
The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 2,708 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir worth booking?
The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir is a 1-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $71 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 2,708 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 88 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (2,708)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $71 per person
Explore the magnificent lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland. Located just 30-40 minutes from Reykjavík, the tunnel is easily accessible year round. Discover the inner workings of a volcanic eruption and walk along the path where lava flowed during the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred approximately 5200 years ago. Our tour is approximately one hour whereas platforms and lights have been incorporated - making the experience of visiting the cave simply breathtaking. The tour includes all necessary equipment. Choose your preferred departure time upon booking. Please note that this tour does not include pick up and is for self driving passengers only.
What you get
About this experience
Explore the magnificent lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland. Located just 30-40 minutes from Reykjavík, the tunnel is easily accessible year round. Discover the inner workings of a volcanic eruption and walk along the path where lava flowed during the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred approximately 5200 years ago. Our tour is approximately one hour whereas platforms and lights have been incorporated - making the experience of visiting the cave simply breathtaking. The tour includes all necessary equipment. Choose your preferred departure time upon booking. Please note that this tour does not include pick up and is for self driving passengers only.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Lights
- Helmets
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What you'll see and do
Explore the magnificent lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland. Discover the inner workings of a volcanic eruption and walk along the path where lava flowed underground during the Leitahraun eruption over 5000 years ago. Our tour is approximately one hour whereas platforms and lights have been incorporated - making the experience of visiting the cave simply breathtaking. The tour difficulty is rated as easy, although guests need to walk over uneven surfaces and up and down stairs. Helmets and headlamps are provided and the guests go in a group with an English speaking guide who provides information about the unique geological features inside the Tunnel.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Reykjavik
The tunnel is very easily accessed about 30 minutes drive from Reykjavik. Head east on road no. 1 and drive for about 18 km. Turn right onto road no. 39 (Þorlákshöfn) and drive for another 12 km. You will see our service building and parking lot on the left (if coming from Reykjavik).
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tunnel is very easily accessed about 30 minutes drive from Reykjavik. Head east on road no. 1 and drive for about 18 km. Turn right onto road no. 39 (Þorlákshöfn) and drive for another 12 km. You will see our service building and parking lot on the left (if coming from Reykjavik).
Options you can book
Standard Tour - 3 PM
The tour is on the hour every hour and each tour takes approximately 55 - 60 minutes. We recommend you pre-book a tour to guarantee your place on the hour of your preferred time of day.
Standard Tour - 9 AM
The tour is on the hour every hour and each tour takes approximately 55 - 60 minutes. We recommend you pre-book a tour to guarantee your place on the hour of your preferred time of day.
Standard Tour - 10 AM
The tour is on the hour every hour and each tour takes approximately 55 - 60 minutes. We recommend you pre-book a tour to guarantee your place on the hour of your preferred time of day.
Standard Tour - 2 PM
The tour is on the hour every hour and each tour takes approximately 55 - 60 minutes. We recommend you pre-book a tour to guarantee your place on the hour of your preferred time of day.
Standard Tour - 12 PM
The tour is on the hour every hour and each tour takes approximately 55 - 60 minutes. We recommend you pre-book a tour to guarantee your place on the hour of your preferred time of day.
Standard Tour - 1 PM
The tour is on the hour every hour and each tour takes approximately 55 - 60 minutes. We recommend you pre-book a tour to guarantee your place on the hour of your preferred time of day.
Standard Tour - 4 PM
The tour is on the hour every hour and each tour takes approximately 55 - 60 minutes. We recommend you pre-book a tour to guarantee your place on the hour of your preferred time of day.
Standard Tour - 11 AM
The tour is on the hour every hour and each tour takes approximately 55 - 60 minutes. We recommend you pre-book a tour to guarantee your place on the hour of your preferred time of day.
Standard Tour - 5 PM
The tour is on the hour every hour and each tour takes approximately 55 - 60 minutes. We recommend you pre-book a tour to guarantee your place on the hour of your preferred time of day.
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 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Raufarhólshellir
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommend for children under the age of 3
- Not recommended for people with back, knee or other health issues
- Sturdy shoes are important and it is recommend that you bring rain coat / jacket.
- Bathrooms are available on location.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 2,695 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
2,695 verified traveler reviews for The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience!
Great experience! The guide was fun and extremely informative - the lava tunnel was amazing!
via Tripadvisor
Great activity in any weather
This was a really cool experience. One member of our party was a little nervous in advance, but the infrastructure (lighting, stairs) made her totally comfortable as soon as we started the tour. Our guide, Ben, was also a wealth of knowledge and clearly knew the ins and outs of this cave. For a stop on the road, it's a great duration. We had a really nice group of fellow travelers -- the group was not too big. Good value for the cost!
via Tripadvisor
We loved it!
Such a cool experience, loved our tourguide Adriaan, very informative and funny. See you next year at liquicity Xxo
via Tripadvisor
Worth It!
The Lava Cave was breathtakingly beautiful and so much fun to explore! Franziska (?) was a great tour guide. She was knowledgeable & funny, too. Plus she took excellent pictures of my husband and I (and very accommodating to do so, thank you!). We really loved learning about the cave's history and how it came to be. It was easy for us to navigate & their walkways were very accessible, but you should wear the right hiking boots as there are some spots that work better wearing boots. Overall, a great experience and we highly recommend it!!
via Tripadvisor
A great adventure in Iceland !
Amazing experience and wonderful guide! Learned so much and highly recommend !
via Tripadvisor
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
- 948
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 88
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir cost?
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Prices start at $71 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 The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir 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 The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 2,708 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir?
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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 The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir 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 The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir?
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Around 948 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 The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir 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 The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir?
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Included: Professional guide; Lights; and Helmets. Not included: Food and drinks; Gratuities; and Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir?
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The tunnel is very easily accessed about 30 minutes drive from Reykjavik. Head east on road no. 1 and drive for about 18 km. Turn right onto road no. 39 (Þorlákshöfn) and drive for another 12 km. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir 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 The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir?
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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 The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Reykjavik. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir?
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Across 2,708 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. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
What booking options are available for The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir?
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There are 9 options to choose from, including Standard Tour - 3 PM, Standard Tour - 9 AM, Standard Tour - 10 AM, Standard Tour - 2 PM. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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