Volcano Tours in Iceland from Reykjavik

Iceland boasts more than a hundred active and inactive volcanoes. The volcanic activity of the island is dangerous but fascinating.

Andressa García

Andressa García

12 min read

Volcano Tours in Iceland from Reykjavik

Iceland Volcano | ©Łukasz Dzierżanowski

If there is something interesting to see and do on your visit to Reykjavik, it is to tour the volcanic areas. Many tours take you to these volcanic routes where you can learn about the geological behavior of this country.

Although it is not possible to visit all the volcanoes found in Iceland, you do have the possibility to visit a few of them. I will show you some of the best tours departing from the capital of Iceland to visit the volcanic areas.

1. Helicopter flight over the volcano Fagradalsfjall

Helicopter flight over Fagradalsfjall volcano| ©Silke8600
Helicopter flight over Fagradalsfjall volcano| ©Silke8600

Fagradalsfjall is an active volcano that erupted in 2021 and since September had not ejected any more magma until last August 3, 2022 when it erupted again. So the landscape is still considerably modified since this event. In this aerial experience you will have the opportunity to see up close the eruption, the path of the lava and how the landscape has been transformed after the event.

This 40 to 60 minute flight is definitely one of the best helicopter tours in Reykjavik that you will experience on your visit. You will need to bring with you a waterproof jacket in addition to warm, thermal clothing, water and a camera.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 342 euros per person. Children pay approximately 257 euros.
  • Duration: between 45 and 60 minutes.
  • Means of transport: the flight departs from Reykjavik domestic airport. You must get to the airport on your own using a rental car or public transportation.
  • Advantages of this flight: professional narration of the entire flight by the pilot of the plane is included. It is a simple and safe flight that does not represent any risk for the participants.
  • Disadvantages of this flight: It is not suitable for children under two years old. There is a maximum of five people per helicopter. You have to make the reservation well in advance because the demand is very high.

2. Excursion to the eruption site of the Fagradalsfjall Volcano

Fagradafsjall volcano| ©nicnac1000
Fagradafsjall volcano| ©nicnac1000

If instead of flying over the area, you prefer to go on foot and tour the volcano eruption site, this tour is for you. It is a tour with a professional guide who will take you to walk through some of the places that were hit by lava from Fagradalsfjall when it erupted.

The lava flow has created new landscapes worth admiring, and on this walking tour you will have the opportunity to see up close how the volcano has left new natural spectacles to admire. In four to seven hours of travel you will get to know not only the volcano but everything around it and you will also see breathtaking scenery on the way to your destination.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 280 euros per person.
  • Duration: from 4 to 7 hours depending on the place of departure.
  • Means of transportation: minibus from Reykjavík and hike once in the place.
  • Advantages of this excursion: You have the option of pick up and return to the hotel. A professional guide is included during the volcano hike. Local tax is also included.
  • Disadvantages of this excursion: Children under 8 years old cannot participate in this experience. You have to make your reservation well in advance because the demand is very high.

3. Tour of the active volcano Geldeingadalsgós

Erupting Volcano| ©Grupo AMAT
Erupting Volcano| ©Grupo AMAT

Also on the Reykjanes peninsula, the Geldeingadalsgós volcano erupted last March, so it is possible to visit it to see how the nature of the landscape has been left after this event.

This is considered an extreme adventure, although the place of the visit is quite safe for the public. To get there you need to walk enough trails on the south coast of the peninsula. Although the site is open to the public, the experience may be cancelled due to bad weather.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 216 euros per person.
  • Duration: about nine hours, or full day.
  • Means of transportation: from Reykjavik to the volcanic area and back, as well as during the tour, transportation is included in a minibus.
  • Advantages of this tour: transportation to and from the hotel is included. Also included is a specialized guide in Spanish and a professional photo session in the volcanic landscape. A snack and a drink are also included.
  • Disadvantages of this tour: the cost for overweight luggage is not included. Breakfast and other meals not described in the experience are not included. There must be a minimum of 2 people to do the tour and children under 12 years old cannot participate.

4. Day trip to the south coast and Eyjafjallajökull Volcano

Fiery volcano| © Shawn Appel
Fiery volcano| © Shawn Appel

On this 10-hour or full-day excursion to the south coast from Reykjavík, you will see breathtaking and awe-inspiring scenery. Among so much natural wonder, you will be able to see the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which erupted in 2010.

