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The second recent eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula has fired up people’s interest in geology, which is a good thing. Raufarhólshellir cave, also known as the ‘Lava Tunnel,’ the perfect place if you want to learn about the inner workings of a volcanic eruption. The cave is located just 30 minutes away from Reykjavik. My readers get a 10% discount on admission and a guided tour of the cave when you book online. You sign up for the Stuck in Iceland newsletter and get the promo code for the Lava Tunnel and other tours and activities here in Iceland.

Tours that the promo code is valid for:

Also, check out Into the Glacier, another great tour from Arctic Adventures.

Enter the vast Lava Tunnel

The cave is enormous. Its length is 1.3 Kilometers (4500 ft). The length of the main tunnel is 900m (3000 ft) long. The tunnel is up to 30m (98 ft) wide and has headroom up to 10m (33ft). This makes Lava Tunnel one of the largest caves in Iceland. The cave is about 5.000 years old. It was formed during an eruption in the Bláfjöll mountains and split into three smaller tunnels where impressive lava formations can be seen.

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Ice crystals in Raufarhólshellir cave.
Ice crystals in the Lava Tunnel cave.

Impressing in winter

The cave is awe-inspiring in winter when ice sculptures form inside the entrance. Three openings light up the entrance of the cave. The total length of the tunnel is an impressive 1360 m (4500 ft).  The main tunnel being 900 m (3000 ft) long. The cave is up to 30 m wide with headroom up to 10 m high, making it one of the most expansive lava tunnels in Iceland.

Some geology before you get our promo code

The Lava Tunnel is a lava tube. These are formed when an active low-viscosity lava flow develops a continuous and hard crust. The lava thickens and forms a roof above the still-flowing lava stream. During a guided tour through Raufarhólshelir cave, you will get inside information on what happens during a volcanic eruption and experience it in a unique environment.