Iceland · LAVA CAVES

Lava Caves in Iceland: The 15 Best Tunnel Tours

31 tours  ·  from $43

Tunnels left behind when a lava flow drained out from under its own crust. These 15 cover Raufarholshellir and the smaller tubes, priced, with helmets and headlamps found for you and a note on how much stooping is involved.

The Lava Tunnel Tour - Raufarhólshellir - What the lava formations reveal
Lava Caves, Reykjanes Peninsula Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

The Lava Tunnel Tour – Raufarhólshellir

1.The Lava Tunnel Tour – Raufarhólshellir

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,373 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $74Our pick

At Raufarhólshellir, walk for about an hour through a 5,000-year-old lava tunnel formed during the Leitahraun eruption. An English-speaking guide explains lava flows, rock colors, lava stalactites, and the cave’s eerie silence. Helmets and headlamps are included. Wear warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes.

“The tour lasted about an hour and Meagan was a great guide. Very informative with some stories as well. Being able to explore this lava tunnel was not something I would be able to experience where I live.”

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Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel: Underground Expedition - The one-hour route and how it works
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Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel: Underground Expedition

2.Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel: Underground Expedition

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,717 reviews · 1 hour · from $73

Walk through Raufarhólshellir, an Icelandic lava tube formed more than 5,000 years ago. Your English-speaking guide explains the cave’s geology and history, points out colorful formations, and turns off the lights so you can feel true underground darkness. The one-hour tour costs $73 and includes a helmet, headlamp, and winter crampons.

“We throughly enjoyed our visit to the Lava Tunnel, our guide Dimitri was informative and engaged well with his audience.”

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Reykjavik: Snæfellsnes Day Trip with Vatnshellir Lava Cave - Kirkjufell and the mountain everyone photographs
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Reykjavik: Snæfellsnes Day Trip with Vatnshellir Lava Cave

3.Snæfellsnes Day Trip with Vatnshellir Lava Cave

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,108 reviews · from $219

Travel from Reykjavik around Snæfellsnes Peninsula in a small group, with stops at Kirkjufell, Arnarstapi, Búðakirkja, Lóndrangar, and Vatnshellir Lava Cave. Your English-speaking guide handles the driving, stories, and cave entry. Guides such as Smári, Evo, Alex, and AJ have added local folklore, music, photo help, and extra stops.

“Evo was an excellent guide. He’s very passionate about his job and Iceland.”

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From Reykjavik: Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel by Bus - Putting on a helmet and entering the tunnel
Lava Caves, Reykjanes Peninsula Tours, Tour Reviews

From Reykjavik: Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel by Bus

4.Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel by Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 793 reviews · 3 hours · from $129

Ride from Reykjavik’s BSI Bus Terminal to Raufarhólshellir, then walk about 500 meters through a lava tube formed 5,200 years ago. Your English-speaking guide explains the colors, rock shapes, and eruption that made the tunnel. Expect a cold, uneven path, metal walkways, helmets, flashlights, and a memorable few minutes in total darkness.

“Amazing experience the lava tunnel is wow and even more so when we turned off the lights and saw the complete darkness inside, I loved it!”

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From Reykjavik: Lava Caving Tour - The drive from Reykjavik sets the scene
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From Reykjavik: Lava Caving Tour

5.Lava Caving Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 585 reviews · from $64

Walk and crawl through Raufarhólshellir, a lava tunnel near Reykjavik, with helmets, lights, and a certified English-speaking guide. Learn how eruptions shaped the cave, see colorful rock and winter icicles, and experience total darkness. Pickup is optional, and guides such as Alex, Demetri, and Mac bring plenty of humor to the outing.

