Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel
Raufarhólshellir is one of the longest and most accessible lava tunnels in Iceland, stretching 1,360 metres through a passage carved by a volcanic eruption over 5,200 years ago. Just 30 minutes from Reykjavik, it offers hourly guided tours through a dramatically lit underground world of coloured mineral formations and, in winter, extraordinary ice sculptures.
Walking Through a 5,200-Year-Old Volcanic Passage Just 30 Minutes from Reykjavik
Raufarhólshellir formed during the Leitahraun eruption over 5,200 years ago, when rivers of molten lava flowed beneath the surface of what is now southwest Iceland. As the outer shell cooled and solidified, the lava continued flowing inside, eventually draining away and leaving a hollow tube behind. The result is a tunnel stretching 1,360 metres, reaching up to 30 metres wide and 10 metres high in places, making it the fourth-longest lava cave in Iceland. The walls are streaked with vivid mineral colours left by the original eruption, and the scale of the passage gives a tangible sense of the forces that shaped this landscape.
A well-maintained footbridge runs through the main section of the tunnel, with viewing platforms and professional lighting installed throughout, making the standard tour accessible to most visitors regardless of fitness or experience. Guided tours run every hour from 9am, take around 50 to 60 minutes, and are led by knowledgeable local guides who explain the geology and formation of the cave. In winter, the tunnel takes on a different character entirely as ice formations build up from the ceiling and floor, creating a landscape of ice and dark lava that is one of the more unusual sights in Iceland. The cave also served as a filming location for the 2014 Hollywood production Noah, starring Russell Crowe, with parts of the tunnel used as a cave set for several weeks.
For those who want to go further, a longer three to four hour adventure tour reaches deeper into the tunnel to areas not accessible on the standard route. Raufarhólshellir is located off Route 39 near Threngslavegur, about 30 kilometres from central Reykjavik. The drive takes around 30 minutes and is straightforward in all vehicles year-round. It makes a natural addition to a day that also includes the Reykjanes Peninsula or the South Coast.
