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English
Each Lava Show begins with a short introductory film on Iceland’s shifting tectonic plates and volcanic timeline, after which lava masters demonstrate how lava is formed and behaves in natural environment.
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Lava Experiences, Iceland
Explore this 5,200-year-old lava tube on a guided tour
People swear by just how magnificent Raufarhólshellir is and it’s easy to see why. It’s one of Iceland’s longest and best-known lava tubes located just 30 minutes from Reykjavík. It’s a perfect off-beat adventure for anyone looking to experience Iceland beyond the usual sights.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION3 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
Start point
BSI Bus Terminal
35 min by a/c bus41 km
1. Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel
Guided tour & Visit attraction
End point
BSI Bus Terminal
Your ending point would be same as your start point
Walk inside a massive 5,200-year-old lava tunnel formed by a real volcanic eruption, just outside Reykjavík.
- Starting point: BSI Bus Terminal, Reykjavik
- Everything you get: You'll be picked from Reykjavik in a bus for a guided walk through Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel with an expert guide, safety helmet and flashlight, a short briefing, and insights into Iceland’s geology as you explore up to 350 meters of one of the country’s largest lava tunnels.
- Why choose this: It’s an easy, no-experience-needed adventure where you walk the actual path of ancient lava and learn how Iceland’s volcanoes shaped the land.
Walk inside a massive 5,200-year-old lava tunnel formed by a real volcanic eruption, just outside Reykjavík.
- Starting point: BSI Bus Terminal, Reykjavik
- Everything you get: You'll be picked from Reykjavik in a bus for a guided walk through Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel with an expert guide, safety helmet and flashlight, a short briefing, and insights into Iceland’s geology as you explore up to 350 meters of one of the country’s largest lava tunnels.
- Why choose this: It’s an easy, no-experience-needed adventure where you walk the actual path of ancient lava and learn how Iceland’s volcanoes shaped the land.
Inclusions
- Bus fare to Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel
- Free Wi-Fi on board
- 1-hour guided cave tour in English
- Flashlight
- Protective helmet
- Other necessary safety equipment
Exclusions
- Meals
- Hotel transfers
What to bring
- Dress warmly in layers, as temperatures inside the lava tunnel stay cool year-round.
- Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear suitable for uneven surfaces.
What’s not allowed
- The tour is not suitable for children under 3 years.
- Touching cave formations or entering restricted areas is not permitted for safety reasons.
Accessibility
- This is an easy-level tour, but it involves walking on uneven ground and is not wheelchair accessible.
Additional information
- The tour last for around 3 hours, including travel time.
- Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi onboard the bus throughout the journey.
- The cave is open all year, regardless of season.
- You don't need prior caving experience to get inside the cave.
- Be sure to look out for the collapsed section near the tunnel entrance where you'll see striking columns of light that highlight the tunnel’s layered colors.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
See real molten lava poured live indoors, guided by Lava Masters who will tell you about the science behind Iceland’s volcanoes.
- Everything you get: Entry to the world’s only live lava show. You'll get safety goggles, a short educational video on Icelandic volcanism, and a Lava Master who leads the experience with live explanations as real lava is poured just meters away.
- Why choose this: Iceland’s lava fields cover nearly a third of the country and this is your rare chance to see that force up close, safely, and explained by the experts who know it best.
- Upgrades: Level up to the premium experience that includes a welcome drink, balcony seats, access to the premium lounge, a backstage furnace tour, and a gift-wrapped piece of lava from the show.
See real molten lava poured live indoors, guided by Lava Masters who will tell you about the science behind Iceland’s volcanoes.
- Everything you get: Entry to the world’s only live lava show. You'll get safety goggles, a short educational video on Icelandic volcanism, and a Lava Master who leads the experience with live explanations as real lava is poured just meters away.
- Why choose this: Iceland’s lava fields cover nearly a third of the country and this is your rare chance to see that force up close, safely, and explained by the experts who know it best.
- Upgrades: Level up to the premium experience that includes a welcome drink, balcony seats, access to the premium lounge, a backstage furnace tour, and a gift-wrapped piece of lava from the show.
Inclusions
- Entry ticket to the Lava Show
- Safety goggles
- Experienced Lava Master leading the experience with live explanations
- A short educational video on volcanoes in Iceland
- Drinks (optional)
- Premium lounge (optional)
- Backstage tour (optional)
- Gift-wrapped piece of lava from the show (optional)
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
What to bring
- Arrive at least 10 minutes early to get settled before the show begins.