“Our guide was fantastic and made it a great morning out. The bus was prompt too. This is a great few hours and would highly recommend doing this. Lots to see inside the caves especially when all the lights were turned off”

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The Lava Tunnel Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik - Getting ready for the one-hour walk
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The Lava Tunnel Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

6.The Lava Tunnel Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 435 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $124

Travel from Reykjavik’s BSÍ Bus Terminal to Raufarhólshellir, one of Iceland’s longest lava tunnels. Your guide leads you along lit platforms and rocky paths, explaining lava formations, underground geology, and the tunnel’s curious lack of echo. Expect about an hour underground, plus scenic transfers and time for photos.

“I had read reviews about difficulties with the transport but we had no problems. The tour itself was very interesting and the guide was very informative. Hard hats were mandatory. There were sticks if you wanted. Definitely needed the stick as the floor is very uneven and the heavy snowfall added to parts being slippery. Good footwear is a must although they did also offer crampons. So many interesting things to learn about the lava tunnel..including there is no echo in the tunnel due to the cracks so no bats!”

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Lava Tunnel Tour Including Transfers from Reykjavik - Walking into Iceland’s volcanic past
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Lava Tunnel Tour Including Transfers from Reykjavik

7.Lava Tunnel Tour Including Transfers from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 345 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $129

Ride from Reykjavík to Raufarhólshellir, one of Iceland’s largest lava tunnels, then spend about an hour walking through its mineral-colored rock chambers. Your guide explains the volcanic forces behind the cave and may switch off the lights for total darkness. Helmets, flashlights, and safety instruction are included.

“Super amazing experience - the whole family loved it! The drive to the lava tunnels was pretty short, and we had ample time at the location. Everything was super accessible.”

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Epic Snæfellsnes Adventure with Lava Cave Small-Group Day-Tour - Ólafsvík brings a human scale
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Epic Snæfellsnes Adventure with Lava Cave Small-Group Day-Tour

8.Epic Snæfellsnes Adventure with Lava Cave Small-Group Day-Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 310 reviews · 12 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Spend about 12.5 hours touring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in a small group of no more than 19 people. Expect Kirkjufell, fishing villages, waterfalls, old churches, Lóndrangar cliffs, and a helmeted walk through Vatnshellir Cave. Guides such as Smári, Mike, Christo, and Styrmir have added local tales, music, and flexible stops.

“The stops that we made, the places that we saw made this tour a truly memorable experience. Our guide, Michal was very knowledgable and very accommodating.”

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Skaftafell Ice Caving & Glacier Hike - The 2.5-hour walk across Skaftafell
Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in Southeast Iceland, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Southeast Iceland, Lava Caves, Southeast Iceland Tours, Tour Reviews

Skaftafell Ice Caving & Glacier Hike

9.Skaftafell Ice Caving & Glacier Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 229 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $169

Join Troll Expeditions at Skaftafell for a four-hour glacier hike and ice-cave visit. You’ll walk about 2.5 hours across striking ice and rocky ground, using crampons, a helmet, harness, and ice axe. Guides such as Fabian, Lucy, Clara, and Adam are praised for clear instruction, patience, and photo help. The cave can be small and changes with the glacier.

“Our guide Clara was fantastic. Not only was she informative, but very safety conscious. She looked after us all and gave us plenty of time for photos, which made our morning very enjoyable. Oh and the weather was great. Thank you again.”

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Silver Circle: Lava Cave, Waterfalls & Iceland Horses-Small Group - Deildartunguhver shows geothermal power at close range
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Silver Circle: Lava Cave, Waterfalls & Iceland Horses-Small Group

10.Silver Circle: Lava Cave, Waterfalls & Iceland Horses-Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 181 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $219

Spend about 10 hours exploring West Iceland with Nicetravel, visiting Glanni, Hraunfossar, Barnafoss, Deildartunguhver, Reykholt, a family-run horse farm, and Viðgelmir Lava Cave. Expect a small group of up to 19, hotel pickup, Wi-Fi, a professional guide, and a chilly 90-minute cave walk.

“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!”

