
Lava Caving Experience
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 29 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Lava Caving Experience worth booking?
Lava Caving Experience is a 1-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $63 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 29 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (29)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $63 per person
Explore Iceland’s ancient underground lava tunnels at Raufarholshellir lava tunnel on a caving experience! Hidden deep beneath the stunning Blue Mountains (Bláhnjúkur), the Raufarholshellir lava tunnel is home to a volcanic wonderland of rock formations, ice, and craters. Using specialist caving equipment, follow a local guide and hike through the tunnels to the cave, discovering Iceland’s otherworldly sights at their finest and witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption.
What you get
About this experience
Explore Iceland’s ancient underground lava tunnels at Raufarholshellir lava tunnel on a caving experience! Hidden deep beneath the stunning Blue Mountains (Bláhnjúkur), the Raufarholshellir lava tunnel is home to a volcanic wonderland of rock formations, ice, and craters. Using specialist caving equipment, follow a local guide and hike through the tunnels to the cave, discovering Iceland’s otherworldly sights at their finest and witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption.
What's included
Included
- Guided Tour with a Certified Caving Guide
- All Necessary Safety Equipment
- Helmet & Head Torch
- Crampons (in winter)
Not included
- Meals
- Transport to and from Reykjavík
What you'll see and do
Raufarholshellir
Meet our experienced guide at the Lava Tunnel office and explore a stunning geological paradise Raufarholshellir lava tube.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Reykjavik
The tunnel is located less than 30 minutes drive (approximately 30 km) from Reykjavík and accessible by all vehicles. Driving from Reykjavík east on Route 1 and drive for about 18 km. Turn right onto Route 39 (Þorlákshöfn) and drive for another 12 km. The parking area will be on your left-hand side.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tunnel is located less than 30 minutes drive (approximately 30 km) from Reykjavík and accessible by all vehicles. Driving from Reykjavík east on Route 1 and drive for about 18 km. Turn right onto Route 39 (Þorlákshöfn) and drive for another 12 km. The parking area will be on your left-hand side.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Arctic Adventures
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 29 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
29 verified traveler reviews for Lava Caving Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Lava Tunnel Tour
A good tour of a Lava tunnel . Very interesting and worth taking even if you are not into volcanos. Well conducted and informative. The tour length in time was just right. You have to be able to do metal grated stairs and walkways. There are some rock areas used as stairs as well. My wife and I are fit and in our 70's. We had no problems. You can hang back a bit if you need to take your time.
Response from the operator: Hi there, good to hear this. Just the right length and interesting even for non-volcano people is a strong endorsement. Glad you and your wife enjoyed it. Arctic Adventures Team
via Tripadvisor
Well worth the experience...
Well worth the experience We had a great guide knowledgeable and informative and fun If you don’t have much time a good one to choose
via Viator
Our afternoon underground excursion was worth the price of admission.
The booking was easy with no issues. Transfer from our hotel to the bus terminal was convenient and from the activity site back to our hotel was direct with no transfer involved. The tour guide was outstanding, answering all of our questions and adding appropriate history of the cave experience. We wish we could remember her name.
Response from the operator: Hi Tom, thanks for sharing! The lava caving day works best when the logistics get out of the way and the guide can focus on the cave itself, so it's great to hear both came together. The history side of it is one of our favorite parts of the tour. We'll pass your note back to the crew. Arctic Adventures Team
via Tripadvisor
Exciting lava cave experience
A great morning trip, well organised and our 8 year old loved it.
Response from the operator: Dear Stephen, Thank you so much for sharing another wonderful review! We are happy to hear that your lava caving adventure was such an exciting and enjoyable trip for you and your family. It is fantastic to know that everything was well organized and that your 8-year-old loved the experience, that is what we always aim for. Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your wonderful experience. We would love to have you join us again for another memorable journey in Iceland. - Arctic Adventures Team
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience but expensive
Our tour guide Juan was amazing and the lava cave was a great experience. Juan was very knowledgeable, funny, and interactive with the large group. It was a little pricey being $100 for an hour but everything else was great.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 10
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Arctic Adventures, who run 13 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.6.
See everything Arctic Adventures runsWhy this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Lava Caving Experience: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does Lava Caving Experience cost?
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Prices start at $63 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Reykjavik usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Lava Caving Experience take?
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Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Reykjavik is not rushed.
Is Lava Caving Experience worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 29 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Lava Caving Experience?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Lava Caving Experience suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Lava Caving Experience?
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Around 10 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Reykjavik can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Reykjavik and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Lava Caving Experience start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Reykjavik within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Reykjavik?
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On Outty we rank every Reykjavik experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland, Silfra Snorkeling Between Continents Photos Included- Self Drive, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Reykjavik?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Lava Caving Experience?
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Included: Guided Tour with a Certified Caving Guide; All Necessary Safety Equipment; Helmet & Head Torch; and Crampons (in winter). Not included: Meals; and Transport to and from Reykjavík. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Lava Caving Experience?
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The tunnel is located less than 30 minutes drive (approximately 30 km) from Reykjavík and accessible by all vehicles. Driving from Reykjavík east on Route 1 and drive for about 18 km. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Lava Caving Experience offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Lava Caving Experience?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Lava Caving Experience if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Lava Caving Experience?
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Across 29 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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