From Reykjavík: Evening Lava Tunnel Tour and Northern Lights Tour

Raufarhólshellir is the star of this evening: a lava tunnel where the walls show the colors left by volcanic heat, and a guided route takes you as far as 900 meters underground. Then you head away from Reykjavík’s lights to look for the Northern Lights, with the destination chosen according to the forecast.

I like the combination of a guided cave walk and an aurora hunt, since the cave gives the evening a worthwhile first act even if the sky stays dark. I also like the minibus, hot cocoa, blankets, and the promise of a free repeat Northern Lights outing if the aurora does not appear.

The main catch is that the Northern Lights are never guaranteed. The cave walk also includes uneven ground, and dinner is not provided, so eat beforehand and be ready for a night that may end without an aurora sighting.

At a glance

• Walk up to 900 meters into Raufarhólshellir: A certified caving guide leads you along built paths, footbridges, and some uneven natural ground.
• Spend about two and a half hours chasing the aurora: Your guide chooses a destination based on the forecast, with possible outings toward Þingvellir, Reykjanes, or elsewhere in South Iceland.
• Ride in a minibus capped at 28 people: The smaller vehicle can reach spots larger buses may not, and Wi-Fi is available onboard.
• Get cocoa, chocolate, and a blanket: A welcome bit of comfort during the outdoor part of a cold Icelandic evening.
• Ask about the free repeat tour if the lights do not appear: It applies to the Northern Lights portion, not the cave visit.
• Plan for a five-hour evening and bring a full stomach: The tour starts at 7:30 pm, and dinner is not included.

The lava tunnel gives the evening a sure thing

The tour begins with pickup at an authorized point in Reykjavík, then drives roughly 45 minutes to Raufarhólshellir. It is Iceland’s fourth-longest lava tube, and the underground visit lasts about an hour. A certified caving guide provides the safety briefing and the equipment, including a helmet and torch.

The route combines built paths and footbridges with stretches of natural, uneven ground. The walk is described as suitable for most ages, but that does not mean it is perfectly level or effortless. You should be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, and the tour is not recommended if that kind of footing worries you.

As you go farther into the tunnel, the guide explains how volcanic forces formed the cave and its unusual walls. Look for greens, reds, turquoise, and lilac tones in the rock. The torch on your helmet helps you see in the dark, but the cave’s dimness is part of the setting, not a reason to rush through it.

There are toilets at the start of the tunnel, where you return after the walk. That is a useful detail before setting off, particularly since the visit lasts about an hour and the next stop is outdoors.

For many people, the cave is the most dependable part of the evening. Aurora conditions can change quickly, but the lava tube visit is a planned guided activity. If cloud cover spoils the sky later, you will still have seen a striking part of Iceland that is very different from the open-air sights around Reykjavík.

A minibus takes you beyond the city glow

After the cave, you return to the minibus for the Northern Lights search. The outing lasts about two and a half hours, and the guide picks a destination using the latest forecasts. Possible directions include Þingvellir, Reykjanes, and other places in South Iceland where the sky may be clearer.

That flexibility is valuable. A fixed stop can leave you under cloud while the sky clears elsewhere; a guide who can change the plan has more options. The minibus also has an advantage over a large coach, since it can reach places that bigger vehicles cannot.

Still, a flexible route cannot control the weather or make the aurora appear. Clouds, conditions, and the strength of the lights all affect what you see. It is best to think of this part as a search, not a scheduled show. If the sky stays blank, the guide may try several locations, but no route can guarantee a sighting.

If the lights do appear, the guide can take photos of you with the aurora. That is a welcome extra, especially if you would rather watch the sky than fiddle with camera settings. The photos are included, but the Northern Lights themselves are not something any company can promise.

Names mentioned for guides on this tour include Gretta and Nicolas, though your guide may be someone else. The important practical point is that the role involves more than driving: your Northern Lights guide is also responsible for following conditions and helping the group make the most of a sighting.

Cocoa and blankets help with the wait

Searching for the aurora means spending time outside, often at night. The tour includes Icelandic hot cocoa, chocolate, and a blanket, small comforts that make a pause under the sky more pleasant. Wi-Fi is available in the vehicle, too, which can help you stay connected between stops.

Bring warm clothing suited to being outdoors, even though a blanket is provided. The supplied information does not specify exactly how long you will stand outside at each stop, so it is sensible to dress for more than a quick look. The cave also calls for footwear and clothing you can walk in over uneven surfaces.

