A journey into Raufarhólshellir is a Breathtaking Experience
- 30 min. from Reykjavik
- Departure Daily
- Easy Access
- Winter and Summer
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Explore the magnificent lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest lava tubes found in Iceland. The tunnel is located just 30 minutes from Reykjavík and is accessible the whole year round.
A journey into Raufarhólshellir is a unique experience and a great opportunity to witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption as one walks in the path of lava that flowed 5200 years ago.
The total length of the tunnel is an impressive 1360 m (4500 ft), the main tunnel being 900 m long. The tunnel is up to 30 m wide with headroom up to 10 m high, making it one of the most expansive lava tunnels in Iceland. Near the entrance of the tunnel the ceiling has caved in creating three beautiful columns of light inside the tunnel. Every winter spectacular ice sculptures are formed inside the entrance of the cave making the experience of visiting the lava tunnel even more breathtaking. At the end of Raufarhólshellir the tunnel branches into three smaller tunnels where magnificent lava falls and formations are clearly visible.
About the tunnel:
Raufarhólshellir is a lava tube formed during the Leitahraun eruption and is one of Iceland´s longest cave. Lava tubes are a natural conduit formed when an active low-viscosity lava flow develops a continuous and hard crust, which thickens and forms a roof above the still-flowing lava stream.
A trip through Raufarhólshellir is a unique opportunity to get a close look of the impressive forces of nature that emerge from the center of the earth and a guided tour of the wondrous world that can be found just under the surface.
Standard Tour
Our standard tour allows you to explore the tunnel in an easy and enjoyable manner. The tunnel is in many places covered in large rocks and difficult to pass. A footbridge and several paths have been built over the roughest terrain making the standard tour accessible by all. Impressive lighting in this part of the tunnel highlights the changing colors and clearly shows the powerful seismic activity that formed the tunnel. The tour is on the hour every hour and each tour takes approximately 50 minutes. We recommend you pre-book a tour to guarantee your place on the hour of your preferred time of day.
Helmets and lights provided. Warm clothes and sturdy shoes are recommended and it can truly make a difference to bring a smile along the way…
Standard tour (No minimum number of passengers)
- Adults 6.400 ISK
- Youth (12 – 15 years old) – 3.200 ISK
- 0 – 11 years old – free.
Grand Opening Special price for summer 2017.
- Adult 4.900 ISK (and youth 2.450 ISK)
Extreme tour (free pick up and drop off in the Reykjavik area) (Minimum number of two passengers. Maximum 8 passengers per guide)
- Adult 19.900 ISK
Pick up and drop off is free of charge. Minimum age is 16 years and therefore there is no discount for youth.