In addition to the breathtaking views of this volcano from the Skógafoss waterfall, one of the best waterfalls you can visit in Iceland, you will also visit on this tour, other interesting attractions of the volcanic area as the Solheimajokull glacier that is attached to a larger glacier called Mýrdalsjökull.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 98 euros per person.
  • Duration: about 10 hours or a whole day.
  • Means of transport: properly equipped minibus from the hotel where you stay, during the whole tour and back.
  • Advantages of this tour: transfer to and from the hotel is included. All taxes and fees necessary to enjoy the national parks are also included. Wifi is available on board. The minibus is equipped with air conditioning and a small Icelandic snack for the road is included. Child seats are available as well as child fare. It is possible to take baby carriages. It takes place in all weather conditions.
  • Disadvantages of this ride: lunch is not included although a lunch stop is made, but at the user's expense. It is not accessible for people in wheelchairs.

Book your tour to the south coast and Eyjafjallajökull volcano

5. ATV tour of Vestmannaeyjar volcano

Vestmannaeyjar Volcano| ©Tore Thiis Fjeld
Vestmannaeyjar Volcano| ©Tore Thiis Fjeld

This is an experience that is not only adventurous and extreme, but also historical. This is because aboard an ATV you will be able to see different sites of historical importance on one of the Westman Islands. As for the volcanic tour, you will have the opportunity to see the Eldfell volcano up close.

This volcano erupted in 1973 and destroyed everything in its path, however, the people of this island faced the volcano and put it out with liters and liters of seawater. During this tour you will be able to drive around the solidified lava and see how the landscape of this place has changed since that eruption.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 102 euros per person.
  • Duration: about one hour from the time you arrive at the Westman Islands.
  • Means of transport: you must arrive on your own by ferry from Reykjavik to the Westman Islands and then walk a few streets to the meeting point specified at the time of booking. Then the ride is done by ATV.
  • Advantages of this tour: there is public transportation nearby so you can get there and back. Thermal pants, gloves and helmet are included for the tour.
  • Disadvantages of this tour: not suitable for wheelchair users. Transportation from the hotel in Reykjavik and back is not included.

6. Climbing tour to the Thrihnukagigur volcano

Thrihnukagigur Volcano| ©Cyberchemist
Thrihnukagigur Volcano| ©Cyberchemist

Thrihnukagigur volcano is one of the most impressive and interesting volcanoes not only in Iceland, but in the world. And this is because it holds the title of the only volcano that is possible to tour from the inside. During this tour you will be able to see it from the inside and climb.

The last explosion of this volcano was 4,000 years ago and it is considered a safe place to visit inside and descend the crater. You will be able to visit this inactive volcano in this experience that can last 5 to 6 hours, in which you will also be able to see the lava fields up close.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 314 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 5 to 6 hours including transfer from the hotel and back.
  • Means of transportation: properly equipped bus from hotel pick up, during the tour to the volcano and back to the hotel. Climbing and the tour inside the volcano are done on foot.
  • Advantages of this excursion: transportation from the hotel in Reykjavik and back is included, as well as the professional guide who will explain everything you need to know about the volcano. Helmet, harness, and everything you need to ensure your safety is included. Also included are soft drinks and of course the entrance fee to the volcano.
  • Disadvantages of this excursion: Children under 8 years old are not allowed to participate. This experience is not recommended for people with back problems, reduced mobility or pregnant women. It is also not recommended for people with serious heart conditions. It is not accessible for people in wheelchairs.

Book your Thrihnukagigur Volcano Tour

7. Super jeep adventure to Bardarbunga and Askja volcanoes

jeep at sunset| © Kenny Eliason
jeep at sunset| © Kenny Eliason

Between 12 and 14 hours you will need to visit the volcanoes of Bardarbunga and Askja in this complete and extreme adventure excursion aboard a super jeep. This experience will take you to the Holuhraun volcano that erupted in 2014 and has left lava fields and a completely new landscape in its surroundings. It is an adventure to enjoy only in the summer season.

You will also get to know the craters and the lunar landscape left by the many volcanic eruptions in the area. Your guide will be in charge of telling you one of the most interesting details about this area and that is that it was here where the astronauts trained to travel to the moon for the first time.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 252 euros per adult, while children get in for half the price.
  • Duration: full day, between 12 and 14 hours approximately.
  • Means of transport: you must get on your own to the information center in Reykjahlid, from where you will leave by jeep to the volcanic area.
  • Advantages of this adventure: you can take a private tour if you are a group of at least four people. Children pay half price. An experienced guide is included to take you to the most interesting volcanic areas.
  • Disadvantages of this adventure: It is not suitable for people in wheelchairs, nor is it recommended for those with back problems or other mobility problems. Not recommended for pregnant women.

8. Snaefellsjökull Glacier and Volcano Tour

Snaefellsjökull volcano| ©David THIBAULT
Snaefellsjökull volcano| ©David THIBAULT

During this tour, you will see much more than just the volcano and its surroundings. The trip will take you directly to the Snæfellsnes peninsula, where you will see breathtaking landscapes typical of Icelandic geography. Here you will see one of Iceland's most famous mountains as well as a picturesque fishing village and rock formations worth seeing.

