Evening Lava Tunnel Tour and Northern Lights

If you’re looking to combine geological marvels with the sky’s most elusive light display, the Evening Lava Tunnel Tour with Northern Lights promises an unforgettable evening. This tour, rated a perfect 5.0 based on 18 glowing reviews, is a thoughtful blend of underground adventure and celestial spectacle. It’s offered by Arctic Adventures and is perfect for those who love a mix of adventure, culture, and nature — all wrapped up in one cozy, guided package.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to walk through Iceland’s fourth-longest lava tube, showcasing vibrant volcanic formations carved over 5,000 years ago. Second, the expert guides keep the experience both informative and lighthearted — a big plus, especially when navigating uneven terrain or capturing the Northern Lights. Third, the flexible location choices for aurora viewing, moving away from light pollution, dramatically increase your chances of seeing the elusive green glow.

Of course, a consideration to keep in mind: the tour involves walking on uneven, sometimes slippery surfaces inside the lava cave, which may not suit travelers with mobility issues. Also, the Northern Lights are never guaranteed — nature’s show depends on weather and solar activity. That said, the tour offers a free retry if the aurora doesn’t appear on your first night, which is a thoughtful touch for maximizing your chances.

This tour suits adventurous travelers who want a balanced mix of underground exploration and sky-gazing, all with expert guides and good comfort. It’s especially appealing to those who value authentic Icelandic landscapes and don’t mind some walking in natural terrain. Now, let’s explore what makes this experience a well-rounded choice for your Iceland itinerary.

Good To Know

• Unique underground experience: Walk 900 meters into a vibrant lava tube with expert guides.
• Northern Lights flexibility: The location is chosen based on weather forecasts for optimal viewing.
• Comfortable transportation: Pickup from Reykjavik and WiFi onboard make logistics easier.
• Free Northern Lights photo: Capture the moment with a professional shot included.
• Multiple safety measures: Helmets, torches, and safety gear ensure safe exploration.
• Good value for the price: Combines underground adventure, aurora chasing, and cozy treats for $167.

The Experience in Detail

The Journey Begins: Pickup and Heading Out

The tour kicks off with a convenient pickup from your Reykjavik accommodation or a designated spot at 7:30 pm. The spacious minibus, equipped with WiFi, makes the transfer comfortable and chatty, setting a relaxed tone for the evening. The 45-minute drive to the Blue Mountains is scenic, with guides sharing snippets of volcanic history and tips for the night ahead.

Exploring Raufarhólshellir: The Lava Tube

Once you arrive at Raufarhólshellir, you’ll gear up with helmets and torches — safety is taken seriously with all necessary equipment provided. The lava tunnel itself is the main event. You’ll walk up to 900 meters into the underground marvel, which is surprisingly accessible thanks to well-built paths and some natural terrain.

Reviewers like Debra_P mentioned that the guide’s humor and info made the experience enjoyable: “Our guide gave us lots of information and had a great sense of humor.” The vibrant colors decorating the walls — emerald greens, fiery reds, turquoise, and lilacs — are mesmerizing and a testament to Iceland’s volcanic power. The natural formations create a surreal landscape that’s both beautiful and slightly otherworldly, making it a truly special part of your Iceland trip.

For those worried about footing, the natural terrain can be uneven, but guides are prepared, and safety gear is provided. Stacey_G noted that “it’s a bit slippery inside, but safety gears are provided,” making it accessible for most travelers with a good level of mobility.

The Night Sky and Aurora Hunt

After emerging from the lava tunnel, the adventure shifts to chasing the Northern Lights. The guide’s flexibility means that the team will choose the best spot, away from light pollution, based on weather and aurora forecasts. Spots like Þingvellir or Reykjanes are possible destinations — locations known for clearer skies.

The guides really shine here, snapping photos of the aurora, so you can relax and focus on the moment. As Stacey_G remarked, “our driver Nicolas was great and helped us get some great photos of the lights.” You’ll enjoy hot chocolate, chocolates, and blankets as you stand under the starry sky, waiting for the green ribbons to dance overhead.

