- The tunnel stretches 1,360 metres with heights up to 10 metres and widths reaching 30 metres
- Two tour options: a 1-hour standard tour on footbridges or a 3-4 hour adventure tour to the Lava Falls
- The cave is accessible year-round and features winter ice sculptures near the entrance
What Raufarholshellir Is
Raufarholshellir formed 5,600 years ago when lava flowed 10 kilometres downhill during the Leitahraun eruption. The eruption occurred east of the Bláfjöll mountains. Raufarholshellir is the fourth-longest lava tube in Iceland.
The cave has a typical height of at least 10 metres and a width up to 30 metres. Route 39 crosses over the cave at a point where it is about 15 metres in diameter. Multiple skylights puncture the ceiling, creating natural openings where snow accumulates.
The tunnel closed in late 2016 due to garbage accumulation and visitor safety concerns. After renovation, it reopened in mid-2017 with walking decks and lighting added near the entrance.
Lava Tunnel Tours
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Top ratedBestsellerGuided tour · 1 hourRaufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel: Underground Expedition★ 4.7 2 069 reviews✓ Free cancellationAvailable todayfrom €62 per personSee availability →
Day trip · 3 hoursFrom Reykjavik: Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel by Bus★ 4.6 892 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availableAvailable tomorrowfrom €133 per personSee availability →
Guided tour · 1 - 3 hoursFrom Reykjavik: Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel Tour★ 4.7 936 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availableAvailable todayfrom €59 per personSee availability →Standard Tour vs Adventure Tour
| Feature | Standard Tour | Adventure Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Approximately 1 hour | 3-4 hours on average |
| Route | Footbridge with installed lighting | Deeper sections to the Lava Falls |
| Navigation | Fixed walkway | Head torches with experienced guide |
| Fitness requirement | Check tour details | Good fitness and balance required |
| Terrain | Maintained decks | Uneven lava rock |
The standard tour follows the footbridge built during the 2017 renovation. Installed lighting illuminates the tunnel walls and ceiling features.
The Lava Falls Adventure Tour takes you into the depths of the tunnel to explore the Lava Falls. This option relies on an experienced guide and head torches to navigate. The adventure tour requires good fitness and balance.
Both tours reveal the layered lava formations and colour variations left by the ancient eruption. Winter visits on either tour show ice sculptures near the entrance.
- Just 30 minutes from Reykjavík, convenient for <a href="/day-trips-from-reykjavik/">day trips from Reykjavík</a>
- Open year-round with installed footbridges and lighting for safe access
- Two tour levels suit different fitness abilities and time commitments
- Natural skylights create dramatic light effects inside the tunnel
- Winter visits include ice sculptures at the entrance
- The tunnel can only be visited by guided tour since reopening in 2017
- The adventure tour requires good fitness and balance for rough terrain
- Multiple skylights mean snow accumulates in winter, affecting some sections
Location and Access
The tunnel is located 30 minutes from Reykjavík on the way to southern Iceland. This makes it an easy addition to Golden Circle itineraries or south coast tours.
Iceland Route 39 crosses directly over the cave. The tunnel is easily accessed year-round, unlike some highland caves that close in winter.
Many visitors combine Raufarholshellir with nearby geothermal areas. The Secret Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are both within reach for combination visits.
The proximity to Reykjavík makes this cave practical for cruise passengers on shore excursions with limited time ashore.
Inside the Tunnel
The lava flow that created the tube originated 10 kilometres uphill from the cave during the Leitahraun eruption. As the surface lava cooled and hardened, molten rock continued flowing beneath, eventually draining and leaving the hollow tube.
The cave walls display vivid colours where minerals oxidised during cooling. Ripples and flow marks show the direction and speed of the ancient lava river.
Skylights in the ceiling create natural light shafts during daytime visits. Under these openings, snow accumulates in winter, forming the ice sculptures visible during the colder months.
The tunnel structure provides shelter from surface weather conditions throughout the year.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →When to Visit
The tunnel is accessible year-round, but each season offers different features. Winter visits reveal ice sculptures at the entrance. Summer provides longer daylight hours for combining the tunnel with other attractions.
Check tour availability and booking requirements in advance, especially during busy periods. Winter tours operate in darker conditions, which enhances the dramatic lighting effects inside.
The tunnel sits at low elevation, so road access remains open when highland routes close. This makes it reliable even when ice cave tours in Vatnajökull are unavailable.
Consider pairing the tunnel with weather-dependent activities. If glacier hikes cancel due to conditions, Raufarholshellir provides a sheltered alternative.
Combining with Other Experiences
The tunnel's location makes it easy to pair with multiple attractions. A common route includes Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park before returning via Raufarholshellir.
Geothermal experiences work well with lava tube visits. The Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon tour combination can be extended to include the tunnel on the return journey.
Those interested in volcanic geology might also visit the Lava Show in Reykjavik or Inside the Volcano at Thrihnukagigur. Each shows different stages of volcanic activity.
For a full volcanic day, combine the tunnel with Reykjanes Peninsula sites like Gunnuhver hot springs. Some volcano tours incorporate multiple lava formations in one itinerary.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Planning Your Visit
The tunnel can only be visited by guided tour, so advance booking is required. Check tour details to determine which option suits your fitness level and schedule.
Allow extra time if you are visiting as part of a longer route. The standard tour takes approximately 1 hour, but factor in travel time from Reykjavik and any photo stops.
Check safetravel.is before departing for current weather and road conditions. While Route 39 stays open year-round, winter storms can occasionally delay travel.
Check tour details for guidance on appropriate clothing and footwear for your visit.
Raufarholshellir offers Iceland's most accessible lava tube experience, just 30 minutes from Reykjavik with year-round access. Choose between a 1-hour standard tour and a 3-4 hour adventure tour to match your fitness level and schedule.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the lava tunnel in Iceland?
Raufarholshellir is 1,360 metres long, making it the fourth-longest lava tube in Iceland. The cave has heights of at least 10 metres and widths up to 30 metres.
Where is Raufarholshellir located?
The tunnel is located 30 minutes from Reykjavik on Route 39. The road crosses directly over the cave at one point where it is about 15 metres in diameter.
How long does the lava tunnel tour take?
The standard tour takes approximately 1 hour on footbridges with installed lighting. The adventure tour to the Lava Falls takes 3-4 hours on average and requires good fitness and balance.
Can you visit the lava tunnel year-round?
Yes, the tunnel is easily accessed year-round. Winter visits include ice sculptures near the entrance. The tunnel can only be visited by guided tour since reopening in 2017.
How old is Raufarholshellir?
The tunnel formed 5,600 years ago during the Leitahraun eruption. The lava flowed from a source 10 kilometres uphill from the cave, east of the Bláfjöll mountains.