- It's edutainment so questions are always welcome during the show.
What’s not allowed
- Touching the lava or entering restricted areas is strictly prohibited for obvious reasons.
- The experience is not recommended for children under 5.
Accessibility
- The classic experience is wheelchair accessible.
- The premium experience is not wheelchair accessible, as it requires climbing stairs.
Additional information
- Safety goggles are provided for guests seated downstairs.
- A café/bar is available on site with a selection of drinks.
- Visit the gift shop for lava-inspired souvenirs.
- Free parking is available at the venue.
- You need to be 13+ for the premium experience.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
4.9(181)
Reykjavik: Full-Day Guided Hike of Reykjanes & Volcanic Eruption Sites with Transfers
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION9 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
Start point
Central Reykjavik
35 min by a/c bus29.6 km
1. Lake Kleifarvatn
Explore place, Break time & Panoramic views
Highlights
Seltún Geothermal Area
5 min by a/c bus4.6 km
2. Fagradalsfjall Volcano
Hiking
28 min22.9 km
3. Gunnuhver Hot Springs
Guided tour & Scenic views
Things to do
Reykjanesviti Lighthouse
4. Bridge Between Continents
Photo stop & Scenic views
54 min by a/c bus61 km
End point
Central Reykjavik
Your ending point would be same as your start point
Walk Iceland’s volcanic frontier, hiking recent eruption sites and exploring geothermal wonders across the Reykjanes Peninsula.
- Everything you get: A full-day guided tour from Reykjavík covering Fagradalsfjall volcano hike, recent eruption sites, Seltún geothermal area, Gunnuhver hot springs, Bridge Between Continents, Kleifarvatn Lake, and Reykjanesviti lighthouse, with expert insights throughout.
- Why choose this: See Iceland’s most recent volcanic activity up close while covering Reykjanes’ key geothermal and geological highlights in one well-paced day.
- Upgrades: Choose between meeting at the designated meeting point or hotel pickup from Reykjavík.
Walk Iceland’s volcanic frontier, hiking recent eruption sites and exploring geothermal wonders across the Reykjanes Peninsula.
- Everything you get: A full-day guided tour from Reykjavík covering Fagradalsfjall volcano hike, recent eruption sites, Seltún geothermal area, Gunnuhver hot springs, Bridge Between Continents, Kleifarvatn Lake, and Reykjanesviti lighthouse, with expert insights throughout.
- Why choose this: See Iceland’s most recent volcanic activity up close while covering Reykjanes’ key geothermal and geological highlights in one well-paced day.
- Upgrades: Choose between meeting at the designated meeting point or hotel pickup from Reykjavík.
Inclusions
- Full-day hike to Reykjanes, Fagradalsfjall & Meradalir volcanoes
- Round-trip transfers
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Wi-Fi on board the bus
- Parking & admission fees
- Headlamp
Exclusions
- Hiking poles (rental available)
- Meals
Pick-up from meeting point – Lake Kleifarvatn (only if time permits) – Seltun Geothermal area (only if time permits) – Fagradalsfjall –Meradalir – Gunnuhver hot springs – Reykjanesviti Lighthouse – Bridge between Continents – Return to meeting point
What to bring
- Warm, layered clothing: thermal base layers and a waterproof outer layer are essential
- Proper hiking shoes with good grip (ankle support strongly recommended)
- Water and snacks for the hike
- Hiking poles are recommended and can be rented if you don’t have your own
What’s not allowed
- Jeans or non-hiking clothing are not suitable for the terrain.
- Do not attempt to walk on lava fields as surfaces can collapse and remain dangerously hot underneath.
- These areas are only visited with a guide for safety reasons.
Accessibility
- Due to the nature of the tour, it is not wheelchair accessible.
Additional information
- Total tour duration is around 9 hours; the volcano hike can take up to 2 hours.
- Hiking difficulty is medium. The tour is best suited for travelers comfortable with steady walking on uneven terrain.
- Routes and stops may change based on weather, trail, or safety conditions.
- Eruptions aren’t guaranteed, but the landscape is always worth the visit.
- Tours are continuously monitored and adjusted to keep everyone safe.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Watch real lava crackle and flow just meters away in a safe indoor setting, with Lava Masters explaining the science behind every pour.
- Everything you get: Entry to the Lava Show in Vík, where real lava is heated to 1,100°C and poured live just meters away. It's an indoor, all-weather show led by Lava Masters sharing Iceland’s volcanic science and stories.
