This tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula and The Lava Tunnel is an introduction to Iceland’s incredible and contasting landscapes, with its unique geology a result of the separating tectonic plates that are pulling it apart. The peninsula, with its diversity of volcanic and geothermal activity, is a Geopark and is the only place in the world where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is visible above sea level. Here you will experience magnificent sights such as vast lava fields, geothermal hot springs, dramatic coastlines and breathtaking lava tunnels.
We invite you to join us on an exploration of this gem of Iceland, hiding in plain sight, often only visited by locals. The Reykjanes tour takes you to the most fascinating sights in this geological hotspot, which is a registered UNESCO Global Geopark. The day is topped off by taking a guided tour through one of Iceland’s largest lava tunnels, formed thousands of years ago. The formations and colors within the scorched earth of The Lava Tunnel have to be seen to be believed.
The highlights of the Reykjanes Peninsula include lava fields, geothermal hot mud springs, beautiful green lakes and extraordinary scenery. We start the day by heading out of Reykjavík and stopping by the ancient manor farm of Bessastaðir, where Iceland’s Presidents have resided since 1941. From here we head to the south-western most point of Iceland, where you can admire the cliffs teaming with birds and the oldest lighthouse in Iceland. Reykjanesviti Lighthouse was destroyed by an earthquake in 1905, with the new lighthouse being built in 1907-1908. We will also stop by The Bridge Between Two Continents, a footbridge that links a fissure running between the two continental plates of North America and Europe.
Before leaving the south-western corner of Reykjanes we also visit Gunnuhver, a highly active geothermal area of mud pools and steam vents, and Iceland´s largest hot mud spring. We then head to the fishing village of Grindavík, where we stop of at one of our favorite small restaurants in the area that specializes in Lobster Soup and other Icelandic delicacies (lunch is not included in the price).
After lunch we visit Kleifarvatn Lake with its black volcanic shores and its surrounding moss-covered lava fields. Nearby is the lunarlike landscape of Krýsuvík with its steam vents and mud-pots bubbling right to the surface.
Then comes the real highlight of the tour with a visit to The Lava Tunnel, Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland. A journey into Raufarhólshellir is a unique experience and a great opportunity to witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption as you’ll walk the same path that lava flowed through during the Leitahraun eruption 5200 years ago. After the Lava Tunnel we will have you back in Reykjavik around 5pm.
Operates: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday with a minimum of 4 passengers
Duration: 7.5 hours
Pick-Up Time: 9:30am
Number of people: maximum 12
Minimum age: 8 years old
Level of difficulty: Easy
Price: Adults 19,990 ISK, Youth (8-11 year old) 16,990 ISK
Included: Admission to The Lava Tunnel, pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavik, transportation with a small group and an English-speaking guide.
Be sure to bring along waterproof jackets and pants for the unpredictable Icelandic weather. Waterproof jackets and pants are available to hire. Make sure to order in the booking process.
Operated by Hidden Iceland
