Unique Lava Tube Exploration in Iceland’s Southern Region

The Raufarhólshellir Lava Falls Adventure Tour offers a chance to venture deep into one of Iceland’s largest lava tubes. For $170 per person, you get a 3-hour guided experience that takes you over 1.3 kilometers inside the ancient cave, revealing spectacular lava formations including the rare lava falls at its end. The tour departs from the Southern Region of Iceland, making it an accessible yet extraordinary underground journey for those seeking adventure and natural beauty.

This tour is ideal for adventurers aged 12 and above who are in good physical shape and prepared for a challenging terrain. It relies on experienced guides, head torches, and proper footwear to navigate the large boulders and uneven surfaces. While it offers a deep exploration of the lava tube, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or those with claustrophobia or heart problems.

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Key Points

Duration: 3 hours, with approximately 1.3 km of underground trekking.
Price: $170 per person, including guided tour, helmet, and headlamp.
Terrain: Difficult terrain with large boulders, requiring sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support.
Guide: Led by expert guides who explain the lava formations and ensure safety.
Highlights: Witness the lava falls, a rare natural feature, and explore 5,000-year-old lava formations.
Group Size: Small groups of up to 8 participants for a more personalized experience.

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Starting Point and Meeting Details

The tour begins at the Lava Tunnel site, where participants are asked to arrive 15 minutes early. Upon arrival, visitors enter the service building and check in at the reception. The activity concludes back at the same meeting point, with no transportation included, so guests should plan to arrange their own transfer.

Inside the Lava Tube: What the Experience Looks Like

Once inside, the guide leads the group through the challenging terrain, which includes large rocks and boulders. The adventure involves hiking over uneven surfaces in the dark, relying on head torches and crampons (in winter) for safety. The average time underground is 3 to 4 hours, depending on the group’s pace.

Throughout the journey, visitors see spectacular lava formations that display vivid colors and textures formed over 5,000 years. The highlight is reaching the lava falls at the end of the tube—a rare geological feature visible only in a few locations worldwide. The tour provides significant insight into the flow of ancient lava and the creation of this underground landscape.

Physical Demands and Safety Precautions

Participants must wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking with ankle support, and a jacket to stay warm underground. The activity is considered more extreme due to difficult terrain, including up and down hills, large boulders, and narrow passages. No prior caving experience is required, but a good sense of balance and fitness are essential.

The tour not recommended for those who suffer from claustrophobia, are pregnant, have mobility impairments, or heart problems. Eating, smoking, or vaping are not allowed inside the cave for safety reasons. Bathrooms are available before and after the underground experience.

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The Guides and Their Role in the Adventure

Guides leading this tour are highly knowledgeable and professional, ensuring safety and enriching the experience with informative explanations about the lava formations and the cave’s history. Reviews highlight Soley and Anna as exceptional guides who answer questions with patience and clarity. Their expertise helps make the challenging terrain accessible and enjoyable for participants.

The Challenge and Rewards of the Lava Falls Tour

This tour is more demanding than a typical cave exploration, requiring stamina, good footwear, and comfort with uneven terrain. However, the rewards include spending nearly five hours inside the massive lava tube, with ample opportunity to admire colorful formations and the impressive lava falls. Many who undertake this experience find it well worth the effort, especially given the chance to see rare geological features.

The small group size ensures a personalized experience and close interaction with the guide, which enhances safety and learning. The flexibility to reschedule with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance provides peace of mind in planning.

How This Tour Compares to Other Icelandic Caving Experiences

Compared to other lava caves and underground adventures in Iceland, this tour focuses on more extreme terrain and longer exploration time, making it suitable for more experienced hikers. The presence of lava falls adds a unique visual element not found in all lava tunnels. Its small group size and expert guides help distinguish it from larger, more touristy options.

While other experiences may include snorkeling or ATV adventures, this tour provides a deep, physical, and immersive underground adventure that appeals to those who want to push their limits while discovering the beauty of Iceland’s volcanic landscape.

The Sum Up: Is the Raufarhólshellir Lava Falls Adventure Tour Right for You?

This 3-hour guided tour offers a rich underground experience with spectacular lava formations, including the lava falls. The emphasis on challenging terrain means it’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with hiking and uneven surfaces. The small group size and expert guides ensure you’re well-supported during this authentic, rugged adventure.

If you’re aged 12 or above, fit, and eager for a memorable underground exploration, this tour promises stunning sights and a real sense of adventure. However, those with claustrophobia or mobility issues should consider alternative options. Given the high praise for the guides’ professionalism and the unique features, this tour effectively balances exciting exploration with safety and education.

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Raufarhólshellir: Lava Falls Adventure Tour

4.8

(33)

“It was my second time in Raufarholshellir, this time with my 13 year old son, and he loved it. We did the trip to all three lava falls and extra de…”

— Slawomir, February 26, 2025