no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 30 May, 2023
Expert travel writer: Oliver Berry

Nowhere on earth is it possible to see quite as many active volcanoes as Iceland. Often, they’re literally under your feet.

At the junction of two tectonic plates, Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on the planet. Evidence of the geothermal activity bubbling just beneath the surface is plentiful, from gushing geysers to hot water pools – but if you want to see a volcano up close, you’ll probably need to lace on your hiking boots.

Several of the island’s volcanoes can be visited on foot, while others are best seen from the air or by snowmobile. But don’t expect big spews of lava and smoking craters: while volcanic eruptions happen all the time in Iceland (most recently at Fagradalsfjall), volcanic eruptions here tend to be so violent that the most active sites generally aren’t safe to visit.

Askja volcano

Central Highlands, Iceland

Askja volcano

Way off the beaten track in the central Highlands, Askja makes for an adventurous trip via 4×4, and is only accessible between May and September due to snowfall. It’s a long, bumpy detour of more than 80km from the Ring Road, followed by a strenuous hike. Guided tours can be arranged from Arnarnes.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

Website >
More details >

Eyjafjallajokull volcano

Iceland

Eyjafjallajokull volcano

This notorious volcano brought Iceland’s air traffic to an abrupt halt when it blew its top in 2010, sending huge age clouds up into the atmosphere. The volcano is concealed beneath a huge ice cap that’s clearly visible as you drive along the south coast towards Skaftafell. If you want to get closer, you’ll need to arrange a guided snowmobile tour.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

Website >
More details >

Fagradalsfjall volcano

Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

Fagradalsfjall volcano

This volcano erupted dramatically in 2021 and 2022, and released large magma fountains and lava flows. The main flows have now slowed, but you can still see the leftover lava fields. There is a large car park near the site, from where it’s a hike of about 2.5km to the viewpoint.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

Website >
More details >

Hekla volcano

Iceland

Hekla volcano

One of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, this snow-topped, photogenic monster is Iceland’s answer to Mount Fuji. A 4×4 can get you to the base, then you follow a trail that leads right up onto the crater’s rim. It’s currently considered dangerous due to the probability of an imminent eruption, so only go with a local guide. A 90-minute drive from Reykjavik.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 1 night

Frequency: monthly

Website >
More details >

Hike to the Viti volcano

Myvatn Lake, Iceland

Hike to the Viti volcano

A hiking trail leads along the rim of this 300m-wide volcanic crater (whose name means ‘hell’ in Icelandic), created in 1724 by a powerful eruption, and now filled by a china-blue pool.

Best for ages 8+

Duration: 1 hour

Frequency: monthly

Website >
More details >
tourists standing looking at lava formations inside Thrihnukagigur volcano

A once-in-a-lifetime experience: the chance to travel down inside a dormant volcano, the only place in the world where it’s possible to do so.

Adult price: £260

Min age 8

Best for ages 8+

Duration: 4-5 hours

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

In general, the best way to visit Iceland’s volcanoes is with a guide or on an organised tour. Many sites are difficult to find and can only be reached on foot or by 4×4. Tours can be readily arranged from Reykjavik and other main towns.

If you prefer to explore on your own, the area around Myvatn is the most practical to visit (although this also means it’s the busiest). Several of the area’s volcanic craters, including mighty Viti, can be visited on foot.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Puffin and Volcano Tour in Vestmannaeyjar

Heimaey Island

Puffin and Volcano Tour in Vestmannaeyjar
Hop on a minibus and explore the stunning nature of the island with unique history, friendly locals, vikings and see the biggest Puffin colony in the world. This tour is guided by Ebbi and have the same, consistent high quality guiding that people rave about. And since you are always dealing with the owner of the company everything is simple, direct and personal. Just like we believe it should be. Our tour includes a visit to Herjólfstown, the replica and exhibition of first viking family that settled in Vestmannaeyjar around the year 900 . This exhibition is designed and created by us, the Eyjatours family. Our Puffin and Volcano Tour is the most popular tour in Westman islands – Vestmannaeyjar We are committed to provide excellent, local and personal service and we use only minibus in our tours.

Price: €80

Rating 4.91 / 5 [274 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Meradalir Volcano Hike & Reykjanes Geothermal Tour from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Meradalir Volcano Hike & Reykjanes Geothermal Tour from Reykjavik
*Update August 24, 2022. Meradalir Volcano has stopped erupting for the time being but is still classed as an active site. Hike to an newly erupted Meradalir Volcano in Geldingadalir Valley Iceland, visit the Bridge Between Continents, see the majestic Reykjanesviti Lighthouse, witness the beauty of Lake Kleifarvatn, and admire Gunnuhver Hot Springs on this once in a lifetime tour from Reykjavík. Our expert tour guide will make your experience in Iceland even more magical and makes sure you get the best views during the day. Please note that this tour involves a hike of 1/5-2 each way.

