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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 16 December, 2022
Expert travel writer: Oliver Berry

Volcanoes aren’t just about the craters: sometimes, there’s even more to see underground.

Iceland is one of the few places on the planet where it’s possible to venture down into ‘lava tubes’. These tunnels of volcanic rock are formed around molten lava flows, usually close to eruption points. As the flows peter out, the rock surrounding them cools, leaving behind hollow tubes that can be 15m wide and hundreds of metres long.

Hiking into these subterranean structures is a seriously spooky experience: dark, cold and lined with peculiar rock formations, it feels like venturing into the lair of some gigantic, monstrous worm.

Most lava tubes can only be visited on a guided tour. Access is variable: some of the more accessible caves have walkways built into them, while others involve scrambling, sliding and uneven footing.

Price from: £40
Minimum age: 3
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Duration: 2+ hours

Getting there & doing it

You need to book with a Reykjavik day tour company to go on a lava caving trip – you can’t do it unaccompanied or unguided.

There are a variety of locations and tours to select from, many in Thingvellir National Park, just under an hour‘s drive from Reykjavik.

Sturdy walking boots are recommended for the lava caves, as surfaces can be uneven or slippery. All equipment, including overalls and a head torch, will be provided.

When to do it

Trips run all year, but are weather dependent (as roads to Thingvellir and other sites) may be cut off in winter. Start times vary by operator.

View down a long lava tunnel
Experience

Leidarendi Lava Tunnel

Iceland

This 900m-long lava tube is popular as it’s one of the nearest to Reykjavik. Guided tours explore the main cave sections, with impressive displays of stalactites and stalagmites.

Best for ages: 6+ | £45

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Tour group underground in a tunnel listening to tour guide
Experience

Little Bjorn- Vorouhellir Lava Tunnels

Iceland

For the full-on caving experience, visit these neighbouring caves in Thingvellir National Park, including the longest of all, 1,100m-long Vorouhellir. Initially thought to be separate, the caves are actually connected – and you get to squeeze through narrow tunnels joining the two systems.

Best for ages: 6+ | £35

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Lofthellir Lava Tunnel & Ice Cave
Experience

Lofthellir Lava Tunnel & Ice Cave

Lake Myvatn, Iceland

This unusual cave near Myvatn combines two geological processes in one: it’s a lava cave coated in impressive ice formations. Around 370m of the cave is accessible on foot. Don headlamps, spiked boots and waterproofs – it’s a proper, big-thrill caving experience, so expect to get wet and muddy – and be prepared to squeeze through some tight spots. Tours last 4-5 hours.

Best for ages: 8+ | £200 | 4-5 hours

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People visiting the Raufarholshellir lava tube tunnel and caves, one of the longest in Iceland.
Experience

Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel

Iceland

One of the longest lava tunnels in Iceland – 1360m long, 30m wide and up to 10m high. The ‘Standard’ lava tunnel tour (1 hour) visits the most accessible section of the cave, while the longer ‘Adventure’ tour (3-4 hours) ventures into the deeper sections.

Best for ages: 6+ | £45

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

The Lava Tunnel - Standard Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir

The Lava Tunnel - Standard Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir

Reykjavik

Explore the magnificent lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland. Located just 30-40 minutes fr...

€51 | Rating 4.72 / 5 [958 ratings]

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Small Group Lava Caving Experience From Reykjavik

Small Group Lava Caving Experience From Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Explore Iceland’s ancient underground lava tunnels at Raufarholshellir lava tunnel on a caving experience with transport from Reykjavik! Hid...

€91 | Rating 4.43 / 5 [74 ratings]

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The Lava Tunnel - Standard tour with transfer from Reykjavik

The Lava Tunnel - Standard tour with transfer from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Explore Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest lava tunnels in Iceland, with transport to Reykjavik. An ideal half-a-day activity that combine...

€92 | Rating 4.58 / 5 [170 ratings]

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3-Hour Lava Caving Tour Including Transfers from Reykjavik

3-Hour Lava Caving Tour Including Transfers from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Leave behind Reykjavík and journey to Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel for a one-hour lava cave tour, just 30 minutes away. Walk through the lav...

$95 | Rating 4.43 / 5 [85 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Iceland

Iceland

From volcanoes and glaciers to black beaches, geothermal pools and the Northern Lights, Iceland is one of the world’s wildest, weirdest destinations. A paradise for adventurous travellers.

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Round-ups that include this experience