Reykjavik Tours
The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir
5

The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir

By The Lava Tunnel
Recommended by 95% of travellers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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About
Guarantee your desired time slot by booking a tour of the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel in advance. With a guide and provided equipment, marvel at the changing colors of the lava rock formations while walking in the path of lava that flowed during the Leitahraun eruption. Plus, discover historical info that you may otherwise have missed out on.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 30 per group
Duration: 1h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More

Highlights
  • Prebooking ensures your preferred time slot
  • Choose from several departure times throughout the day
  • A guide explains geological details you may otherwise have missed
  • Ideal for travelers with limited time 
Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best
2024

  • Helmets
  • Lights
  • Professional guide
  • Entry/Admission - Olfuss
What's not included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

At your confirmed time, meet your guide and small group at Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and warm, waterproof clothing. Your guide provides you with a helmet and light before leading you into the tunnel. Listen as they point out some of the tunnel’s most interesting features and learn about the changing colors of the lava rock formations as you walk. Large rocks make the tunnel difficult to traverse in some places, but a footbridge and several paths have been built over the roughest terrain. Lights have also been incorporated in order to highlight the changing colors and clearly show the powerful volcanic activity that formed the tunnel during the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred around 5,200 years ago. After your tour ends you are free to make your own way back to Reykjavik or onto your next destination.

Start:
  • Raufarhólshellir, 816, Iceland
    The tunnel is very easily accessed about 30 minutes drive from Reykjavik. Head east on road no. 1 and drive for about 18 km. Turn right onto road no. 39 (Þorlákshöfn) and drive for another 12 km. You will see our service building and parking lot on the left (if coming from Reykjavik).
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 44266P2

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not recommend for children under the age of 3
    • Not recommended for people with back, knee or other health issues
    • Sturdy shoes are important and it is recommend that you bring rain coat / jacket.
    • Most travellers can participate
    • Bathrooms are available on location.
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 44266P2

