Top 7 Volcanic Experiences in Iceland

Best Volcano Experiences in Iceland

Discover Iceland's volcanic nature with a unique volcano experience. See how fiery eruptions have affected the nation's history and shaped the Earth, with vast lava fields, fresh volcanic craters, and ancient magma chambers.

Go Inside the Thrihnukagigur Volcano

Photo from Inside the Volcano Thrihnukagigur Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

One of the most magnificent experiences you can have in Iceland is traveling down into the Earth and seeing the ancient magma chamber of the Thrihnukagigur volcano. The volcano has erupted three times, the last time around 4,500 years ago, and now it's completely dormant and safe to enter.

Thrihnukagigur is, without a doubt, the best volcano to visit in Iceland, as it's the only place in the world where you can enter a magma chamber in such a way. If you want to experience it, make sure to book the Inside the Volcano tour with a transfer from Reykjavik. You'll have to complete a two-mile (3.2 kilometers) hike to the volcano. From there, you will take an elevator and descend into the Earth.

Photo from Inside the Volcano Thrihnukagigur Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

The Thrihnukagigur magma chamber is truly massive. It's the deepest formation of its kind and the third-largest volcanic crater in the world! The sheer size is breathtaking as you descend into the chamber, where you're greeted with interesting lava formations and colorful walls. At the bottom, you'll be able to explore freely, which offers great opportunities for photography.

Visiting the Thrihnukagigur magma chamber is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that's sure to leave you with lasting memories. Include it in your travel itinerary for a truly unique volcano experience in Iceland.

Visit an Ancient Lava Tunnel

Photo from this Classic 1 Hour Lava Tunnel Caving Tour of the Raufarholshellir Lava Tubes

Exploring a lava tunnel in Iceland is an intriguing way to delve into the country's volcanic history. These tunnels are formed during eruptions, and as the lava moves underground, the outer surface cools and solidifies, creating a crust. Meanwhile, the molten lava inside continues to flow. Sometimes, this flowing lava drains away, leaving behind an empty space once the eruption ends. This empty space becomes a lava tunnel!

The most popular lava tunnel in Iceland is the Raufarholshellir lava tube, located just a 40-minute drive away from Reykjavik. It's easily reached with a small rental car, and you can book a classic lava tunnel caving tour that starts on location. If you don't want to drive, you can also choose a Raufarholshellir tour with a transfer from Reykjavik.

Visiting Raufarholshellir is easy as a raised path has been established along the cave. The walls are also lit up to highlight the beautiful lava formations and different colors!

Photo from the Family-Friendly 1.5 Hour Lava Cave Tour of Vidgelmir

Another beautiful lava cave option is the Vidgelmir lava tunnel in West Iceland. It's the longest lava tube in Iceland and has remained relatively untouched as it has been mostly inaccessible since the 1960s. Today, you can only visit with a guided Vidgelmir lava cave tour, and access to the cave has been greatly improved with stairs and walkways. It features some beautiful lava and ice formations!

There are more lava tunnels around Iceland, such as the Vatnshellir cave on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, so you can find an option that best suits your travel itinerary and interests. It's definitely one of the more interesting and accessible volcano experiences in Iceland.

• Explore the many Caves in Iceland
• See also: The Lava Tunnel: The Extraordinary Raufarhólshellir Lava Cave in South Iceland

See the Reykjanes Volcano Area

In recent years, one of the best volcanic experiences in Iceland, and possibly in the world, has been visiting the active volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula. Lucky visitors to Iceland were able to watch real volcanic eruptions from a relatively safe distance, first by the Fagradalsfjall volcano in 2021 and 2022, then by the nearby Mt. Litli-Hrutur in 2023.

Convenient hiking paths were established, and many popular volcano hiking tours were available to these craters and the surrounding lava fields. However, the whole area is currently closed off because of the increased danger of volcanic fissures opening in the vicinity.

Since December 2023, multiple short eruptions have taken place in and around the Sundhnukagigar crater row, close to the town of Grindavik. With this ongoing volcanic activity, the only way to see the stunning area is with an amazing volcano helicopter tour from Reykjavik.

