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Descend into Raufarholshellir, Iceland's most dramatic lava tunnel, to witness rare lava falls at the cave's source—a 3–4 hour underground adventure requiring solid fitness and balance. This is the most challenging route through the tunnel, rewarding experienced cavers and adrenaline seekers with geological wonders rarely accessible to tourists.
The Lava Falls Adventure Tour takes you off the beaten path and into the depths of The Lava Tunnel (also know to Icelanders as Raufarholshellir) to explore the source of the cave, the magnificent Lava Falls. The Adventure tour requires good fitness and balance. The tour traverses difficult terrain, including big rocks and boulders. It takes on average 3-4 hours to complete, relying on an experienced guide and head torches to navigate through this underground wonder. At the end of the cave you will experience breathtaking scenery as you will witness the origin on the lava flow that created the cave, which includes amazing lava falls rarely seen in the world.
A more extreme tour for the adventure seeker
This is the tour for the adventure seekers, it takes you beyond the standard tour, all the way to the end of the tunnel where magnificent lava falls and other natural wonders await in the dark. This is truly an unforgettable experience, full of sights and emotions. The Lava Falls tour is the highest rated tour of The Lava Tunnel. It’s done in small groups only, with a designated caving guide.
Please note that this tour is more extreme than normal attractions as it traverses over a difficult terrain, including big rocks and boulders so a good balance and good physical health is required.
An adventure to remember
You will spend 3 – 4 hours in the cave. That being said no prior caving experience is required. We rely solely head torches to navigate through this underground wonderworld so we do not recommend this tour for those that may suffer from some sort of claustrophobia. We also do not recommend this tour for pregnant women or children younger than 12. Passengers must be wearing hiking boots with ankle support.
Highlights
- ✓Navigate to authentic lava falls deep within the tunnel—a geologically rare sight
- ✓Traverse boulder-strewn terrain with an expert caving guide and head torches
- ✓Small-group experience in one of Iceland's most dramatic underground systems
- ✓Witness the origin point where ancient lava flows carved the cave
- ✓No prior caving experience needed, but good fitness and balance essential
Insider tips
- ★Wear sturdy, grippy hiking boots with ankle support; terrain is uneven and slippery in places
- ★Bring extra layers—caves stay cold year-round; even summer trips need warm clothing
- ★The lava falls are best viewed and photographed when moisture levels are moderate; avoid extremely wet periods
Good to know
- •Duration is 3–4 hours total; plan for travel time to/from the tunnel entrance
- •Small groups only with a designated guide; advance booking essential
- •Headtorches provided; wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing and avoid loose accessories
- •Not wheelchair accessible; requires climbing, crouching, and balancing on uneven rock
Who it's for
Best time to visit
Late spring through early autumn (May–September) offers clearer cave conditions and safer footing. Visit mid-morning to mid-afternoon for better lighting and to maximize daylight if driving to a remote location.