The tour will also take you to Snaefellsjökull National Park where you will see the volcano and some of Iceland's best glaciers condensed into a single landscape. This volcano is one of the most famous on the island because it appears in Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 128 euros per person.
  • Duration: full day tour or about 10 hours approximately.
  • Means of transport: well-equipped bus to and from the island.
  • Advantages of this tour: transportation from the hotel and back is included. The bus has wifi connection on board and of course the entrance fee to the park is included. A professional guide is included to narrate the whole experience. Baby seats are available.
  • Disadvantages of this tour: it is not wheelchair friendly. This tour may be cancelled due to unfavorable weather conditions.

Book your Snaefellsjokull National Park Tour

9. Plane flight over the Grímsvötn volcano eruption site

Grímsvötn Volcano Eruption Site| ©Sandra Berndsen
Grímsvötn Volcano Eruption Site| ©Sandra Berndsen

This plane tour is one of my favorite experiences and that's because it gives you the opportunity to see from the heights all the snowy landscape in the Grímsvötn eruption area. This is a basaltic volcano that has a high eruption frequency, being one of the most active volcanoes in Iceland.

It is mostly covered by layers of ice, forming ice caves that you can also visit from Reykjavik. These, at the time of eruption creates a phenomenon of glacial flooding when the lava comes in contact with the ice.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 300 euros per adult, while children can pay a price of approximately 225 euros each.
  • Duration: flight of approximately 45 minutes.
  • Means of transport: To start with the experience you must arrive on your own at the meeting point established at the time of booking. You can use a rented car or public transportation. Once on board, the tour is done by plane.
  • Advantages of this flight: you have access to free parking if you bring your own car. Children pay less than the indicated price per person. A professional guide is included who will tell you everything you need to know about the volcano.
  • Disadvantages of this flight: Not suitable for pregnant women, or people with reduced mobility or in wheelchairs. Children must be over two years old to participate in this experience.

10. Visit to Hekla by super jeep

Getting to know the Hekla Volcano| ©Þráinn Maríus Ingólfsson
Getting to know the Hekla Volcano| ©Þráinn Maríus Ingólfsson

Black sand deserts, geothermal areas, waterfalls, and a handful of other breathtaking landscapes that only in Iceland can you enjoy is a part of what this experience offers you. The tour will take you directly to one of Iceland's most voracious volcanoes, Hekla, nicknamed "The Gateway to Hell".

For approximately 7 hours you will have the opportunity to see all that this volcano has to offer to its visitors. It is one of the tourist adventures that you will not want to miss in Iceland, and you can do it in almost any season, without having to wait for the best time to visit Reykjavik to make this visit.

The trip is by super jeep departing from the south coast, however, you can change the pick-up point at an additional cost, to see the volcanic landscape and some of the lagoons from Reykjavik.

Details of interest

  • Price: you can find this tour for approximately 10 euros per person.
  • Duration: about 7 hours.
  • Means of transportation: Super Jeep during the whole trip. If you choose to be picked up from the hotel, you will get on a minibus with all the comforts.
  • Advantages of this overflight: the trip includes the experienced local guide and the taxes paid in each place. It is a tour with scheduled departures throughout the year.
  • Disadvantages of this flight: This tour is not recommended for pregnant women or people with back problems. It is not adapted for people in wheelchairs.

Tips for an excursion to Iceland's volcanoes from Reykjavik

Hiking boots| ©Baihaki Hine
Hiking boots| ©Baihaki Hine
  • Regardless of the time of year you do any of the hikes, always wear comfortable, thermal clothing, hiking boots and sunglasses. It is also important to bring waterproof jackets.
  • If you are traveling with children, first check the minimum age that children must be to participate in the experience.
  • Make your reservations well in advance because demand often exceeds supply.
  • If you are pregnant or suffer from back problems, then you should consult your doctor before participating in any of these experiences.

Why is it advisable to do an excursion to Iceland's volcanoes from Reykjavik?

Volcano Eruption in Iceland| ©Nedko Nedkov
Volcano Eruption in Iceland| ©Nedko Nedkov

Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice, and one of the reasons is the large amount of seismic and volcanic activity on the island. You definitely cannot leave Iceland without seeing most of the volcanoes that are found there, both active and inactive.

I recommend you to do this type of excursions if you are a lover of adventure and everything that has to do with taking your life experiences to the limit. These visits to Iceland's volcanoes will remind you of the power of nature and will also give you an idea of how spectacular the geography of this country can be.