Travel bucket list idea:
Iceland
Volcanoes aren’t just about the craters: sometimes, there’s even more to see underground.
Iceland is one of the few places on the planet where it’s possible to venture down into ‘lava tubes’. These tunnels of volcanic rock are formed around molten lava flows, usually close to eruption points. As the flows peter out, the rock surrounding them cools, leaving behind hollow tubes that can be 15m wide and hundreds of metres long.
Hiking into these subterranean structures is a seriously spooky experience: dark, cold and lined with peculiar rock formations, it feels like venturing into the lair of some gigantic, monstrous worm.
Most lava tubes can only be visited on a guided tour. Access is variable: some of the more accessible caves have walkways built into them, while others involve scrambling, sliding and uneven footing.
Iceland
Experience
One of the longest lava tunnels in Iceland – 1360m long, 30m wide and up to 10m high. The ‘Standard’ lava tunnel tour (1 hour) visits the most accessible section of the cave, while the longer ‘Adventure’ tour (3-4 hours) ventures into the deeper sections.
Adult price: £45
Good for age: 8+
Freq: monthly
Iceland
Experience
For the full-on caving experience, visit these neighbouring caves in Thingvellir National Park, including the longest of all, 1,100m-long Vorouhellir. Initially thought to be separate, the caves are actually connected – and you get to squeeze through narrow tunnels joining the two systems.
Adult price: £35
Min age 5
Good for age: 8+
Freq: monthly
Iceland
Experience
This 900m-long lava tube is popular as it’s one of the nearest to Reykjavik. Guided tours explore the main cave sections, with impressive displays of stalactites and stalagmites.
Adult price: £45
Good for age: 8+
Freq: monthly
Snaefellsjokull National Park, Iceland
Experience
Way out on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, a spiral staircase leads down into this deep lava tube – estimated to be one of Iceland’s oldest (circa 8,000 years). With a guide, it’s possible to walk around 200m into the cave: wear good shoes as the base of the cave is unstable underfoot. Tours last 45 minutes.
Adult price: £35
Min age 5
Good for age: 8+
Duration: 45 minutes
Freq: monthly
Borgarfjordur, Iceland
Experience
An accessible, family-friendly cave in the Hallmundarhraun lava field, in Borgarfjordur. It’s a great choice for kids, as most of the cave is reached via a walkway, and illuminated by fixed lighting. No squeezing, sliding or slipping required here.
Adult price: £40
Good for age: 8+
Freq: monthly
Lake Myvatn, Iceland
Experience
This unusual cave near Myvatn combines two geological processes in one: it’s a lava cave coated in impressive ice formations. Around 370m of the cave is accessible on foot. Don headlamps, spiked boots and waterproofs – it’s a proper, big-thrill caving experience, so expect to get wet and muddy – and be prepared to squeeze through some tight spots. Tours last 4-5 hours.
Adult price: £200
Min age 8
Good for age: 8+
Duration: 4-5 hours
Freq: monthly
You need to book with a Reykjavik day tour company to go on a lava caving trip – you can’t do it unaccompanied or unguided.
There are a variety of locations and tours to select from, many in Thingvellir National Park, just under an hour‘s drive from Reykjavik.
Sturdy walking boots are recommended for the lava caves, as surfaces can be uneven or slippery. All equipment, including overalls and a head torch, will be provided.
Trips run all year, but are weather dependent (as roads to Thingvellir and other sites) may be cut off in winter. Start times vary by operator.
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