Volcanic Caves and Craters: The Lava Tunnel, Grindavík & Reykjanes Lava Fields Combo Tour
by Arctic Adventures · Lava caves · Volcanoes & lava · Reykjanes & Blue Lagoon
- Fine on your own
from €176.11 per person
Next departure: Thu 22 Oct
1 / 32
Duration
9 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Season
All year
Starts in
Reykjavík
Pickup
Hotel pickup included
Guide
Guided in English
Departs
08:00
Minimum age
6
Cancellation
Free until 24 hours before
About this experience
Experience the raw power of Iceland’s volcanic landscapes on this full-day adventure, combining the mysterious underground world of lava tunnels with the striking volcanic fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula. From exploring natural lava tubes to walking across rugged lava fields, this tour immerses you in Iceland’s geological wonders, complete with stunning coastal views and geothermal areas. Perfect for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel
Raufarhólshellir, one of Iceland’s longest lava tubes, stretches 1,360 m and offers a spacious, easy walk through stunning volcanic formations. Enter through a narrow opening and journey deeper into the cave, where naturally colored walls shimmer in red, violet, and turquoise from mineral deposits. Along the way, our expert guides share the cave’s history, highlight its most impressive features, and ensure a safe, unforgettable adventure. The tour lasts for approximately 1 hour. You'll then be dropped back in Reykjavík after the tour for some free time before being picked up again for the section half of the tour.
Kleifarvatn Lake
Once aboard for part 2 of the day, we'll first stop at Kleifarvatn, the largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula, just a 30-minute drive from the capital. It is one of Iceland's deepest lakes, with a maximum depth of 318 feet (97 meters). Surprisingly, Kleifarvatn Lake is not connected to any rivers or creeks and is fed only by the groundwater seeping through the porous lava rocks, distinctive to the area.
According to the legends, a mythical worm-like monster lives in the deep waters of Kleifarvatn. Your guide will share stories about this mystical creature while you enjoy the views of the vibrant hills and unique lava formations.
Seltún Geothermal Area
Next, we’ll visit the Seltún geothermal area in Krýsuvík, renowned for its Mars-like landscapes, full of hot springs and vibrantly colored hills that resemble the surface of another planet. The red, yellow, and grey-colored terrain results from the mineral deposits accumulating on the surface. You will notice the distinctive smell of sulfur in the air—evidence of the highly active geothermal processes. We will walk along the wooden paths, discovering multiple bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and hissing steam vents.
Grænavatn Lake
After a short drive, we’ll reach another natural masterpiece, Grænavatn, which means “green lake.” This naturally formed pool is nestled in a volcanic crater and is known for the bright green color of its water. This is due to the high concentration of sulfur in the lake. This serene oasis is a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. Get your camera ready and capture the uniqueness of Iceland's geology.
Nátthagi Eruption Site
Next up is Nátthagi, the area near the Fagradalsfjall volcano, known as the site of the dramatic eruption in 2021. After being dormant for about 6000 years, the volcano awakened with an explosive event that lasted six months, making it the longest-lasting Icelandic eruption of the 21st century. You will see a large lava field where solidified flows have created striking geological formations, including rounded lumps of black rock at the valley's edge, marking the point where the lava stopped. We’ll be able to take a short hike to the Nátthagi viewpoint to get a closer view of this frozen-in-time lava river.
Please note: The hike to the lava field is approximately 20 minutes, but passengers must be comfortable on uneven paths and rugged terrain.
Grindavík Town
As we reach Grindavík, you’ll be greeted by the eerie silence of a once-thriving town now deeply affected by volcanic activity. Since late 2023, many eruptions in the vicinity have led to road closures and evacuations of the residents, leaving the town empty and deserted.
Recently, the town was reopened and declared completely safe for former residents to return and for visitors to explore. However, most of the houses are still abandoned, and the roads still show visible signs of damage from the seismic shifts. This unique opportunity allows us to observe the raw power of Icelandic nature firsthand.
Sundhnúkagígar Lava Field
Please note: We’ll stop at a local restaurant for 15 to 20 minutes to grab refreshments.
Next, we will drive through the Sundhnúkagígar lava field, just outside of Grindavík. This land was shaped by some of Iceland’s most recent eruptions, which captured headlines worldwide. Here, you’ll witness the freshly created volcanic landscape with steam still rising from the ground
After exploring this natural masterpiece, we’ll head back to Reykjavik, driving through the picturesque Icelandic countryside and sharing the highlights of an adventure-filled day. We’ll arrive in the early evening, giving you plenty of time to relax or explore the vibrant capital.
Description from the operator, Arctic Adventures. Prices and availability in the booking panel are live.