• Learn about the 2021 Geldingardalur eruption and the 2022 Fagradalsfjall eruption
• Also, discover the 2023 Eruption of the Litli-Hrutur Volcano

The Fagradalsfjall eruption in 2021 was very visitor-friendly. Since then, there have been more eruptions, some of which could only be seen from a helicopter.

During a volcano helicopter tour, you'll see the rugged volcanic landscapes of the Reykjanes peninsula from an amazing bird' s-eye view. See how nature has drastically changed due to Earth's forces, with mountainsides draped with lava flow and valleys filled to the brim and completely transformed.

Even when the area is open to hikers again, helicopter tours provide a unique view. The new craters stand tall, surrounded by fresh lava fields that are still hot under their fragile surface. It will take years for them to be safe to walk on! This is partly why the area is best explored from the air, as you can truly appreciate the dramatic changes to the landscape.

Once the area is open for hikers, it's highly recommended to join guided volcano tours to ensure optimal safety. Make sure to wear proper clothing and bring good hiking boots, water, and snacks for a safe and comfortable visit.

Before attempting to enter the area, you should always visit the SafeTravel website for information about whether the area is open and how to visit safely. Always respect the safety closures.

• Learn about the December 2023 eruption and the 2024 Sundhnukagigar eruptions
• See also: Complete Guide to the 2024 Hagafell Volcanic Eruption Near Grindavik

Best Volcano Museums and Exhibitions in Iceland

The rise of volcano tourism in Iceland has led to the opening of some exciting and fascinating museums and exhibitions around the country. It's the best way to gain insight and appreciation for the Icelandic landscapes, enhancing the overall travel experience. Here are the top museums and exhibitions focused on volcanic activity that deserve a spot on your Iceland itinerary.

The Perlan Museum

One of the best attractions in Iceland is Perlan, an iconic Reykjavik landmark, and fantastic natural history exhibition space. The class-domed building on top of Oskjuhlid hill features the Wonders of Iceland exhibition, where you can learn about the glaciers of Iceland, visit a recreation of an ice cave, see an amazing northern lights show, and, of course, learn about the Icelandic volcanos!

Visiting the Perlan Museum is a fantastic way to learn about different aspects of Icelandic nature, and the volcano section is no exception. Learn fascinating information about eruptions in Iceland through the centuries, how they've affected the local population, and see the different kinds of lava you can find around the country.

We recommend visiting Perlan before heading out on trips outside the Capital Region. It will provide interesting content and deeper insight into the forces that created the beautiful landscapes you'll encounter on your journey. Just remember to book your Wonders of Iceland in Perlan tickets ahead of time, as it's one of the most popular places to visit in Reykjavik!

• Learn all about the Best Museums in Iceland
• See also: Top 16 Most Famous Landmarks in Iceland

The LAVA Centre

If you're traveling along Iceland's South Coast, you should definitely stop by the LAVA Centre in the town of Hvolsvollur. It's located near some of Iceland's most iconic volcanoes, Mt. Hekla and the Eyjafjallajokull glacier, just around an hour and a half drive from Reykjavik.

The LAVA Centre is well known for its interactive exhibits, which showcase Iceland's volcanic activity in fun, interesting, and exciting ways. Visitors can learn about volcanic eruptions, lava flows, and their impact on Iceland's landscapes and communities through interactive exhibits and an educational movie.

The LAVA Centre offers insight into Iceland's volcanic history, from the formation of magma deep beneath the Earth's surface to the dramatic eruptions that have shaped its terrain over millennia.

The easy-to-understand displays make the center a great place for anyone looking to enrich their Iceland trip, especially families! For a hassle-free experience, it's best to book your LAVA Centre tickets before embarking on your South Iceland journey.

The Lava Show

While there have been opportunities to witness ongoing volcanic eruptions in Iceland on the Reykjanes peninsula in recent years, it's absolutely the exception to the rule. Generally speaking, it's not possible to witness real fresh lava in Iceland, except by visiting the Lava Show!

The Lava Show offers the unique experience of seeing real lava in a safe environment. You'll be able to learn about volcanic eruptions and witness how the lava interacts with the surrounding environment. Your fun and informative host will tell you all about volcanic activity in Iceland and can also answer any questions you may have!

