Best Volcano Tours in Iceland
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get to the Grindavik eruption site in Iceland?
Because of the ongoing eruptions in the Sundhnukagigar craters just outside Grindavik, the whole surrounding area is closed off for safety. You can learn more about it with our complete guide to the 2024 Grindavik eruptions.
The only way to see the Sundhnukagigar volcano is with this helicopter tour of the Reykjanes eruption area.
In previous eruptions in the vicinity, hiking paths were opened to the eruption site once it was deemed safe. It remains to be seen if this will be possible with this most recent Iceland eruption. Please respect the closure and check SafeTravel for updates.
If authorities consider the area safe to visit, there are a few ways for you to see the aftermath of the Reykjanes eruptions by Fagradalsfjall volcano and Mt. Litli-Hrutur.
There's around a 55-minute drive from Reykjavik to get to the parking areas near the volcano. From there, you will take hiking path D, also known as Merardalaleid, to Mt. Litli-Hrutur. The roundtrip distance is around 12 miles (20 kilometers).
If you want to see the sites of the previous Fagradalsfjall eruptions, you will take path A or B and hike toward Meradalir valley. The roundtrip distance is about 10 miles (15 kilometers).
The only way to see the Sundhnukagigar volcano is with this helicopter tour of the Reykjanes eruption area.
In previous eruptions in the vicinity, hiking paths were opened to the eruption site once it was deemed safe. It remains to be seen if this will be possible with this most recent Iceland eruption. Please respect the closure and check SafeTravel for updates.
If authorities consider the area safe to visit, there are a few ways for you to see the aftermath of the Reykjanes eruptions by Fagradalsfjall volcano and Mt. Litli-Hrutur.
There's around a 55-minute drive from Reykjavik to get to the parking areas near the volcano. From there, you will take hiking path D, also known as Merardalaleid, to Mt. Litli-Hrutur. The roundtrip distance is around 12 miles (20 kilometers).
If you want to see the sites of the previous Fagradalsfjall eruptions, you will take path A or B and hike toward Meradalir valley. The roundtrip distance is about 10 miles (15 kilometers).
Is it safe to go to the Grindavik eruption in Iceland?
With the ongoing volcanic eruption by the Sundhnukagigar craters, it is currently not safe to go to the eruption site by Grindavik. The whole area surrounding the Sundhnukagigar volcano and the previous eruption sites in the vicinity are closed off as there is still a risk of new fissures opening and dangerous gases in the area.
The only way to see the Sundhnukagigar eruption site by Grindavik is with this helicopter tour of the Reykjanes eruption area.
Make sure to check the SafeTravel website for updates about safety conditions and guidelines.
In the previous eruptions in the vicinity, hiking paths have been established for visitors. It remains to be seen if this will be safe to do for the site of the Sundhnukagigar eruption site in the future. Only go if experts and authorities declare the area open for visitors. If it's open, we recommend joining a guided tour for optimal safety.
The only way to see the Sundhnukagigar eruption site by Grindavik is with this helicopter tour of the Reykjanes eruption area.
Make sure to check the SafeTravel website for updates about safety conditions and guidelines.
In the previous eruptions in the vicinity, hiking paths have been established for visitors. It remains to be seen if this will be safe to do for the site of the Sundhnukagigar eruption site in the future. Only go if experts and authorities declare the area open for visitors. If it's open, we recommend joining a guided tour for optimal safety.
Where is the new 2024 Iceland volcano by Grindavik?
On the evening of December 18th, 2023, a new eruption started by the Sundhnukagigar craters, just outside the town of Grindavik. It came to a stop on December 21st but erupted in the same area on February 8th, 2024. It was followed by multiple other eruptions, all behaving similarly.
The Sundhnukagigar craters are the fourth eruption site close to Grindavik, with a total of ten eruptions in four consecutive years on the Reykjanes peninsula. The whole site is currently closed for safety, and it remains to be seen when it will be safe for visitors.
The Sundhnukagigar craters are the fourth eruption site close to Grindavik, with a total of ten eruptions in four consecutive years on the Reykjanes peninsula. The whole site is currently closed for safety, and it remains to be seen when it will be safe for visitors.
What are the best volcano tours in Iceland?
The best volcano tour to experience in Iceland is this helicopter tour of the Reykjanes volcano area from Reykjavik. More than 80 travelers rated it 4.6 out of 5 stars, and it's the only way to see the incredible eruption sites on the Reykjanes peninsula, including the Sundhnukagigar volcano by Grindavik.
There are also plenty of 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. Over 330 nature lovers rated the experience 4.8 out of 5.
Another high-rated volcano tour in Iceland combines a Golden Circle sightseeing tour with Kerid volcanic crater. It is rated 4.8 out of 5 by roughly 250 travelers.
There are also plenty of 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. Over 330 nature lovers rated the experience 4.8 out of 5.
