Question 1

How do I get to the Grindavik eruption site in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

In July 2025, a hiking path was established to the edge of the new lava field, offering views over the Sundhnukagigar craters just outside Grindavik. A large part of the surrounding area remains closed off for safety.
There are two viewpoints. The hike to the first covers 2.9 miles (4.7 kilometers), and the second point is 3.8 miles (6.1 kilometers).
There are also exciting tours to the volcano site:
1. The Volcano Helicopter Tour from Reykjavik - Enjoy a thrilling aerial view of the active eruption and dramatic lava fields on a quick and scenic flight from the capital.
2. Super Jeep Volcano Shuttle in Reykjanes from Fagradalsfjall - Ride in a rugged Super Jeep through the volcanic landscape for up-close views of the eruption zone.
3. Volcano Hike & Reykjanes Peninsula Sightseeing Tour - Combine a guided hike to the lava field with a scenic tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula’s geothermal and coastal highlights.
You can learn more with our complete guide to the 2024-2025 Grindavik eruptions.
Please respect the closures of specific areas and check SafeTravel for safety updates.

Question 2

What are the best volcano tours in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

The best volcano tour to experience in Iceland is this helicopter volcano tour. It's an incredible way to see the incredible eruption sites on the Reykjanes Peninsula, including the Sundhnukagigar Volcano by Grindavik.
To see the sites even closer, you can book the volcano shuttle, where you'll ride a Super Jeep along hiking trails to the Reykjanes eruption sites.
There are plenty of different ways to see the effects of Earth's volcanic power up close, and for that, the most popular volcano tour in Iceland is the Inside the Volcano tour at Thrihnukagigur magma chamber.
Another highly rated volcano tour in Iceland combines a Golden Circle sightseeing tour with the Kerid volcanic crater.

Question 3

What are the cheapest volcano tours in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

The cheapest volcano tour in Iceland is the lava caving tour of Vatnshellir cave in Snaefellsnes. It is open for booking year-round.
Another affordable volcano tour in Iceland is this lava tunnel tour of Raufarholshellir volcanic tubes in Southwest Iceland.

Question 4

Is it safe to go to the Grindavik eruption site in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

Since July 2025, a marked hiking path has been established leading to the edge of the new Sundhnukagigar lava field, offering safe views over the craters. Some areas remain closed off for safety, such as the northern and western sides of the new lava field.
The safest way to see the Sundhnukagigar volcano up close is with guided tours, such as the volcano shuttle, guided hike, or with a helicopter tour of the Reykjanes eruption area.
There is still a risk of unstable ground, earthquakes, new fissures opening, and harmful volcanic gases, so make sure to stay on marked paths. It is not permitted to enter restricted zones on your own.
Make sure to check the SafeTravel website for updates about safety conditions and guidelines.

Question 5

Can I hike to the Sundhnukagigar Volcano?

Accepted Answer

As of July 2025, a hiking path has been opened along the edge of the Sundhnukagigar Lava Field.
The trail starts by the Fagradalsfjall parking area and leads to two view points. The distance to the first view point is 2.9 miles (4.7 kilometers), and if you continue to the second, the whole trail is 3.8 miles (6.1 kilometers), one way.
You can also book guided tours, such as the volcano shuttle, to complete the trail without hiking.
Learn more in the guide to the Sundnukagigar eruptions.

Question 6

What should I wear for hiking to the Reykjanes volcanoes in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

When hiking to the Reykjanes volcanoes, it’s important to dress for changing weather and rough terrain. Here’s what you should wear:
Sturdy hiking boots: The ground is uneven and often covered in loose lava rocks. Good ankle support is important.
Waterproof and windproof outer layers: A jacket and pants that keep out wind and rain are essential, even in summer.
Warm layers: Wear a thermal base layer and an insulating mid-layer like fleece or wool. The weather can be cold, even if it's sunny when you start.
Hat and gloves: It can get windy and cold on the hike.
Backpack with extra clothes: Bring a spare layer, socks, and a hat in case you get wet or cold.
Sunglasses and sunscreen: The lava reflects sunlight, and the UV index can be high even on cloudy days.
Water and snacks: The hike can be long, and there are no shops or facilities near the volcanoes.
Weather in Iceland changes quickly, so always be prepared for rain, wind, and sudden drops in temperature. It's also recommended to check for air quality on the loftgaedi website and for safety updates on the SafeTravel website before your hike.

