Travel bucket list idea:
Iceland
|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.
Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland
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
Iceland
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
Iceland
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
Myvatn Lake, Iceland
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
Central Highlands, Iceland
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
Hafnarfjordur, Iceland
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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
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
Heimaey Island
Price: €85
Min age: 3
Rating 4.92 / 5 [396 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Reykjavik
Price: $101
Min age: 12
Rating 4.64 / 5 [70 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Reykjavik
Price: $197
Min age: 0
Rating 4.97 / 5 [234 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Reykjavik
Price: $200
Min age: 12
Rating 4.44 / 5 [88 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Reykjavik
Price: $211
Min age: 14
Rating 4.68 / 5 [868 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
South Iceland
Price: €278
Min age: 0
Rating 4.88 / 5 [34 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
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.
