About

Raufarhólshellir is a lava tube located approximately 30 km southeast of Reykjavík in the Blue Mountains (Bláfjöll) region. At 1,360 metres long, it's Iceland's fourth longest lava tunnel. Formation: - Created ~5,200 years ago during eruption from Leitahraun lava field - Lava tube formed when surface cooled while interior kept flowing - Hollow tunnel left behind when lava drained Tunnel features: - Up to 10 metres wide and 10 metres high in places - Colorful mineral deposits on walls - Lava stalactites and frozen drips - Year-round ice formations in rear sections - Multiple chambers and collapsed skylights Visitor access: - **Standard tour**: 1-hour guided walk on electric-lit metal walkways - **Extreme tour**: 3-4 hour adventure deeper into cave with headlamps - Open year-round - Booking required - Warm clothing and sturdy boots recommended The tunnel was upgraded with infrastructure in 2017, making it safely accessible to general visitors. The lighting dramatically illuminates rock textures and colors. Raufarhólshellir is one of the closest adventure activities to Reykjavík and can easily be combined with Golden Circle tours. Tour cost: ~6,000–7,000 ISK for standard tour.

📖 Story

When lava flows downhill, the surface cools and hardens while molten rock continues flowing beneath like a river in a pipe. When the eruption stops, the liquid drains out, leaving a hollow tunnel. Raufarhólshellir is one of Iceland's largest such tubes, formed 5,200 years ago during an eruption from nearby Bláfjöll mountains. Today you can walk through its cathedral-like chambers on metal walkways lit with LED lights, seeing colorful rock, lava drips frozen mid-flow, and massive ice formations in the deeper sections.

Key Facts