Return and Reflection

The tour wraps up with a 45-minute ride back to Reykjavik, giving you time to contemplate the night’s highlights. Drop-off is at your chosen location, making the experience seamless from start to finish.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The Guided Lava Cave Experience

Walking through Raufarhólshellir offers a rare chance to witness Iceland’s volcanic history firsthand. The guide’s insights not only explain how the lava tunnel was formed but also illuminate the vibrant colors, which are often missed without expert narration. We loved the way the guide, with humor and knowledge, made the experience both fun and educational — Srikul_V’s review echoed this sentiment, praising Gretta’s great guidance.

Flexibility in Aurora Viewing

Unlike fixed-location tours, this experience’s ability to adapt based on weather forecasts boosts your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. That’s essential in Iceland, where cloud cover and unpredictable weather can spoil outdoor plans. The hot cocoa and blankets ensure you stay warm and comfortable while waiting — a big plus in cold winter nights.

Quality Comfort and Safety

Transport is smooth, and safety gear is thorough. The inclusion of helmets, torches, and well-maintained paths makes the underground walk enjoyable for all ages, with reviewers noting the professional approach. The WiFi on board is a thoughtful touch for sharing or just passing the time.

Genuine Authenticity

Multiple reviewers highlighted the guides’ enthusiasm and friendliness, making the entire experience personable. The free reschedule option if the Northern Lights don’t appear is a considerate feature, giving you a second shot at the aurora without extra cost.

Price and Value

At $167, this tour offers a well-rounded experience. You’re paying for a guided underground exploration, aurora chasing, and cozy amenities — all in one evening. Considering the expert guidance, safety equipment, photos, and the flexibility of location choice, this is a strong value for travelers eager for a genuine Icelandic adventure.

Additional Perks

The tour includes a replay option for the Northern Lights if you don’t see them initially, ensuring you don’t miss out on the main event. The small group size maximum of 28 travelers means more personalized attention and fewer crowds, enhancing the overall experience.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This experience is perfect if you’re seeking a combination of natural underground wonders and celestial beauty, all guided by knowledgeable professionals. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy adventure-friendly activities but still appreciate comfort and safety. The flexible aurora viewing strategy makes it a smart choice for those hoping to catch the Northern Lights on their trip.

However, if you’re uncomfortable with walking on uneven, sometimes slippery surfaces, or if your schedule doesn’t allow for a late-night outing, you might want to consider other options. But for everyone else, this tour offers a memorable way to explore Iceland’s volcanic landscape and its starry skies — a genuine highlight in any Iceland itinerary.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your Reykjavik location, making logistics simple.

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately 5 hours, including transportation, cave exploration, and aurora hunting.

What is the meeting time?
The tour starts at 7:30 pm, so plan to be ready by then.

Are safety equipment and gear provided?
Yes, helmets, torches, and safety gear are included and well-maintained.

Is it suitable for children or all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but those uncomfortable with uneven terrain should consider the walking conditions.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing, and dinner before the tour, as dinner is not included.

Can I see the Northern Lights every night?
No, the aurora’s visibility depends on weather and solar activity. The tour offers a free retry if you don’t see the lights the first time.

Is there WiFi on the bus?
Yes, WiFi is available during transportation.

What makes this tour different from other Northern Lights trips?
Its combination of a guided lava tunnel adventure and flexible, forecast-based aurora viewing makes it stand out.

Can I cancel?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, with full refunds. Cancellations less than 24 hours prior are non-refundable.

To sum it up, the Evening Lava Tunnel Tour combined with Northern Lights viewing offers a fantastic balance of adventure, education, and awe-inspiring nature. It’s well-organized, thoughtfully guided, and offers good value for those eager to explore Iceland’s volcanic underground and chase the aurora. Perfect for curious travelers who want an authentic, memorable Icelandic night out.