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Operated by: Arctic Adventures

Reykjavík: Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel & Northern Lights Small-Group Tour

Explore one of Iceland's longest lava tubes, then chase the Northern Lights across the Icelandic countryside — all in one evening small-group minibus tour from Reykjavík. Helmet and headtorch provided, professional guide included, and complimentary aurora photos taken for you.

Duration
5 hours
Starts From
Reykjavík
Pickup
Pickup required
Minimum age
6+
Difficulty
EASY
Season
All year
Passengers
Min 1
Travel method
Mini Bus / Car

About this experience

This evening small-group tour combines two of Iceland's most compelling natural experiences: a guided walk through Raufarhólshellir, the fourth-longest lava tube in Iceland, followed by a countryside search for the Northern Lights.

Your expert guide collects you by minibus from your Reykjavík accommodation and drives you to Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel, located roughly 45 minutes from the city. Inside, you'll venture up to 900 metres into the cave, taking in dramatic lava formations and vivid volcanic colours under the light of your included headtorch. The cave section of the tour lasts approximately one hour and is rated very easy — suitable for most fitness levels and families with children aged 6 and above.

After the cave, the group heads into the Icelandic countryside in search of the Aurora Borealis. Your guide actively monitors conditions and positions the group for the best possible viewing. Whenever the lights appear, the guide photographs participants with the aurora — images you can access free of charge after the tour. Hot chocolate is served while you watch the sky.

The full experience runs approximately 5 hours. Because the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, visibility depends on weather and solar activity. If the aurora is not visible during your tour, you are entitled to join a future Northern Lights minibus departure free of charge — valid for 3 years with unlimited attempts.

Highlights

  • Guided walk up to 900 metres inside Raufarhólshellir, Iceland's fourth-longest lava tube
  • Caving helmet and headtorch provided — no equipment hire needed
  • Small-group minibus tour with hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík
  • Guide photographs you with the Northern Lights; images available free after the tour
  • Hot chocolate served during the aurora search
  • Free rebooking guarantee if the Northern Lights are not visible

Experience details

Evening hotel pickup by minibus from your Reykjavík accommodation marks the start of your 5-hour adventure. The drive to Raufarhólshellir takes approximately 45 minutes through the Icelandic countryside.

  • Your specialist cave guide leads the group up to 900 metres into the lava tube, pointing out striking geological formations and explaining how the cave was created by ancient volcanic activity.
  • Caving helmets and headtorches are provided — simply dress warmly and wear sturdy ankle-supporting footwear.
  • After the cave, the minibus continues into the countryside for the Northern Lights search. Your guide selects viewing locations based on real-time conditions.
  • The guide takes aurora photographs of the group whenever the lights appear; these are available to download free of charge after the tour.
  • Hot chocolate is served during the sky-watching portion of the evening.

The tour difficulty is rated 1 out of 5 — very easy. Minimum age is 6 years. All participants must sign a standard activity waiver before departure.

Why choose this tour

This tour pairs two bucket-list Iceland experiences into a single, affordable evening — making it one of the most practical options for visitors who want both underground geology and aurora hunting without booking two separate trips.

  • Small-group format means personal attention from your guide and a more immersive experience than large coach tours.
  • Mandatory hotel pickup is included, so there is no need to arrange your own transport to a meeting point.
  • Northern Lights photos are taken by your guide and provided free — no photography skills required.
  • Free rebooking for up to 3 years if the aurora is not visible gives genuine peace of mind.

What’s included

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík. Minibus transport throughout. Specialist cave guide. Caving helmet and headtorch. Expert English-speaking tour guide. Northern Lights photography by guide (free to access after the tour). Free Wi-Fi on board the minibus. Small-group experience.

Pickup locations

Final available pickup options are selected during checkout and may vary by operator.

Pickup locations

Frequently asked questions

What happens if the Northern Lights are not visible during the tour?
If the aurora is not visible on your tour, you are entitled to join a future Northern Lights minibus departure free of charge. This offer is valid for 3 years with unlimited attempts. Contact Arctic Adventures Customer Care to arrange your complimentary rebooking.
How difficult is the lava tunnel walk?
The cave walk is rated 1 out of 5 — very easy. The group walks up to 900 metres inside Raufarhólshellir on a guided route suitable for most fitness levels, including families. Sturdy ankle-supporting footwear is required; helmets and headtorches are provided.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. The minimum age for this tour is 6 years. The cave section is rated very easy, and the Northern Lights search is conducted from the minibus and open countryside, making the overall experience family-friendly.
Where does the tour depart from, and is hotel pickup included?
Hotel pickup from your Reykjavík accommodation is mandatory and included in the price. Your guide collects you by minibus from your designated pickup point. Exact pickup timing is confirmed at checkout; allow up to 30 minutes for the guide to reach you depending on location and traffic.
What should I wear and bring on this tour?
Wear warm, layered clothing: a winter jacket, hat, gloves, and ankle-supporting hiking boots are essential. Waterproof jacket and pants are recommended. Bring water, snacks, and a camera. Hiking boots and waterproofs can be rented during the booking process if needed.
How do I receive the Northern Lights photos taken by the guide?
Your guide photographs participants with the aurora whenever the lights appear. After the tour, you can access and download these images free of charge at adventures.is/nlphotos.

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