Fagradalsfjall Volcano Hike Reykjavik: Fresh Lava & Local Guides

Hike Iceland's Newest Volcano with the Guides Who Saw It Happen

You're driven across the Reykjanes Peninsula to walk across lava formed in 2025, guided by locals who lived through the eruptions. The five-mile hike includes 300 meters of elevation gain on uneven volcanic ground. You also visit Seltún's geothermal pools and Kleifarvatn lake if you book pickup from Reykjavík. Expect moderate fitness, layered clothing, and a full day out. That's what fits all three stops and the drive into one experience.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Fagradalsfjall volcano and surroundings

• Drive across Reykjanes Peninsula
• Pass eruption zone near Grindavík
• Hike 5 miles around Fagradalsfjall volcano
• Walk through Seltún Geothermal Area
• Stop at Kleifarvatn lake viewpoint

The experience

The drive across the Reykjanes Peninsula takes about an hour from Reykjavík, and the landscape shifts the moment you leave the city: black lava fields stretch in every direction, punctuated by steam vents and raw volcanic terrain that looks more like another planet than Iceland. Your guide, someone from Grindavík or Keflavík who actually lived through the eruptions starting in 2021, points out how the land has changed in real time. You pass through the evacuation zone near Grindavík, where houses still stand abandoned and the ground beneath them has been reshaped by molten rock. It's not a dramatic moment in the way a tour operator might frame it, but it's real. You're seeing the aftermath of something that forced people out of their homes just a few years ago.

Then you reach Fagradalsfjall itself. The hike is five miles round-trip with about 300 meters of elevation gain, which means it's moderate and uneven underfoot. You'll want sturdy hiking shoes and the walking poles they provide. The fresh lava you walk across was formed days or months ago, not decades. Depending on when you go, you might see steam rising from cracks in the ground or new craters that didn't exist the season before. The guide explains what you're looking at: how the eruptions work, why this spot keeps going active, what the different colors and textures of the lava tell you. If there's an active eruption happening, the itinerary shifts to get you closer to it, but glowing lava itself is never guaranteed. It depends on what's actually happening underground that day. After the main hike, if you booked pickup from Reykjavík, you stop at Seltún, a geothermal area with boiling mud pools and fumaroles that smell like sulfur and look like they're straight out of a geology textbook. Then there's Kleifarvatn, a deep volcanic lake with black sand shores, where you pause for photos before heading back to the city.

The whole experience hinges on the guides themselves. These aren't people who read about the eruptions in a guidebook. They watched their neighborhoods change, dealt with ash falling on their cars, and now they're the ones explaining it to visitors. That context matters. You get the geology, sure, but you also get the human side of living next to an active volcano. Bring layered, waterproof clothing because weather on the peninsula can shift fast, and the hike is exposed. If it's winter, they'll provide crampons and headlamps if the ground is icy. The minimum age is seven, and you need at least moderate fitness. This isn't a casual stroll. If you have your own rental car, you can self-drive and meet the group at the Fagradalsfjall trailhead at 10:45 am in Grindavík, then follow along or do your own thing at the extra stops. Without a car, book the pickup option from Reykjavík and let someone else handle the drive while you take in the landscape.

What’s included

• Your day includes hotel pickup from Reykjavík (if booked), a scenic drive across the Reykjanes Peninsula, the guided hike across fresh lava at Fagradalsfjall with a certified local guide, hiking poles, and crampons or headlamps if needed. For Reykjavík pickup guests, the tour also includes stops at Seltún geothermal area with boiling mud pools and fumaroles, and Kleifarvatn volcanic lake for photos. One small Icelandic surprise is included. Self-drive participants meet at the Fagradalsfjall trailhead and join the main hike.
• parking fees are not included.

Options for this experience

2 options

Meet in Grindavik – I'm driving my own carUp to 8 people · Guide in English · 10:45Meet us in Grindavík. This option is for self-drivers only, so no pickup or transfer is included. Without a rental car, please choose a different option.

Meeting point: Reykjavik, Bus Stop #3Up to 7 people · Guide in English · 10:00Round-trip transfer is included, departing from Reykjavík – Bus Stop #3, Lækjargata. This is the only pickup point available for this option.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 10:45

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 to 89 years) · Child (7 to 11 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 11 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by 2Go Iceland Travel

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want to walk across Iceland's newest lava and hear firsthand stories from locals who lived through the eruptions. Expect a moderate hike on uneven ground with about 300 meters of elevation gain. That's what gets you close enough to see how the volcano has reshaped the landscape in real time.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 11 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How recent is the lava you walk on?

The lava across Fagradalsfjall was formed as recently as July 2025, depending on eruption activity. The volcano has been continuously active since 2021, so the terrain changes year to year.

Is glowing lava visible on this tour?

Glowing lava is never guaranteed and only visible during active eruptions. The tour adapts to current volcanic activity and safe access areas, but you will walk across fresh lava fields regardless.

How long is the hike?

Five miles round-trip with about 300 meters of elevation gain. The terrain is uneven lava, and hiking time varies with weather and group pace. Moderate fitness is required.

What if I don't have a rental car?

Book the pickup option from Reykjavík. The guide drives you across the Reykjanes Peninsula, and you join the hike at Fagradalsfjall. Self-drive participants meet at the trailhead in Grindavík at 10:45 am.

Are the extra stops included?

Seltún geothermal area and Kleifarvatn lake are included only for guests who book pickup from Reykjavík. Self-drive participants can follow the guide to these stops in their own car or leave independently after the hike.

What should I bring?

Layered waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, water, snacks, gloves, and a camera. Walking poles and crampons (if needed in winter) are provided.

What if the volcano area is closed?

If access is restricted due to volcanic activity or safety concerns, the tour route changes to alternative safe volcanic sites on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

How long is the drive from Reykjavík?

About one hour across the Reykjanes Peninsula to reach Fagradalsfjall. The drive is included in the pickup option and offers views of lava fields and geothermal features.

Are walking poles and crampons included?

Yes. Hiking poles are provided for all guests. Crampons and headlamps are provided if needed during winter or icy conditions.