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Raufarhólshellir

Self-guidedModeratehelmet, flashlight
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CaveReykjavík Area

Raufarhólshellir

Reykjavík AreaSelf-guidedModeratehelmet, flashlight

About

Raufarhólshellir is the fourth-longest lava tube in Iceland. The cave's proximity to Reykjavík made it popular with visitors, who caused damage to the cave. In late 2016 the cave was closed to the public to clear accumulated garbage and install lighting and a walkway to part of the cave. The cave reopened for guided tours the following year.

Lava caves have their own beauty - twisted formations frozen in time from ancient eruptions.

The cave's proximity to Reykjavík made it popular with visitors, who caused damage to the cave. In late 2016 the cave was closed to the public to clear accumulated garbage and install lighting and a walkway to part of the cave. The cave reopened for guided tours the following year.

Wear warm clothes - caves maintain a constant cool temperature regardless of the weather outside.

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Map of Raufarhólshellir

Map

63.9402°N, 21.3972°W · Reykjavík Area

Plan your visit

Getting there
Road 39 (Þrengslavegur)
Off the main road
0.1 km from Route 39
Nearest town
Þorlákshöfn — 10.1 km away
Distance from Reykjavík
35 km in a straight line
What else is close
239 mapped places within 20 km

Tours that include Raufarhólshellir

Lava Tunnel Evening Tour & Northern Lights Excursion from Reykjavíkfrom 25.990 ISK · 5 hStandard Lava Tunnel Tourfrom 8.900 ISK · 1 hGolden Circle & Lava Tunnel - Combo Dealfrom 25.999 ISK · 9 h 30 minEvening Lava Tunnel Tourfrom 8.900 ISK · 1 hThe Lava Falls Adventure tourfrom 27.900 ISK · 3 hBlack & Blue - Lava Tunnel + Silfra Snorkelingfrom 23.990 ISK · 5 hBlack & Blue - Lava Tunnel + Silfra Snorkeling from Reykjavíkfrom 34.990 ISK · 10 hLava Tunnel Tour (Back to Back)from 8.475 ISK · 3 hGeothermal Exhibition: Self-Guided Audio Tour and Entry Ticketfrom 2.650 ISK · 1 h
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ToursIn season nowBlue Ice - Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing from Reykjavíkfrom 32.990 ISK · 13 h 30 minGolden Circle and Laugarás Lagoon Lerki Admissionfrom 23.039 ISK · 9 h 30 minSpirit of the Aurora (28 person max vehicle)from 14.990 ISK · 5 hAll 1,648 toursBy activity and region

Raufarhólshellir weather and conditions

Last updated

7°Cpartly cloudy · feels 1°C8 m/sgusts 119 h 46 mdaylight · 08:18 – 18:04
In season now · Winter in IcelandBlue Ice - Glacier Hike & Ice Climbing from Reykjavíkfrom 32.990 ISK · 13 h 30 min
See the tour
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Cars & campers

−12%exclusive discountFree cancellationKEF airport pickup 24/74.8
Dacia Duster 4x4
SUV

Dacia Duster 4x4

Cheapest real 4WD in the fleet — gravel, the Westfjords and easy summer F-roads without truck prices.

TransmissionManual
FuelPetrol/diesel
Seats5
Drive4WD
From
5,355 kr6,300 kr/day
Reserve −12%
VW Caravelle
9-seater

VW Caravelle

Whole family or friend group in one car — gear in the back, room to stretch.

TransmissionAutomatic
FuelDiesel
Seats9
Drive2WD
From
12,750 kr15,000 kr/day
Reserve −12%
Key Camper Wild Duo
Camper

Key Camper Wild Duo

Sleep right by the trailhead, wake up at the falls — F-road ready from mid-June.

TransmissionManual
FuelPetrol
Sleeps2
Drive4WD
From
5,304 kr6,240 kr/day
Reserve −12%

Photos & videos

Raufarhólshellir — photo by Markus Trienke · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0Photo: Markus Trienke · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0

No verified videos yet — we only show footage confirmed to be Raufarhólshellir, no lookalikes. Search YouTube

Nearby

km column = your drive

  1. 1Búri5 km
  2. 2Leiðarendi22 km
  3. 3Músarhellir24 km
  4. 4Hundraðmetrarhellir24 km
  5. 5Selgjárhellir26 km
All caves in Reykjavík Area →

Waterfalls

  1. 1Reykjafoss13 km
  2. 2Djúpagilsfoss14 km
  3. 3Litli-Foss26 km
All waterfalls →

Hot springs

  1. 1Hverahild8 km
  2. 2Geothermal hot spring near Ölfus9 km
  3. 3Geothermal hot spring near Þorlákshöfn10 km
All hot springs →

Fuel

  1. 1Þorlákshöfn9 km · 308.6 kr/L
  2. 2Hveragerði12 km · 306.9 kr/L
  3. 3Eyrarbakki15 km · 308.7 kr/L
All fuel →

Supermarkets

  1. 1Krónan9 km
  2. 2Bónus12 km
  3. 3Nettó19 km
All supermarkets →

Tours

  1. A Gourmet golden circle - a taste of Iceland combined with amazing nature attractions!from 159.000 ISK · 8 hours
  2. A Magical Day in Iceland - a private custom made tour - Up to 9 passengersfrom 195.000 ISK · 8 hours
  3. Adventure in Landmannalaugar and Hot Springs - Reykjavík and Hellafrom 26.900 ISK · 13 hours
All tours →

Frequently
asked
questions

Can I visit Raufarhólshellir without a guide?
Raufarhólshellir is generally open to self-guided visitors, but treat it seriously: it is dark and cold inside, the floor is uneven lava rock, and you must bring a head-torch and helmet. Never enter a cave alone or without telling someone your plans.
How do I get to Raufarhólshellir?
Raufarhólshellir is in Reykjavík Area. Many Icelandic caves sit off highland tracks that need a 4WD — check live road and weather conditions on this page before you drive, especially in winter when routes close.
What should I bring to Raufarhólshellir?
A helmet and a proper head-torch or flashlight are the minimum — there is no daylight inside and the floor is broken lava rock. Add warm layers and sturdy boots; the cave stays near freezing year-round. Recommended gear: helmet, flashlight.
Does Raufarhólshellir cost anything to visit?
Raufarhólshellir is generally free to enter, though the access road may need a 4WD. Guided cave tours elsewhere in Iceland are paid. Conditions change with weather, so plan around the forecast.

Data & sources

Everything on this page comes from the sources below. Live feeds refresh automatically.

Spotted an error, or have something to add? Help us keep this page accurate.

All caves9 caves in Reykjavík Area, mapped with photos, distances and live conditions
Iceland nowfrom 19 Sep 06:10
8°C · overcastWind 2 m/sRing Road (R1) openAurora Kp 2.67Daylight 07:02 – 19:39Webcams