Afternoon & Evening Volcano Hiking Tour

Update August 9th: Please note that the flow of new lava has ceased for the time being. The area is still fascinating and well worth a visit.

Our Afternoon and Evening Active Volcano tours from Reykjavík Iceland take you directly to the brand-new eruption site at Litla Hrutur. Pass by the previous eruption sites of Fagradalsfjall and Meradalir in Geldingalur Valley and witness the vast scale of the changes these eruptions have made to the landscape.

The 2021 eruption lasted many months while the 2022 and 2023 eruptions petered out after several weeks. The area is still very active and fascinating, being the place for 3 eruptions within 3 years!

• Mossy-covered lava fields
• Fagradalsfjall Volcano & Meradalir Volcano
• Hike in Geldingadalur Valley
• Drive along Reykjanes Peninsula
• Seltún Hot Springs (we may skip this stop if the hike overruns)

The afternoon or evening departure option to visit the volcano gets straight to the action. After our fast and efficient downtown pickup service, we drive out of the capital area along the moon-like landscape of the Reykjanes peninsula.

After a week in which residents of the South-West experienced thousands of small earthquakes, anticipation was at a fever pitch for a fresh volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula. Finally on July 10, 2023, a 900m fissure opened up just north of the Meradalir crater. This exciting new eruption is believed by scientists to be around twice as big as the recent eruptions in the area.

We join the hiking trail around the lava field remnants of the 2021 Fagradalsfjall eruption. The first section is the steepest before the trail flattens out for several kms. This final section is mossy and bumpy, requires careful negotiation and would be considered as difficult. Total hiking time is about 2 hours but that it can be a little less or more depending on the route we take on a given day.

We go as close to the active volcano as possible. How close depends on many factors, including gas levels, weather conditions and safety warnings from the rescue squad.

To witness a volcanic eruption is simply magical and we hope to share this wonderful experience with you. Book today with BusTravel Iceland.

Depending on the duration of the volcano hike, we may skip this stop.

At Seltún you can view the effect that geothermal waters can have on an environment. Walk along the wooden paths that wind between boiling and hissing mud pools and streams of natural hot water flowing over the colorful ground and rock. The air is thick with the smell of sulphur emitted from these hot-springs. Beneath the surface, the hot water dissolves minerals such as sulphur from the rocks and ground soil, leading to this distinctive stinch. Two viewing platforms overhang the area allowing you a 360 degree point of view over the area.

• Experienced guide
• Wi-fi on board
• Hike to the new eruption site
• Headlamps on the evening tour departure

• Meals & drinks

• It is essential that you dress properly for this hike. A thermal base layer and waterproof outer layer are recommended. Jeans are not advisable as if it rains they will stay wet for hours and you risk hypothermia.
• Good sturdy walking shoes, preferably with ankle support.
• Wool/fleece headwear and gloves
• Water & snacks
• Hiking poles are recommended but not mandatory. This can also be rented from BusTravel Iceland.

• The hike to the volcano is rated challenging for a reasonably fit person.
• The hike can take around 2 hours each way. 
• Volcanoes are a natural phenomenon and the level of volcanic activity at the site varies daily. Even if the volcano is not erupting during your visit, visiting the area is still fascinating.
• The duration of the tour is approx. 9 hours.
• There is no food included on this tour so we recommend you bring a packed dinner/snacks and water.

• Full refund if cancelled more than 24 hours in advance of the tour. No refund is cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.

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