What to Do on Day 3 in Iceland: Mystical World of Lava Caves

Discover Day 3 in Iceland with an exciting family-friendly itinerary exploring the LAVA Centre, Caves of Hella, and Raufarhólshellir. Perfect for traveling with kids, this adventure blends education and exploration in Iceland's volcanic landscape. Keywords: Iceland itinerary, family travel, lava caves, LAVA Centre, Iceland adventure.

Hey there, fellow explorers! It’s Kandice here from A Cotton Kandi Life, mom blogger for all things adventurous and family-friendly. If you’re traveling with kids, like my two little rascals I lovingly call “My Sweet & Sticky,” you’re probably looking for an itinerary that’s both exciting and educational. Well, you’re in luck because Day 3 in Iceland is all about delving into the fascinating world of lava caves and tunnels! We’re taking a break from the bustling city vibes and diving deep into Iceland’s fiery heart, where adventure and geology collide in the most epic way. So, pack your sense of wonder (and maybe a flashlight), because we’re about to embark on a Lava Tunnel & Caves Day!

9:00 AM: Dive into the Wonders of the LAVA Centre

Location: Austurvegur 14, 860 Hvolsvöllur, Iceland
Website: lavacentre.is
Cost: $30 Adults, $15 Kids
Hours: Open 9AM-6PM

We kicked off our day at the LAVA Centre, an interactive museum that takes you on a journey through Iceland’s explosive history. Imagine a place where you can feel the earth rumble and see the forces that have shaped this beautiful island. My boys were thrilled with the high-tech displays showing volcanic eruptions and earthquake simulations—it’s like a video game but with real tectonic drama!

Here’s a mom tip: The LAVA Centre is fantastic for kids who are curious about how the world works. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some learning without them even realizing it! The exhibits are hands-on, and yes, I did have to drag my boys away from the earthquake simulator after the fifth time.

11:00 AM: Scenic Drive by Urriðafoss

Next up, we hopped in our trusty rental car and took a scenic drive by Urriðafoss. This waterfall is one of Iceland’s hidden gems. It’s not as tall as some of the others, but it has a certain charm—like that one friend who doesn’t say much, but when they do, it’s pure gold. The boys enjoyed watching the water rush by, and we even spotted a few fish trying to make their way upstream. Nature is wild, isn’t it?

Noon: Explore the Mysterious Caves of Hella

Location: 851 Hella, Iceland
Website: cavesofhella.is
Cost: $28 Adults, $15 Kids, $70 Family 2+2

The Caves of Hella are like something out of a fantasy novel. Imagine stepping into a time machine and witnessing Iceland’s ancient past. These man-made caves are Iceland’s oldest archaeological remains, shrouded in mystery and legend. The guided tour is a must because, let’s face it, wandering around in the dark doesn’t scream “safe family fun.”

The tour guides are full of stories, and they even let the boys carve their names on a wall in the Tourist Center. It’s like leaving a piece of our family history in Iceland. So, if you visit, keep an eye out for their names!

Pro Tip: Bring a jacket. Even in summer, the caves can be a bit chilly!

Late Lunch in Selfoss

After all that exploring, we stopped for a late lunch in Selfoss. There’s nothing like a hearty meal to refuel after a morning of spelunking. Icelandic cuisine is surprisingly kid-friendly, and we found a cozy little café that served up delicious lamb soup and sandwiches. The boys polished off their plates and were ready for the next adventure.

4:00 PM: Discover the Magic of Raufarhólshellir (Lava Tunnel)

Last but definitely not least, we made our way to the Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel. If you’ve ever wanted to walk through a real lava tube, this is your chance. The tunnel is full of natural ice sculptures and stalactites that look like they were crafted by Mother Nature herself.

The guided tour is the only way in, and thank goodness for that! It’s easy to imagine getting lost in the labyrinth of tunnels without a trusty guide. The boys loved pretending they were explorers on a mission, and I have to admit, I got caught up in the adventure too. There’s something magical about being underground, surrounded by the echoes of ancient lava flows.

Evening: Unwind at the Cottage with an Icelandic Candy Bar Taste Test

After a day of diving into volcanic wonders, we headed back to our cozy cottage. The boys and I had been looking forward to this all day: an Icelandic candy bar comparison! We picked up a variety of local treats, and let’s just say, Iceland knows its chocolate. It was the perfect sweet ending to an adventurous day.

Wrapping Up Our Lava-Filled Adventure

Day 3 in Iceland was a true testament to the island’s fiery spirit. From the educational wonders of the LAVA Centre to the mysterious allure of the Caves of Hella and the natural beauty of the Lava Tunnel, this itinerary is a perfect blend of learning and adventure for families. Traveling with kids in Iceland can be as educational as it is exciting, and these spots are sure to captivate both young and old.

Travel to Iceland with Us! Follow along on this Kelso Family Adventure!

For those planning a similar trip, I’ve made our 7-Day Itinerary available as a Canva Template. You can edit it in Canva. It’s available in my Etsy Shop, Cotton N’ Kandi, to fit your family’s style. Traveling to Iceland with kids is a dream within reach, and I hope our story sparks your wanderlust.

Travel Itinerary | ICELAND | 7 Day Guide, PDF Template, EDIT in Canva

Find all the Much-Loved Clothing from this trip, on sale in My Poshmark Closet for all things ICELAND

Find all of my Iceland Favorites from this Trip on my Amazon List: ICELAND | Travel Essentials

[Click Here] to follow this trip from the very beginning.

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