A Comprehensive Travel Guide: Reykjavik to Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel
This guide provides a detailed exploration of a classic Icelandic day trip: journeying from the vibrant capital city of Reykjavik to the subterranean wonder of the Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel. It is designed to be a practical resource for travelers, covering everything from urban exploration to geological adventure, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.
Introduction: The Allure of Fire and Ice
Iceland, often called the “Land of Fire and Ice,” offers a landscape forged by volcanic fury and sculpted by glacial patience. Nowhere is this duality more accessible than on a trip from Reykjavik to the Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel. This excursion allows visitors to experience the modern cultural heartbeat of Iceland before descending into a raw, ancient passage created by one of the planet’s most powerful forces. It is a journey that contrasts cosmopolitan comforts with primal natural beauty, all within a short distance from the capital.
Part 1: Reykjavik – The Northernmost Capital
Reykjavik, a compact and colorful city, serves as the perfect basecamp for exploring southwestern Iceland. It combines a small-town charm with the amenities and cultural vibrancy of a European capital.
Key Attractions in Reykjavik
Hallgrímskirkja Church: This iconic Lutheran parish church, towering over the city center, is one of Iceland’s tallest structures. Its unique architecture is inspired by the basalt lava flows common in Iceland’s landscape. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the bell tower for a panoramic 360-degree view of the city’s colorful rooftops, the sea, and the surrounding mountains.
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre: A masterpiece of contemporary design, Harpa’s facade is made of geometric glass panels that reflect the sky, harbor, and city lights. It is home to the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera. Even without attending a show, it’s worth walking through its stunning interiors and enjoying the views from its expansive lobbies.
The Sun Voyager (Sólfar): Located along the scenic coastal path, this elegant steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason resembles a Viking longship but is officially an “ode to the sun.” It is a popular spot for photography, especially at sunset.
Perlan (The Pearl): Situated on Öskjuhlíð hill, Perlan houses a rotating restaurant, a viewing deck, and excellent natural history exhibitions. Its “Wonders of Iceland” exhibition features a real indoor ice cave, a planetarium show about the Northern Lights, and geological displays that provide perfect context before visiting a lava tunnel.
The National Museum of Iceland: For those interested in the country’s history and culture, this museum offers a comprehensive overview from the Viking settlement era to the modern day, providing deep cultural insights into the Icelandic people.
Food and Dining in Reykjavik
Reykjavik’s food scene has exploded in recent years, moving far beyond traditional fare to include world-class New Nordic cuisine.
Traditional Icelandic Fare: For an authentic taste of Iceland, try dishes like Plokkfiskur (a hearty fish stew), Lamb Soup (Kjötsúpa), or the infamous Hákarl (fermented shark) for the adventurous. Restaurants like Íslenski Barinn offer these in a cozy, traditional setting.
New Nordic Cuisine: Reykjavik boasts several acclaimed restaurants. Dill Restaurant, Iceland’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, offers a seasonal tasting menu focused on local ingredients. Matur og Drykkur is another excellent choice, creatively reinterpreting classic Icelandic recipes.
Street Food & Casual Eats: The Reykjavik Hot Dog Stand (Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur) is a legendary institution, famously visited by Bill Clinton. For a quick and delicious meal, try Messinn for amazing pan-fried fish or Sandholt for exceptional pastries and sandwiches.
Coffee Culture: Icelanders are serious about their coffee. The city is dotted with excellent coffeehouses like Reykjavik Roasters and Kaffi Mokka, perfect for a cozy break.
Accommodation in Reykjavik
Reykjavik offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets.
Luxury: Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre and Tower Suites Reykjavik offer top-tier comfort, design, and central locations with stunning views.
Mid-Range/Boutique: Hotels like Alda Hotel and Room With A View provide excellent service, stylish rooms, and prime locations without the luxury price tag.
Budget-Friendly: For backpackers and budget travelers, hostels like Kex Hostel (which has a great bar and social atmosphere) and Loft Hostel are popular and well-located options.
Tip: Booking accommodation in or near the 101 postcode area ensures you are in the heart of the city, within walking distance of most major attractions.
Cultural Insights: Understanding Reykjavik
Reykjavik’s culture is a blend of Norse heritage and modern Scandinavian liberalism. The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and live music venues. Icelanders are generally reserved but friendly and deeply value equality, nature, and their unique language. The weekend nightlife is famously lively, starting late and lasting into the early hours. Tipping is not customary, as service charges are included in all prices. A key cultural concept is
“þetta reddast”, an optimistic phrase meaning “it will all work out okay,” which encapsulates the resilient Icelandic spirit.
Part 2: The Journey to Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel
Introduction to Raufarhólshellir
Raufarhólshellir is one of Iceland’s longest and best-known lava tunnels, located approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) southeast of Reykjavik. It was formed during the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred from the nearby volcano, Þríhnúkagígur, roughly 5,200 years ago. As river-like lava flow ceased, the outer layers cooled and solidified into a crust, while the molten interior drained away, leaving behind a vast, hollow tube. For centuries, it was a wild cave accessible only to the brave, but it has now been developed for safe public access with guided tours, platforms, and lighting, while still retaining its raw, otherworldly beauty.
