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.
Quick overview
Ways to experience: You can attend The Lava Show at two different locations, one in Reykjavík and another in Vík. If you want to see real geology up close, there’s also a guided lava tunnel tour, taking you inside a 5,000-year-old lava tube just 30 minutes from Reykjavík.
When to book: The Lava Shows run year-round, making them an easy add to any Iceland itinerary. While tickets are available on-site, it’s best to book online in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
Format of the show: The Lava Show is pure edutainment. Real molten lava is heated and poured live, creating a dramatic, artsy spectacle while hosts explain the science, history, and behavior of lava in a fun, easy-to-follow way.
Duration: The shows last for around 45–60 minutes. You can even upgrade your ticket to include balcony seating, complimentary drinks, and a piece of lava to take home.
About the tours: The guided lava tunnel tour takes you into Raufarhólshellir, a lava tube formed over 5,000 years ago. Led by expert guides, the one-hour walk explores Iceland’s volcanic geology up close.
What to expect on lava experience tours?
1/4
45–60 minute edutainment experience
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.
Learn about Iceland’s natural history
Iceland is one of the youngest landmasses on Earth, shaped almost entirely by lava. During the experience, you’ll learn how eruptions formed its mountains, valleys, and coastlines.
Premium upgrades
For a more elevated experience, premium tickets give you balcony seating with panoramic views, complimentary drinks, and a take-home piece of real lava.
1-hour guided walking tour of Raufarhólshellir
This guided walk takes you through a massive lava tube formed over 5,000 years ago, where flowing magma once carved tunnels beneath the surface. Along the way, your guide highlights rock textures, colors, and formations that reveal how lava cools, moves, and solidifies underground.
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
Things to know before booking your lava experience in Iceland
Lava Shows are not visual tricks. Real Icelandic basalt rock from past eruptions is superheated in industrial furnaces to around 1,100°C (2,000°F) until it melts into glowing, flowing lava. It’s then carefully poured onto a stage in a fully controlled environment, giving you a rare chance to see how lava actually behaves up close.
You can experience the Lava Show at two locations in Iceland: Reykjavík or Vík. Both venues offer the same core experience, but transfers are not included, so you’ll need to make your own way to the show. Reykjavik Lava Show is ideal if you’re city-based, while Vík Lava Shows work well if you’re exploring Iceland’s south coast.
The Reykjavík Lava Show offers both standard and premium tickets. With the premium experience, you’ll enjoy balcony seating, complimentary drinks, and you’ll even get to take home a piece of real lava as a souvenir.
Alongside the live lava pouring, you’ll also learn about Iceland’s volcanic history, including how the island was formed on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, why it has so many active volcanoes, and how lava shapes everything from landscapes to daily life. One cool fact you should know is that over 90% of Iceland’s surface is volcanic in origin.
Go for the the lava tunnel tour if you want a real outdoor experience Located about 30 minutes from Reykjavík, this tour includes round-trip transfers and a 1-hour guided walk inside Raufarhólshellir, a 5,000-year-old lava tube. You’ll explore solidified lava flows, colorful rock layers, and learn how massive eruptions carved these tunnels beneath the earth.
Highlights of lava experiences in Iceland
Plan your trip
Visitor tips
Treat lava as part of Icelandic culture, not just a spectacle. Volcanic activity shapes Iceland’s landscape, energy, and even folklore. Go in curious because the stories and explanations add depth that makes the experience far richer.
Plan around daylight and road conditions. Reykjavík shows fit easily into city days or evenings. If you’re heading to Vík or the lava tunnel, factor in weather and winter road conditions.
Arrive early and pick the best seats. Go for front-row seating if you want to take a closer look at the molten lava. Premium experience gives you balcony view and offers a calmer, panoramic view.
Use the lava tunnel as a geological reset. The tunnel experience is slower and more contemplative than the Lava Show. It’s ideal if you want to physically walk through Iceland’s volcanic history rather than watch it unfold on stage.
Don’t rush to the next stop. These experiences work best when you slow down. Grab a drink after the show, browse the lava-inspired shop, or take a moment to learn more about Iceland's geology.
Book ahead during peak travel months. Summer and winter aurora season are especially busy. Booking early ensures availability and lets you build the experience smoothly into your itinerary.
Frequently asked questions about the lava experiences in Iceland
Yes. The Lava Show uses real Icelandic basalt from previous eruptions, reheated to molten temperatures in industrial furnaces.
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.
The standard Lava Show runs for approximately 50 minutes, while the premium experience with a backstage tour lasts about 75 minutes.
Photography is usually allowed, but flash and tripods may be restricted for safety reasons.
Definitely. The Lava Show lets you experience real molten lava up close without hiking or depending on volcanic activity.
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.
The tunnel is spacious in most sections, but it is enclosed and dimly lit.
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.
The walking tour typically lasts around 60 minutes, including time inside the tunnel and explanations from your guide.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tickets
Reykjavik: Lava Show Immersive Experience Entry Tickets
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.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now, pay later
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
55 min - 1 hr 15 min
Tickets
Vik: Lava Show Immersive Experience Entry Tickets
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.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now, pay later
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
50 min
Guided Tours
From Reykjavik: Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel Guided Tour with Transfers
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.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now, pay later
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
3 hr
Pickup available
Day Trips
Reykjavik: Full-Day Guided Hike of Reykjanes & Volcanic Eruption Sites with Transfers
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.