The Raufarholshellir Lava Cave Tour from Reykjavik

Colorful lighting illuminates stunning ice formations inside the Raufarholshellir Lava Cave in Iceland.
The Raufarholshellir Lava Cave Tour from Reykjavik
The Raufarholshellir Lava Cave Tour from Reykjavik
Likely to sell out soon
Likely to sell out soon
The Raufarholshellir Lava Cave Tour from Reykjavik
The Raufarholshellir Lava Cave Tour from Reykjavik
The Raufarholshellir Lava Cave Tour from Reykjavik
The Raufarholshellir Lava Cave Tour from Reykjavik
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Travel details

Dates
Time
Travelers
1
From: BSÍ Bus Terminal Reykjavík, Vatnsmýrarvegur, Reykjavík, Iceland
Pick-up

When to book

Most travelers book about 2 weeks ahead. The price is the same all year, so book the date that suits you. August is the busiest month.

Description

Summary

Tour starts
Hotel pick-up or BSÍ Bus Terminal Reykjavík, Vatnsmýrarvegur, Reykjavík, Iceland
Duration
1 hour - 3 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Languages
English
Available
All year
Minimum age
3 years old

When to book

Most travelers book about 2 weeks ahead. The price is the same all year, so book the date that suits you. August is the busiest month.

3,789 reviews

Description

Descend into another world on this unforgettable tour of Raufarholshellir, one of Iceland’s longest and best-known lava tunnels. Located just 30 minutes from Reykjavik, this adventure invites you to walk in the path of a lava flow that carved its way through the earth thousands of years ago.

This tour is perfect for anyone with a sense of adventure and a fascination with Iceland’s unique volcanic landscapes. It offers an easy and accessible way to experience the country's underground geology without requiring prior caving experience.

The tour departs from the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik, where participants meet before traveling to the cave. For added convenience, hotel pickup in Reykjavik is available as an optional add-on, bringing travelers to BSI before departure.

After arriving at the cave, you’ll be provided with a helmet and headlamp before entering the tunnel with your experienced guide. As you journey through this natural wonder, your guide will share insights into the cave’s geology and the powerful volcanic forces that formed it.

Raufarholshellir stretches approximately 1,360 meters and reaches up to 30 meters wide and 10 meters high, making it the fourth-longest lava cave in Iceland. Thanks to a well-maintained footbridge and viewing platforms, you can explore comfortably while admiring the vivid mineral colors on the tunnel walls, created by the eruption that formed the cave.

In winter, Raufarholshellir transforms into a magical scene of sparkling ice formations. The crystals shimmer against the dark lava rock as sunlight filters in, creating a stunning contrast of fire and ice.

The tunnel was formed over 5,000 years ago during an eruption near the Blafjoll mountain range. As molten lava flowed beneath the surface, it cooled, leaving this vast underground passage behind. You’ll spend about one hour exploring the cave interior.

Don’t miss this chance to discover one of Iceland’s most accessible and awe-inspiring lava tunnels. This family-friendly experience from Reykjavik offers an easy yet thrilling way to explore the hidden world beneath the island’s volcanic surface.

Check availability by choosing a date and secure your spot today.

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Iceland's leading travel agency

Included

1-hour guided cave tour in Raufarholshellir
Helmet and all necessary gear for caving
Bus transfer from Reykjavik

Activities

Caving
Sightseeing
Iceland's leading travel agency
Traveler's Choice

Map

Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel

Attractions

Raufarholshellir Lava TunnelRaufarholshellir Lava Tunnel

Tips from travelers

  • Wear waterproof jackets and hiking boots

    Water constantly drips from the cave ceiling onto damp rock steps, so wear water-resistant outer layers and sturdy footwear with good grip.

  • Bring a cap for shared helmets

    Slip a thin beanie or head covering under the shared safety helmet and headlamp provided at the cave.

  • Secure cameras before total darkness

    Guides switch off all cave lighting during the walk, so secure your camera strap before the darkness demonstration.

