Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel Guided Cave Tour from Reykjavik

Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel

Raufarhólshellir is a lava tube in southern Iceland, formed about five thousand years ago when a river of lava flowed from an eruption and its surface cooled and hardened while molten rock kept flowing underneath. When the eruption ended, the lava drained out and left a tunnel roughly one and a third kilometres long, with a high ceiling and in places a width of up to ten metres.

This is what makes a lava tunnel tour near Reykjavik such a good introduction to Icelandic volcanoes: you walk inside a real eruption, seeing the shapes the lava made. The tunnel is close to the road between Reykjavik and the south coast, so it is easy to fit into a day.

What you see inside the cave

The walls are marked by lava flow patterns, ledges and drips called lavacicles, and the rock shows shades of red, orange, yellow and black from iron and other minerals. Your guide explains how each feature formed and points out where the lava ran, as well as where roof collapses opened skylights.

In winter, water seeps in and freezes to make ice stalagmites and icicles of many shapes, which is why many visitors call the tunnel a fairytale place. The temperature stays cool all year, so bring warm clothing. Departures run every day of the year, and the cave is not affected by weather outside.

How to get to Raufarhólshellir

People often search how to get to Raufarhólshellir from Reykjavik. By car it takes about thirty to forty minutes along the main road toward the south, and public transport is limited, which is why many visitors choose a tour with pickup. The option with pickup collects you from selected locations in Reykjavik, and there is Wi-Fi on board.

If you have your own car, choose the option with the meeting point at the cave. In that case, arrive a little early and allow time for parking. The tour includes caving gear and a certified guide, and the visit itself lasts one hour.

Planning the visit

Wear warm clothing, waterproof outer layers, a hat, gloves and good hiking shoes, and bring a snack or lunch. The ground is uneven and can be wet or icy, so grip is important. You do not need caving experience, but it helps if you are not afraid of the dark.

The tour suits families with children from six years, small groups and solo travellers. Since it is short, you can combine it with other activities on the south coast or the Reykjanes Peninsula, or return to Reykjavik for the evening.