Reykjavik: Evening Lava Tunnel and Northern Lights Hunt

Lava first, then chasing the aurora. I love the lava tunnel colors at Raufarhólshellir, lit by head torches, and I love getting aurora photos taken for me during the Northern Lights hunt.

I also appreciated the human touch from the guide team. In the real-world outings I’ve learned from, guides like Palli and lava-cave guide Isla focus hard on safety and on finding clear sky, but the aurora itself is weather-dependent.

One possible drawback to plan around: you might not see the Northern Lights on your first attempt. The tour does include free re-tries for the aurora hunt, but lava tunnel entry is not included on re-tries.

Key moments you’ll remember

• Raufarhólshellir at night: a lava tube cave where mineral colors pop under headlamps.
• Certified caving guide + safety gear: you get helmet, head torch, and winter crampons if needed.
• A countryside aurora hunt: blankets, hot cocoa, and warm treats while you wait for the sky.
• Photo help: the team takes your Northern Lights photo so you do not have to guess settings.
• Offbeat access by minibus: smaller vehicle routes can reach spots bigger buses cannot.
• Free Northern Lights re-tries up to 3 years: helpful insurance for the elusive sky.

Why this tour is such a smart mix of lava and aurora

This is not a one-note night. You get two different kinds of Iceland magic in one evening: the geology inside a lava tube, then the real-time drama of chasing the Northern Lights outside.

The value here is the pacing. Starting with the cave means you are already doing something unforgettable while the sky decides whether it will cooperate. Then, once you are out in the dark, you switch into patience mode with warm drinks and blankets. If the lights arrive quickly, you still get the full cave experience first. If they do not, you still did the main show.

Getting from Reykjavík to the Blue Mountains, without stress

Pickup starts in Reykjavík at 7:30 PM, with multiple pickup points across town. You choose your location ahead of time, and you should be ready at your designated spot because the ride can arrive within about 30 minutes depending on traffic and where you are picked up.

The tour uses a minibus. That matters more than it sounds. In practice, smaller vehicles can sometimes access quieter roads and offbeat stopping points that larger buses miss. You also get free Wi-Fi on the bus, which is handy if you want to check weather apps or just keep your maps and camera settings ready.

A key practical tip: bring your patience. You are heading out after sunset. That means colder air, darker roads, and longer sightline checks once you reach the countryside.

Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel: mineral colors under head torches

The heart of the experience is the guided visit to Raufarhólshellir, a lava tube shaped by an eruption over 5,000 years ago. Descending into the cave is part of the appeal because the light is different. Your head torch turns the tunnel into a guided walk through a world of rock textures.

Inside, the walls show a kaleidoscope of colors created by mineral deposits. Think emerald-like greens, ruby reds, turquoise tones, and lilac hints. The guide explains how volcanic activity shaped what you see, so it is not just pretty. It is also meaningful.

This is one of those experiences where night changes everything. In daylight, you might notice the cave as a cave. At night, with gear on and darkness closing in, you start to pay attention to shape, flow marks, and the way the tunnel opens and narrows.

The cave walk is easy, but not on a polished floor

The walk within the lava tunnel is described as easy, with paths and footbridges in some areas and natural terrain in others. That means you do not need special hiking skills, but you do need stable footing.

You’ll get a safety briefing and the necessary equipment:

• Helmet and head torch
• Crampons in winter
• Other safety gear as provided by the team

If you are traveling in winter, crampons are a big deal. Lava rock can be slick, and even small slips feel bigger in the dark. The gear keeps you moving with confidence, not fear.

One more practical note: this tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If that applies to you, it’s better to skip this one and choose an option that matches your ability needs.

Why the included timing works (and what to watch for)

The total duration is 4 hours. The flow is designed so the cave does not feel rushed, then the aurora hunt gets its own chunk of time outdoors.

A typical sequence goes like this: you ride out, spend about 1 hour at the lava cave with the guide, then continue to an aurora-focused viewpoint where you stay outside for around 2.5 hours while the sky is checked repeatedly.

Afterward, you return to Reykjavík and get dropped off at your selected location.

Here is what I like about the timing. Most Northern Lights plans fail for one reason only: you spend hours doing everything but waiting for good conditions. This gives you a real window outside with warmth taken seriously (blankets, hot cocoa, and chocolate).

The Northern Lights hunt: blankets, hot cocoa, and real chasing

Once you finish the cave, you shift into aurora mode. The countryside hunt uses a guide team that actively searches for the best chance of seeing the sky show.

You are not left to fend for yourself. The tour provides cozy blankets and hot chocolate, chocolate, and warm treats. It sounds small, but it helps a lot. Cold hands and numb cheeks kill your attention span fast. Warmth keeps you present for the moment when the sky changes.

The hunt part also includes a viewpoint stop where the guide works the group into position and keeps watching conditions. You’ll stay outside long enough for actual chances, not just a quick peek.

And yes, you might find yourself standing there thinking, Is this it? Then the sky turns. That delay is normal for the aurora game, so the warmth and the guidance are the difference between waiting and giving up.