    From
    €51.29
    per adult
    Select date and travellers
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    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • 816, Iceland
      The tunnel is very easily accessed about 30 minutes drive from Reykjavik. Head east on road no. 1 and drive for about 18 km. Turn right onto road no. 39 (Þorlákshöfn) and drive for another 12 km. You will see our service building and parking lot on the left (if coming from Reykjavik).
    • 1
      Explore the magnificent lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland. Discover the inner workings of a volcanic eruption and walk along the path where lava flowed underground during the Leitahraun eruption over 5000 years ago. Our tour is approximately one hour whereas platforms and lights have been incorporated - making the experience of visiting the cave simply breathtaking. The tour difficulty is rated as easy, although guests need to walk over uneven surfaces and up and down stairs. Helmets and headlamps are provided and the guests go in a group with an English speaking guide who provides information about the unique geological features inside the Tunnel.
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • The Lava Tunnel
      2,429
      Reykjavik, Iceland
      Joined in November 2016
    • Sophie_Saunders92
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Lava Tunnel
      Excellent experience with a very engaging and informative guide. The experience lasted a little over an hour, taking you through the different stages of the tunnel filled with interesting facts about the formation of the tunnel and anecdotes about its discovery. Thoroughly enjoyed this!
      Written 12 September 2024
    • PrateekL24
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Experience was too short, but our guide Mac was rockstar
      Overall walk inside the tunnel was 15mins making it not worth the money. We paid around $170 for couple with pick up. But our tour guide for the tunnel Mac, made it very enjoyable and fun experience. I would recommend go enter directly by yourself.
      Written 10 September 2024
    • Connector491055
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A superb experience
      An amazing experience. The emphasis was on safety as it is not for the faint - hearted or people with mobility issues. The guide gave us lots of fascinating facts and I wouldn't have missed the chance to see this incredible tunnel carved out by nature.
      Written 10 September 2024
    • bobbies956
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Not what we had expected
      Felt like the tour group was a bit too big. The hats and lights could have been maintained better. One light couldn’t even be depressed, it was so worn out. Another one got a dead battery half way through. It’s very commercialized and very short for the cost. We had the time to kill, otherwise, I don’t think we would have done it.
      Written 24 August 2024
    • Kathlene M
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Perfect Quick Adventure from Reykjavik
      The Lava Tunnel Tour was fantastic! My time in Iceland was short so this tour was a great way to get out of Reykjavik and experience a must see Iceland wonder in just a few hours time. The transfer was very convenient and on time with a friendly, informative driver who waited on site while we enjoyed the adventure. Our lava tunnel guide was outstanding. She was very knowledgeable and engaging with guests. She answered questions easily and provided a very entertaining and enjoyable experience. She was safety conscious at all times and arranged the group to ensure everyone had a successful trek. I recommend grabbing a provided hiking pole or bringing your own for extra stability when traversing the rocks. It made the hike very doable and comfortable. This was a highlight of my time in Iceland. A few hours after my visit, the Volcano on Reykjanes Peninsula erupted and, as I watched from the distance, I had a whole new sense of the power of lava!
      Written 24 August 2024
    • gulnur-nk
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Lava tunnel
      it was interesting. the cave looks like mars. alex is the best guide) it was a real show. thank you!!! I will recommend to everyone
      Written 17 August 2024
    • 300lizaw
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great experience!
      My mom and I booked this tour online before arriving in Reykjavík. We were picked up and dropped off at BSI Terminal, and it was easy to find the tour bus with the sign in the window. It was a scenic bus ride from the city to the lava tunnel. Gear was provided at base camp (helmets and walking sticks). The lava tunnel was quite fascinating, but what made it an excursion worth remembering was our guide, Hjalti. He was informative and had our group laughing the entire time with his funny jokes. Definitely would recommend this to those interested!
      Written 15 August 2024
    • michaelawS4554PN
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Interesting and incredible experience
      It was a really great tour! The pick up at Reykjavik did work very well and reliable, also the drop off afterwards. The tour in the Lava Tunnel was guided by a funny guide, who gave us lots of interesting information about lava tunnels and this one in special. Also the little anecdotes he told were very humorous and entertaining - as well as the 5 minutes in absolutely darkness. Thank you so much for this great experience!
      Written 14 August 2024
    • Victor D
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Very nice!
      The guidev was very nice ,very info,excellent, Was a very nice experience, We recomande for all people ,its very important
      Written 6 August 2024
    • BethB979
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Unique
      Really great experience, unique tunnels and a very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. We booked the transfer from Reykjavík, and my only observation was we had to rush to make the pick up time - an extra 10 mins would have made all the difference. This is a problem with the tour company (Reykjavík excursions) not the Lava Tunnel business itself.
      Written 21 July 2024
    • Z8488ADrobertp
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great inside vulcanic view...
      Perfect time. Pickup at cruise ship arrived on time. Excursion through Lava tunnel was led by charming and experienced guide Mac , amazing lighting and inside views. Wished we had more time...
      Written 21 July 2024
    • 793margiec
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Unhappy
      Did not understand where pick up was so missed the tour. The company was not helpful to refund money since we were not in Reykjavik more then one day. Not an easy company to deal with as we are seniors.
      Written 20 July 2024
    • Markknighton
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Last minute decision, well worth it
      Last minute decision to go here and SO glad we did. Wonderful experience to walk through a 5000 year old lava tunnel with an funny and knowledgeable guide (Kasia I think) Well worth the visit
      Written 19 July 2024
    • 432rishaans
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Once in a Lifetime!
      A true once in a lifetime experience. Our guide, Eva (I think that's how u spell it) was amazing, and our jokes kept us entertained throughout as well as her knowledge of the cave! The walk was quite windy but manageable and the steps are not very steep. As for "The Squeeze", it really isn't too bad but if you are claustrophobic you might find the cave troublesome (although it is massive and there's lot of space). We walked through it, learnt about the different lava formations and did a short 2 minute meditation session in the dark in the end. Overall absolutely beautiful and a must try in Iceland.
      Written 12 July 2024
    • macffee
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great short tour
      Perfect short tour. Guide at the tunnel was excellent. Worth a visit. Grateful for the Nordic pole’s provided for the tour
      Written 6 July 2024
    See all 2,429 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles1,607 reviews
    Excellent
    1,343
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    191
    Average
    45
    Poor
    14
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    14

