Geldingadalir Valley

Update August 9th: The flow of new lava at Litli-Hrutur has stopped, at least for the time being. The area is still smoldering and is fascinating to visit. After a period on calm following eruption in 2012 and 2022, the Reykjanes Peninsula has awoken once more. In mid-July, a new volcano at Litli Hrutur erupted spewing lava and smoke over a vast area. Discover the beauty of volcanic landscapes in the Geldingadalur Valley on this day trip from Reykjavík. Walk past the eruption site Meradalir and Fagraadalsfjall Volcano areas to see the new lava fields. Capture photos at locations like Lake Kleifarvatn, The Bridge between Continents, and Gunnuhver Hot Springs. Start with a pickup in Reykjavík before heading on a scenic drive surrounded by breathtaking views. Stop by Lake Kleifarvatn to take in the black sand beach and surrounding mountains. Lace up your hiking boots and begin the long walk towards Litli Hrutur, north of Meradalir. Please note that the hike is of moderate to hard difficulty and takes around 2 hours each way. But please note that the route we take can vary depending on conditions on the day. We will always take you to the safest viewing point. This is a good moment to eat your packed lunch. Drive the Reykjanes Peninsula, where volcanoes have shaped the area, with immense ancient lava fields now covered by soft green lava moss. Continue to the Gunnuhver Hot Springs to breathe in steam from the boiling waters. Make your way to the oldest lighthouse in Iceland Reykjanes Lighthouse. Admire the cliffs and sea stacks formed by the Atlantic Ocean at the Valhnúkamöl Boulder Ridge. Finally, see the Bridge Between Continents which crosses a rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Get a picture of you walking across the bridge before returning to Reykjavík.

Update August 9th: The flow of new lava at Litli-Hrutur has stopped, at least for the time being. The area is still smoldering and is fascinating to visit. Enjoy the mountain views at Lake Kleifarvatn and hike to the erupting volcano at Litli Hrutur volcano on this day trip from Reykjavík. Have the option to select pickup and drop-off. Unwind after your hike with a soak in the Blue Lagoon and a complimentary drink. Start your adventure with a pickup in Reykjavík and head towards the Reykanes Peninsula. Peer out of the window to a landscape of mossy-covered lava fields, geothermal fields, fishing villages, breathtaking coastal features, and mountain lakes. Explore hot springs and the black basalt beach of Lake Kleifarvatn. In July 2023, a new volcanic fissure opened in the hills of Reykjanes. Hike past to the 2021 eruption site at Fagradalsfjall Volcano in Geldingadalur valley. The hike takes about 2 hours each way on generally flat terrain. You won´t regret the effort though as you are rewarded with a stunning display of natural force. Witness newly formed lava descending from the volcano into old lava moss and rocks. After the unforgettable experience, hike back down the valley once more. Your bones might be weary so ending your day by relaxing in the Blue Lagoon is the perfect medicine. Let the warm healing geothermal waters soften your muscles and soul after your volcanic experience.

Update August 9th: The flow of new lava at Litli-Hrutur has stopped, at least for the time being. The area is still smoldering and is fascinating to visit. Enjoy an afternoon or evening hike in Geldingadalur Valley, where eruptions over the past two years have transformed the landscape. Recently a new eruption has begun at Litli Hrutur, transforming this once quiet region even more. Learn about the history of volcanoes in the area as well as an introduction to the underlying science from your expert guide. Get picked up in Reykjavík and set out on a scenic drive surrounded by breathtaking views towards the Fagradalsfjall Volcano, Meradalir, and Geldingadallur Valley. Once at the valley, put on your hiking gear and head towards the volcano to hopefully see some lava flowing. Bring snacks and water along with you and enjoy them while you gaze upon this natural wonder. The hike to a good viewing point of the eruption takes around 2 hours+/-. Afterward, as you drive along the peninsula, your guide will fill you in on the history of volcanos in the area, many long-dormant, now covered by soft green lava moss.

Fly above a new volcanic area on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula on a 35–50 minute helicopter flight from Reykjavik. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the skies of Iceland, observing lava fields, Mount Esja, and Faxafloi Bay from above. Set off from the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik, where 19 miles (30 km) away lies a new volcano in an area with three eruptions in the last two years. Climb aboard this five- or six-seater helicopter and lift off into the sky. Admire the breathtaking views of a smoldering volcano and potentially see its simmering crater, flowing lava streams, and extensive lava field. Soak up the unforgettable panoramic view from the clouds and use the opportunity to snap some spectacular photos from a perfect vantage point. Feel at ease throughout the flight in a modern and safe helicopter piloted by experienced staff. Enjoy between 30 and 50 minutes in the air, before heading back to Reykjavik.

