Reykjavik: Evening Lava Tunnel and Northern Lights Hunt

Two Iceland wonders in one night. This four-hour outing pairs the colorful Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel with a countryside search for the Aurora Borealis, making it a strong choice if you want more than a standard bus ride from Reykjavík. I especially like the small minibus access to darker, quieter viewing spots and the free Northern Lights photographs, which save you from fighting your camera while the sky does its work. The main catch is simple: auroras are never guaranteed, and the cave walk includes uneven ground.

The evening also has a useful safety net. If clouds or poor conditions block the lights, you can rebook the Northern Lights minibus tour free for up to three years, although a repeat trip does not include the lava tunnel entrance. Plan this tour early in your stay if you can. That gives you time for another attempt.

Key points at a glance

• Raufarhólshellir after dark: Visit one of Iceland’s best-known lava tubes by head torch, with a quieter late-evening feel than a daytime visit.
• Mineral colors inside the cave: Look for emerald, ruby, turquoise, and lilac shades formed by volcanic minerals along the walls.
• A real Aurora search: The guide checks conditions and drives beyond the city instead of simply stopping at the first roadside pullout.
• Warmth matters: Blankets, Icelandic hot cocoa, chocolate, and lava candy make the outdoor waiting more comfortable.
• Complimentary aurora photos: The guide takes pictures of you beneath the lights, a useful bonus when night photography is tricky.
• Free retry protection: If the sky stays cloudy, you can book another Northern Lights minibus outing for up to three years.

Why this combination works so well

I like this tour because the lava cave gives you a worthwhile evening even if the sky refuses to cooperate. A Northern Lights outing alone can end with a long wait and no aurora. Here, you first get a guided geological experience, then spend time chasing the lights.

At $189 per person, it is not a cheap night out. Still, the price includes Reykjavík pickup and drop-off, the cave guide, safety equipment, the Northern Lights guide, Wi-Fi on the bus, warm treats, blankets, and aurora photos. The value improves if you want both experiences and do not want to arrange separate transport.

The tour is also a good fit for a short Reykjavík visit. You see an unusual volcanic site outside the city, then use the remaining hours to seek one of Iceland’s most famous natural sights. It is less useful if you only want a guaranteed attraction or if you dislike waiting outdoors in cold weather.

Pickup from Reykjavík at 7:30 PM

Pickup begins at 7:30 PM from selected points around Reykjavík. There are many options, including the Bus Terminal, City Hall, Höfðatorg, Skarfabakki Harbour, Hallgrímskirkja area stops, major hotels, and several hostels.

You need to choose the correct location and update it at least 48 hours before the tour if plans change. Pickup can take up to 30 minutes depending on traffic and your location, so do not arrive at the last second. I would be ready early, especially at a busy bus stop where several tour vehicles may pass.

The minibus takes about 45 minutes to reach the Blue Mountains and Raufarhólshellir. The included Wi-Fi is handy for checking messages, but the real benefit of the smaller vehicle is access. A minibus can use roads and stopping points that are less practical for large coaches.

Group size can vary. One evening had only three participants, while other departures may be fuller. A small group can make it easier to ask questions and can give the evening a more relaxed feel, but you should not assume every departure will be tiny.

Entering Raufarhólshellir by head torch

Raufarhólshellir was formed by an eruption more than 5,000 years ago. Inside, you walk through a natural lava tube shaped by flowing rock rather than by people. That gives the stop a very different feel from a polished museum or built attraction.

You receive a helmet and head torch, then get a safety briefing from a certified caving guide. In winter, crampons are supplied. The route is described as easy overall, with footbridges and prepared paths in some sections, but other parts remain natural and uneven.

The cave is especially striking at night. Your head torch picks out ridges, folds, rough surfaces, and pockets of color in the rock. Mineral deposits can show emerald, ruby, turquoise, and lilac tones. These are not painted effects or electric lighting. They are traces of the volcanic processes that shaped the tube.

The guide explains how the eruption created the passage and points out features you could easily miss on your own. The cave guides have earned especially warm praise for their enthusiasm and clear explanations. Isla was singled out as an excellent guide, while other evenings featured guides who kept the group safe and engaged without making the geology feel like a school lecture.

Give yourself time to walk carefully. Comfortable shoes are essential, and warm clothing still matters underground. The route is suitable for many ages, but it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Anyone uncomfortable on uneven surfaces should think twice before booking.

Why the cave may be the evening’s best part

The Aurora is the headline attraction, but the lava tunnel is the reliable anchor. Even on an evening when clouds hid the sky, the cave still delivered a memorable experience. One late-night departure had a particularly quiet atmosphere, with a small group and the cave seen mainly by head torch.

That darkness changes the mood. You focus on the rock immediately in front of you, then catch a colored wall or a deep opening as your light moves. It feels more atmospheric than a bright daytime visit, though the tradeoff is that you need to pay closer attention to your footing.

The stop lasts about an hour. That is enough time to see the main formations and hear the geological explanation without turning the visit into a strenuous expedition. You will not be wandering freely through every part of the cave. This is a guided route with safety rules, and that is the right approach in a natural underground setting.

Chasing the Aurora through the countryside

After the cave, the tour heads into the countryside for the Northern Lights search. The listed viewpoint portion can last about two and a half hours, though actual timing depends on cloud cover, aurora activity, road conditions, and the guide’s judgment.

This is not a promise that the lights will appear. The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon, and even a clear night may produce nothing visible. Cloud is often the main problem. On one evening, the guide kept searching for an opening in the sky but could not find a workable view.

