Reykjavík: Evening Lava Tunnel and Northern Lights Hunt

Even though I have been to Iceland a few times now, I love how there is still so much more for me to see and do in this super safe Nordic country! I was looking for unique things to do near Reykjavík and was told that the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel tour should be part of my upcoming Iceland itinerary. The spectacular lava tube, formed over 5,000 years ago, offers a fascinating glimpse into Iceland’s volcanic landscape and since there’s no hiking expertise required, it wouldn’t be too taxing on my knee. So I opted for the evening tour that not only included transportation but also included a Northern Lights Hunt!

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Why Visit the Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel in Iceland?

Formed during the Leitahraun eruption, Raufarhólshellir stretches 1,360 meters (4,460 feet) underground, making it one of Iceland’s largest and most accessible lava tubes. Only accessible via guided tours, you are lead deep into the Earth through twisting tunnels of cooled magma, rainbow-colored rock walls, and naturally sculpted formations that look straight out of a fantasy movie.

How to Get to Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel

The Raufarhólshellir lava cave is located in South Iceland, just a 30-minute drive from Reykjavík. You’ll find it off Route 39 (Þrengslavegur), near the small town of Þorlákshöfn. The drive through Iceland’s lava fields sets the tone beautifully as jagged black rocks stretch to the horizon.

• 🚗 Driving: Take Route 1 (Ring Road) east, then turn onto Route 39. The road is paved and suitable for all vehicles.
• 🚌 Tours from Reykjavík: Most Reykjavík tour companies offer guided lava tunnel tours with pickup and drop-off options—perfect if you’re traveling without a rental car.
• Book tickets here with option for pick-up

What are the Three Different Lava Tunnel Tour Options?

There are three main options:

• 🕐 Standard Lava Tunnel Tour (1 hour): The most popular option, suitable for all ages and fitness levels – note there is the option for pick up available
• 🔦 Extreme Lava Tunnel Tour (3–4 hours): For the adventurous traveler, this longer version explores deeper, darker sections of the lava tube with some crawling and climbing. Note the tour does not include pick-up/transportation and is for the tour only)
• 🌙 Evening Lava Tunnel Tour: similar to standard Lava Tour (1 hour): This is after standard hours so it will only be your group in the tunnel this tours offers a combo with a Northern Lights Hunt (that does include pick-up/transportation)

When Is the Best Time to Visit Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel?

The Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel is open year-round, but each season offers a slightly different experience and since the temperature inside the cave doesn’t change much, it’s comfortable any time of year.

• ❄️Winter (Nov–Mar): Ice sculptures form at the entrance—perfect for photographers. In winter, natural ice sculptures form near the entrance, turning the experience into an otherworldly mix of fire and ice. Note that many of the promo photos you will see of the lava tunnel tour shows these ice sculptures so you won’t see them during non-winter month tours.
• ☀️Summer (Jun–Aug): Easier driving conditions and extended daylight for exploring.
• 🍂 Fall / 🌷Spring (September-October / March-May): Typically best chance to see Northern Lights so perfect opportunity to pair with Evening Lava Tunnel Tour

The Reykjavík: Raufarhólshellir Evening Lava Tunnel and Northern Lights Hunt Tour

Tour Details

• Overview: Explore the Raufarhólshellir lava cave and hunt for the Northern Lights on a tour from Reykjavik. Enjoy hot chocolate while admiring the sky and get your photograph taken with the Aurora Borealis.
• Details: Duration is listed for 4 hours but likely to go longer especially if you are lucky and spot Northern Lights.
• Important Notes:
  • Transportation is included and pickup/drop off from selected location in Reykjavík.
  • Not suitable for: People with mobility impairments (note that there were a couple of people that opted to sit out the lava tunnel portion of the tour)
  • English-Speaking Guide tour of the Raufarhólshellir lava cave and Northern Lights
• Includes:
  • Raufarhólshellir lava cave: Expert guide led tour includes all necessary safety equipment (helmet & head torch) + crampons (in winter)
  • English-speaking expert Northern Lights guide with Northern lights photos and Icelandic hot cocoa, chocolate & blanket
  • Free retry for Northern Lights part, if not seen during the tour (Entry to the lava tunnel on retry tours is not included)
• What to bring:
  • Comfortable shoes / Weather-appropriate, warm clothing / Camera

My Experience – Reykjavík: Raufarhólshellir Evening Lava Tunnel and Northern Lights Hunt Tour

Meeting Place and/or Pickup

• This tour does include pickup and drop off from/to one of Reykjavík’s 23 designated points – if you are unsure which one, simply type in your accommodation address and the closest bus stop will populate
• Pickup details: Begins at 19:30 (7:30 PM) and can take up to 30 minutes to reach you – you must be ready 19:30

Pick up was seamless and since I was staying at the Hilton Reykjavík Nordica, pick-up is direct at the hotel. Of note: for this tour, we were one of the last groups to be picked up – closer to 20:00/8:00 PM but the next night, we were picked up first right at 19:30/7:30 PM so be ready right when pick up begins!

