Iceland volcano tours

Yes! If you’re fascinated by volcanoes, Iceland’s the perfect place to see them up close. You can stand on the edge of vast craters, venture inside lava tunnels, or take a helicopter ride over dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Iceland Tours makes it easy to witness these scenes for yourself with packages designed by local experts. These itineraries are packed with epic volcanic sights and thrilling activities. Many also give you the option to add extra adventures, including horseback riding and puffin watching.

Just choose how you want to explore. If you’d like the flexibility to travel at your own pace, a self-drive trip is for you. Stop off at steaming geothermal spas and hot springs, rugged lava fields, and remote volcanic craters whenever you like.

Or let someone else do the driving on a guided or privately guided tour. Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights about Iceland’s volcanic activity.

If you love the outdoors, camping surrounded by nature during summer adds an extra sense of adventure.

Even if you’re only in Iceland for a short time, you can still experience top volcanic sites on a multi-day tour. You’ll be based in Reykjavík or Akureyri and visit different nearby attractions each day. For example, you can explore the inner workings of a volcanic eruption on a guided lava-caving tour. Or follow a local expert inside Katla, a natural ice cave which sits on top of a volcano!

Absolutely! On a volcano trip with Iceland Tours, you’ll get a detailed itinerary crafted by our local experts based in Reykjavík. Not only do they know the best volcanic spots and scenic routes, but they’ll also make sure you get the most out of your time exploring Iceland’s epic landscapes.

Your vacation package will also include:

• Your choice of accommodation level
• A delicious daily breakfast
• A rental car of your choice (for self-drive & camping trips)
• 24/7 support while you’re in Iceland
• Camping gear, including tent, sleeping bags & cooking equipment (for camping trips)
• Airport transfers & activities (for multi-day, guided & private tours)

There are plenty of incredible things for you to experience on a volcano trip in Iceland. It's your chance to witness the island's raw volcanic power.

Depending on the tour, you might find yourself in the Reykjanes Geopark, walking on brand-new lava fields formed by recent volcanic eruptions. Or you could venture to North Iceland and explore the otherworldly Lake Mývatn, a stunning lake that sits in the middle of a lava field. You’ll see volcanic craters, hot water caves, mud pools and more.

And this is just scratching the surface. There's so much to see and do on an Iceland volcano trip. You could:

• Walk or snorkel between 2 tectonic plates in Þingvellir National Park
• Get a bird’s eye view of the Fagradalsfjall eruption site on a helicopter tour
• Visit the Geysir geothermal area and watch Strokkur erupt into the sky
• Descent into the magma chamber of the dormant Þríhnúkagígur volcano
• Marvel at the moss-covered Lakagígar craters
• Hike up the active Eldfell volcano on the Westman Islands
• Walk along the dark volcanic shores of Reynisfjara black sand beach
• Soak in Reykjadalur valley’s natural hot springs
• Wander through bubbling mud pools and fuming lava fields at Krafla volcano

Discover more awesome things to do in Iceland to make the most of your volcanic adventure.

You’ll find most of Iceland’s active volcanoes clustered in the south and central regions. Just a short drive from Reykjavík, the Reykjanes Peninsula is home to Fagradalsfjall, Litli-Hrútur, and other recent eruption sites.

As you make your way southeast, you can visit other popular sites, like Katla, Hekla, and Eldfell. And, of course, there’s Eyjafjallajökull, an infamous volcano in Iceland. You might have heard that in 2010, its eruption sent massive ash clouds into the sky, which caused some disruption.

A great way to see these sites is on an Iceland active volcano tour following the Volcanic Way route. You’ll drive through South Iceland and the Reykjanes peninsula, stopping at 8 major volcanic attractions. To learn more about the Volcanic Way and get insider tips, check out this guide on where to see active volcanoes in Iceland.

Yes, you can see lava in Iceland up close at the Lava Show in Reykjavík or the picturesque town of Vík. The show brings a volcano eruption to life by heating real lava to 1100°C (2000°F) and pouring it right in front of you!

You might also get the chance to see molten lava during an eruption, depending on the volcano and the intensity of the activity.

In recent years, the eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula, including the famous Fagradalsfjall volcano, were nicknamed ‘tourist eruptions’. That’s because locals and visitors could witness the eruption from a safe distance once the Icelandic authorities deemed it safe to do so.

Alternatively, you can see solidified lava all across the country. Iceland is home to moss-covered lava fields like Eldhraun and cooled lava formations like Dimmuborgir.

Most of Iceland’s volcanoes are safe to visit unless local authorities say otherwise. You can explore some of them on your own by hiking along crater rims or across lava fields.

For other experiences, like going into a magma chamber, you’ll need to join a guided tour. These tours put your safety first, so you can rest assured you’re in good hands. Just make sure to always follow your guide’s advice.

That said, volcanoes can be unpredictable, so it’s always best to stay updated and follow the safety advice of Icelandic authorities. For example, if there’s an eruption happening while you’re in Iceland, stay away from the eruption area while it’s closed and respect road closures.

For the latest updates and safety information, visit Safe Travel Iceland and our volcano activity page.

First, browse the tours on this page. You can narrow down your search by season, travel style, trip length, or budget.

Once you’ve picked your vacation package, just follow the steps on the tour page to book online:

• Enter your travel dates and the number of people in your group
• Choose your accommodation level. If you’ve chosen a self-drive or camping trip, you’ll also need to select your type of rental car
• Customize your tour with extra activities or additional nights
• Pay just a 5% deposit to lock in your vacation

For more details on how to book, just head over to our How to Book with Us page.

You can choose any start date you’d like for most of the travel styles on this page, including:

• Self-drive tours
• Multi-day tours
• Privately guided tours
• Camping tours

The only exception is guided group tours, which have fixed departures. We’ve got plenty of dates available in both summer and winter, so you’ll definitely find one that works for you.

Once you’ve nailed down your travel dates, go ahead and start checking out flights. Just be sure to book your tour first so everything lines up nicely before you lock in your flights.

Since a volcano-centric vacation will involve hiking or exploring rugged landscapes, you’ll want to pack comfortable outdoor gear. Here are a few must-haves:

• Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots
• Thermal base layers
• Fleece or sweater
• Waterproof pants and rain jacket
• Gloves, hat, and scarf
• Warm socks
• Swimwear
• Sunglasses (both in summer and winter)
• Lip balm and moisturizer
• Reusable water bottle

For a detailed list of what to bring with you year-round, check out this Iceland packing guide.