellir, one of Iceland's longest lava tunnels, departing from Reykjavik with transport included. You receive a helmet, headlamp and walking stick, descend into the tunnel on built platforms and paths, and learn about the geological features that form only inside lava tubes. Tours run 2–3 times daily and take around 3 hours total.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lava tunnel exploration with transfer

• Travel from Reykjavik to lava tunnel
• Receive helmet and headlamp
• Guided tour inside Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel
• Learn about geological features
• Return transfer to Reykjavik

What’s included

• Transport from Reykjavik.
• helmet and headlamp.
• walking stick.
• English-speaking guide.
• access to the tunnel on built paths and platforms.
• crampons in winter.

Times

• Every day 09:00

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Before you book

Group Up to 30 · max 8 per booking

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to 8h before

Ages Adult (16 to 70 years) · Youth (6 to 15 years) · Child (3 to 5 years): free · Under 3: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems

Operated by Raufarhólshellir

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The experience

You arrive in Reykjavik with a free afternoon or a morning before your next commitment, and you want to see something geologically real without spending a full day driving. The lava tunnel sits close enough that transport from the city takes the logistics off your hands. The operator picks you up, drives you to Raufarhólshellir and brings you back. Tours depart 2–3 times a day, so you slot into a time that fits your schedule.

Once you reach the tunnel entrance, your guide hands you a helmet and headlamp, and you descend into the passage. The paths and platforms are built into the tunnel floor, so you walk on solid ground instead of scrambling over loose rock. The headlamp lights the walls close enough to see the texture of the lava: the ripples and formations that only exist inside a tube, where the outer layer cooled while the molten center flowed out. Your guide explains what you're standing in front of: the geological story of how the tunnel formed and what the different layers mean. Walking sticks are available if you want them, and in winter the operator provides crampons for grip on icy sections.

The lighting design inside the tunnel has won awards, which means the space is lit to show detail without feeling artificial or overwhelming. Children from age 3 are welcome, and the paths are accessible enough for most fitness levels. The whole outing (transport, guide, gear and the tunnel itself) takes around 3 hours from pickup to return.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 15 years); Child (3 to 5 years): free. Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the lava tunnel tour take from start to finish?

The tour takes around 3 hours total, including transport from Reykjavik, time inside the tunnel and the return drive to the city.

What do I need to bring or wear for the lava tunnel?

Wear good hiking shoes with grip. The operator provides helmet, headlamp and walking stick. In winter, crampons are included for traction on ice.

What makes the lava tunnel different from other caves I've seen?

Raufarhólshellir is one of Iceland's longest lava tunnels, and the geological features inside (the ripples, layers and formations in the lava walls) only exist where molten rock flowed through and left a hollow passage behind.

How many times a day do tours leave Reykjavik?

Tours depart 2–3 times daily, so you can choose a morning, midday or afternoon slot depending on your schedule in the city.

Is the lava tunnel accessible if I'm not very fit?

The paths and platforms inside the tunnel are built to make it accessible for most physical fitness levels. If you have concerns about spinal health, cardiovascular fitness or pregnancy, check with the operator before booking.