Another high-rated volcano tour in Iceland combines a Golden Circle sightseeing tour with Kerid volcanic crater. It is rated 4.8 out of 5 by roughly 250 travelers.
What are the cheapest volcano tours in Iceland?
The cheapest volcano tour in Iceland is the lava caving tour of Vatnshellir cave in Snaefellsnes. It is open for booking year-round for only about 40 USD.
Another affordable volcano tour in Iceland is this lava tunnel tour of Raufarholshellir volcanic tubes in Southwest Iceland. You can join the experience for around 62 USD.
Another affordable volcano tour in Iceland is this lava tunnel tour of Raufarholshellir volcanic tubes in Southwest Iceland. You can join the experience for around 62 USD.
Are volcano tours in Iceland truly worth the experience?
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.
Where is the volcano in Iceland that erupted in summer 2023?
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 and 2024 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.
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 and 2024 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.
What should I wear for going to the Litli-Hrutur volcano in Iceland?
The area around Litli-Hrutur has been closed off because of the recent Sundhnukagigar eruption by Grindavik. It is not safe to enter the area. Please respect the closure.
In previous years, hiking paths to eruption sites were opened once authorities considered it safe, but it's not yet known if this will be done for the most recent Iceland eruption. Keep an eye on the SafeTravel website for updates.
If the area opens to the public, the round-trip hike to the Litli-Hrutur eruption site covers around 12 miles (20 kilometers), which can take around 7 or 8 hours to complete both ways. It's safest to visit with a guided tour.
It is necessary to wear good hiking shoes with ankle support. Since the Icelandic weather is unpredictable and there is a lack of wind cover in the area, make sure to wear warm clothes and gloves. Wear layers so you can easily remove them as needed. Also, remember to bring water and snacks.
If you want to see the aftermath of the previous two eruptions of 2022 and 2021, you can hike on a rocky trail from the parking lot near Meradalir valley to reach Fagradalsfjall volcano. The hike can be quite challenging, and the roundtrip distance is about 10 miles (15 kilometers); therefore, it is wise to bring water to drink along the way.
In previous years, hiking paths to eruption sites were opened once authorities considered it safe, but it's not yet known if this will be done for the most recent Iceland eruption. Keep an eye on the SafeTravel website for updates.
If the area opens to the public, the round-trip hike to the Litli-Hrutur eruption site covers around 12 miles (20 kilometers), which can take around 7 or 8 hours to complete both ways. It's safest to visit with a guided tour.
It is necessary to wear good hiking shoes with ankle support. Since the Icelandic weather is unpredictable and there is a lack of wind cover in the area, make sure to wear warm clothes and gloves. Wear layers so you can easily remove them as needed. Also, remember to bring water and snacks.
If you want to see the aftermath of the previous two eruptions of 2022 and 2021, you can hike on a rocky trail from the parking lot near Meradalir valley to reach Fagradalsfjall volcano. The hike can be quite challenging, and the roundtrip distance is about 10 miles (15 kilometers); therefore, it is wise to bring water to drink along the way.
Are there any active volcanoes in Iceland?
Iceland has many active volcanoes, with the most recent eruptions taking place by the Sundhnukagigar craters in 2023 and 2024.
There have been ten eruptions in four consecutive years on the Reykjanes peninsula, the other most recent eruption being at Mt. Litli-Hrutur. 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.
There have been ten eruptions in four consecutive years on the Reykjanes peninsula, the other most recent eruption being at Mt. Litli-Hrutur. 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.
Do Iceland's volcanoes pose a risk?
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.
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.
How can I reach a volcano in Iceland?
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 helicopter tour from Reykjavik.
If you wish to see the site of the Sundhnukagigar eruption by Grindavik, you'll have to take this helicopter tour from Reykjavik.
Where can I see recently formed lava fields?
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.
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.
Can I go inside a volcano in Iceland?
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.
Can I enter Thrihnukagigur's magma chamber during winter time in Iceland?
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.
Can I see flowing lava inside Thrihnukagigur volcano in Iceland?
No, Thrihnukagigur's magma chamber is empty and thus safe to enter.
Where is the Icelandic volcano that erupted in 2010?
Why is Iceland home to so many active volcanoes?
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.
What types of volcanoes are there in Iceland?
There are Stratovolcanoes (such as Hekla), Central Volcanoes (such as Katla and Eyjafjallajokull), and fissure swarms (such as along the Reykjanes Peninsula).
What is Iceland's most active volcano?
What is Iceland’s most powerful volcano?
Katla is the most powerful volcano in Iceland, which sits beneath Myrdalsjokull glacier. It last erupted in the year 1918.
Which part of Iceland is most volcanically active?
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.
Why aren’t there any volcanoes in the Westfjords?
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.
Can I camp in a lava field in Iceland?
You should only camp in designated camping areas. Lava fields are often covered by delicate moss that can take decades to regenerate if damaged.
Is it safe to walk on the lava fields in Iceland?
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.
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.
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