  • Arrive early for cave entrance times

    Groups enter the tunnel strictly on schedule to manage cavern flow, so reach the visitor centre ahead of your scheduled entry.

  • Expect a bus transfer at BSI

    Downtown pickups use smaller shuttles that bring travelers to the central bus terminal to board a larger coach.

  • Check your name with the driver

    Ask the driver to verify your name on the passenger manifest before boarding, as multiple buses depart from the same stops.

Pick-up information

Starting time

This tour has flexible departure times. See the drop-down for all departures.

Pick-up location

This tour offers optional hotel pickup. Choose your pickup location from the dropdown, or add it later if you're not sure yet. If you do not need pickup, please arrive at BSÍ Bus Terminal Reykjavík, Vatnsmýrarvegur, Reykjavík, Iceland before the tour starts.

How it works

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Secure your spot
Secure your spot instantly on Iceland’s most trusted travel marketplace. As soon as you reserve, we lock in your place to help you make the most of your trip. You’ll get the best price and a secure payment system that protects your information.
Receive instant confirmation
You’ll get your e-ticket and a detailed summary immediately after booking, including meeting points and schedules. Enjoy peace of mind and get exactly what you booked, or a money-back guarantee. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Get access to the VIP Club
Booking with us gives you access to the Guide to Iceland VIP Club, where you’ll enjoy priority service, special perks, and exclusive discounts for amazing savings on your trip at Iceland’s top restaurants, shops, and local favorites.
Explore with confidence
From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, we’re here to take care of you. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re just seconds away, 24/7, ready to help you make the most of your time in Iceland.
Secure your spot
Secure your spot instantly on Iceland’s most trusted travel marketplace. As soon as you reserve, we lock in your place to help you make the most of your trip. You’ll get the best price and a secure payment system that protects your information.
Receive instant confirmation
You’ll get your e-ticket and a detailed summary immediately after booking, including meeting points and schedules. Enjoy peace of mind and get exactly what you booked, or a money-back guarantee. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Get access to the VIP Club
Booking with us gives you access to the Guide to Iceland VIP Club, where you’ll enjoy priority service, special perks, and exclusive discounts for amazing savings on your trip at Iceland’s top restaurants, shops, and local favorites.
Explore with confidence
From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, we’re here to take care of you. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re just seconds away, 24/7, ready to help you make the most of your time in Iceland.

What to bring

Warm and waterproof clothes
Good hiking shoes
Your camera

Good to know

Groups assemble inside the visitor centre while entry is staggered to prevent crowding along the cave trail. The route is guided from start to finish, with regular pauses along the raised platforms to observe geological features.

The walk follows built boardwalks throughout the cavern, though reaching the main path requires navigating flights of stairs. Guides accompany visitors the entire way and lead the group back out together.

Bathrooms are available on location at the Lava Tunnel.

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Price per person by month

The price stays at about US$125 per person all year, with no peak-season surcharge.

Stable price all year
US$125per person
Every month is within US$9 of this price

Average price per person, by month

Jan
US$126
Feb
US$128
Mar
US$122
Apr
US$120
May
US$124
Jun
US$125
Jul
US$119
Aug
US$122
Sep
US$121
Oct
US$126
Nov
US$124
Dec
US$123
Runs this monthCheapest month
Prices from US$72Lowest price, in March and April
US$128 in FebruaryPeak season costs only US$9 more than July
Every monthRuns all year

Weather and cancellations

Called off on about 1.9% of dates. March is the riskiest month.

5.7%
Jan
0%
Feb
9.1%
Mar
0%
Apr
0%
May
0%
Jun
0%
Jul
0%
Aug
0%
Sep
0%
Oct
0%
Nov
6.1%
Dec
None called offFewer to more called off
  • Called off by the operator? You get a full refund or a free rebooking.
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

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We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

  • Free cancellation & full refund

  • Unlimited changes and support

  • Best price always guaranteed

  • 0% booking & credit card fees

Who books this tour

Who travels on this tour, where they come from and which days fill up first.

