Raufarhólshellir

About Raufarhólshellir

The Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel, sold as The Lava Tunnel, is a 1,360-meter lava cave beside Route 39 in South Iceland, less than 30 minutes' drive from Reykjavík. It's one of the longest lava caves in the country, formed about 5,200 years ago when lava from the Leitahraun eruption drained out from under its own cooled crust and left a hollow tube behind.

It's also the easiest way to stand inside a lava tube without a long drive or any climbing. Parts of the tunnel are up to 30 meters wide, with ceilings as high as 10 meters, and red, yellow and black mineral streaks run along the walls.

From the capital, drive east on Route 1 for about 18 km, then turn right onto Route 39, the road to Þorlákshöfn, for another 12 km. The parking lot is right by the road, a short walk from the tunnel entrance.

You can only go inside on a guided tour, and helmets and lights are provided. The Standard Lava Tunnel Tour lasts about an hour and costs 8,900 ISK, following a lit walkway and footbridge into the cave. Tours run every day from 9:00 to 17:00, usually on the hour, and an evening tour runs at the same price. If you have no car, the Standard Tour with transport from Reykjavík takes about three hours and costs 14,900 ISK.

For something harder, the Lava Falls Adventure Tour (3 to 4 hours, 27,900 ISK) leaves the walkway and climbs over boulders to the far end of the cave. It's for ages 12 and up and needs good balance, and hiking boots with ankle support are required. Inside, the cave stays around 0 to 4°C all year, so bring a warm layer and a waterproof jacket for the drips.

Winter adds something extra. Near the entrance, where the roof has collapsed, ice formations build up from the floor and hang from the ceiling, so the first section looks quite different from a summer visit. Is the lava tunnel in Iceland worth it? For a first-timer short on time, yes, since few caves let you walk this deep into a lava tube on a lit path.