Lava tunnel
Walk through a 5,200-year-old lava tunnel formed during a volcanic eruption. In winter, ice sculptures form at the entrance, making the experience even more extraordinary.
Area
Reykjavik
Type
Wildlife & Nature
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Challenging
Duration
Half Day
Raufarhólshellir is a lava tunnel formed during an eruption east of the Bláfjöll mountains around 5,200 years ago. Walking inside is like witnessing the inner workings of a volcanic eruption, following the exact path the lava took as it flowed beneath the surface. A private guide leads you through with helmets and lights. In winter, spectacular ice sculptures form inside the entrance, adding another layer to an already extraordinary experience. The temperature inside sits around zero to four degrees, and the scale of the tunnel is far bigger than you expect.
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
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View TourHighlights of Iceland
An immersive journey through Iceland, combining volcanoes, glaciers, black sand beaches and private adventures with seamless guiding, exceptional stays and unforgettable experiences throughout.
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View TourWonders of the North: Iceland and Ireland
Discover Iceland’s glaciers, geysers, and volcanoes, then explore Ireland’s castles, coastlines, and cultural highlights. Private guides, exclusive access, and exceptional experiences make this a seamless journey through two of Northern Europe’s most iconic destinations.
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View TourLittle Adventurers in Iceland
A thoughtfully paced Iceland adventure for families, combining Reykjavik, glaciers and volcanoes with hands-on experiences, expert guides and space to relax, from whale watching and snowmobiling to lava caves and the Blue Lagoon.
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View TourLimitless Iceland Expedition: The Land of Fire & Ice
Discover the Land of Fire & Ice like never before. Embark on an 11-day adventure exploring Reykjavik's vibrant culture, the Golden Circle's natural wonders, and the remote beauty of the Central Highlands, Northern Coast, and Troll Peninsula.
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View TourFOCUS: Iceland Decoded - Exploring the Elements
Experience Iceland’s volcanoes, glaciers, and hidden landscapes with private guides, family-friendly adventures, and exclusive access, from inside a dormant volcano to secret ice caves and Zodiac glacier tours.
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View TourFOCUS: Iceland Wonders - A private Family Adventure
A private, family-focused journey through Iceland’s iconic sights, from Reykjavík and the Golden Circle to glaciers, lava fields, and puffin-filled fjords, with exclusive access, expert guides, and seamless luxury throughout.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationSörla Camp
Discover the untouched beauty of Iceland with a stay at Sörla Camp, offering luxury yurts, personalized adventures, and personalized service in an extraordinary wilderness setting. A once-in-a-lifetime experience personalized to you.
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View AccommodationBlue Lagoon Silica Hotel
A tranquil hideaway set in lava fields with exclusive access to a private lagoon, Silica Hotel offers serene luxury and a restorative base to experience Iceland’s elemental beauty with Scott Dunn.
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View AccommodationHotel Grimsborgir
Hotel Grímsborgir offers luxurious Scandinavian-inspired accommodation in the Golden Circle,with personalized adventures, local cuisine, and private hot tubs or fireplaces,providing discerning travelers with a personalized and immersive Icelandic experience.
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View AccommodationThe Retreat at Blue Lagoon
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon offers exclusive lagoon access, sophisticated suites, world-class wellness, and personalized Icelandic experiences, providing discerning travelers with an unparalleled blend of luxury, privacy, and natural beauty.
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View AccommodationCanopy by Hilton Reykjavik
A chic, artful retreat in Reykjavik’s heart, Canopy by Hilton blends local character, contemporary design, and intimate experiences, the perfect base to explore Iceland in style and comfort.
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View AccommodationHotel Borg
Hotel Borg blends Art Deco elegance, central Reykjavík convenience, and personalized service, offering discerning travelers a refined base from which to explore the city and personalized Icelandic experiences beyond.
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View AccommodationReykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel
Reykjavík Residence Hotel offers elegant suites in the city’s historic heart, with personalized service, personalized excursions, and a stylish base from which discerning travelers can explore Reykjavík and Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes.
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View AccommodationParliament Hotel
A stylish retreat in the heart of Reykjavik, Parliament Hotel Blends contemporary design with Icelandic heritage, offering an intimate base for exploring the city's vibrant culture and dramatic landscapes.
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View AccommodationHotel Búðir
Hotel Búðir offers an intimate, iconic retreat on Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with cozy Scandinavian interiors, refined dining, and personalized adventures amid rugged coastline, lava fields, and glacier vistas.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceBlue Lagoon Retreat
Two nights at the Retreat, built into an 800-year-old lava flow in the heart of the Blue Lagoon. Milky teal mineral waters, volcanic landscapes, and complete serenity.
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View ExperienceNorthern Lights Hunt
Escape Reykjavik’s lights and journey into Iceland’s wilderness with a private guide, tracking the elusive Northern Lights. Witness the Aurora Borealis shimmer across the night sky in serene isolation, with the magic of the Arctic unfolding before you.
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View ExperienceATV across the lava
ATVs across the Reykjanes peninsula. Lava fields, black sand, mountain trails, and views over the Blue Lagoon and the island of Eldey.
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View ExperienceCook the family dinner
Take over the kitchen at Salt Eldhús for a hands-on Nordic cooking class. Three courses of Icelandic fish and free-range lamb, then the whole family sits down to eat together.
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View ExperienceReykjavik food tour
Take over the kitchen at Salt Eldhús for a hands-on Nordic cooking class. Three courses of Icelandic fish and free-range lamb, then the whole family sits down to eat together.
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View ExperienceSky Lagoon
Soak in an infinity-edge geothermal lagoon carved from lava, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Five minutes from Reykjavik and the perfect way to land in Iceland.
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View ExperienceVolcanoes and Glaciers by helicopter
Soar above Thórsmörk Canyon in a private helicopter, witnessing glaciers, dormant and active volcanoes, and volcanic craters, for an exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime aerial adventure over Iceland’s wild heart.
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View ExperienceFlyOver Iceland: A Journey Above the Extraordinary
Soar over Iceland’s dramatic landscapes on FlyOver, a thrilling, multi-sensory journey. Feet dangling, senses awakened, guests discover hidden wonders and sweeping vistas in a uniquely immersive experience.
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View ExperienceReykjavík Walking Tour
Experience Reykjavík intimately on a private walking tour, wandering historic streets, colorful houses, and iconic landmarks, while uncovering hidden gems and the city’s Viking and modern stories.
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