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.
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 last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
The Standard Tour follows a lit walkway and is suitable for most visitors. The Extreme Tour involves crawling and scrambling; proper fitness is required.
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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
Raufarhólshellir is open year-round with daily tours. June through August is the busiest season with departures every 30-60 minutes and the easiest driving conditions; book at least a day in advance during July peak season. November through April is the season for ice formations (stalagmites, frozen columns, and ice curtains) near the cave entrance; December through February usually has the largest displays. May and September have comfortable shoulder-season conditions with moderate crowds. The cave interior maintains a steady temperature of around 3-4°C regardless of outdoor weather, so bring warm layers year-round. The Standard Tour runs hourly most days, while the Extreme Tour typically runs 1-2 times daily and requires advance booking. Holiday periods (Christmas, Easter) see increased demand, so early booking is recommended.
Planning help
Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.