Volcano Eruption Hike & Reykjanes Tour

Lake Kleifarvatn

(Depending on the duration of the volcano hike we skip this stop)

The first stop of the day is at Lake Kleifarvatn, the largest lake on the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula. The lake is surrounded by fascinating geological features such as palagonite and sandstone mountains, formed by ancient subglacial volcanic eruptions.
The lake is surrounded by black basalt beaches and beautiful rock formations that have been shaped by the elements over the centuries. Kleifarvatn has been severely affected by seismic activity in recent years, causing the lake to partially drain. This activity has also created a new hot spring in a corner of the lake. The folklore of the lake gives this beautiful place an extra mysterious atmosphere.

Geothermal area of ​​Seltún

(Depending on the duration of the volcano hike we skip this stop)

The next stop is Seltún, where you can see the effect geothermal water can have on the environment. Here you can walk along wooden paths that wind between boiling and hissing mud pools and streams of naturally hot water that flow over the colorful ground and rocks. The air is thick with the smell of sulfur that emanates from these hot springs. Below the surface, the hot water dissolves minerals such as sulfur from the rocks and soil, giving rise to this distinctive stench. Two viewing platforms hang above the area, giving you a 360-degree view of the area.

Volcano Hike

You now reach the main event: hiking to the new volcanic eruption location. Normally volcanic eruptions in Iceland occur in very remote and difficult to reach locations.

During the drive through Reykjanes you will have seen moss covered lava fields that were formed thousands of years ago. The new and rapidly cooling lava fields will undoubtedly resemble these in the coming years. You will start the hike and take the available route to the 2021 or 2022 eruptions at the volcanoes Fagradalsfjall and Meradalir. These new lava fields are huge and meet the recently erupted lava from the 2023 eruption of the Litli-Hrut volcano.

You will walk to the best viewpoint, which can vary from day to day due to the weather. The walk can take up to 2 hours.

Gunnuhver hot springs

You will visit Gunnuhver hot springs, the centerpiece of the UNESCO Global Geopark. This protected geothermal area is very active, with steam vents and mud pools dotting the landscape.

According to myth, the mischievous spirit of Gúðrun or Gúnna was trapped in the mud pools here. Perhaps the violent, barely suppressed nature of the area can be explained by the presence of this evil spirit! “Hver” is the Icelandic word for a hot spring. So this is the hot spring of Gunna or Gunnuhver.

The largest mud pool in Iceland is located here, measuring 20 m in diameter. As at Seltun, the area is filled with stinking sulphurous steam.

Geothermal power plants are common in Iceland and Iceland is a world leader in harnessing this raw geothermal energy and in renewable energy. The nearby Reykjanes Power Plant uses this thermal water for electricity generation and district heating for the region.

Reykjanesviti Lighthouse in the coastal landscape

From a distance, the majestic Reykjanesviti Lighthouse is a striking feature of the coastal landscape.

The lighthouse dates back to the early 20th century and towers 63 metres above sea level. Its dramatic silhouette offers travellers a perfect photo opportunity, with the lighthouse set against the rugged, untouched landscape.

The surrounding area offers glimpses of natural wonders: the Valhnúkamöl ridge, impressive sea cliffs, sea stacks and skerries that provide breeding grounds for a variety of seabirds. In the distance, Eldey Island is known for its impressive colony of Northern Gannets, while the ever-changing waves of the North Atlantic continue to shape this dynamic seascape.

The bridge between continents

The last stop of the day is the Bridge Between Continents. After seeing the effects of seismic activity throughout the day, this is a chance to visualize the root cause of all the wonders you have seen.

Reykjanes Peninsula is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where two large tectonic plates are moving apart, with the gap widening by a few centimetres every year. This location is one of the few places on earth where this ridge is above sea level. The Bridge Between Continents is a 15-metre-long pedestrian bridge that offers a unique opportunity to walk between the two tectonic plates where North America and Europe are drifting apart.

Drop-off