Tunnel Length
1,360 meters
One of Iceland's longest lava tubes, with the main passage reaching up to 30m wide.
Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel Iceland: Tours & Visitor Guide
One of Iceland's longest and most accessible lava tunnels at 1,360 meters, located just 30 minutes from Reykjavik with both standard walkway tours and extreme caving adventures.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
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. Its proximity to Reykjavik -- just 30 minutes by car -- makes it one of the most popular underground experiences in the country. The tunnel features impressive lava formations, vivid mineral colors on the walls, and winter ice sculptures near the entrance. A well-designed walkway with lighting makes the first section accessible to most visitors, while the deeper passages offer genuine caving adventure.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
The Standard Tour follows a lit walkway and is suitable for most visitors. The Extreme Tour involves crawling and scrambling -- proper fitness is required.
Sources to check
From Reykjavik
~30 minutes
Located off Route 39 near Hveragerdi, making it 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
Cathedral-like Main Chamber
The tunnel opens into a vast main passage up to 30 meters wide and 10 meters high, with dramatic rock formations overhead.
Lava Formations
See lava stalactites, flow ridges, and striking mineral colors in red, orange, yellow, and purple along the cave walls.
Winter Ice Sculptures
From late autumn through spring, spectacular ice stalagmites and frozen columns form near the cave entrance.
Lit Walkway Section
The Standard Tour follows a professionally installed walkway with subtle lighting through the most impressive 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, offering varied terrain for 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. The location makes it 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 excellent for seeing the dramatic ice formations -- stalagmites, frozen columns, and ice curtains -- that build up near the cave entrance, with December through February producing the most spectacular displays. May and September offer 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.