Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel, Golden Circle

4.4 (16 reviews)
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Dave
Dave D.
Aug 07, 2026
It was an amazing experience
Adam
Adam K.
Apr 19, 2026
This was a great experience from start to finish. The guide was very laid back but full of information and humor. The lava tunnel itself was... Read more
Lore
Lore v.
Apr 02, 2026
Wonderful look inside a lava tunnel. Our guide was fun and informative, safety first!
Lisa
Lisa H.
Sep 19, 2025
About 40 minutes outside of Reykjavik, we went on a guided caving tour of the incredible Lava Tunnel. Over about one hour, we hiked over rocky... Read more
Jessie
Jessie S.
Sep 01, 2025
The tunnel itself was very cool to see. I appreciated the history of the tunnel and geology lesson.
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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.

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Traveler photos
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Traveler reviews

16 total ratings, 11 with reviews
4.4
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.6
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.9
Transport
4.8
Dave
Dave D.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 07, 2026
It was an amazing experience Read more

It was an amazing experience

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
She was knowledgeable and made it fun
Transport
Adam
Adam K.
Hartford, CT, USA | Reviewed on Apr 19, 2026
This was a great experience from start to finish. The guide was very laid back but full of information and humor. The lava tunnel itself was very impressive and well-lit, and held a few surprises that none of us expected (I won't spoil it here!). We learned a lot about how the lava tunnels are formed (and found) and it changed the way we looked at the Icelandic landscape for the rest of our trip! Read more

This was a great experience from start to finish. The guide was very laid back but full of information and humor. The lava tunnel itself was very impressive and well-lit, and held a few surprises that none of us expected (I won't spoil it here!). We learned a lot about how the lava tunnels are formed (and found) and it changed the way we looked at the Icelandic landscape for the rest of our trip!

Tips for future travelers

The lava tunnels are cool year-round and literally have ice inside parts of them. The experience itself is not physically rigorous, just a little bit of walking and a flight of stairs. They will give you helmets with headlights.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
After the "tour" the guide let us stay and explore, answered lots of questions, and offered to take photos of us in different parts of the tunnel.
Lore
Lore v.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 02, 2026
Wonderful look inside a lava tunnel. Our guide was fun and informative, safety first! Read more

Wonderful look inside a lava tunnel. Our guide was fun and informative, safety first!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
a walk to the cave
Kelly
Kelly E.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Sep 30, 2025
We were expecting to walk more. It was a quick walk in and out. Interesting but felt like a tourist Read more

We were expecting to walk more. It was a quick walk in and out. Interesting but felt like a tourist

Quality of Experience
Mo
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lisa
Lisa H.
Bethlehem, PA, USA | Reviewed on Sep 19, 2025
About 40 minutes outside of Reykjavik, we went on a guided caving tour of the incredible Lava Tunnel. Over about one hour, we hiked over rocky paths and footbridges which traverse the tunnel's rocky terrain. Along the way, our guide pointed out various geologic features and explained how the tunnel came to be. The tunnel lighting showcases the vivid colors and volcanic rock formations and a "lights out" demonstration illustrated just how dark a tunnel can be! Read more

About 40 minutes outside of Reykjavik, we went on a guided caving tour of the incredible Lava Tunnel. Over about one hour, we hiked over rocky paths and footbridges which traverse the tunnel's rocky terrain. Along the way, our guide pointed out various geologic features and explained how the tunnel came to be. The tunnel lighting showcases the vivid colors and volcanic rock formations and a "lights out" demonstration illustrated just how dark a tunnel can be!

Tips for future travelers

The tour accommodates younger adventurers and those with mobility issues, but would strongly encourage sturdy footwear and warm, waterproof clothing (especially if raining).

Quality of Experience
Unique experience being able to traverse through a tunnel created by lava!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Humorous and knowledgable guide.
Gaia
Gaia B.
Reno, NV | Reviewed on Sep 06, 2025

This was not on our itinerary! We specifically said we had been in lava tunnels and didn't need to do this. Did we pay for it?

Jessie
Jessie S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Sep 01, 2025
The tunnel itself was very cool to see. I appreciated the history of the tunnel and geology lesson. Read more

The tunnel itself was very cool to see. I appreciated the history of the tunnel and geology lesson.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
K
Kerry C.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jul 16, 2024
This was our first activity in Iceland; what an introduction to the country! The guided tour takes you to the end of the tunnel and then you can make your way back at your leisure-giving all the time you need for pictures. The way down is well marked and easy to travel. Read more

This was our first activity in Iceland; what an introduction to the country! The guided tour takes you to the end of the tunnel and then you can make your way back at your leisure-giving all the time you need for pictures. The way down is well marked and easy to travel.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
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

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