The Lava Tunnel Raufarhólshellir
Explore one of Iceland's longest lava tubes, marveling at natural ice sculptures and vibrant mineral deposits on a guided tour.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Always a unique experience
The Lava Tunnel Raufarhólshellir
Best Time
Always a unique experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore one of Iceland's longest lava tubes, marveling at natural ice sculptures and vibrant mineral deposits on a guided tour.
"A truly unique and educational experience, like stepping into another world!"
Wear Sturdy Footwear
High-ankle boots are essential for grip and protection on the uneven lava rock.
Dress in Layers
The tunnel is chilly year-round, so bring warm clothing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Colorful Entrance
Tunnel Entrance
The initial section of the tunnel boasts vibrant, otherworldly colors from mineral deposits.
Natural Ice Formations
Inside the Tunnel
Discover stunning natural ice sculptures and stalactites that form in the chilly depths.
The End of the Tunnel
Deep within the Lava Tube
For the adventurous, reaching the end of the 1km tunnel offers an exhilarating sense of discovery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Assess Your Fitness Level
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Raufarhólshellir lava cave with (somewhat) claustrophobic partner?
Wear Sturdy Footwear
High-ankle boots are essential for grip and protection on the uneven lava rock.
Dress in Layers
The tunnel is chilly year-round, so bring warm clothing.
Physical health/abilities needed for the lava tunnel adventure tour- Raufarholshellir?
Lava Tunnel Rec?
Book Standard Tour for Ease
The standard tour is less strenuous and great for most visitors, including those with mild claustrophobia.
Consider the Adventure Tour
If you're fit, the adventure tour offers a deeper exploration and a rewarding challenge.
Lava Caves Without Guide
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Footwear
High-ankle boots are essential for grip and protection on the uneven lava rock.
Dress in Layers
The tunnel is chilly year-round, so bring warm clothing.
Book Standard Tour for Ease
The standard tour is less strenuous and great for most visitors, including those with mild claustrophobia.
Consider the Adventure Tour
If you're fit, the adventure tour offers a deeper exploration and a rewarding challenge.
Guides are Knowledgeable
Your guides are not only funny but also highly informed about the geology and history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel for its unique geological formations and the engaging, knowledgeable guides. The 'extreme adventure' tour is highly recommended for the fit, offering an unforgettable challenge, while the standard tour provides a fascinating glimpse into Iceland's volcanic past for a broader audience. Some find the standard tour a bit short, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"Beautiful! We did the standard tour (more budget friendly, and the other more extensive one looked amazing but it was completely booked). It was short but great. Inside the tunnel was chilly and felt like a different world. The guide was funny and knowledgeable. Very interesting tour!"
Akiko Ujiie
"What a great tour!!! Our guide, Alex, was fantastic, charismatic and VERY funny, while also being highly knowledgeable. Not a difficult walk, with stairs and walkways in the more treacherous areas. This is a great tour for adults and children, and was easily one of our favorite outings during our vacation!"
Kevin Bryant
"We did the adventure tour to the end of the tunnel and back. I must say it was a trek that was harder then I expected but the ends of the tunnels were well worth the trek down into the cavern. Our guides were the most professional I have seen on a tour yet. When someone was having trouble with the hike on the way back they jumped into action to make sure everyone returned with no issues. We saw first hand that these guides go through extensive training for these situations. All I'm gonna say is make sure your in shape to make this trip. It really is not for the out of shape. With that being said I saw the professionalism as they made sure this person made it out of the cave safe and with their dignity. The rest of the group that went with this tour got led out by another guide while the other person was guided out at her own pace but still made it. When they came out of the tunnel we were all happy to see they made it out. I highly recommend this tour company because of what I saw."
Craig Currier
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Raufarhólshellir is located about a 30-40 minute drive from Reykjavik. It's best accessed by car, and tours often include pick-up options from Reykjavik. If driving yourself, ensure your vehicle is suitable for potentially unpaved roads.
No, access to Raufarhólshellir is strictly via guided tours only. This ensures safety and preservation of the delicate cave environment. Booking in advance is crucial.
The lava tunnel is approximately 30-40 kilometers (18-25 miles) southeast of Reykjavik, taking about 30-40 minutes to drive.
Public transport is not a practical option for reaching Raufarhólshellir. Renting a car or booking a tour with transportation from Reykjavik is highly recommended.