Question 7

Are volcano tours in Iceland truly worth the experience?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Volcano tours in Iceland are a remarkable and rewarding experience. They offer a chance to connect with nature's extraordinary geological processes, from exploring volcanic craters to traversing lava fields. If you yearn for an educational and awe-inspiring journey deep into the Earth or to see a new volcanic eruption site from the sky in Iceland, then a volcano tour is worth every moment.

Question 8

Where is the volcano in Iceland that erupted in summer 2023?

Accepted Answer

A volcanic eruption started on July 10th, 2023, at Litli-Hrutur, a mountain on the Reykjanes peninsula. It's the third eruption in three consecutive years in the area, and it lasted for around a month, coming to a stop on August 5th, 2023.
The volcano is close to the town of Grindavik and is located about 20 miles (35 kilometers) from the capital, Reykjavik.
It's close to the 2023-2025 Sundhnukagigar eruption site by Grindavik and next to the Fagradalsfjall volcano that erupted for three weeks in 2022, starting on August 3rd. The very same volcano erupted in March of 2021, and that eruption lasted for six months.

Question 9

Are there any active volcanoes in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

Iceland has many active volcanoes, with the most recent eruptions taking place by the Sundhnukagigar craters between 2023 and 2025.
There have been 12 eruptions in 5 consecutive years on the Reykjanes peninsula, the other most recent eruption being at Mt. Litli-Hutur. It started on July 10th, 2023, and lasted for about a month. Before that, the most recent eruption was at Fagradalsfjall volcano in August of 2022.
You can visit this area with a helicopter tour from Reykjavik or with a volcano shuttle from the Fagradalsfjall Volcano parking area.

Question 10

Do Iceland's volcanoes pose a risk?

Accepted Answer

Day to day, Iceland's volcanoes do not pose a risk to people. However, the earthquakes preceding the December 18th, 2023, eruption of the Sundhnukagigar craters had destructive effects on the infrastructure of the nearby town of Grindavik. In January 2024, an eruption took place in Hagafell, which destroyed three homes in Grindavik.
The whole area is currently closed for safety, and make sure to check the SafeTravel website for further safety updates.
Volcano tours are canceled or amended if they can not be done safely, and now you can only see the recent eruption site with this helicopter tour of the Reykjanes volcano area.
The earlier 2023 eruption at Litli-Hrutur did not pose a risk to infrastructure or any settlements, but gas blowing off the new lava fields can be harmful to those hiking in the area.
The 2022 volcanic eruption of Fagradalsfjall in the same area did not endanger any nearby settlements.

Question 11

How can I reach a volcano in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

It depends on which volcano you have in mind. Some of the volcanoes are virtually unreachable unless a specialized crew takes you there. If you wish to experience the stunning view of some of Iceland's most beautiful and well-known volcanoes, we recommend this eight-hour hour super jeep tour of Lakagigar craters & Fjadrargljufur canyon or this 12-hour tour of Askja caldera and Holuhraun lava field.
If you wish to see the site of the Sundhnukagigar eruption by Grindavik, you'll have to take this guided hiking tour from Reykjavik, the volcano shuttle in Reykjanes, or this helicopter tour from Reykjavik.

Question 12

Where can I see recently formed lava fields?

Accepted Answer

You can always opt for one of our self-drive tours that take you to the Lake Myvatn area, and you can also join a day tour to Askja caldera. If you have ample time, you would be well advised to take a ferry to the Westman Islands archipelago, which is highly volcanically active.
With this helicopter tour from Reykjavik, you can see the Sundhnukagigar eruption site by Grindavik and the surrounding fresh lava fields from the Fagradalsfjall volcano and from the Litli-Hrutur eruption.

