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Jon Heidar, Editor of Stuck in Iceland Travel Magazine
Recently, my wife, Hallveig Rúnarsdóttir, and I enjoyed visiting Raufarhólshellir. This stunning lava tunnel is just a 30-40 minute drive from Reykjavik. This natural wonder, also known as the Lava Tunnel, captivated us with its ice stalagmites and gorgeous hues of red on the cave walls, making it the perfect destination for a spellbinding spelunking experience in Iceland. The Lava Tunnel is one of my top-rated travel partners (see Trip-Advisor reviews for the Lava Tunnel); sign up for my newsletter to receive an exclusive discount code for the admission fee to the cave.
Spelunking in Iceland
Our journey into Raufarhólshellir was nothing short of awe-inspiring. As we ventured deeper into the tunnel, we marveled at the ice stalagmites formed from water droplets freezing upon contact with the chilly subterranean air. The cave’s accessibility and well-designed walkways allowed us to easily navigate the 1360-meter-long tunnel formed during the Leitahraun eruption approximately 5200 years ago.
Vibrant shades of red in the Lava Tunnel
One of the most striking features of Raufarhólshellir was the oxidization of iron from the lava, which painted the cave walls with vibrant shades of red. The thoughtful placement of electric lights throughout the tunnel further accentuated the beauty of both the wall formations and the ice stalagmites.
Is there Martian bacteria in Iceland?
Another fascinating aspect of the Lava Tunnel was the presence of unique cave bacteria. The bacteria are visible as white speckles on the walls. These iron-consuming microorganisms have even caught the attention of NASA, who visited the site to collect research samples, hoping to find similar bacteria on Mars.
Propose and prosper while spelunking in Iceland
Raufarhólshellir remains pristine, untouched by humans or animals. Bats, if native to Iceland, couldn’t thrive due to the lack of echo. The cave has been a filming location for “Noah” and “Sense 8”, hosting movie nights, concerts, and weddings. Many proposals occurred here; one man dropped a ring in the lava floor but still got a “yes” for a happy ending. I hope they live happily ever!
What a destination
Our spelunking adventure in Raufarhólshellir was truly memorable. We walked the path of ancient lava, witnessing nature’s incredible forces. Beautiful ice formations, captivating cave colors, and intriguing bacteria created an unforgettable journey beneath Iceland’s surface.
When planning a trip to Iceland, don’t miss exploring Raufarhólshellir, the Lava Tunnel. Its easy access, Reykjavik proximity, and fascinating features make it perfect for enchanting spelunking. If planning a proposal, be cautious – you wouldn’t want to lose a ring in this magnificent lava tunnel!