The good guides do not simply drive around for appearances. They use their experience to decide when a location is worth stopping at and when the chances are too poor. Several guides, including Palli and Greta, received strong praise for their persistence and enthusiasm. Palli was noted for continuing the search and taking many photographs, while Greta was praised for leading the group to a memorable display.

That personal effort matters. A successful Aurora night depends partly on conditions, but a careful guide can improve your odds by moving away from city light and watching the sky. The minibus format helps here because it can reach less accessible viewing places than a large coach.

Hot cocoa, blankets, and waiting outside

Aurora hunting involves waiting. You may stand outside for a while, look up at a dark sky, then move to another spot. The supplied blanket and hot Icelandic cocoa are not decorative extras. They make a real difference when you are dressed for sightseeing rather than for prolonged outdoor watching.

Chocolate is included too, and some departures have added lava candy or lava biscuits. These small touches help keep the mood pleasant when the sky is slow to change. You should still wear proper warm layers, sturdy shoes, and clothing suited to the forecast. A blanket cannot replace a warm coat.

If the lights appear, the atmosphere changes quickly. The guide may help position you and take complimentary photographs with the Aurora behind you. This is useful because night photography can be frustrating. You can enjoy the sky instead of spending the whole time adjusting your phone.

The photos are a welcome bonus, but do not book solely for a professional photography session. The included service is best understood as a way to preserve the moment, not as a guaranteed studio-quality portrait package.

What happens if the lights do not appear?

This is the most important booking detail. You may see a spectacular display, as happened on several winter evenings, or you may see nothing. Both outcomes are possible even with an excellent guide.

If no Northern Lights are visible, you receive unlimited free retries on the Magical Auroras Minibus Tour for up to three years. You must pay for a new lava tunnel entry if you want to repeat the cave, since the retry covers the Aurora portion only.

This policy makes the tour less risky for someone staying in Iceland for several nights. I would book it near the start of your visit, not on your final evening. A retry is useful only if you still have time in Iceland or expect to return within the validity period.

The retry does not erase the cost in time. You need another evening, another pickup, and another wait. Still, it is far better than paying again for a full cave and Aurora package after weather spoils the first attempt.

Timing, comfort, and the trip back

The advertised duration is four hours, but Aurora searches can run late. One evening ended after 1 AM, so do not schedule an early morning activity immediately afterward. The return to Reykjavík is listed at about 30 minutes, though traffic and the final drop-off point can affect this.

Drop-off is available at many of the same central locations used for pickup, including the Bus Terminal, City Hall, major hotels, hostels, and the harbour. Confirm your chosen point before departure so you are not making a tired decision at the end of the night.

The late finish is part of the tradeoff. You get more time to wait for a break in the clouds, but you may return tired. That is fine for night owls and poor planning for anyone with a demanding early excursion the next morning.

Is $189 a fair price?

I consider $189 reasonable for the package, but only if you want both the cave and the Aurora search. Transport alone would not justify it. The value comes from combining a paid lava tunnel visit, certified cave guidance, winter gear, a specialist Aurora guide, food and drink, photos, and the retry option.

The price also removes a practical headache. You do not need to rent a car, drive unfamiliar roads in winter, or work out where darker skies might be found. You can leave the navigation and weather decisions to the team.

It is less good value if your main goal is photography and you already have a car, camera gear, and a flexible schedule. It is also a weaker choice for a very tight budget, since the Aurora may not appear and the retry requires more of your time.

Who should book this evening?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full Iceland night rather than a single attraction. It suits first-time visitors, couples, families with older children, and anyone who likes geology as much as scenic views.

You should be comfortable walking on uneven ground and standing outside in cold conditions. The cave walk is not presented as strenuous, but it is not fully paved or step-free.

This tour also suits anyone who wants a backup plan for bad Aurora weather. The free retry is one of its strongest practical features. Book early in your trip, bring a camera, and leave the next morning open if possible.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

Pickup is available from selected locations around Reykjavík, including the Bus Terminal, City Hall, Skarfabakki Harbour, several bus stops, hotels, and hostels.

What time does pickup begin?

Pickup starts at 7:30 PM. Your vehicle may take up to 30 minutes to reach your designated location because of traffic and the pickup route.

How long is the tour?

The stated duration is four hours, but the Aurora search can sometimes run later depending on conditions and the guide’s decisions.

How long is the drive to the lava tunnel?

The bus or minibus journey to Raufarhólshellir takes about 45 minutes.

How long do you spend inside Raufarhólshellir?

The guided lava tunnel visit lasts about one hour.

Is the cave walk difficult?

The walk is described as easy overall, but you will encounter uneven natural ground. Footbridges and paths appear in some sections. Comfortable shoes are required.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Are helmets and lights provided?

Yes. The tour includes a helmet and head torch. Crampons are provided in winter.

Are the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. The Aurora is a natural phenomenon, and sightings depend on weather and visibility.

What happens if the Northern Lights are not visible?

You can rebook the Northern Lights minibus tour for free, with unlimited retries valid for up to three years. A repeat booking does not include entry to the lava tunnel.

Is food or drink included?

Yes. You receive Icelandic hot cocoa, chocolate, and a blanket during the Aurora search.

Are photographs included?

Yes. The guide takes complimentary Northern Lights photographs of you during the tour.

Should you book the lava tunnel and Aurora hunt?

Book this tour if you want a dependable volcanic attraction paired with a serious attempt to see the Northern Lights. The cave gives the evening substance, while the small minibus, warm drinks, guide effort, and free retry make the Aurora portion easier to handle.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed spectacle, cannot manage uneven ground, or have an early start the next morning. For everyone else, especially those staying in Reykjavík for several nights, this is a well-balanced way to spend a winter evening. Just remember the key rule: the cave is certain, the Aurora is not, and booking early gives you the best chance to try again.