There is no dinner on the tour. Since pickup begins at 7:30 pm and the evening lasts about five hours, eat before you go rather than counting on a meal along the way. Snacks are not included either.

What the $195.19 price buys

At $195.19 per person, this is a fairly full evening rather than a simple bus ride to watch the sky. The price covers transport, the guided cave visit, helmet and torch, a Northern Lights guide, Wi-Fi, aurora photos if the lights appear, and cocoa, chocolate, and a blanket. The free repeat Northern Lights tour can add value if the first outing does not produce a sighting.

The cave is what makes the price easier to justify. You are not paying only for a chance at an aurora, which might not show. You get a separate, guided activity with a clear destination and a full hour underground. If your main goal is simply to see the Northern Lights, however, you may prefer to compare this combined outing with a dedicated aurora tour.

The group has a maximum of 28 people. That is not a private tour, but the minibus format is more personal than a large coach, and it gives the driver more flexibility on the road. The tradeoff is that you will still share cave time and outdoor stops with a group.

The tour is typically booked about 39 days ahead, so planning early is sensible if your dates are fixed. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather cancels the tour, you are offered another date or a full refund; if the minimum group size is not met, you are offered another date or experience, or a refund.

Pickup takes a little planning

Pickup is offered from authorized points around Reykjavík, not from private apartments, Airbnb apartments, or Keflavík Airport. If your accommodation is not on the pickup list, choose the closest authorized stop and arrange to be there before the pickup window begins.

The pickup vehicle can take up to 30 minutes to reach your stop. Be ready from the start of that window, rather than arriving at the posted time and assuming the minibus will be waiting. This matters especially if you are using one of the city bus stops rather than a hotel entrance.

The tour returns to a selected drop-off location in Reykjavík. A few people have been dropped directly at their hotels, but that should not be treated as a guaranteed service. Confirm your actual pickup and drop-off details before setting out.

Who will like this tour most

This pairing suits you if you want a memorable activity even when the aurora does not cooperate. The cave makes the evening worthwhile on its own, while the sky search adds a chance at something extraordinary. It is also a good fit if you have limited time in Reykjavík and want to combine two distinct outings in one evening.

Families with older children may find the cave engaging; one account described a 15-year-old enjoying it. The tour is listed as suitable for most participants, but children and adults alike need to manage uneven ground. If you or someone in your group is uneasy on rough surfaces, consider another activity.

Solo visitors can also appreciate the small-group setup and guide attention, though the group may be as large as 28. If you are traveling alone, keep track of where the guide and group are during outdoor stops, especially in the dark.

This is less suitable if you need a guaranteed aurora sighting, want a meal included, or are uncomfortable walking on uneven terrain. It may also be a poor fit if your schedule cannot accommodate a free repeat outing on another night. The repeat offer is useful, but it is only practical if you have time to use it.

Make the call

I would book this tour if the cave sounds appealing in its own right and you are happy to treat the aurora as a bonus, not a promise. Its best value is the mix of a guided underground visit, flexible minibus search, and small comforts outdoors. Eat before pickup, wear sturdy footwear, and check the repeat-tour arrangements if the lights do not show.

If the Northern Lights are your only priority, compare the schedule and terms with a dedicated aurora outing. If you want one evening with both a geological highlight and a real chance to see the sky light up, this is a sensible choice.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about five hours. The cave visit takes about one hour, and the Northern Lights search lasts about two and a half hours, with travel and pickup making up the rest.

What time does pickup start?

The stated start time is 7:30 pm. Pickup may take up to 30 minutes to reach your authorized stop, so be ready from the beginning of the pickup window.

Can the tour pick me up at my apartment or Airbnb?

No. Pickup is offered at authorized Reykjavík points, but not at private apartments, Airbnb apartments, or Keflavík Airport. If your accommodation is not listed, use the closest authorized pickup point.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes transport, a certified caving guide, helmet and torch, an English-speaking Northern Lights guide, Wi-Fi on board, Northern Lights photos, hot cocoa, chocolate, and a blanket. A free repeat Northern Lights tour is offered if the lights are not seen.

Is dinner included?

No. Dinner and snacks are not included. Eat before the tour.

Is the lava tunnel suitable for everyone?

Most people can take part, but the route has uneven ground as well as paths and footbridges. Participants should be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces; the tour is not recommended for anyone uncomfortable with that terrain.

What happens if the Northern Lights do not appear?

You can take a free repeat Northern Lights tour if the lights are not seen during the outing. The tour information does not specify the repeat’s availability or booking steps, so confirm those details with the provider.