For the real cave enthusiasts we offer the adventurous Lava Falls Tour which takes you deeper into Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel than the standard tour. Together with your expert caving guide you’ll venture towards the lava falls at the end of the cave armed by a headtorch. This is a small group tour and you’ll spend 3-4 hours in total inside the cave.

About the Lava Tube

The tunnel formed roughly 5600 years ago and is the fourth longest one in Iceland at just over 1,3 km / 4400 ft long. The cave sparks stunning colours and lava formations and is beautifully lit half way into the tunnel. In 2018 the light designers received the prestigious Darc Awards.

The cave was closed off in 2016 in order to preserve it and has since been reopened making it enjoyable and accessible for the public.

Experience the Adventure

As you enter the cave with your guide you’ll explore the beautifully lit tunnel halfway in but beyond this point you’ll rely on a headtorch to light the way. Good hiking boots with ankle support are essential and you should be in a relatively good physical condition as the path is rocky and you’ll need to hike over boulders. This tour is only offered for small groups with a minimum of 2 participants and an option of a pick-up from Reykjavik for an additional price.

No previous caving experience is required but this tour is not recommended if you got knee or back problems. Temperature in the cave is low all year round so we recommend warm layers and a waterproof outer layer as dripping is common from the ceiling.  We cannot guarantee to reach the lava falls each time as it depends on the physical condition and state of the group. Please note that you might not be allowed on the tour if you don’t have the essential clothing and proper boots.

If you feel a the standard tour is more suitable for you, have a look here. Alternatively for volcano and outdoor enthusiasts we highly recommend the unique experience of Inside the Heart of a Volcano.