Price: $81

Rating 4.66 / 5 [54 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Meradalir Volcano Hike & Blue Lagoon Tour from Reykjavík - Admission Included

Reykjavik

Meradalir Volcano Hike & Blue Lagoon Tour from Reykjavík - Admission Included
*Update August 24, 2022. Meradalir Volcano has stopped erupting for the time being but is still classed as an active site. On August 3rd, 2022, the volcano began erupting again. Join this tour to the enormous lava fields that resulted from this brief eruption. Experience the best of Iceland in this ultimate day tour where you enjoy the spectacular view from Lake Kleifarvatn, hike past lava moss-covered fields to the eruption site at Meradalir volcano and get to relax in the Blue Lagoons geothermal waters. Join us for this combination of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit a live volcano and bathe in naturally warm waters just a few minutes away. Please note that this tour involves a hike of 1/5-2 each way. Book now to begin your journey! Please note that suitable waterproof or resistant outer layers are highly recommended. Jeans are not a good idea on this tour either. Please wear suitable hiking/walking shoes.

Price: $166

Rating 4.44 / 5 [61 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Hike to Fagradalsfjall Volcano - Private Tour at your own pace

Reykjavik

Hike to Fagradalsfjall Volcano - Private Tour at your own pace
5-Star Rating Experience and award of the Top 10 adrenaline experiences in Europe. Join us on this Private Guided tour to see the volcano Fagradalsfjall in Iceland. This tour is custom only for you (not a group tour). You will be hiking with a local guide and learning about the Volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula and other incredible sagas about the Icelandic culture and locals. You can select to be picked up at your accommodation or self-drive to our meeting point. Both options are available to book. Visiting with a local guide is highly recommended for the most informative and safest volcano experience. The area is still warm, and around the crater from the 2021 eruption "Fagradalsfjall," a lot of smoke and fumaroles are still visible. We offer: A qualified local guide Professional walking poles Crampons during the winter months Repeat the tour for free if an eruption occurs while you are still in Iceland, and we will schedule a last-minute departure with a small group of guests.

Price: $199

Rating 4.97 / 5 [189 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Golden Circle, Volcano Crater & Blue Lagoon Small Group Tour

Reykjavik

Golden Circle, Volcano Crater & Blue Lagoon Small Group Tour
Experience the best of Iceland's natural wonders on this one day mini bus tour. Join us for this magnificent combination of of Iceland, we will take you to the Golden Circle pearls and finish the day off in the Blue Lagoon. Book now to begin your journey!

Price: $205

Rating 4.73 / 5 [567 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Small Group Day Tour to Lakagigar volcano by Super Jeep from Klaustur

South Iceland

Small Group Day Tour to Lakagigar volcano by Super Jeep from Klaustur
Join the full-day tour to Lakagigar craters in Vatnajokull National Park. These super jeeps are specially modified in Iceland to be able to deal with the tough surroundings in the highlands and on glaciers. The main focus is on individuals on these guided small-group tours with a maximum of 12 passengers. The super jeep has heating and air conditioning. Relax and enjoy the mountain view while your local driver guide gives you informative comments about the history and geology of Lakagígar. You can hike on top of the Mountain Laki, which is in the middle of the row of craters and enjoy the magnificent view. Among other places you will stop to see includes Tjarnargigur crater, Fagrifoss waterfall (means literally beautiful waterfall), and you will explore the breathtaking Fjadrargljufur Canyon.

Price: €278

Rating 4.86 / 5 [29 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Inside the Volcano: Small Group Thrihnukagigur Hike and Tour from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Inside the Volcano: Small Group Thrihnukagigur Hike and Tour from Reykjavik
Hungry for adventure? Journey into the depths of a dormant volcano on this exhilarating 5-hour expedition from Reykjavik. After a hike through the lava fields of the Blue Mountains, arrive at the rim of the Thrihnukagigur volcano. Don a helmet and harness, and descend by open elevator into the vast subterranean chamber. Ogle the rock walls and dome, and learn how Thrihnukagigur last erupted 4,000 years ago, filling the crater with burning lava, before ascending back up. Numbers are limited to maximum 18 people on this small-group tour for a personalized experience.

Price: €336

Rating 4.72 / 5 [97 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Iceland

Iceland

Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland

From volcanoes and glaciers to black beaches, geothermal pools and the Northern Lights, Iceland is one of the world’s wildest, weirdest destinations. A paradise for adventurous travellers.