- Why choose this: You'll hear the lava crackle and hiss as molten rock flows, bubbles, and cools right before you. Don't worry it's handled safely by Lava Masters who explain the science behind every step.
Watch real lava crackle and flow just meters away in a safe indoor setting, with Lava Masters explaining the science behind every pour.
- Everything you get: Entry to the Lava Show in Vík, where real lava is heated to 1,100°C and poured live just meters away. It's an indoor, all-weather show led by Lava Masters sharing Iceland’s volcanic science and stories.
- Why choose this: You'll hear the lava crackle and hiss as molten rock flows, bubbles, and cools right before you. Don't worry it's handled safely by Lava Masters who explain the science behind every step.
Inclusions
- Entry ticket to the Lava Show
- Safety goggles
- Experienced Lava Master leading the experience with live explanations
- A short educational video on volcanoes in Iceland
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
ReykjavikLava Experiences Iceland
Make the most of Reykjavik
What to expect on lava experience tours?
45–60 minute edutainment experience
Which lava experience is best for you?
Ticket
Duration
Meeting point
Inclusions
Upgrades
Best for
50-75 minutes
Lava Show, Reykjavik
Entry ticket to the lava show, short educational show, security googles, live host
Premium experience available that includes balcony seating, drinks, lounge access, backstage tour, gift wrapped piece of lava from the show
If you are based in Reykjavik and looking for family friendly activities to do
50 minutes
Lava Show in Vik
Entry ticket to the lava show, short educational show, security googles, live host
None
If you are based in the small town of Vik and looking for a unique experience in Iceland
3 hours
BSI Bus Terminal, Reykjavik
Bus ride to Raufarhólshellir, entry inside the tunnel, 1-hour guided tour, protective helmet, flashlight, free Wi-Fi on the bus
None
Adventure and history enthusiasts, nature lovers, off-beat explorers
Highlights of lava experiences in Iceland
Real molten lava poured live
Real molten lava is created by superheating Icelandic basalt rock to over 1,100°C in a custom-built furnace. During the show, lava masters carefully release and guide the glowing flow onto the stage, allowing people to watch it spread, crackle, and cool.
Live lava shaping and cooling in real time
As the lava spreads, it starts thickening, cracking, and forming rippled surfaces. This mirrors how real lava behaves in nature, where temperature and flow speed determine whether it hardens into smooth sheets, jagged crusts, or layered rock formations.
Take-home piece of real lava
As part of the premium experience, you get a small piece of real cooled lava formed during the show.
Natural caverns at Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel
On the lava tunnel tour from Reykjavík, you’ll walk through vast natural caverns inside Raufarhólshellir, carved by fast-flowing magma thousands of years ago. As the outer lava cooled and drained away, it left behind hollow chambers with high ceilings, sculpted walls, and dramatic underground spaces shaped entirely by volcanic force.
Guided exploration with geology insights
On the one hour walking tour, the guide will explain how lava tubes form, why rock layers vary in color and texture, and what these formations reveal about eruption speed and temperature.
Rare chance to see lava pathways up close
Inside Raufarhólshellir, you can see hardened flow lines, lava shelves, and smooth rock “rivers” frozen in place. It has even left clear, physical traces of how magma actually moved underground during the eruption.
Plan your trip
Timings
Getting there
Facilities
- Lava Show in Reykjavik: Daily slots at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, and 8pm
- Lava Show in Vik: Daily slots at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, and 7pm
- Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel Tour: Daily slots at 9am and 1pm
Best time for lava experiences in Iceland: There’s really no wrong time to experience Iceland’s lava attractions. The Lava Shows in Reykjavík and Vík run year-round and fit seamlessly into any season(November–March). Lava tunnels are especially rewarding outside peak winter, when conditions make underground exploration more comfortable and unhurried.
- Getting to Lava Show Reykjavík: Located in Reykjavík city, the Lava Show Reykjavík is easy to reach on foot from central areas or by local bus. Taxis and rideshares are widely available and convenient. If you’re driving, nearby parking is available within walking distance of the venue.
- Getting to Lava Show Vík: Lava Show Vík is located in the village of Vík on Iceland’s south coast, right along Route 1 (the Ring Road). Most visitors reach it by rental car while exploring southern Iceland.