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Reykjavík: Silfra Fissure Snorkeling and Lava Caving Tour - The gap between cave and water
Golden Circle Tours, Lava Caves, Silfra Tours, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours

Reykjavík: Silfra Fissure Snorkeling and Lava Caving Tour

11.Silfra Fissure Snorkeling and Lava Caving Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 176 reviews · from $202

Pair a guided walk through Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel with snorkeling between North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at Silfra. PADI-certified guides such as John, Taz, Nebo, and Steven help you through the dry suit and icy water. Expect free underwater photos, hot cocoa, and a long day from Reykjavik.

“Lava caving was a quiet experience, got to see the "rainbow" and natural formation of the lava. I wasn't sure it if I want to do snorkeling at first, because I'm not comfortable with water. But I'm glad I did, "Steven" did great to ensure that I don't drown. I was tired half way, and "STEVEN" pulled me along with him so I can catch up with rest of the group. The under water has amazing view, i will never ever forget this experience! And the dry suit keeps you warm and floating!”

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Reykjavik: Lava Cave, Hot Springs, and Waterfalls Tour - From Reykjavík to Glanni Waterfall
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Reykjavik: Lava Cave, Hot Springs, and Waterfalls Tour

12.Lava Cave, Hot Springs, and Waterfalls Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 119 reviews · from $210

Spend up to 10 hours exploring West Iceland with an English-speaking guide. Visit Glanni, Hraunfossar, Barnafoss, Deildartunguhver, Reykholt, and Viðgelmir Lava Cave. The cave admission, Reykjavík pickup, Wi-Fi, and a guided underground walk are included. Bring warm clothes, cash for lunch, and shoes suited to wet paths.

“We had such a great day, tour guide Thor was brill and loved the cave. Would recommend.”

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Vatnshellir Cave Tour - The 45-minute route through the lava tube
Lava Caves, Lava Caves in Snaefellsnes, Snaefellsnes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Vatnshellir Cave Tour

13.Vatnshellir Cave Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 108 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $48

Enter Vatnshellir Lava Cave on a 45-minute guided walk near Snæfellsjökull. You’ll wear a helmet and carry a light while learning how an eruption 8,000 years ago formed the tube. Guides such as Claudia, Andre, and Paola are praised for clear explanations and friendly care. Expect two spiral staircases, uneven ground, cold air, and a maximum group of 16.

“De grot was mooi. Wat aan de kleine kant, maar als je hierop bent ingesteld hoef je niet teleurgesteld te zijn. Klein groepje man of 8 en niet super toeristisch. Dichtbij wat andere hoogtepunten op snaefellsness. Lag mooi op de route.”

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From Reykjavík: The Lava Tunnel tour with Round-trip Transfer - The morning pickup from Reykjavík
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From Reykjavík: The Lava Tunnel tour with Round-trip Transfer

14.The Lava Tunnel tour with Round-trip Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 85 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $114

Travel from Reykjavík to Raufarhólshellir with a certified guide, then put on a helmet, headlamp, and caving gear for a guided walk through Iceland’s volcanic underworld. Guides such as Jonas and Paulina explain the lava formations, while you may crawl through narrow sections and experience total darkness underground.

“Interesting enough but less exciting experience than expected. Very short duration and rather expensive.”

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2 Day Snæfellsnes Tour Lava Caving and the Northern Lights - Snæfellsnes by road, with room for local stories
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2 Day Snæfellsnes Tour Lava Caving and the Northern Lights

15.2 Day Snæfellsnes Tour Lava Caving and the Northern Lights

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 44 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $528

Travel from Reykjavik to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with a driver-guide, visit the 8,000-year-old Víðgelmir Lava Cave, and stay overnight with breakfast included. Pickup, WiFi, and transport are provided for groups of up to 18. Guide Gilfy has earned special praise for his Icelandic history and engaging style.

“My wife and I really enjoyed this 2 day tour. We stopped at many different places that each had something unique about Iceland to be experienced. And our guide Gilfy was the best, he knew so much about the history of Iceland and kept everyone interested and entertained. Would pretty much go on any tour that he is the guide!”

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