Photo help: getting your shot without turning into an expert

One of the most overlooked values here is the included photo service. The tour includes Northern lights photos taken by the guide team, and they will take a complimentary photo of you with the aurora if it appears.

That matters if you are traveling with friends or family. Aurora hunting usually turns into one person holding the camera and everyone else watching the photos load. Here, the team helps you avoid that rhythm.

Bring a camera if you have one. Still, do not assume you need to be a technical photographer to get a good result. Your job is simpler: stay warm, look up, and follow the guide’s direction.

If you want an extra tip, do it the practical way: keep your camera ready after you’re outside, but do not obsess over settings while you’re freezing.

What the guides do well, and why it shows up in the results

The strongest praise in the feedback centers on guide effort and safety. People specifically highlight that the lead guide pushes hard to find the lights and keeps the group calm and comfortable.

In the examples I’ve learned from, Palli is described as very enthusiastic about locating aurora, and Isla is praised as passionate and skilled inside the lava cave. That pairing makes sense: one guide handles the physics and geology, the other handles the sky and the timing.

Also, the way the guides decide when to keep searching is important. On nights where conditions look low, you can end up standing around. But this kind of tour is built to keep you in the game when it’s still worth it, then pivot if needed. The included re-tries are part of that strategy.

What you should bring for comfort and better photos

You do not need hiking boots and a physics degree. But you should pack for cold, uneven terrain, and time outdoors.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Warm clothing
• A camera
• Weather-appropriate layers

If you are the type who runs cold, bring extra layers. Your comfort is not a luxury on this night. It directly affects how long you can focus on the sky.

Price and value: why $189 can make sense here

At $189 per person for a 4-hour evening tour, the price feels fair if you look at what’s included rather than what’s missing.

What you are paying for:

• Pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík
• A guided lava cave visit with a certified caving guide
• Safety gear like helmet and head torch
• Winter gear like crampons when needed
• An English-speaking aurora guide and a real search in the countryside
• Hot chocolate, chocolate, and blankets
• Northern Lights photos
• A free retry for the Northern Lights hunt if the aurora is not seen

The key value piece is the retry. Aurora viewing can be unpredictable, and this tour accepts that reality. You are not just buying hope, you are buying more time to try again.

One caveat to keep in mind: lava tunnel entry is not included on retry tours. So if your first night’s aurora search is unsuccessful, you are rejoining for the sky, not for a second cave visit.

Who should book this tour, and who should not

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• A geology stop that feels different at night
• A guided, equipment-supported walk in a lava tube cave
• A structured Northern Lights plan with warm comfort and photo help
• A realistic approach to aurora uncertainty, thanks to re-tries

It’s also a good option if you love small details. Lava-tube mineral colors can look almost unreal when lit from below with head torches.

You might want to skip it if you:

• Need mobility-friendly access, since it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments
• Have a very low tolerance for outdoor cold or standing for long periods

When should you fit it into your trip?

If you can, schedule this earlier in your Iceland week. Even with a retry option, you still want flexibility in your calendar.

Why earlier helps: the tour gives you another chance for the aurora hunt, potentially up to 3 years. But free retry value is only useful if you still have open time during your trip to use it.

Also, keep in mind the tour runs after sunset. That means winter evenings will feel colder, so plan your other activities accordingly. You want your day energy ready for a dark outdoor wait.

Should you book the Reykjavik evening lava tunnel and Northern Lights hunt?

I think you should book this tour if you want one evening that mixes two of Iceland’s most memorable experiences, without forcing you to plan the hard parts alone.

You’re getting a guided Raufarhólshellir lava tube walk with safety gear, then a guided aurora hunt with warmth, photo help, and re-tries. That’s a strong package for the price. The big risk is also honest: the aurora depends on weather, and there are nights it just does not happen.

If you are comfortable walking on uneven surfaces and dressing for cold, this is a fun, well-structured way to spend your evening in the Reykjavík area. If you want a night that is beautiful even without aurora, the cave alone is a big reason to go.

FAQ

What time does pickup start in Reykjavík?

Pickup starts at 7:30 PM. You’ll want to be ready at your designated pickup spot, and arrival may take up to 30 minutes depending on traffic and location.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is 4 hours.

Where do you go for the lava tunnel part?

You visit Raufarhólshellir, a lava tube cave shaped by an ancient volcanic eruption.

Is Northern Lights viewing guaranteed?

No. Aurora visibility depends on weather, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What happens if I do not see the Northern Lights?

If you don’t see the aurora during the tour, you can use a free re-try for the Northern Lights part on the Magical Auroras Minibus Tour, valid for up to 3 years.

Does the re-try include lava tunnel entry?

No. Lava tunnel entry is not included on retry tours.

What safety equipment is provided for the cave?

You receive a helmet and head torch, plus all necessary safety equipment. In winter, you also get crampons.

Is the lava tunnel walk hard?

The walk is considered easy, with paths and footbridges in some areas and natural terrain in others. You should be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

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