Touring Raufarhólshellir
A visit to Raufarhólshellir is a journey into the earth. There are typically two main tour options:
The Standard Lava Tunnel Tour: This is the most popular option, lasting about 1 hour. It involves walking on installed footbridges and paths through the most accessible and spectacular parts of the tunnel. The guide explains the geology, points out colorful mineral stains on the rock walls, and shows where sections of the ceiling have collapsed, creating “skylights” that allow beautiful beams of light to penetrate the darkness.
The Lava Tunnel Extreme Tour: For a more adventurous experience, this longer tour (approx. 3-4 hours) takes visitors beyond the public walkways into the deeper, unlit sections of the cave. This requires helmets with headlamps and more strenuous scrambling over rocks. It offers a greater sense of exploration and solitude.
What to See Inside: Visitors can expect to see dramatic lava formations, stalactites and stalagmites made of rock, ice formations in winter, and breathtaking plays of light and color caused by minerals like iron (red) and copper (green). The scale of the main chambers is immense, inspiring a sense of awe.
Practical Information for Visiting the Lava Tunnel
Booking Tours: It is mandatory to book a tour in advance through the official website or a tour operator. Independent entry is not permitted for safety reasons.
What to Wear:The temperature inside the tunnel hovers around 0°C (32°F) year-round.
Warm, layered clothing is essential (a thermal base layer, fleece, and a waterproof/windproof outer shell).
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are absolutely necessary. The ground is uneven, rocky, and can be wet and icy.
- Gloves and a warm hat are highly recommended, even in summer.
Safety: All necessary safety equipment (helmets for the Extreme tour) is provided by the tour operator. Visitors must follow the guide’s instructions at all times.
Accessibility:The Standard Tour involves walking over uneven surfaces and several sets of stairs. It is not suitable for those with significant mobility issues. The Extreme Tour requires a good level of fitness.
Part 3: Transportation – Getting from Reykjavik to Raufarhólshellir
Option 1: Guided Tour Bus
Best for: Convenience, safety, and expert commentary.
Many tour companies in Reykjavik offer packages that include round-trip transportation from a central bus stop (e.g., BSÍ Bus Terminal or designated pick-up points) directly to the lava tunnel. The guide handles all logistics, provides information during the drive, and leads the tour inside. This is a stress-free option, especially for first-time visitors.
Option 2: Renting a Car
Best for: Flexibility, independence, and combining with other attractions.
Renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace. The drive from Reykjavik to Raufarhólshellir is straightforward and takes about 30-40 minutes.
Route: Take Route 1 (the Ring Road) heading east from Reykjavik. Take exit 39 onto Road 39 towards Þorlákshöfn. The well-marked turn-off for Raufarhólshellir will be on your left shortly after.
Parking: There is a dedicated free parking lot at the tunnel’s entrance.
Important Note: You must still have a pre-booked tour ticket. Simply driving there without a booking will not grant you entry.
This option allows you to easily combine your lava tunnel visit with other nearby sites like the Blue Lagoon, the Krýsuvík geothermal area, or even the South Coast.
Option 3: Public Transportation
Not Recommended. Public bus routes do not go directly to Raufarhólshellir. Reaching it via public transport would require multiple bus changes and a significant walk on roads without sidewalks, which is impractical, time-consuming, and unsafe. A guided tour or rental car is strongly advised.
A Sample One-Day Itinerary
Morning (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM): Start your day in Reykjavik with a strong coffee and a pastry from a local bakery like Sandholt. Take a brisk walk to see the Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall in the morning light.
Late Morning (10:30 AM – 1:00 PM): Drive or take a tour bus to Raufarhólshellir. The journey itself through the stark lava fields is part of the experience.
Afternoon (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM): Embark on your pre-booked Standard Lava Tunnel Tour. Explore the subterranean world for about an hour.
Late Afternoon (3:00 PM – 4:30 PM): Drive back to Reykjavik. If you have your own car, consider a stop at the charming coastal town of Hafnarfjörður or the Krýsuvík geothermal area to see bubbling mud pots and steaming vents.
Evening (5:30 PM onwards): Enjoy a well-earned dinner at one of Reykjavik’s excellent restaurants. Reflect on the day’s journey from the modern cityscape to an ancient geological marvel—a perfect encapsulation of Iceland’s unique character.
Conclusion
The trip from Reykjavik to the Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel is more than just a sightseeing excursion; it is a profound encounter with the powerful natural forces that shaped Iceland. It offers a manageable yet deeply impressive adventure that contrasts urban sophistication with raw geological history. By preparing adequately with warm clothing, sturdy boots, and advance bookings, travelers can ensure a safe, comfortable, and utterly unforgettable experience delving into the heart of a volcano’s creation.