Where you go
- Pick Up in Reykjavík
- Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel
- Drop off in Reykjavík
- Pick up in Reykjavík
- Kleifarvatn Lake
- Seltún Hot Spring Area
- Gígvatnsvatn (Grænavatn)
- Nátthagi 2021 Eruption Site
- Grindavík Town
- Sundhnúkagígar Lava Field
- Drop Off in Reykjavík
Included
- Guided Lava Cave Tour with a Certified Caving Guide
- All Necessary Safety Equipment
- Helmet & Head Torch for Lava Tunnel
- Crampons (in winter) For Lava Tunnel
- Guided Grindavík, and Krýsuvík tour
- Pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavik
- Minibus transportation
- Certified English-speaking guide
- Free WiFi on board the bus
Good to know
- Warm outdoor clothing
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Hiking shoes
- Warm headwear & gloves
- Lunch & Snacks
- Camera
Pick Up
- First you'll be picked up for the Lava Tunnel tour at 8:00am. Once the Lava Tunnel tour is over you'll be dropped off back in Reykjavík at your original pick up location where you'll have some free time and can grab some lunch before the afternoon tour.
- For the second portion of this combo, pick up for the Grindavík & Reykjanes Lava Fields tour begins at 12:00 noon. Please be ready for pick up at this time.
- It may take up to 30 minutes for your guide to reach you depending on traffic and your location.
Please Note
- These are two separate tours and if one of the tours gets canceled, the other will still be available for you to join.
- Remember to bring warm outdoor clothing, a waterproof jacket, pants, headwear and gloves. Good hiking shoes are highly recommended.
- The walk is easy in terms of difficulty, with some parts having developments like footbridges and paths to make it easier, and other parts being as nature intended. This means that the lava tunnel tour can be done by people of all ages and abilities. However, participants must be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces to be able to take part in the tour.
- As the landscape of this region is constantly changing, the tour itinerary may be adjusted based on road closures or site accessibility. Our guides will make every effort to visit all planned locations whenever possible.
Cancellation for this tour
Free cancellation until 24 hours before departure; no refund after that. If the operator cancels for weather or safety, you get a full refund or a new date.
If the weather cancels this tour
Iceland's weather is real. What usually stops this one is wind on the ridge or a change in eruption activity — civil protection decides, not the operator. Here is exactly what happens to your booking.
- 1Arctic Adventures decides, and tells us. Operators cancel when it is unsafe or pointless, and we back that call every time — we do not ask them to run anyway.
- 2We contact you by email, and by phone if your tour is the same or next day. You choose: another date if there is one you can make, or a full refund. There is no fee and nothing to argue.
- 3The refund goes back to the card you paid with, through Stripe, usually visible within a few working days. If this tour was one of several in your booking, the others are untouched.
What you do not get is the day back. If this is the only free day in your plan, put a spare day next to it — the planner leaves days free with the rest-day option. And if you want out because the forecast looks bad, that is your own cancellation: free until 1 day before departure, the operator's policy after that.
Questions on the day: [email protected] · +354 497 1373. How cancellations work in Iceland →
Sold out on your date?
Seats come back — a cancellation, or the operator adding a vehicle. Tell us the date and we will check once a day and email you if one opens. One email, then we delete the address; nothing else is ever sent to it.
Who this is not for
- Children under 6 cannot join this one.
Read off the operator's own conditions. If none of it applies to you, this is a good one.
Why we list it
Arctic Adventures is one of 204 operators we work with — chosen for reliability, honest descriptions and how they treat guests when weather changes plans. We don't list everything; we list what we'd book ourselves. The six checks every operator passes →
What travellers say about Arctic Adventures
Read all 5,195 reviews on Google →Operator rating 4.6/5 from Google — these are reviews of the company, not this specific tour. Shown as Google returns them, unedited.
★★★★★ · 3 months ago
This was a phenomenal trip with AMAZING sights. Our tour guide was informative, friendly, and easy to listen to. You will learn a lot and see nature at its greatest. We absolutely loved this tour and would recommend it to anyone. The car ride is comfortable and there is wifi as well! Shout out to our tour guide, Magnus (I hope I’m spelling his name correctly), who told us some hilarious stories.
★★★★★ · 2 months ago
I spent six days on a bus tour around Iceland with a professional guide. It was an excellent opportunity to gain a comprehensive overview of Iceland's breathtaking nature while also learning about the country's history and the everyday lives of its people. Iceland's landscape and animals are truly unique, featuring magnificent waterfalls, geysers, whales, seals, puffins, volcanoes, glaciers, and mountains. Every day brought new and unforgettable experiences. Of course, none of this would have been possible without our guide, Viko. He not only drove the bus safely but also shared fascinating stories about Icelandic history, culture, and way of life. He was willing to tailor the itinerary to our group's interests and wishes, making the experience even more enjoyable. I am very grateful for his professionalism, knowledge, and enthusiasm in interpreting Iceland's natural and cultural heritage. He played a key role in making this tour such a memorable experience.