This is what makes the Lava Show a great place to gain insight into Iceland's volcanic landscapes, as you'll get to see lava in real life. You can either see the amazing 50-minute lava show in Reykjavik or book your lava show entry in Vik, a lovely town on the South Coast, making it easy to fit a visit into your itinerary. It's sure to give you a different perspective on the vast lava fields you'll encounter when traveling around Iceland!

Eldheimar Museum

If you want to explore the impact that Iceland's volcanic nature has had on life on the island, visiting Eldheimar in the Westman Islands off the South Coast is a must. Eldheimar is one of the best museums in Iceland and it's dedicated to the eruption on Heimaey island, the only inhabited island in the Vestmanneyjar archipelago.

The Westman Islands eruption began on January 23rd, 1973, and was totally unexpected. A volcanic fissure opened up on the Heimaey island, spewing lava and ash over the nearby town and leading to the evacuation of the entire population. The eruption lasted for five months, forming the new Eldfell mountain, covering a portion of the island in lava and causing widespread destruction, burying homes and buildings under layers of volcanic debris.

Once the eruption ended, many returned to the Westman Islands to rebuild their community. Today, Heimaey island is one of the most charming locations to visit in Iceland, and you can learn all about the eruption at the Eldheimar Museum. It provides a comprehensive overview of the events and their impact, featuring artifacts, interactive exhibits, and personal accounts.

Exploring the Eldheimar Museum is both educational and thought-provoking. It sheds light on the unpredictable nature of volcanic events and the measures taken to mitigate their effects. It also serves as a tribute to the spirit of perseverance displayed by the islanders in the face of adversity. This makes the Westman Islands and the Eldheimar Museum a must-visit for those interested in Iceland's volcanic heritage.

• Plan your trip with the Ultimate Guide to the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)
• See also: The Westman Islands - Eldfell volcano & Eldheimar - the Pompei of the North in Iceland

Volcanic Locations to See in Iceland

The Icelandic countryside has stunning volcanos, ancient lava fields, and geothermal areas around every corner. If you're interested in seeing volcanic landscapes, here are a few locations that stand out among Iceland's many natural attractions. Some are more easily reached than others, but each destination promises a journey well worth the effort.

 Snaefellsjokull National Park

The Snaefellsnes peninsula is a very popular location for day trips from Reykjavik, as it has beautiful and varied nature. In fact, it's often referred to as "Iceland in Miniature" as its many attractions give a glimpse into the diverse landscapes found all over the country!

Many of the Snaefellsnes peninsula's natural attractions are part of the Snaefellsjokull National Park, which draws its name from Snaefellsjokull, a glacier-capped stratovolcano that towers over the peninsula. It can even be seen from the Capital Region on clear days.

The Snaefellsjokull glacier volcano famously served as the setting of Jules Verne's classic sci-fi novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth," and you can explore it for yourself with this incredible glacier hiking tour or this Snaefellsjokul snowcat tour.

Surrounding the Snaefellsjokull volcano are vast lava fields, dramatic sea cliffs, black sand beaches, and basalt rock formations sculpted by volcanic activity and coastal erosion. One incredible location is the Londrangar cliffs, which are the remains of ancient volcanic plugs. They tower over the coastline and are a must-visit in the region.

Nearby, you can take the chance to explore 8,000-year-old lava tubes with this 50-minute Vatnshellir cave tour. It's one of the more unique things to do in Iceland and a family-friendly volcano experience.

The Snaefellsnes peninsula is just a two-hour drive from Reykjavik, and while Snaefellsnes tours are often done as day trips, we highly recommend taking two or three days to see all that the region has to offer. There are plenty of great Snaefellsnes accommodation options to choose from, and you won't find yourself lacking in things to see!

• Discover the Top 16 Things to do on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
• Learn more about the Colourful Vatnshellir Lava Cave on the Snaefellsnes peninsula

 Lake Myvatn

North Iceland is home to some stunning natural attractions, many of which are found around Lake Myvatn. It's part of the Diamond Circle travel route, which includes many of the region's most iconic attractions.