The drive is scenic, passing through Icelandic landscapes. The final approach to the tunnel might involve gravel roads, so drive cautiously.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the tour chosen. The standard tour is more budget-friendly, while the 'extreme adventure' tour is more expensive due to its length and difficulty. Check the official website for current pricing.
Yes, booking your tour tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, as tours can sell out.
Tours operate year-round, but specific departure times vary. It's best to check the tour operator's website for the most up-to-date schedule and book your preferred slot.
It is unlikely that you can purchase tickets at the entrance, as tours are pre-booked. Always book your tickets online in advance to secure your spot.
Yes, typically there's a standard tour focusing on the main accessible areas and a more extensive 'extreme adventure' tour that goes deeper into the tunnel for the physically fit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The standard tour is generally not considered highly claustrophobic, with wide sections and high ceilings in parts. However, the 'extreme adventure' tour involves tighter spaces and more challenging terrain. If you have significant claustrophobia, the standard tour is recommended.
The standard tour is a relatively easy walk with stairs and walkways. The 'extreme adventure' tour is more strenuous, requiring climbing over lava rocks and boulders, and is not recommended for those out of shape.
Wear warm, layered clothing as it's chilly inside. Crucially, wear sturdy, high-ankle hiking boots with good grip for navigating the uneven lava surfaces.
The standard tour is suitable for children, offering an educational and exciting experience. The 'extreme adventure' tour is generally not recommended for younger children due to its difficulty.
The standard tour typically lasts around 1 hour. The 'extreme adventure' tour can last 3-4 hours, depending on the group's pace.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the tunnel. However, it's very dark, so a tripod and good low-light camera settings are beneficial.
The colorful mineral deposits at the entrance, the unique ice formations, and the sheer scale of the tunnel itself offer great photographic subjects.
It can be challenging due to low light. Using a camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a night mode, along with a steady hand or tripod, will help capture better shots.
Tripods are generally permitted, but it's always good to check with your tour operator. They can be very helpful for capturing stable, well-exposed photos in the dim lighting.
Experiment with higher ISO settings, wider apertures (lower f-number), and longer shutter speeds if using a tripod. Many smartphones also have excellent low-light modes that can produce great results.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the 'extreme adventure' tour is generally not recommended for younger children due to its difficulty, the standard tour offers plenty of wonder. Guides are often great at engaging younger visitors with interesting facts and stories, making the experience both fun and informative. It's a fantastic way to introduce kids to geology and volcanic activity in a safe and controlled setting.
💪 Adventure Seekers
Make sure you are in good physical condition and have appropriate gear, especially high-ankle hiking boots, as the terrain can be unstable. The guides are highly professional and experienced, ensuring safety even during challenging segments. This tour offers an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and a unique perspective on Iceland's volcanic landscapes.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize value, consider booking your tour in advance online, as this can sometimes offer better rates. If you're renting a car, splitting the fuel and rental costs with fellow travelers can also help reduce overall expenses. While tours with pick-up from Reykjavik are convenient, they often come at a premium; driving yourself can be more economical if you're comfortable with Icelandic roads.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Lava Tunnel
Visitors can explore different sections of the tunnel depending on the tour chosen. The standard tour offers a glimpse into the most accessible and visually striking parts, featuring vibrant colors and interesting formations. For the more adventurous, the 'extreme adventure' tour delves deeper, requiring participants to navigate more challenging terrain, including scaling lava boulders and rocks, to reach the very end of the tunnel. This extended exploration provides a more immersive and physically demanding experience.
The temperature inside the tunnel remains consistently cool, around 4-10°C (39-50°F) year-round, making it a unique environment. The darkness within the tunnel, especially beyond the initial illuminated sections, creates a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere, making it feel like stepping into another dimension.
Choosing Your Raufarhólshellir Tour
For those seeking a more challenging and in-depth adventure, the 'extreme adventure' tour is the way to go. This tour is designed for individuals who are physically fit and enjoy a more rugged exploration. It involves navigating uneven terrain, climbing over lava rocks and boulders, and venturing further into the tunnel's depths. Participants should be prepared for a more strenuous trek, and sturdy, high-ankle hiking boots are absolutely essential.
Regardless of the tour chosen, knowledgeable guides lead all excursions. These guides are not only informative about the tunnel's geology and history but also known for their engaging and humorous personalities, enhancing the overall experience.
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