Caving and Lava Tunnel Tours in Iceland
Lava tubes are tunnels left behind when molten rock drained out from under a cooling crust. We sell 4 caving tours from 3 operators, from about ISK 14,000, most within an hour of Reykjavík.
Caving & Lava Tunnels tours
3 tours
About caving & lava tunnels in Iceland
What is a lava tube?
A lava tube is a tunnel formed when the surface of a lava flow cools and hardens while molten rock continues running underneath. When the eruption stops, the liquid drains away and leaves a hollow tube. Iceland has hundreds, and the walls often keep the ripples, drip stalactites and colour banding left by the flow that made them.
Which lava caves can you visit?
Raufarhólshellir, about 30 minutes from Reykjavík, is one of the longest at roughly 1,360 metres and has a raised walkway and lighting, making it the most accessible. Víðgelmir in the west is among the largest by volume. Leiðarendi is a smaller, rougher tube where you scramble rather than stroll. Þríhnúkagígur is a different thing entirely — a magma chamber rather than a tube.
Is caving difficult?
It depends on the cave. Raufarhólshellir's walkway suits most fitness levels and some tours there are wheelchair accessible. Wild caves like Leiðarendi involve stooping, uneven footing and occasional crawling, and are rated moderate. Helmets and headlamps are provided on every tour; caves are completely dark without them.
Do lava caves run year-round?
Yes. Cave temperature stays close to freezing regardless of season, so caving is one of the few Icelandic activities entirely unaffected by weather or daylight — which makes it a dependable choice on a bad-weather day when surface tours are cancelled. Ice formations inside some caves are actually best in winter and early spring.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a lava tube and an ice cave?
A lava tube is rock, formed by draining molten lava, and is stable year-round. An ice cave is a cavity inside a glacier, formed by meltwater, and natural ones can only be entered in winter.
Is caving suitable for beginners?
Yes. Raufarhólshellir has a walkway and lighting suited to most visitors, and guides supply helmets and headlamps. Wild caves such as Leiðarendi involve scrambling and are rated moderate.
Can you do caving in bad weather?
Yes, and it is one of the best options when the weather closes surface tours. Cave conditions are the same in any season, and the tour is underground within minutes.
How cold is it inside a lava cave?
Close to freezing year-round, and damp. Wear warm layers and a waterproof jacket, since water drips from the ceiling in most caves.
Is it claustrophobic?
Raufarhólshellir and Víðgelmir are large enough that most people are comfortable. Smaller wild caves involve stooping and occasional crawling and are worth avoiding if confined spaces trouble you.
What should I wear caving?
Warm layers, waterproof jacket, and sturdy closed shoes with grip — floors are uneven rock and often wet. Helmets and headlamps are provided.
Can children go caving?
Usually from around age 6 for the walkway caves and older for wild caving. Each tour states its minimum age.
Are there caves accessible from Reykjavík?
Yes. Raufarhólshellir is about 30 minutes from the city and Leiðarendi is similarly close, so caving works as a half-day trip without a long drive.