Iceland is open for travel. Check volcano updates here.
Currency:
USD
ISK
USD
EUR
CAD
GBP
5
Visit Raufarhólshellir – a stunning geological paradise that was formed after a volcanic eruption around 5,000 years ago. The cave is a magical place, famed for its vivid colors, fascinating rock sculptures, and a host of other things that will inspire awe and wonder in equal measure.
This lava tunnel tour is an unforgettable opportunity to experience volcanic beauty and underground mystery, all in the company of a friendly and knowledgeable guide, who will tell you and your small group everything that you need to know about this subterranean paradise. If you want to go on an adventure of exploration through an ancient volcanic conduit, then this tour is perfect for you.
From
The day begins when we meet our lava cave expert at the entrance to Raufarhólshellir, who will provide us with any equipment that we need and give us any relevant safety information. Then, once everyone is happy, we will begin walking down the narrow sloping path into the lava tube cave itself.
The walk is easy in terms of difficulty, with some parts having developments like footbridges and paths to make it easier, and other parts being as nature intended. This means that the lava tunnel tour can be done by people of all ages and abilities. However, participants must be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces to be able to take part in the tour.
As we push deeper into the subterranean natural wonder, we will start to see the many majestic sights that have made it so popular, including spectacular rainbow-colored walls that have been dyed various shades of emerald, ruby, turquoise, and lilac by the mineral deposits in Raufarhólshellir.
The most spectacular parts are illuminated, ensuring that we can appreciate all the magic that Raufarhólshellir has to offer. Our friendly guide will tell us how the volcanic activity helped to craft the cave, and its tubular structure will give you a great insight into how the lava flows helped to form it.
Raufarhólshellir is an ever-changing and ever-evolving environment and the time of year that you visit will impact the type of visit we have. During the winter, glimmering shards of ice hang from the cave’s craggy ceiling, creating a stunning visual effect that all visitors are sure to appreciate.
The rest of the year is equally as beautiful, thanks to the multi-colored minerals that decorate the cave’s walls and the stunning rock formations that the lava has created. That coupled with Raufarhólshellir’s cavernous ceilings that can reach as high as 10 m (32.8 ft), ensure that the tour is a truly incredible experience that all visitors are sure to appreciate. A subterranean wonder without comparison – there is no better way to appreciate the magical underground world that lies hidden beneath our feet.
The tunnel is located less than 30 minutes drive (approximately 30 km) from Reykjavík and accessible by all vehicles. Driving from Reykjavík east on Route 1 and drive for about 18 km. Turn right onto Route 39 (Þorlákshöfn) and drive for another 12 km. The parking area will be on your left-hand side.
This tour is offered with a pickup service from Reykjavik once per day. Please note that the tour will take approximately 3 hours in total with the pickup and drop-off service. If you need transportation from Reykjavik, please choose the “FROM REYKJAVIK” option in the booking widget on the right side.
We provide you with a headlight and a helmet.
Like always in Iceland, it’s best to dress in layers. Warm layers closest to you preferably wool/thermal underwear, pants, sweater, and on top waterproof outdoor clothing. We also recommend that you wear good hiking boots and gloves. Jeans have proven to be a bad choice.
This is a great question. We ask all participants to be ready from the start of the pickup time indicated. This is because you may well be the first pick-up of the day. Please be at your assigned location at the start time that you chose when booking the tour.
Here you should wait for your guide.
Have your email and phone number listed with us so we can contact you if we run into any trouble finding you.
View our pick-up locations in Reykjavík.
Consumption of alcohol is prohibited before and during our tours. If we suspect that a participant is intoxicated, we will prohibit them from joining the activity.
After the activities of the day are finished, you are welcome to have a drink and relax.
Raufarhólshellir is a relatively accessible lava tunnel with man-made paths and footbridges throughout much of the exploration. However, some parts remain as nature intended, with uneven terrain. All participants should be confident with walking on these surfaces.
Yes, we do. Langjökull Ice Cave is a magical experience, the tour has no minimum age and is a wonderful option for the whole family. Whale Watching with our partner company Elding has been a favorite with families traveling with young children, these guys have a great success rate in seeing whales (upwards of 98% in the summertime).
Another option would be the Landmannalaugar Safari. On this tour, you get to explore parts of the Icelandic highlands and bathe in natural hot springs. Most of our super jeep tours are also suitable for children over the age of six years old. If you would like a nice and relaxing experience we would also recommend the Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon tour.
Your safety is our number one priority! Keeping this in mind, Arctic Adventures reserves the right to adjust the itinerary and/or take different routes depending on conditions. Please read more information in our cancellation policy.
Yes, there is a specially trained and certified guide on each of our tours. The only exception to this is for our self-drive tours.
All of our tours are guided in English.
Our tours are split into four different categories that help participants to understand what to expect from the tour. The categories are Easy, Moderate, Challenging, and Demanding. Each tour is rated making it easier to find tours that suit you.
For further information about the difficulty ratings and descriptions.
We’ve partnered with the Kolviður Fund in a new carbon offsetting program, which passengers can select to participate in at the time of booking.
The Kolviður Fund is the oldest, most respected carbon offsetting program in Iceland. With your support, one tree will be planted in special Kolviður forests in Iceland to carbon offset your tour with us.
Kolviður forests are strategically planted to absorb the maximum amount of CO2 and the forests are protected for a minimum of 60 years. During their lifetime the trees absorb carbon and store it in their root system, trunk, and branches. Trees also prevent soil erosion and maintain the storage of carbon in the soil.
