Reykjanes Peninsula
Day Eight - Iceland - 2025
A morning underground in a lava tunnel, followed by an afternoon spent in search of an active volcano.
1. Raufarhólshellir #1
There are over 500 lava tubes in Iceland, of which the Reykjanes Peninsula’s Raufarhólshellir is one of the largest and most accessible.
On the morning of our last full day in Iceland, we scheduled a visit to “The Lava Tunnel,” an accessible lava tube just south of Reykjavik. I’m not really sure if any of us knew what to expect, but nonetheless it was a fun side excursion … and, more importantly, a dry one! The tube itself is pretty and well-lit, making photography an easy proposition.
Ten photographs from our visit to The Laval Tunnel follow.
2. Raufarhólshellir #2
Prior to 2016, there were no access controls to Raufarhólshellir, which led to significant damage to the tube; today, the site can only be accessed by tour.
3. Raufarhólshellir #3
4. Raufarhólshellir #4
5. Raufarhólshellir #5
6. Raufarhólshellir #6
7. Raufarhólshellir #7
8. Raufarhólshellir #8
9. Raufarhólshellir #9
10. Raufarhólshellir #10
11. Raufarhólshellir #11
Following our visit, we headed to Þorlákshöfn for lunch (not just pizza … but Super1pizza!). It was crazy coming back here after nearly twenty years, as this was the harbor from which my friend and I departed on our super-bouncy ferry to Vestmannaeyjar. Fun times!
Anyway, two of my travel companions had an early morning flight from Keflavík, and -rather than return to the homestay- booked a hotel near to the airport (a very wise decision!) They were in the mood for some extra activity and -while Sundhnúkur volcano did not erupt during our time there- we figured there might be a chance to see the fumarole from a nearby hill. Who knows? Maybe it would erupt while we were watching it - wouldn’t that be the best end to a trip ever!
Taking a look at a map of hiking trails in the area, we found a small bluff from which you just might be able to see the fumarole. Worst case, there was still quite a bit of volcanic activity in the area and we’d no doubt see lots of smoke coming up from the ground.
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12. Volcano Hike #1
Between 2023 and 2025, there were nine eruptions along the Sundhnúksgígar crater chain on the Reykjanes Peninsula causing damage to the coastal village of Grindavík as well as the infrastructure of the Blue Lagoon resort.
The hike turned out to be a partial bust as the viewpoint at the top of the hill was completely covered in cloud; however, lots of the surrounding area was smoking from underground volcanic activity and it made for an impressive sight!
13. Volcano Hike #2
14. Volcano Hike #3
On the way back to the bottom of the hill it started raining which cut our farewell with our travel companions short. The remainder of us returned to the homestay for one last night there (and, of course, one last night of the hot tub!)
We lazily checked out of the homestay the next morning (had to sleep in at least one day, no?) before making our way back to the airport. As a final parting gift, the wind was positively gusting and my airplane was literally listing from side-to-side while parked - honestly, I am surprised we were able to take off!
So what were my impressions of Iceland, version 2.0? Well, I think the key takeaway for me is that no amount of planning and preparation can overcome bad luck. Maybe this is Iceland’s ace-in-the-hole, because they know you’ll come back.
I know I’ll be. See you in 2035, Iceland!