Question 13

Can I go inside a volcano in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

It is possible to descend into the magma chamber of the Thrihnukagigur volcano in Iceland, like with this Inside the Volcano tour, which has transfer from Reykjavik.

Question 14

Can I enter Thrihnukagigur's magma chamber during winter time in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

The Inside the Volcano tour, which takes you into Thrihnukagigur, is operational from mid-May and throughout October, but you can visit most other lava caves and lava tunnels in Iceland year-round.

Question 15

Can I see flowing lava inside Thrihnukagigur volcano in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

No, Thrihnukagigur's magma chamber is empty and thus safe to enter.

Question 16

Where is the Icelandic volcano that erupted in 2010?

Accepted Answer

Eyafjallajokull is on Iceland's South Coast, west of Myrdalsjokull.

Question 17

Why is Iceland home to so many active volcanoes?

Accepted Answer

Iceland is divided by the Mid-Atlantic Rift. As the North American and Eurasian plates pull apart, they form a weakness in the crust that results in Iceland’s volcanism.

Question 18

What types of volcanoes are there in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

There are Stratovolcanoes (such as Hekla), Central Volcanoes (such as Katla and Eyjafjallajokull), and fissure swarms (such as along the Reykjanes Peninsula).

Question 19

What is Iceland's most active volcano?

Accepted Answer

Grimsvotn, underneath Vatnajokull glacier in the Highlands is the most active volcano. It is connected to the Laki system which brought havoc to Europe in the 18th century. Hekla and Katla are also very active, having had over 20 eruptions each since the time of settlement.

Question 20

What is Iceland’s most powerful volcano?

Accepted Answer

Katla is the most powerful volcano in Iceland, which sits beneath Myrdalsjokull glacier. It last erupted in the year 1918.

Question 21

Which part of Iceland is most volcanically active?

Accepted Answer

Along the Mid-Atlantic rift, you can find the most active areas, including the South Coast around Katla volcano, the Highlands beneath Vatnajokull glacier, the Reykjanes peninsula, and the Lake Myvatn area. The Westman Islands are also very active and a volcano there last erupted in 1973.

Question 22

Why aren’t there any volcanoes in the Westfjords?

Accepted Answer

The Westfjords are the oldest part of Iceland, with some mountains dating back 16 million years. Over this time, the landmass has been pushed away from the Mid-Atlantic Rift, and out of the volcanic hot-spot zone.

Question 23

Can I camp in a lava field in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

You should only camp in designated camping areas. Lava fields are often covered by delicate moss that can take decades to regenerate if damaged.

Question 24

Is it safe to walk on the lava fields in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you follow designated paths and roads. Remember that lava fields cover countless cracks, caves, and tunnels that you can fall into.
However, the same does not apply to the new lava fields of the Fagradalsfjall, Litli-Hrutur, Hagafell, and Sundhnukagigar eruptions. Though the surface may appear hardened, the lava can still be very hot underneath the surface. It will take many years for the lava to fully cool down and be safe to walk on.

Volcano Tours

Inside the Volcano Thrihnukagigur Tour with Optional Pickup from Reykjavik

Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards 2026

The Raufarholshellir Lava Cave Tour from Reykjavik

The Vidgelmir Cave Tour

The Vatnshellir Cave Tour

Volcano Hike & Reykjanes Peninsula Sightseeing Tour from Reykjavik

The Icelandic Lava Show in Vik

Bus Tour to the Volcanic Eruption site of Litli-Hrutur and the Reykjanes Geopark from Reykjavik

Reykjanes Volcano Area Hiking Tour from Reykjavik with Blue Lagoon Admission

Golden Circle Small Group Tour with Kerid Volcanic Crater from Reykjavik

The Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel Entrance Ticket

Landmannalaugar Super Jeep Tour From Reykjavik

Afternoon or Evening Hiking Tour to the Reykjanes Volcano Area from Reykjavik

Volcano Express Admission Ticket in Reykjavik

1-Hour Helicopter Tour Above the Latest Volcanic Fields in The Reykjanes Peninsula

Best Value Golden Circle & Kerid Crater Bus Tour from Reykjavik

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