★★★★★ · 3 months ago
I did the Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik. Such an amazing tour and one of the highlights of my trip to Iceland! Our guide, Erik, was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so much interesting information about Iceland throughout the day. We visited some of the country’s most beautiful sights, including stunning waterfalls, Vik, black sand beaches, and other breathtaking stops along the South Coast. The pickup process was simple and organized, making the day completely stress-free. The scenery was incredible from start to finish, and Erik helped make the experience even better with his knowledge, friendliness, and enthusiasm. If you’re visiting Iceland, the South Coast is a must-do, and I highly recommend taking this tour with Erik as your guide!
★★★★★ · 2 months ago
What a wonderful adventure! The 3 Day South Coast/Golden Circle tour included all of the sites we wanted to see and it did not disappoint. We were picked up at a bus stop in downtown Reykjavik and our journey began with about 16 other guests, a good group size. Our tour guide "Good" John did an excellent job teaching us about the history of Iceland and the sites we saw. The tour is well organized with just enough time at each site. He also made adjustments to the itinerary based on the weather as well as including sites not on the tour to give us more to see, which we loved! There were plenty of bathroom/food breaks as needed and we loved that we could just sit back, relax, and enjoy the views outside the window rather than worrying about driving and parking. Our multi-day tour included a 2 night stay at Adventure Hotel Geirland, which Arctic Adventures owns. Such a quiet hotel, convenient location with beautiful views. Our only complaints were that the shower leaked and made the floor wet, and that dinner at the restaurant was expensive with limited options. However the food was good and breakfast was included. The Katla Ice Cave was our favorite part, which was partnered with Southcoast Adventure, and our guide Inga was very friendly and knowledgeable. We did pay for a hiking boot rental for my husband but never received the boots. We did not ask our tour guide so we are not sure what happened with that. Overall we absolutely loved this tour and would highly recommend Arctic Adventures to anyone visiting Iceland for the first time!
Reviews from Google · updated 21 Oct 2026
Read before you book
- Reykjanes peninsula tour: is it worth a day?What a Reykjanes day tour actually shows you, why the lava fields matter more than the eruption, and which tour to book from Reykjavík or the airport.
- Fagradalsfjall volcano hike: guided or on your own?Hike it alone if you're fit, have a car and the trails are open. Book a guide if you don't drive or it's winter. Either way, expect cooled lava, not an eruption.
- Guided day hikes from Reykjavík: which one to bookFour guided hikes from Reykjavík on the Reykjanes peninsula, €117 to €1,040: the Seltún trek, a volcano bus tour and two private options compared.
Reviews from our travellers
Only people who booked this tour through us can write here. We publish every review in full — good or bad.
Reviews arrive the day after each trip — none yet for this one. After your tour we send one email asking how it was, and what you write goes here, unedited.
Lava caves — questions people ask
Which lava cave near Reykjavík is the easiest to visit?
Raufarhólshellir, sold as The Lava Tunnel, thirty minutes east of the city. It has a lit walkway and a one-hour guided walk (/experience/32545/ meet on location, or /experience/222055/ with pickup), so no crawling and no head torches. It runs all year. Viðgelmir in West Iceland is longer and quieter, an hour and a half away, and Leiðarendi is a proper caving trip with helmets and scrambling.
What is the difference between a lava cave and an ice cave?
A lava cave is a tunnel left when a lava flow drained out thousands of years ago; it is rock, permanent and open all year. An ice cave is a meltwater tunnel in a glacier, usually only safe November to March, and rebuilt by nature every year. Lava caves show colours in the rock, ice stalactites in winter and total darkness. Ice caves show blue light. If you are here in summer and someone offers a natural ice cave, ask which one.
Is lava caving suitable for children and older people?
The Lava Tunnel, yes. The main walk is on a flat walkway with lights and handrails, and children of most ages manage it. Viðgelmir has a good path too. Leiðarendi and the caving combos (/experience/268/) involve crouching, uneven floors and some scrambling, so the operator sets a minimum age; check the tour page. Anyone with a bad back or knees should stick to the walkway caves.
What do I wear in a lava cave?
It is around zero to four degrees inside, whatever the weather outside, and floors drip. Wear a warm jacket, closed shoes with grip and long trousers. The operator provides a helmet with a head torch where needed. For caving trips, wear clothes you do not mind scraping on rock; gloves help. The Lava Tunnel is easier on clothing, but it is still a cold, wet cave, not a museum.
Hotels
Where to stay for this tour
From the cheapest to the top end of what is near Reykjavík, from our hotel partners. Rooms are booked on our hotels site.
from 16.181 kr.Lowest price
Guesthouse · Reykjavík
Old Town Reykjavík
under 1 km away · a night for two, indicative
from 41.790 kr.Mid-range
Hotel · Reykjavík
Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel
under 1 km away · a night for two, indicative
from 60.840 kr.Top end
Hotel · Reykjavik
Hótel Holt
under 1 km away · a night for two, indicative
One checkout, any number of operators
Rankings are not for sale
203 operators vetted, and not all of them accepted
If it falls short, we fix it
Pairs well with
Add any of these to this tour and 3 % comes off both at checkout — about €9 on the cheapest pair. One basket, one payment, however many operators they come from.
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