Raufarhólshellir (The Lava Tunnel)
Capital Region, Iceland 2024
My newest obsession: Lava Tubes.
In the past few months, we have really gotten into exploring the lava tubes and caves around Sicily's notorious volcano, Mt Etna. So, when I stumbled across Raufarhólshellir during my Iceland research, I knew I had to toss it into the itinerary.
What is a Lava Tube? Lava tubes are a natural conduit formed when an active low-viscosity lava flow develops a continuous and hard crust, which thickens and forms a roof above the still-flowing lava stream. Raufarhólshellir is a lava tube formed during the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred about 5200 years ago, and is one of Iceland´s longest caves. (The Lava Tunnel)
TOUR DEETS
The Lava Tunnel offers 4 different tour options:
Standard Lava Tunnel Tour: accompany your guide over rocky terrain and built platforms as you explore 350 meters into the lava tube. Strategically placed lighting highlights the changing colors and clearly shows the powerful volcanic activity that formed the tunnel.
Cost (at time of publish): 8,400 ISK
Departures: on the hour every hour from 0900 - 1700 and takes approximately 55-60 minutes.
Standard Tour with Transport: this is the perfect option if you are looking to join the standard lava tunnel tour and do not have a vehicle.
Cost (at time of publish): 13,900 ISK
Departures: daily at 0900 and 1300 from the BSI bus terminal.
Lava Falls Adventure Tour: the tour for the adventure seekers. Accompany your guide to the end of the tunnel where magnificent lava falls and other natural wonders await you in the dark.
Warning from the Company: this tour is more extreme than normal attractions as it traverses over a difficult terrain, including big rocks and boulders so a good balance and good physical health is required.
Cost (at time of publish): 25,900 ISK
Departures: daily at 1015
Evening Lava Tunnel Tour: this evening version of the standard tour is an ideal way to take advantage of the long summer days or combine with an evening activity such as Northern Light hunting in the winter.
Cost (at time of publish): 8,400 ISK
Departures: daily at 2000 (they require a minimum of 4 participants to operate the tour)
For more details, FAQs, or to book your tour visit The Lava Tunnel
DARCY WANDERS' ROUTE
I really REALLY wanted to do the Lava Falls Adventure Tour, but the timing did not work out in our itinerary 😞 So, we went with the only other tour option (standard). With this not being a top priority bucket list item for me, it was a great filler into any openings on our jam-packed itinerary (check out my Iceland: 8-Day Itinerary for more inspo!). We ended up booking the Evening Lava Tunnel Tour for the evening of our arrival day, which was the perfect first day activity.
GETTING THERE
The easiest way to get to Raufarhólshellir (The Lava Tunnel) is to use the navigation system of your choice with your destination set as The Lava Tunnel. Parking is free 🥳
TO WANDER, OR NOT TO WANDER
Wander into the land of Fire and Ice and marvel at how fire shaped the Icelandic landscape. On this guided tour, you'll have an opportunity to explore one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland. You'll also learn how lava tubes are created, what makes Raufarhólshellir unique, and how to discover your own lava tube!
MAKE IT GREAT (TIPS, TRICKS, & GEAR)
Language: All tours are in English
Provided: Helmet, Headlamp, Crampons (winter)
What to Bring: Warm clothes and sturdy shoes are recommended. There is usually some water dripping from the ceiling so wearing a water resistant or water proof jacket/pants is encouraged. Proper hiking boots with ankle support are required for the Lava Falls Adventure Tour.
Minimum Age: 3 years old (standard) and 12 years old (adventure)
Comments