Embark on a captivating journey to Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, where the untamed forces of nature collide with human perseverance. Once a bustling fishing village, Grindavík now stands as a striking reminder of nature’s raw power, transformed by volcanic activity that forced its evacuation and forever reshaped its landscape. Your carbon-neutral adventure begins with a pickup in Reykjavík, followed by a scenic drive through volcanic plains and along rugged coastlines. The journey takes you to Seltún Geothermal Area, a stunning showcase of Iceland’s dynamic energy. Here, bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and vividly colored mineral deposits reveal the Earth’s intense geothermal activity, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the planet’s natural forces. Continuing onward, you’ll arrive at Fagradalsfjall, Iceland’s youngest volcano and a symbol of the country’s ever-changing geology. A 45-minute hike takes you across still-warm lava fields to a stunning viewpoint overlooking fresh lava flows from recent eruptions. Covering a total distance of 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles), the hike features moderate elevation gains and rewards you with an up-close look at this powerful volcanic marvel. From the volcano, the journey leads to the coastal village of Grindavík, where you’ll see firsthand how the community fought to protect itself during the eruptions. The town’s resilient residents worked quickly to construct protective barriers against advancing lava flows, but the scars left behind by volcanic forces remain visible throughout the area. Walking through Grindavík, you’ll witness the dramatic rifts created by tectonic shifts, a haunting yet beautiful reminder of the Earth’s constant movement and the lasting impact on those who once called this place home. Before returning to Reykjavík, you’ll stop to enjoy a delicious fish and chips lunch, made with fresh local seafood and offering a taste of Iceland’s rich culinary tradition. As the day comes to a close, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of Grindavík and the volcanic wonders of the Reykjanes Peninsula—a profound experience that highlights both the ferocity of nature and the enduring resilience of humanity.

Your journey begins in Reykjavík and a scenic drive through the Reykjanes Geopark, a UNESCO-listed haven of volcanic and geothermal wonders. Our first stop is the Seltún Geothermal Area, a surreal landscape alive with bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and vibrant mineral deposits that tell the story of Iceland’s restless earth. Next, we’ll venture to Fagradalsfjall, one of Iceland’s most recent volcanic sites. A 45-minute hike brings you to awe-inspiring lava fields, still warm from recent eruptions. From a breathtaking vantage point, take in the stark beauty of fresh lava flows sculpting Iceland’s dynamic terrain. This 5.5 km (3.4-mile) hike, rated moderately challenging, offers incredible photo opportunities and is suitable for those in good physical shape. Continuing to the village of Grindavík, witness the resilience of a community forever marked by volcanic activity. Learn how residents ingeniously redirected lava flows and explore dramatic tectonic rifts that etch the landscape, highlighting the enduring clash of natural forces. The perfect conclusion to your adventure awaits at the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa world-renowned for its soothing, mineral-rich waters. Immerse yourself in the tranquil, milky-blue pools surrounded by rugged lava fields, letting the warm embrace of the lagoon melt away your fatigue. When you’re ready, a comfortable return transfer will bring you back to Reykjavík, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Iceland’s volcanic marvels, resilient communities, and serene relaxation.

Leave Reykjavik behind and set off for an exciting hike up to the newly formed lava field on this daytime tour. See the Geldingadalur Volcano which last erupted in 2021, Meradalir Volcano which last erupted in August 2022 and Litli-Hrútur last erupted in July 2023. Explore the volcanic landscape before relaxing in warm geothermal waters. Depart from Reykjavik City Center and begin the journey by admiring boiling mud pools and colorful landscape at Seltún Geothermal area. Travel to the start of the hiking route and hike the most convenient way to witness the newly formed lava field. After the hike to the Volcano, head to the bridge between continents, where you get the chance to walk between the Eurasian tectonic plate and the North American tectonic plate. After an exciting day exploring the volcanic wonders of Reykjanes Peninsula travel back to Reykjavik to relax in the warm geothermal waters of the Sky Lagoon, admire the ocean views from their infinity pool, and experience the included 7-Step Spa Ritual.