Experience on the Mini-Bus

• Free Wi-Fi on the bus
• The bus was clean, modern with functioning wi-fi.
• The driver is also your Northern Lights Tour Guide and will start with some history/facts about Iceland and Reykjavík during the short 30 minute drive to the Lava Tunnel. Later you will learn more about the Northern Lights. Beautiful tip: if learning/hearing these facts are important to you, sit near the front as the speaker system isn’t robust especially if the heat is going full blast.

Evening Lava Tunnel Tour

The guided tour with a certified caving guide began with a brief overview of the safety equipment (included in the tour) with information on how to use/adjust the helmet and head torch with emphasis on how you would not be able to remove the helmet once in the lava tunnel as safety is taken very seriously in Iceland. Note that there are also walking poles available to use for those who are worried about the uneven surfaces (and crampons are available during winter)

She then went over how the tour would unfold and what to expect both from the experience and time-wise. It is well organized with time at the end to head back to the tunnel entrance at your leisure (within the time allocated so enough to talk more in depth with guide, look closer at the lava tunnel and take photos)

After everyone got outfitted, we were led from that building to the entrance of the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel. The head torches were necessary since it was already dark outside and would get even darker as we made our way further in. And while not as visible or prominent as it would have been during the day time (or a bright Northern Lights display), we were still able to make out the “sky light” in the ceiling of the lava tunnel near the entrance (I believe this is one of three for this lava tunnel).

We learned about how the Leitahraun eruption that occured over 5,000 years ago formed the lava tunnel which the above illustration goes into the more details about the process

I loved how educational the tour was and also how passionate our guide was! We learned that the vibrant oranges and reds (that is a non-filtered and edited image on the left!) is from the iron deposits in the rock that have oxidized. There are also yellow, purple and white due to the presence of other minerals in the rock. Marvel at the kaleidoscope of colors adorning the walls—mineral deposits revealing emeralds, rubies, turquoise, and lilacs, each evidence of volcanic activity. Your expert guide will illuminate the geological processes that shaped this landscape.

One of the coolest parts of the tour happened shortly after taking this photo – all of the lights were shut off and we were immersed in total darkness. I have been in other caves and have experienced this before but it is still always such a unique experience since we depend on our sight so much and rarely, if ever, encounter complete darkness.

Tips for Visiting the Lava Tunnel

• Book your tour in advance, especially during the busy summer months.
• The temperature in the tunnel is consistent year round: 32 F to 39 F (0 C to 4 C) even in July so dress according to preference (ie for some this is comfortable in short sleeves and for others, they may need to bundle up!)
• Wear sturdy shoes; the floor can be uneven and damp. Note that walking sticks are available to use as well
• Don’t touch the lava walls—they’re fragile and irreplaceable.

Northern Lights Hunt Tour and Experience

Northern Lights Hunt Tour Re-tries Booking Experience

If the Northern Lights are not visible, you can re-book the Northern Lights minibus tour for free, valid for up to 3 years. I put this to the test and I can assure you that the re-booking process is super easy. I messaged the tour provider, Arctic Adventures, via the GetYourGuide app the day after the tour and they were able to accommodate me on a tour that same evening! More to come in the next post re the Northern Lights Hunt!

Final Thoughts – Perfect Combination Tour

I have booked other activities with Arctic Adventures and highly recommend the Evening Lava Tunnel and Northern Lights Hunt Tour! It really was the ideal tour as I have wanted to visit the lava tunnel and this would also give me a chance to chase the Northern Lights as well. It was such an incredible experience especially since Arctic Adventures offered the unlimited re-tries for the Northern Lights within a three year period! Would I see the Northern Lights on this trip? read about my Northern Lights Hunt here.

Why I Chose to Book Via GetYourGuide

What I Really Spent

• Tour: $0 In the spirit of full disclosure, this was not a tour that I paid for. I am a GetYourGuide Travel Partner and was presented with an opportunity to partake in new activities offered in exchange for an honest review – in the same way, that I will tell you about the good and the bad of a tour, I would be able to do the same in a review for GetYourGuide! I was able to maintain full independence in that the activity is booked with a discount code that brings it to zero and the review is collected after the activity is completed (as opposed to a scenario where I would be refunded for the cost of the activity after “successful or approved reviews” are posted – these are not situations that I would place myself in since it is really important for me to give you unbiased reviews!)
• TOTAL SPENT: $0

Why You Should Choose to Book Via GetYourGuide

If You Want to Book This Tour Via Viator Instead?

Perhaps you have been taking my advice and now have some accumulated Viator Rewards funds that you want to apply to this activity? Great job and this is the same tour only through Viator!