Raufarhólshellir

Raufarhólshellir is one of the most-popular lava tubes or tunnels in Iceland, simply because it is barely 35 minutes of driving distance from Reykjavik city. The cave, which has multiple holes in the ceiling, is the fourth-longest lava tube and is 1360 metres long, 10 metres high and 30 metres wide.

Raufarhólshellir is one of the most-popular lava tubes or tunnels in Iceland, simply because it is barely 35 minutes of driving distance from Reykjavik city. The cave, which has multiple holes in the ceiling, is the fourth-longest lava tube and is 1360 metres long, 10 metres high and 30 metres wide.

Raufarhólshellir, situated on land belonging to the Seventh-day Adventis Church, has within it microbial mats which have a large diversity of microorganisms, including different types of bacteria. The lava tunnel has been rented to a travel company that conducts guided tours. Raufarhólshellir is said to have been formed 5600 years ago by a lava flow of about 10 km, during the Leitahraun eruption, towards the east of Bláfjöll Mountains. The lava tunnel, which was free and open to all earlier, was shut in 2016 as a result of visits by unconcerned tourists who harmed the delicate lava straws and stalactites, besides littering the tube with thrash. The tunnel was reopened in 2017 after tonnes of thrash was removed and it was given a face-lift with the installation of prescribed walking decks, illumination and other infrastructural upgradation.

Subsequently, only guided tours are allowed at the lava tunnel, which in the past has also hosted limited-attendance two concerts as part of the Secret Solstice music festival. Members of the Shepton Mallet Caving Club were among the first to be credited for an organised exploration of Raufarhólshellir. Though the tube, with its stunning colours and textures, is accessible throughout the year, in winter the natural ice sculptures formed inside the tunnel adds to the visitors’ excitement.

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