Volcano Travel · Tour
The Raufarhólshellir Lava Tube by Night, then the Aurora
Two things in one evening: the lava tunnel after dark, then a drive out to look for the northern lights. Pick-up is in Reykjavík. The road goes to the Blue Mountains and Raufarhólshellir, a lava tube left by an eruption more than 5,000 years ago. A guide takes the group through it, past the colours in the rock, the formations the lava left, and the history behind both. After the cave the minibus heads into the countryside, where the team picks the spot with the best chance of a clear sky. Blankets and something warm come with the waiting.
What's included
- Guided Tour with Certified caving guide
- English-speaking expert Northern Lights guide
- WiFi on board
- All necessary safety equipment, Helmet and Torch
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- Free retry for Northern Lights part, if not seen during the tour
- Icelandic hot cocoa, chocolate and blanket
- Northern lights photos
Itinerary
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Reykjavik
The evening covers Iceland's fourth-longest lava tube and then the northern lights. Pick-up is at the location you choose, in a minibus, and Raufarhólshellir is 45 minutes from Reykjavík. An hour is spent inside, going as far as 900 metres (2,952 ft) underground, among the lava formations and the colours in the rock. After that the search for the aurora starts. If it appears, the guides take photographs, so you go home with a picture of yourself under it. Hot chocolate under the sky at the end.
Raufarholshellir
The first stop is the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel, where a cave specialist joins the group. Gear on, a short safety briefing, and then the descent. The walking is straightforward, over built paths and footbridges with stretches of natural ground between them. It suits all ages, though the footing is uneven in places. Deeper in, the walls carry colour: emerald green, red, turquoise and pale lilac, all of it left by the volcanic process. The guide explains how the tube came to be there.
Iceland
Back on the bus for the aurora. Where it goes depends on the forecast that night. The one certainty is leaving the city lights behind, which might mean Þingvellir, Reykjanes, or somewhere in the south of Iceland where the sky is clearest. A minibus reaches places the big coaches cannot. If the lights come out, the guide takes a photo of you under them, at no charge.
Reykjavik
The drop-off is in Reykjavík, at the location you chose.
Not included
- Snacks
- Please ensure you've had dinner before joining the tour
Good to know
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Some parts of the lava tunnel can be uneven terrain. All participants should be confident with walking on these surfaces.
- Not recommended for travelers who are uncomfortable with uneven terrain.
- Up to 15 travelers per booking.
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- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Guiding available in: en.
Reviews
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