Mar 23: Raufarholshellir Lave Tube

This is one of the attractions that can be visited by those who are able to get to Iceland.
It is just outside Reykjavik.

The website explains that this was a lava tube which was last occupied by molten rock during the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred east of the Bláfjöll mountains about 5200 years ago. Every winter spectacular ice sculptures are formed inside the entrance of the cave making the experience of visiting the lava tunnel even more breathtaking.

The total length of the tunnel is an impressive 1360 m (4500 ft), the main tunnel being 900 m (3000 ft) long. The tunnel is up to 30 m wide with headroom up to 10 m high, making it one of the most expansive lava tunnels in Iceland.

Near the entrance of the tunnel the ceiling has caved in creating three beautiful columns of light inside the tunnel. At the end of Raufarhólshellir the tunnel branches into three smaller tunnels where magnificent lava falls and formations are clearly visible.



Obviously at the moment, the tourist industry (as with many other industries) has paused and you won't be visiting the lava tube, but the tube was still open today for a few hours to leave gaps between tours.

The lava tunnel is the 4th longest in Iceland.
Bonus points to whoever can tell me the longest in the comments below.

I was due to visit this location later in the year, I hope that still proves possible.

Update - here are some pictures taken by Val Vannet on a recent trip...




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