Iceland · LAVA CAVE AND TUNNEL TOURS
Raufarhólshellir is the long tube near the city; Vatnshellir is the deep one out west. The 15 below compare walkway comfort against real caving, what the helmet and lamp hire covers and which run in any weather.
Walk through Raufarhólshellir, a lava tunnel formed more than 5,000 years ago. Your English-speaking guide explains lava flows, unusual rock colors, and the tunnel’s surprising acoustics. Helmets and headlamps are included, but wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes for the uneven path.
“Great experience! Our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. I’ve been to many caves but this was very different.”
Walk through Raufarhólshellir, one of Iceland’s longest lava tubes, on a one-hour English tour. Guides such as Alex, Dimitri, Ben, and Elisa explain the geology, share cave stories, and switch off the lights for a brief taste of absolute darkness.
“We throughly enjoyed our visit to the Lava Tunnel, our guide Dimitri was informative and engaged well with his audience.”
Spend 11 hours exploring Snæfellsnes National Park from Reykjavik in a small group. You’ll visit Kirkjufell, Arnarstapi, Búðakirkja, Lóndrangar, and Vatnshellir Cave, with guides such as Evo, Smari, Alex, and Carlos bringing Icelandic sagas and local lore to the drive.
“It was really well planned in terms of how much time spent at each location and since we were a bit early our guide also added some more locations to take some more stunning photos”
Ride from Reykjavik’s BSI terminal to Raufarhólshellir, then walk about 500 meters into a 5,200-year-old lava tube. A live English-speaking guide, helmet, flashlight, and usually traction aids help you handle the rocky route, while skylights, mineral colors, and total darkness make the cave memorable.
“Interesting to see and worth the trip. We only did 1 hour and the walking was fine”
Travel from Reykjavik’s BSÍ Bus Terminal to Raufarhólshellir, one of Iceland’s longest lava tunnels. Expect about an hour underground with a helmet, headlamp, and guide explaining lava formations, cracks, icicles, and tunnel geology. Alex, Francesca, Stephanie, and Dimitri are among the guides praised for clear, lively tours.
“Really worth the trip there. Our tour guide Alex was really great ( and funny). Would recommend this to anyone.”
Travel from Reykjavík to Raufarhólshellir, one of Iceland’s largest lava tunnels, for a guided walk beneath an ancient lava field. Guides such as Alex, Juan, Ian, and Demitri bring the geology to life, while helmets, flashlights, and safety instruction are included. Expect cold, wet ground, steps, and about one hour underground.
“A fabulous experience with a witty and knowledge guide Demitri, stunning scenery on the drive to it as well.”
This full-day Holiday Tours trip takes you from Reykjavik around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with stops at Kirkjufell, Arnarstapi, Búðakirkja, Lóndrangar, and Vatnshellir Lava Cave. Expect a group of up to 19, hotel pickup or a nearby bus stop, onboard Wi-Fi, and guides such as Smári, Michal, Chris, or Christo.
“Really good tour, Devon gave alot of info and history, advised where the best bits was and had enough time at each stop off. Also Kirkjufell Mountain is a must for any game of thrones fan.”
Spend about 10 hours exploring West Iceland with Nicetravel in a group of up to 19. See Glanni, Hraunfossar, Barnafoss, Deildartunguhver, Snorralaug, Sturlureykir Horse Farm, and Viðgelmir Lava Cave, with Wi-Fi, hotel pickup, and cave admission included.
“What a fun day! Absolutely loved Gulli as a guide; he told us some history of Iceland and the geography with understanding and humor. We would take another tour with him in a heartbeat ! Saw beautiful places, some in the sunshine and others in snow, but totally worth it. Jan at The Cave was funny and explained things very clearly. Of course, the waterfalls and hot springs are always worth the time! Overall, a really great tour that we highly recommend!”
Travel from Reykjavík to the Blue Mountains, hike 3 km across ancient lava fields, then descend 120 meters by open cable elevator into Thrihnukagigur’s colorful magma chamber. Your guide explains the volcano’s geology and history. Warm clothing, waterproof layers, and sturdy hiking boots are essential.
“Use good clothing for rainy days ! Use good shoes - you need nothing to eat. A very good soup is provided !”
Spend up to 10 hours touring West Iceland from Reykjavík, with a guided walk through Viðgelmir Lava Cave, stops at Hraunfossar, Barnafoss, Glanni, Deildartunguhver, and Reykholt. English-speaking guides such as Filip, Walter, Colin, and Thor lead groups of up to 19 people.
“West iceland is definitely worth seeing. We fitted in everything possible and a bonus visit to some excellent craters. We were given sufficient stops to eat , use restrooms and stock up. I forgot phone charger. But guide lent me a spare set of leads.”
Ride from Reykjavík to Raufarhólshellir, suit up with a helmet and headlamp, then follow a certified guide through Iceland’s twisted lava tube. Expect uneven ground, crouching, and a few tight sections. Guides such as Jonas and Paulina have helped make the geology clear and the caving feel manageable.
“The cave is a short drive away from Reykjavik. Pick up was on time and the bus had wifi. The tour was awesome! I am claustrophobic and my tour guide was very supportive and walked me through two small spaces. Otherwise, it's mostly open, you can stand in 70 of the spaces. I highly recommend visiting the cave. It's a great experience!”
Leave Reykjavik for a two-hour 4x4 buggy ride across lava fields, muddy pools, snow, and mountain trails. You’ll climb Úlfarsfell, view Esja and the North Atlantic, and stop near geothermal features. Shared buggies seat two, and guides such as Gonzalo, Louis, Marco, and Lisa add safety and local insight.
“Fantastic experience at the Blue mountains with the Safari company, great buggies with fabulous staff and guides.”
Join Arctic Adventures for a five-hour evening trip from Reykjavík to Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel, then search for the Northern Lights with guides such as Gretta or Nicolas. Expect a small minibus, safety gear, Wi-Fi, hot cocoa, blankets, and a free retry if the aurora stays hidden.
“Great tour guide. Lava tubes were amazing. Unfortunately no northern lights but we get the chance to see them again tonight!”
Travel from Reykjavík by minibus with an English-speaking guide to Snæfellsnes, Kirkjufell, black beaches, Borgarnes, Hraunfossar, Víðgelmir Lava Cave, hot springs, and an Icelandic horse farm. Guides such as Thormodur, Maria, Ros, and Michael bring local stories to this small-group trip.
“Excellent trip. Super organized by Nice travel agency. Our guide Maria was amazing. Always telling us interesting facts and stories about Iceland. I would definitely recommend this tour.”
Join Adventure Vikings for a six to seven-hour outing from Reykjavik. Crawl through Leidarendi lava tube with a caving guide, then snorkel between tectonic plates at Silfra with a PADI-certified instructor. Guides such as Vero, Chicco, Ivan, Adam, Luis, and Alberto have led recent outings.
“One of the best things I've ever done. Once you're in the water in a dry suit, you don't feel the cold at all. I was very worried about swimming and trying to stay afloat, but the dry suit takes care all of that, you just have to keep calm and enjoy the view. Our snorkeling guides, Vero and Chicco were excellent and funny and such great company. There was another chap from Mexico, I can't remember his name, and he was wonderful as well. What a great experience! The lava caves were breathtaking and an experience I'll never forget.”
Pick an ice cap, a coastline or a hot pool.