    spant1234
    Welwyn Garden City, UK2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2020 • Couples
    We loved our tour through the lava tunnel, our tour guide was well informed as well as entertaining. Its a really interesting place to visit, like no where else on earth. Our guide turned the lights off and we experienced the full absence of light! We visited in winter and witnessed the beautiful snow sculptures formed by the skylights.
    Excellent tour, definitely worth a visit! Highly recommended.
    Written 13 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Marie S
    1 contribution
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2021 • Couples
    The worst trip ever. Not worth spending your precious time nor money.
    The tour bus did not pick us up at the right bus stop (we waited for 35 mins in vain) and didn’t even give us a call nor a message. They just ditched us. We had to take a cab and the company did not refund us for the cab ride nor even apologize to us.
    This lava tunnel tour was too commercial centric and the view was not great. It’s not worth going there at all.
    We recommend other company’s “Into the volcano tour” because it was much better with spectacular views and we had such an amazing experience.
    Written 7 August 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hello, I am very sorry to hear you did not have a good experience with us. I checked with our partners at Reykjavik Excursions, who operate the pickup, and they picked up 11 people from your hotel that morning. I am not sure what happened in your case, but the pickup bus from Reykjavik Excursions definitely came to the stop and the driver had you on the pickup list. Our staff at The Lava Tunnel then received a call from your hotel saying that you would arrive via taxi, but they did not explain what happened with your pickup and therefore our staff at the cave was not aware of your problems with the pickup when you arrived. We are always happy to help and try to resolve problems if we are made aware of them. Please contact us directly if you would like us to look into this matter further. Sincerely, David Arnar The Lava Tunnel
    Written 10 August 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Dustin M
    Denver, CO48 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jan 2020
    The Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel feels "in the middle of nowhere," but is only about a 30 minutes drive from Reykjavik and can also be accessed via several tours that pick participants up from their hotels. Although we have toured numerous caves and caverns in the United States, there were some unique attributes of the lava tube that made it different from those caves and caverns.

    The tour guide was humorous, energetic, and provided interesting details about the lava tube. He also employed the activity we have seen several times in cave tours of turning out all lights so that we could experience pitch black. Although I've experienced this multiple times before, it's still amazing to experience true absolute darkness. The tour guide took the time to take photographs of any groups who were interested in front of the end of the tunnel (as far as the general public goes without special authorization and training/experience).

    There are some hills to climb and descend during the tour and there are some places with stairs, but the tour is not physically taxing for the most part.