Lake Myvatn is known for its surrounding lava formations and the Skutustadagigar pseudocraters. Pseudocraters are a rare phenomenon that can be found around Iceland. They're not real volcanic craters, as they're actually created when hot lava flows over a cool wetland. This leads to steam exploding upward from the pressure, creating crater-like formations.

This is what happened at Lake Myvatn around 2,300 years ago. There are easy walking paths along the craters, where you can take in the lovely view and appreciate the lively bird life. The lake's surroundings are also picturesque, with a vast lava field and towering mountains.

The lava formations of Dimmuborgir are an incredible destination by Lake Myvatn. They tower over the landscape in interesting shapes and sizes, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. There are plenty of walking paths in the area, ranging in difficulty, so you can either make a quick stop on your travels or spend a whole afternoon discovering the formations.

Nearby, you can hike up the huge Hverfjall volcano crater, also called Hverfell, and explore the geothermal area of Namafjall. You can then take a dip in the Myvatn Nature Baths before unwinding in your chosen Myvatn accommodation.

You can explore the whole area easily with a self-drive tour or by choosing from a variety of Myvatn tours. Lake Myvatn is also just an hour's drive from Akureyri, the "Captial of the North," where you can find great North Iceland accommodations and fun activities.

• Plan your trip with the Ultimate Guide to Lake Myvatn
• See also: The amazing Myvatn & Krafla Area in North Iceland

The Icelandic Highlands

The Landmannalaugar geothermal area is one of the most popular hiking locations in the Highlands.

The Icelandic highlands feature incredible natural wonders that can be hard to access. The remote region's tricky roads are only open during the height of summer, and you'll need to rent a proper 4x4 jeep to tackle rough terrain, steep inclines, and river crossings.

Thankfully, you can also embark on Highland tours if you don't feel confident taking on the challenging roads. It's the most practical way to enjoy the Highlands, and you'll be free to take in the views along the way.

One of the most stunning volcanic areas to visit in the Highlands is the Landmannalaugar geothermal area. In summer, it's very popular among hikers who want to explore the area's colorful mountains and lava fields and bathe in natural hot springs. You can visit with this Landmannalaugar super jeep tour from Reykjavik or try other fun and convenient Landmannalaugar tours.

The Lakagigar craters caused one of the biggest eruptions in Iceland's history and created Eldhraun, one of the largest lava fields in the world.

Another incredible volcanic location in the Icelandic Highlands is the Lakagigar craters or "Laki craters." Located in the southern Highlands, Lakagigar is a vast row of volcanic fissure craters formed during a massive eruption between 1783 and 1784. The crater row stretches over 15.5 miles (25 kilometers), and the surrounding area features a stark expanse of incredible lava fields, colorful mountains, lakes, and glaciers.

The Lakagigar eruption created Eldhraun, one of the biggest lava fields in the world, which you drive through as you travel along the Ring Road in Southeast Iceland. The Lakagigar craters also run adjacent to Eldgja, the largest volcanic canyon in the world.

Hiking Mount Laki offers beautiful panoramic views of this incredible volcanic landscape, which is truly one of the most beautiful areas in Iceland. There are also plenty of hiking trails in the area that weave along the craters and the vast lava field.

If you're driving yourself and want to spend more than a day taking in the sights, you can stay at the area's designated camping site. You can even rent camping equipment in Iceland instead of bringing it with you from home!

To skip driving yourself, you can easily go on this 8-hour super jeep tour to Lakagigar from Kirkjubaejarklaustur, the closest town. The tour also includes a visit to the stunning Fjadrargljufur canyon.

If you want to witness these Highland wonders but don't have time for long excursions, you can take a 50-minute sightseeing flight over Lakagigar or this similar 1-hour airplane tour over Landmannalaugar, both of which start from the Skaftafell Nature Reserve.

• Check out the Ultimate Guide to the Highlands of Iceland
• Learn about F-Roads in Iceland: A Guide to Icelandic Mountain Roads
• See also: Camping in Iceland

Which of these Iceland attractions and experiences sound the most exciting? Will you see any real volcanos in Iceland? What other locations are on your Iceland bucketlist? Share your thoughts and experience in the comment section below!