Evening Lava Tunnel Tour and Northern Lights

Exploring Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes is a dream for many travelers, and this evening tour offers a fascinating combination: the chance to walk through a volcanic lava tunnel and witness the elusive Northern Lights. The experience is billed as a 5-hour adventure that takes you deep beneath the earth and out into the starry Icelandic countryside—all in one night.

What makes this tour stand out is the guided exploration of Raufarhólshellir, which is Iceland’s fourth-longest lava tube, and the promise of an organized, comfortable search for the Aurora Borealis, complete with warm blankets and hot cocoa. We especially appreciate the focus on expert guides and safety, which help turn what could be intimidating terrain into an accessible experience for most travelers.

However, one thing to consider: the success of seeing the Northern Lights depends heavily on weather and solar activity. If the skies stay cloudy or solar activity is low, you might find yourself enjoying the lava cave but missing the aurora. This makes the tour best suited for those with flexible expectations or a keen interest in the underground volcanic world. Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for those eager for a night of adventure, natural beauty, and educational insight.

Key Points

• Unique combination: Lava tunnel exploration paired with a Northern Lights hunt in a single evening.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable, funny, and safety-conscious guides enhance the experience.
• Comfort and convenience: Pickup in Reykjavík, WiFi on board, hot cocoa, blankets, and photos included.
• Flexibility: The Northern Lights destination varies based on weather forecasts, maximizing your chances.
• Value for money: At $167, it offers a well-rounded, memorable night out with multiple highlights.
• Good for many travelers: Suitable for all ages who can handle uneven terrain, but not recommended for those uncomfortable with walking on natural surfaces.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting in Reykjavík: Easy and Punctual Pickup

Your adventure begins with a pickup from Reykjavík in a comfortable minibus, typically around 7:30 pm. The ride to the volcanic underground is about 45 minutes, during which your guide shares tidbits about Iceland’s volcanic activity and what to expect in the caves. The transport is generally praised for being cozy and with WiFi, which is a nice bonus for any last-minute planning or just relaxing.

Exploring Raufarhólshellir Lava Tube

Once at the lava cave, you’ll be introduced to Raufarhólshellir, a remarkable natural formation created by a volcanic eruption over 5,000 years ago. The guide, often described as knowledgeable and humorous (special shout-out to Gretta and Nicolas in reviews), will provide safety equipment—helmets and torches—and a quick safety briefing.

The walk into the cave lasts about an hour. The terrain includes smooth paths, footbridges, and some uneven surfaces, so confident walking is a must. As one reviewer noted, “it’s a bit slippery inside the lava tunnel but safety gears are provided,” which reassures those concerned about footing.

What makes this cave such a visual delight is the vibrant coloration of the walls—emerald greens, reds, turquoise, lilacs—thanks to the volcanic minerals. The guide explains these formations, adding an educational touch to the tour, and many reviewers mention how stunning these natural “paintings” are.

The Journey to the Northern Lights

After emerging from the lava tunnels, the group heads into the Icelandic countryside in search of the Aurora Borealis. The tour’s flexibility is a real plus here: your guide will chase the clearest skies, possibly heading to Þingvellir or Reykjanes, away from city lights. This adaptability often results in better chances to see the lights, which are, after all, unpredictable.

The guides take care to keep everyone comfortable—offering hot chocolate, chocolates, and cozy blankets—while waiting beneath the stars. Several reviewers noted how the guides, like Nicolas, went out of their way to help guests get photos of the lights, which can be tricky with camera settings in low light.

It’s important to remember that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings aren’t guaranteed. The tour offers a “free retry” if you don’t see them the first night, adding value and peace of mind.

The Return to Reykjavík

After about 2.5 hours of Aurora watching, your bus will bring you back to Reykjavík, with the option to be dropped off at your preferred location. The whole experience is crafted to feel relaxed and enjoyable, with plenty of time to process and share photos of the night’s highlights.

Inside the Experience: What Travelers Love

Multiple reviews emphasize the expertise and humor of guides—Gretta’s name is mentioned specifically as “great,” and Nicolas’s help with Aurora photos was appreciated. The guides’ local knowledge and friendly approach make the experience both educational and fun.

