Iceland · VOLCANO TOURS IN REYKJAVIK
Daylight and weather decide the shape of an Icelandic trip. These 13 volcano tours in Reykjavik are priced and timed so you can slot one in and move on.
Travel from Reykjavík to Seltún and the Geldingadalur Valley for a guided hike across recent lava fields near Fagradalsfjall. The route takes about two hours each way and can be hard in bad weather. Guides such as Dave, Tom, Alain, and Elias are praised for clear explanations and careful pacing. Live lava is not guaranteed.
“"Becky" was an amazing guide. Thank you very much.”
Fly with GlacierHeli from Ace FBO Reykjavik in a five or six-seat helicopter. Your pilot circles the Reykjanes volcanic area, including Litli Hrutur, Geldingadalir, Fagradalsfjall, and Grindavik. Flights may include a short landing on recent lava, but weather and volcanic conditions decide what you see.
“Enjoyed the experience and our pilot Laura was the best. Highly recommend her as was a very experienced and a positive pilot with a smile. Although we were a bit disappointed we missed the Lava flowing by 14 days we still had a fun time walking on the old lava remains from the previous flow. The ride was smooth and we may book again for another adventure this trip. Feel free to check the videos on IG: @JYoffe”
Walk 45 to 50 minutes across Bláfjöll’s rough lava field, then ride a lift 400 feet into Thrihnukagigur’s empty magma chamber. Guides such as Daniel, Ben, and Marcus have led groups with clear safety briefings and good humor. Expect warm clothes, hiking shoes, small groups, dramatic colors, and soup at base camp.
“Ben is a fantastic guide and all around gentleman.”
You’ll ride from Viking Horses, a family-run farm near Reykjavik, through Hólsmheiði forest to the red lava formations of Rauðhólar. Guides match horses to your experience, teach the Icelandic tölt, and stop for photos. Pickup runs around 9:30 to 9:45 AM, with tea or coffee at the farm afterward.
“Viktor and Pia were absolutely wonderful guides and so helpful. So much experience and knowledge, and clearly love these beautiful horses. Viktor’s medals, trophies and innate understanding of the horses made it also feel that it was a tour that had integrity and was ethical in the treatment of animals. Would recommend highly and go again tomorrow if we could. Yvonne and Paul Olsen.”
Fly with GlacierHeli from Reykjavík over the Reykjanes Peninsula’s recent eruption sites, volcanic craters, lava fields, and Faxaflói Bay. The 35 to 45 minute flight carries no more than five passengers. Pilots such as Laura, Oliver, Robert, and Aleksander have provided geology commentary, and suitable conditions may allow a landing near the lava fields.
“It was cancelled due to bad weather. The weather cleared at 7 PM, and we were able to book a later flight with another operator.”
Travel from Reykjavik to the Blue Mountains, hike 3 kilometers across uneven lava fields, then descend 120 meters by open cable lift into Thrihnukagigur’s colorful magma chamber. A professional guide explains the geology, safety gear is provided, and soup and hot drinks await at base camp.
“The experience itself was great but the tour guide communication is not.. it took reaching out several times on several different platforms to get them to answer and it made me very anxious if I’d get a response in time.”
Join a small guided hike from Reykjavík to Fagradalsfjall with a professional geologist such as Giuseppe or France. Expect 1 to 1.5 hours each way to a crater viewpoint, rough lava fields, steep sections, and changing Icelandic weather. The guide explains lava types, fissures, eruptions, and the forces still at work below the ground.
“The trip was very memorable. Time passed very quickly. Guide was knowledgeable and friendly.Thank you!”
Travel from Reykjavik to Fagradalsfjall and Meradalir for a demanding volcanic hike over dirt roads and fresh lava. Expect about four hours on foot, changing weather, limited bathrooms, and guides such as Peter, Sara, Dennis, or Ody sharing Icelandic geology and local history. Kleifarvatn Lake and Seltún Hot Springs add scenic stops.
“Thank you so much for upgrading us to the full day tour. We had an absolutely amazing day seeing so many incredible things. Huge thanks to our guide Dennis. Stay safe when the volcano erupts! We are already planning our return visit to this stunning and fascinating country.”
Take a 45-minute helicopter flight from Reykjavik Domestic Airport to the Reykjanes Peninsula. Your English-speaking pilot points out old lava fields, the 2021 to 2022 Fagradalsfjall and Geldingadalir craters, and the Sundhnúkahraun eruption site from March 2024. The flight carries no more than five people, with a chance to see glowing lava if conditions allow.
“Excellent way to see this beautiful area. Had a blast. Everything was easy and on time.”
Trade the coach for an ATV ride from Reykjavik. Safari Quads provides helmets, thermal overalls, rain gear, gloves, and instruction before you cross lava fields, climb Hengill Mountain, and reach the Mosfellsbaer Valley. Guides such as Ryan and Alessandro have earned praise for patient coaching and strong route knowledge.
“We were treated to a private tour as we were the only ones to sign up that day which was a pleasant surprise. Our tour guide was very friendly and gave us excellent advice to prepare us for the journey. Due to severe weather conditions we were informed our tour would be limited to 2 hours but I’d say it was more than enough time to fully enjoy ourselves. We had a blast riding across the rugged terrain and our guide took great pictures of us along the way. We received a generous refund due to the trip being cut a tad short, but it honestly didn’t even feel necessary…”
Take a private helicopter flight for up to four people from Reykjavik over the Reykjanes Peninsula, recent eruption sites, Keilir, coastal cliffs, and downtown Reykjavik. Pilots such as Julian and Matt point out the volcanoes and landmarks. The flight lasts about 40 to 50 minutes and depends on good weather.
“Truly a once in a lifetime experience for us! See the lava fields and volcanoes from the last decade. This is the only way to truly see the impact.”
Safari Quads takes you from Reykjavik into the lava fields, Hellisheiði geothermal area, Hengill volcanic country, and up Hafrafell for views toward Reykjavik, Esja, and Faxaflói Bay. You get three hours on the ATV, safety gear, a guide, coffee at basecamp, and hotel or bus-stop pickup. Drivers need a license and must be 17 or older.
“Good stuff! Only minus was that we did not experience it as thrilling and physically demanding as described. Good for people who like to drive vehicles but if you want something more demanding, check with the company if they have other routes.”
Spend about 6.5 hours exploring Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula in a private SUV with an English-speaking guide such as Bjarni. Visit lighthouses, a memorial, Hvalsneskirkja, Gunnuhver’s steaming mud pots, Brimketill, fresh lava near Svartsengi, and the Bridge Between Continents. Blue Lagoon time is for photos and cafe refreshments, not a confirmed soak.
“We absolutely loved the tour and our guide’s knowledge and professionalism. Excellent driver and accommodated to our requests. I highly recommend.”
Pick a glacier, a bay or a hot pool.
