Tunnel Length
1,360 meters
One of Iceland's longest lava tubes, with the main passage reaching up to 30m wide.
Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel
One of Iceland's longest lava tunnels at 1,360 meters, 30 minutes from Reykjavik, with a standard walkway tour and a longer caving tour.
Location
South Iceland, near Hveragerdi
Only 30 min from Reykjavik. Two tour types.
Quick Answer
Raufarholshellir is a 1,360-meter lava tunnel about 30 minutes (35 km) from Reykjavik, near Hveragerdi. Standard walkway tours and longer caving tours have different requirements.
Raufarholshellir is one of the longest lava tunnels in Iceland, stretching 1,360 meters through a lava field formed approximately 5,200 years ago. Just 30 minutes by car from Reykjavik, it is one of the most visited caves in the country. The tunnel has lava formations, strong mineral colors on the walls, and winter ice sculptures near the entrance. A walkway with lighting makes the first section accessible to most visitors; the deeper passages are proper caving territory.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
The Standard Tour follows a lit walkway and is suitable for most visitors. The Lava Falls Adventure Tour involves crawling and scrambling; proper fitness is required.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
From Reykjavik
~30 minutes
Located off Route 39 near Hveragerdi; an easy half-day trip from the capital.
Tour Options
Standard & Extreme
Standard tour: 1 hour on walkways. Extreme tour: 3-4 hours with crawling and scrambling.
What to Expect
Wide Main Chamber
The tunnel opens into a main passage up to 30 meters wide and 10 meters high, with rock formations overhead.
Lava Formations
See lava stalactites, flow ridges, and mineral colors in red, orange, yellow, and purple along the cave walls.
Winter Ice Sculptures
From late autumn through spring, ice stalagmites and frozen columns form near the cave entrance.
Lit Walkway Section
The Standard Tour follows an installed walkway with low lighting through the main section of the tunnel.
Extreme Caving Adventure
The adventure tour continues beyond the lit section into narrow passages, requiring crawling, scrambling, and full caving equipment.
Three Cave Branches
Raufarholshellir splits into three separate tunnels at its far end, terrain covered on the extreme tour.
Getting There
Raufarhólshellir is located about 35 km southeast of Reykjavík, just off Route 39 between Hveragerði and the Hellisheiði plateau. From Reykjavík, take Route 1 south through the Hellisheiði pass, then turn onto Route 39 heading east. The cave entrance and visitor center (The Lava Tunnel) are well signposted about 3 km along Route 39. A large free car park with a reception building, café area, and restrooms serves visitors. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes on fully paved roads. The nearest town, Hveragerði, is about 15 km east with fuel, restaurants, and a geothermally heated swimming pool. It is easy to combine with a visit to the Golden Circle (Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss), Hveragerði hot springs, or the Reykjanes peninsula and Blue Lagoon. Tour buses also run from Reykjavík with hotel pickup included.
Best Time to Visit
The Standard Tour runs hourly, with extra departures when available; book ahead for a particular time. The Lava Falls Adventure must be booked at least a day in advance. It requires balance over large rocks and hiking boots with ankle support, and has a minimum of four participants. The operator may cancel if that minimum is not met, and does not guarantee every group reaches the tunnel’s end. These conditions matter more than choosing a supposedly quiet month.
Planning help
Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How far is Raufarholshellir from Reykjavik?
Raufarholshellir is only about 30 minutes (35 km) from Reykjavik and is one of the most accessible lava caves in Iceland. It is located just off Route 39 near the town of Hveragerdi.
What types of tours are available at Raufarholshellir?
The Standard Tour uses the lit visitor route and takes about an hour, listed at 8,900 ISK. A version with Reykjavík transport is 14,900 ISK and about three hours overall. The Lava Falls Adventure is a difficult three-to-four-hour caving trip at 27,900 ISK, for ages 12 and over. Prices checked September 10, 2026; confirm your selected departure.
How old is the Raufarholshellir lava tunnel?
Raufarholshellir was formed about 5,200 years ago during a volcanic eruption in the Blafjoll mountain area. The lava flowed as a river, and as the surface cooled and hardened, the molten lava continued flowing beneath, leaving behind the hollow tunnel.
Is Raufarholshellir lit inside?
The Standard Tour route is lit with subtle lighting along the walkway. The Lava Falls Adventure Tour goes beyond the lit area into completely dark sections where headlamps are necessary. All equipment is provided on the adventure tour.
For a countrywide view of Iceland’s volcanic systems, explore our Iceland statistics.