The lava tunnel itself is often described as a “fantastic” and “breathtaking” underground maze, with the vivid colors being a highlight. Visitors also note that the paths are well-maintained, making the walk accessible for most.

On the Aurora side, many travelers felt lucky—“we got so lucky the lights were out,” said one reviewer—highlighting how unpredictable but rewarding this part of the tour can be. The effort to find the clearest skies and the inclusion of free Aurora photos make the night even more memorable.

Practical Details and Value

At $167, this tour provides a well-rounded package: transportation, expert guiding, safety gear, and photos are all included. The price is reasonable considering the combined experience of underground exploration and Aurora chasing. Plus, the hot cocoa, chocolates, and blankets add a cozy touch, making the chilly Icelandic night more comfortable.

It’s important to note that the tour lasts about 5 hours, so it’s suitable for most travelers but may be a late night for some. The maximum group size of 28 helps ensure a personalized experience, and the fact that most travelers give it a 5-star rating suggests consistent quality.

Considerations

• The terrain in the lava tunnel can be uneven and slippery, so participants should be comfortable walking on natural surfaces.
• The Northern Lights are weather-dependent, and clear skies aren’t guaranteed.
• Dinner isn’t included, so plan to eat beforehand.
• The tour is best suited for those with an interest in volcanic geology and natural phenomena.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventure seekers, geology buffs, or anyone eager to see Iceland’s underground volcanic features. It also caters well to those interested in nature’s night-time spectacles, especially if they enjoy cozy, guided nights outdoors. Families with children comfortable on uneven terrain will find it manageable, but those wary of walking on natural rocks or slippery surfaces should consider their comfort level.

Travelers on a budget will find the value in the comprehensive experience, especially with the potential for multiple chances to see the Northern Lights if the weather isn’t cooperative the first night.

The Sum Up

This Evening Lava Tunnel Tour with Northern Lights offers a well-organized, engaging way to spend an Icelandic night. You’ll get to explore a stunning volcanic underground world, learn about Iceland’s fiery history, and chase the elusive Aurora Borealis—all with expert guides who prioritize safety and fun. The included photos, cozy comforts, and flexible Aurora chase make it a memorable choice.

It’s especially suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of geology, natural beauty, and local insight without feeling rushed. While the Northern Lights are never guaranteed, the combination of underground adventure and scenic night sky viewing creates an experience that’s both educational and awe-inspiring.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, this tour offers a genuine taste of Iceland’s volcanic soul and celestial magic—just remember to keep your camera ready and your expectations flexible.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from Reykjavík is offered in a comfortable minibus, making it easy to start your adventure without hassle.

What should I wear?
Wear warm, layered clothing since you’ll be outdoors for the Aurora hunt. The lava tunnel can be cool but is generally accessible, and safety gear is provided for the cave.

How long does the lava tunnel exploration last?
The guided walk into Raufarhólshellir lasts about an hour, covering up to 900 meters into the lava tube.

Is the terrain inside the lava cave difficult?
The paths are well-maintained, but uneven terrain and some slipperiness mean confident walking is necessary. The tour is suitable for most ages, but caution is advised.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
The tour offers a free retry if the Aurora isn’t visible during your first attempt, providing extra peace of mind.

How do guides assist with Aurora photos?
Guides are happy to help guests capture photos of the lights, often snapping their shots to ensure everyone gets a memorable picture.

Are snacks or dinner included?
No, dinner isn’t included, so plan to eat beforehand. Hot cocoa and chocolates are provided during the Aurora viewing.

How long is the entire tour?
The full experience lasts about 5 hours, starting at 7:30 pm and returning to Reykjavík around midnight.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most children comfortable on uneven terrain can participate. However, younger kids should be able to handle walking and cold outdoor conditions.

What’s the price for this experience?
It costs $167 per person, which is a fair value considering the guided underground exploration, scenic drive, and Aurora hunting.

To sum it up, this tour offers an excellent mix of adventure, education, and natural beauty. It’s best suited for curious travelers eager to see both Iceland’s volcanic underground and its celestial display, with guides who make the experience engaging and safe. If you’re after a memorable night under Iceland’s starry skies, this adventure delivers both natural wonders and cozy comforts.