    There is a small building outside the entrance to the lava tunnel. The tour groups assemble here and receive helmets with lights and simple crampons (helpful where the stairs and rock paths can get icy). The building also has several restrooms and sells hot chocolate and other beverages and snacks.
    Written 15 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Michal N
    Sint-Genesius-Rode, Belgium18 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2020
    The only special thing about this cave is that it was created by a flow of lava some 5 thousand years ago. Ice formations near the entrance were quite spectacular though. Otherwise it is just a cave and they let too many people at the same time so it is difficult to fully enjoy it. I had much higher expectations before the visit. Perhaps I have seen too many caves in my life...
    Written 3 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    noxy658
    16 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Date and time of visit : 25th of July, 14:00.
    We were very excited to have the opportunity to explore a lava tunnel. Unfortunately, the guide was so bad that it ruined everything. Either he didn't know his stuff or he didn't know how to convey it in English. He couldn't answer easy questions properly about erosion and such. His accent was quite bad and we barely understood him. Plus he didn't speak loud enough for everybody to hear him. We were a huge group (around 30) and we had to rush through everything.
    The place in itself is nevertheless outsanding and magnificient but we felt robbed of our money as our guide was so bad. I'm sure a better one would have been able to make our time there amazing and worthwhile. Unfortunately for the first time since we arrived in Iceland we felt like we got caught in a tourist trap.
    Written 25 July 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for coming back to us on this issue. I read your review and I must admit that I was bit shocked to read it. This is definitely not how the experience is supposed to be. We try hard to train our guides in geology, clear speaking and interaction with the customers. Generally our guides receive very good reviews but it seems that someone had a "off day" during your visit. We will make sure to sit down with the person in question and help him/her to improve.
    Written 27 July 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Ely Wired
    Milan, Italy3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2020 • Friends
    The experience was simply awesome! The Lava Tunnel is worth visiting because it's something you can only get in Iceland. This is so typical of this land! Thousands and thousands of years are inside that tunnel and you can actually touch and feel the stones and the rocks and how everything originated from ancient eruptions. The silence in the tunnel is an incredible experience, too. So quiet and overpowering! There's nothing to fear, the Path Is totally safe. You don't feel claustrophobia or anything 'cause the soaces are pretty large. Plus, you don't Need to be expert in climbing or hiking. Walking in the tunnel is very easy, you Just need to move your feet like you normally would on a street. The colors of the different minerals contained in the stones are perfectly illuminated, and it's a Joy for the eyes! You get explanations from the tour guide and you can ask qdditional questions. The guides are very nice, smiling, friendly and patient. Our guide was a guy called Dimitri, who was very kind and easy-going to us. If you go to' Iceland, definitely don't miss the Lava Tunnel experience!
    Written 25 August 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Julian T
    Sydney, Australia6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2020
    Situated on the most deadly mountain pass in Iceland, midway between Selfoss and Reykjavik, The Lava Cave is a very good and slick little activity. It only took us about 90 minutes in total, and it’s not physically gruelling (and no wind!). Don’t expect too much excitement, but it’s an educational and not-too-pricey option. Our guide Harry (not the Prince, but they look alike) was extremely professional, full of Icelandic humour, and helped make our visit worthwhile.
    Written 19 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Shintree
    London24 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2023 • Couples
    For an hour long tour at £45pp I was expecting something more substantial than what was received. The tunnel was pretty (though you don't go far in) and the tour guide had some interesting facts but I left feeling a little short changed. Alot of time was spent interacting with the tour group and asking where they're all from, plus the tour guide seemed to be trying out stand-up material when talking too long about different country's approach to wedding engagements. Was a bit weird and boring.

    I think the tour was worth closer to £20pp even with Icelandic prices in mind. So given all the awesome things you can do for in Iceland, I probably wouldn't recommend unless you were desperate for things to do and happy to spend £45 on an average hour long tour.
    Written 16 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Jessica G
    Los Angeles5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great short trip to explore an amazing feat of nature. The cave is lit enough on the inside, but you are also given a helmet with a head lamp for better lighting. The guide provided lots of geological background about the formation of the caves. She also provided some history of this particular cave, as well as plenty of humor. Would recommend bringing a light rain jacket, because if it's raining outside it will drip a lot on the inside of the cave. I am by no means in shape, but I was able to navigate the stairs and the rocks without too much of an issue.
    Written 12 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Ollie D
    Chevy Chase4 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2022
    Lava Tunnel Staff,
    The story of the tunnel formation sounded interesting. However, the male guide could not speak loudly and we could NOT hear or understand anything he said. It was wrong to use him in that condition. (Sunday Aug 14, 2022)
    Therefore, we are asking for a refund us at least 1/2 of our two ticket cost, eg
    The value of one ticket.
    We paid by Credit card so you can send the $$$ to that card.
    Written 25 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hello, I am sorry to hear about your experience on the tour. Please email us at info@thelavatunnel.is so we can rectify this.
    Written 30 August 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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