Who books

2.2travelers per booking on average
Couples46%
Groups of 3 or more15%
Solo travelers28%
Families with children11%

Couples make up the largest share of bookings, at 46%. Solo travelers follow, at 28%.

Where travelers come from

United States39%from the United States
United StatesUnited States39%
JapanJapan11%
CanadaCanada7%
United KingdomUnited Kingdom7%
GermanyGermany6%
Hong Kong SAR ChinaHong Kong SAR China4%

The largest share of travelers, 39%, comes from the United States, followed by Japan and Canada.

Busiest days of the week

TuebusiestThuquietest
Mon
14%
Tue
17%
Wed
13%
Thu
11%
Fri
16%
Sat
15%
Sun
14%
Busiest daysQuietest days

Tuesday is the busiest departure day. Thursday is the quietest.

Verified reviews

What travelers love

More than half of reviews mention the guide.

  • Guides who explain volcanic geology
  • Humorous and engaging guides
  • Illuminated mineral rock walls
  • Guides who engage children well
  • Short walk into the lava tube
1,813 reviews
9.6
All languages
All ratings
All ratings
Liz Ricci
10
Amazing!

Liz Ricci

Short walk into the cave, guide was full of great information and jokes. Perfect, quick morning excursion.

Pernille Walbum
10
Amazing!

Pernille Walbum

Amazing experience! Our guide was knowledgeable and very Nice. She included Kids easily, and was patient regarding photography.

Ara Krom
10
Amazing!

Ara Krom

The guide was very knowledgeable. It was cool to see all the features inside the lava tunnel. .

Stephanie Davis
10
Amazing!

Stephanie Davis

This is a visit to a cave which has a rocky pathway and quite a few steps up and down to get to the main cave area. Wearing the right footwear is recommended. As it’s a cave be prepared for dampness and dripping so I recommend a waterproof jacket and strong footwear.

The cave structure and rock formation is explained well by the guide. The lighting enhances the experience and you will learn about the different formations of the rock left by the lava.

A very different experience which is special to Iceland and one to recommend.

Pochu IP
10
Amazing!

Pochu IP

It was really an experience to take a lift down to a lava cave. The cave was not very big but all the lava surface was so condensed in such a place and they were just very close to you.

Carla Kriss
10
Amazing!

Carla Kriss

Juan was an excellent tour guide. We had to wait a little bit for the tour to begin but I understand you can’t have too many people trekking in the cave at one time. It was COLD so dress accordingly. I would recommend this tour especially if you only have a little bit of time.

Keenan Migliori
10
Amazing!

Keenan Migliori

Very cool cave with a lot of unique formations. Our tour guide was great and very informative. He has us turn our lights off at the end of the cave to experience a fully dark cave which was amazing!

Vilma Haddad
10
Amazing!

Vilma Haddad

Great place to start. After that definitely need to see lava show. The guide was knowledgeable and funny. It was our first tour in Iceland and we really liked it. Perfect for when you arrive at 6 am and don’t have much energy to do a full day tour.

ROBERT FIRRIOLO
10
Amazing!

ROBERT FIRRIOLO

We had a fantastic time touring the lava cave. The natural wonders are amazing, and our guide was excellent: personable, funny, knowledgeable, and helpful. It was well worth the price and the travel time from Reykjavik. Our bus pickup and dropoff near the hotel was efficient and cost-effective. Overall, we highly recommend this tour for anyone interested in how the volcanic activity impacts the environment. As a half-day excursion, it is especially well suited to those who do not have the time to devote to longer tours in the Golden Circle.

Brenda Cowan
10
Amazing!

Brenda Cowan

I used Guide to Iceland to manage and book our tours in the first week of March this year. It was so easy to research the different tours and to book. All tour companies kept in contact with us and updated us on our pickups. All the tour guides were friendly, informative and enthusiastic. They answered all our questions and made sure our experiences were memorable. I would most definite use this service in the future and highly recommend it to others.

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