On this Volcano hike, you’ll travel through the mossy older lava fields of Reykjanes Peninsula to the spectacular site of Iceland’s latest volcanic eruption and have time to visit other geothermally active areas on the peninsula. The expert guide will provide the necessary safety gear and information to help visitors safely enjoy this unique experience.
Once you arrive at the trailhead, it is a 1.5 to 2-hour hike up to the eruption area, which is through some rough terrain. Depending on the weather conditions, you may see billowing smoke and a red glow reflecting against the clouds before finally seeing the craters themselves, towering over the valley and spewing red-orange lava hundreds of meters into the air.
There are several craters actively erupting, all in a row along the same magma fissure. Since the eruption first started on March 19, 2021, the molten lava has been slowly filling up the valleys surrounding the craters, completely changing the landscape.
You will spend around 2-3 hours at the eruption site allowing you plenty of time to explore the area. You will notice that in some places, the lava pools into vast lakes that spread out at the base of the craters, a layer of thin black crust forming on top as it cools. You may even get to see the lava flow in bright glowing rivers, or you may just want to sit and watch lava spurting from the craters and listen to the gentle crackling as it solidifies into newly formed rock.
On the way back to Reykjavik there will be a short stop at Krysuvik geothermal area where you can take a walk between the boiling mud pools and natural volcanic steam vents. From there you will visit the largest lake on the Reykjanes peninsula, Kleifarvatn. The lake is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and at 97 meters is one of the deepest lakes in Iceland. An earthquake in 2000 caused the water level of the lake to drop suddenly. The water level has since returned to normal but along the south shore of the lake, you can still see steam from numerous hot springs which were revealed after the 2000 earthquake.
It’s Iceland’s volcanic nature that helps create and shape its jaw-dropping landscapes– the lava fields, mountains, and geothermal areas–and makes it such a magical place.
Complimentary pick up and drop off for hotels, guesthouses and bus stops
