Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel, Golden Circle

Overview

Just about 30 minutes from Reykjavík is Iceland's famed LavaTunnel, known as Raufarhólshellir. The tunnel is a result of the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred east of the Bláfjöll Mountains about 5,200 years ago. Although you won't walk through its entirety, the tube stretches 4500 ft (1360 m), with the main tunnel (it has three sections) covering about 3,000 feet (900 m).

A tour through the lava tunnel is a great way better to understand the inner workings of a volcanic eruption. Lava tunnels (or tubes) form after volcanic eruptions as the lava on the surface begins to sool, creating a hard crust that slowly thickens as more lava moves underneath. Once the lava is fully drained, the top and crust remain while the inside is hollow.

The tunnel is lit by impressive lighting, and you'll enjoy an easy walk over several footbridges built over the roughest terrain, making the tour accessible to most people. If you plan to visit Iceland in the winter, you can see unique and beautiful ice formations inside the tunnel.

Discover other unique volcanic activities in Iceland.

Traveler reviews

4 total ratings, 3 with reviews
4.5 out of 5
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.5
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.8
Transport
4.5
Courtney
Courtney R.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Aug 26, 2023
My son’s (5yo) favorite activity of the entire trip. The guide was the best guide of any tour we took in Iceland. Read more

My son’s (5yo) favorite activity of the entire trip. The guide was the best guide of any tour we took in Iceland.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Kristin
Kristin T.
Canada | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2023
Tour guide, Soleil, was informative and charming. Lava tunnel was impressive. A unique experience. Read more

Tour guide, Soleil, was informative and charming. Lava tunnel was impressive. A unique experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
John
John F.
Columbus, IN | Reviewed on Oct 17, 2022
This was an interesting and fun stop. Anyone who has gone on a cave tour will recognize this, however unlike a "normal" cave, the geology of the lava tunnel is very different. For example there are no stalagmites or stalactites, but there are basalt formations and colors created by the minerals deposited by the lava as it flowed through. I would say that this tunnel is not as visually dramatic as a lot of traditional limestone caves, but I found that the reality of what it is, a tube that... Read more

This was an interesting and fun stop. Anyone who has gone on a cave tour will recognize this, however unlike a "normal" cave, the geology of the lava tunnel is very different. For example there are no stalagmites or stalactites, but there are basalt formations and colors created by the minerals deposited by the lava as it flowed through. I would say that this tunnel is not as visually dramatic as a lot of traditional limestone caves, but I found that the reality of what it is, a tube that lava flowed through and formed, was really special.

Tips for future travelers

The location is not far from the ring road, making this a relatively easy stop along the way. Depending on how busy they are, their schedule may allow you to join a different group. Due to some changes in our schedule, we arrived two hours early for our tour and they gladly added us to the next one going out, which in turn gave us extra time for activities later in the day.

Quality of Experience
Different, educational, unusual type of cave to see and experience.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was very knowledgeable and had a great personality. The staff was very friendly and extremely helpful, even accommodating a change in tour times for us.
Transport
We drove there ourselves. It was easy to find the location, there was adequate parking, and the ticket office is right at the entrance to the lava tunnel.

Itineraries with Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel

Iceland Highlights: Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Golden Circle & South Coast - 7 Days

In one week, enjoy three of Iceland's most beautiful regions. Explore the black-sand beaches, cliffs, and fishing towns along the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the geothermal geological highlights in the Golden Circle, and the stunning waterfalls and glaciers along the South Coast. The trip closes out with a visit to Reykjavík and a tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula highlights, including several opportunities to soak in natural hot springs and lagoons.

Epic Iceland: Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Golden Circle, South Coast, Westman Islands & Thorsmork - 10 Days

In just 10 days, discover the highlights of five distinct regions of Iceland. It's an efficient adventure that combines road trips, boat rides to offshore islands, hiking excursions, and glacier visits. You'll explore the rugged cliffs of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, trek in "Thor's Valley," hit the road down the famous Golden Circle, enjoy boat rides on the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and much more.

East Fjords, South Coast, & Reykjavik - 5 Days

With just a few days to explore Iceland, make the most of your time by driving one way from Egilsstaðir to Vik to Reykjavik—without retracing your steps. Relish the chance to see the dramatic landscapes of the Eastern Fjords and more time in new places (rather than doubling back). While you can embark on this route in either direction, taking a domestic flight to Egilsstaðir at the beginning of the trip is recommended, so you can leave the larger crowds behind and explore remote areas on your own terms.

Volcanic Snaefellsnes Peninsula & South Coast Highlights - 5 Days

Explore the highlights of West and South Iceland on this quick, five-day tour. Head to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to visit basalt cliffs, black-sand beaches, lava fields and formations, craters, and cliffside paths in fishing towns. Then, head south toward Vik to visit a handful of impressive waterfalls, from Seljalandsfoss to Skogafoss. Stop at a hot springs river, an ancient pool, another waterfall, and a crater on the road back to Reykjavik, and spend time exploring the funky street art and historical culture in the capital city. Tour the Reykjanes Peninsula's highlights and soak in the Blue Lagoon to close out the jam-packed trip.

Golden Circle, South Coast, & Thorsmork - 5 Days

This fast-paced Icelandic trip spans three regions—the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Thorsmork—and offers plenty to see over the course of five days. Explore Þingvellir National Park and snorkel in the Silfra Fissure in the Golden Circle. Then, view beautiful waterfalls, like Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, along with black-sand beaches in the South Coast. Next, take a bus to Thorsmork to embark on a day of hiking trails through the valley, and end in Reykjavik to discover the best of the capital city.