- Getting to the Lava Tunnel (Raufarhólshellir): The lava tunnel tour departs from BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík. Round-trip transfers are included, so you don’t need to arrange separate transport. Simply arrive at BSÍ a little early to check in and meet your guide before departure.
- On-site amenities at Lava Shows: Both Lava Show venues offer restrooms, comfortable indoor seating, and a café/bar where you can purchase drinks before or after the show.
- Safety & comfort provisions: Protective safety goggles are provided for guests seated close to the lava, and staff are always on hand to ensure a safe, controlled experience despite the intense heat.
- Parking & arrival ease: Free parking is available at the venues, and it's advised to arrive at least 20 minutes early for smooth check-in and seating.
- Facilities at the lava tunnel: The lava tunnel site includes basic facilities such as restrooms and changing areas, with helmets and headlamps provided for the guided walk.
- Guides, support & atmosphere: The Lava Masters welcome questions throughout the show, creating an engaging, educational environment that’s friendly, informative, and well-managed.
Frequently asked questions about the lava experiences in Iceland
Is the lava used in the show actually real?
Yes. The Lava Show uses real Icelandic basalt from previous eruptions, reheated to molten temperatures in industrial furnaces.
Will it feel uncomfortably hot during the Lava Show?
Dont worry, the temperature you feel is comparable to standing near a campfire or an open oven for a moment. While you’ll definitely notice a wave of heat when the molten lava is poured, it’s brief, controlled, and part of the experience.
How long is the Lava Show?
The standard Lava Show runs for approximately 50 minutes, while the premium experience with a backstage tour lasts about 75 minutes.
Can I take photos or videos during the show?
Photography is usually allowed, but flash and tripods may be restricted for safety reasons.
Is this a good alternative if I can’t see an active volcano?
Definitely. The Lava Show lets you experience real molten lava up close without hiking or depending on volcanic activity.
Why does Iceland have so many volcanoes?
Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where two tectonic plates pull apart. This constant movement allows magma to rise frequently, shaping the island through repeated eruptions over millions of years.
Is the lava tunnel suitable for people with claustrophobia?
The tunnel is spacious in most sections, but it is enclosed and dimly lit.
What should I wear for the lava tunnel tour?
Dress warmly and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. The tunnel stays cool year-round, and the ground can be uneven. Helmets and headlamps are provided.
How long does the Lava Tunnel tour last?
The walking tour typically lasts around 60 minutes, including time inside the tunnel and explanations from your guide.
Can I take photos or videos inside the lava tunnel?
Yes, photography is allowed in both experiences. Just be mindful of safety instructions and lighting conditions especially in the tunnel, where flash may be limited.
Why do lava patterns look so artistic?
As lava cools, it forms repeating patterns influenced by temperature, flow speed, and chemistry. These patterns can resemble fractals, meaning similar shapes appear at different scales.
If I only have time for one, which should I choose?
Choose the Lava Show if you want a low-key experience with dramatic visuals. Go for the lava tunnel if you want a hands-on, outdoor encounter with Iceland’s raw geology.
From happy customers
Yusuf
ene, 2026
Good show, very informative, especially for my kids. Felt a bit short but the lava pour was worth it. The presenter was friendly and even cracked a few jokes. Would go again if I visit with friends.
Reykjavik: Lava Show Immersive Experience Entry Tickets
Jade
dic, 2025
Never thought I’d see real lava in a show! The staff is friendly and the science is actually interesting. A bit rushed at the end but still great.
Reykjavik: Lava Show Immersive Experience Entry Tickets
Gisela
dic, 2025
Did this as a Christmas treat for my partner. We both LOVED it! The lava is hypnotic and hotter than you expect. Host explained everything so even us non-scientists could get it. We did the premium thing and got to see behind the scenes, which was super interesting.
Vik: Lava Show Immersive Experience Entry Tickets
Roman
oct, 2025
Took my kids and they were glued to the whole thing. The guide was funny and patient. Lava pour was the highlight. Would go again!
Vik: Lava Show Immersive Experience Entry Tickets
Jonas
nov, 2025
Tunnel was neat, lights were late but finally showed up. Our guide was really into geology, which was fun. Wish we’d had a bit more time in the tunnel to take photos. Bus seats a little cramped if you’re tall.
From Reykjavik: Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel Guided Tour with Transfers
Nina
ago, 2025
Tunnel was AMAZING, the colors and formations are unreal. Lights were out and dancing. Guides were so friendly and even took photos for us. Would recommend to anyone!
From Reykjavik: Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel Guided Tour with Transfers