Reykjavik

Volcano Activities

See the best of southwest Iceland on an 8-hour Golden Circle tour by bus from Reykjavik. Visit the spectacular Geysir area, and go to the cascades of Gullfoss Waterfall. Discover where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet in Þingvellir National Park. Travel to the geothermal area of Geysir. Marvel as the active hot spring of Strokkur spouts steaming water 30 meters into the air every 8 minutes. Continue to one of Iceland’s most iconic features at the Gullfoss Waterfall (“Golden Falls“). Feel the spray of the waters of the glacial River Hvítá as it plummets down into a 32-meter deep crevice. Next, enter Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart at a rate of a few centimeters per year. Þingvellir was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural value in 2004, and is the site of a stunning rift valley and the Rock of Law, the first Viking parliament. Marvel at the volcanic crater at Lake Kerið, and pass through the Icelandic farms of the south on your drive around the Golden Circle, before returning to your original starting point in Reykjavik.

Enjoy an afternoon or evening hike in Geldingadalur Valley, where lava flows from erupting volcanoes, to witness the Fagradalsfjall Volcano. Learn the history of the volcanoes of the area from your expert guide. Get picked up in Reykjavík and set out on a scenic drive surrounded by breathtaking views towards the Fagradalsfjall Volcano and Geldingadallur Valley. Once at the valley, put on your hiking gear and head towards the volcano to hopefully see some live lava flowing. Bring snacks along with you and enjoy them while you watch the spectacular natural show. 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.

Iceland's Geldingadalur Valley now had multiple craters erupting for the first time in 7000 years, the Fagradalsfjall Volcano crater being the most active. Start with a pickup in Reykjavík before heading on a scenic drive surrounded by breathtaking views. The first stop is Lake Kleifarvatn, where you will enjoy scenes of the black beach and surrounding mountains. Next, get your hiking gear on and hike towards Geldingadalur Valley to see live volcanic activity coming from Fagradalsfjall Volcano. You will be able to enjoy your packed lunch on the hike while seeing lava flowing from the volcano. After, drive by the Reykjanes Peninsula, where the volcanos of the past have created land formations now covered by soft green lava moss. You'll then get to see and feel the Gunnuhver Hot Springs, where boiling waters and steam will reignite your senses. Only a 5-minute drive from there, you'll stop by the photogenic Reykjanes Lighthouse and the Valhnúkamöl Boulder Ridge to admire the cliffs and sea stacks formed by the Atlantic Ocean. The last stop before heading back to Reykjavík is the Bridge Between Continents where earthquakes have made a rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. It's a fun photo opportunity and a chance to walk between the continents.

Depart Reykjavik and head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to experience Iceland's diverse natural beauty in a single area. Take in the dramatic landscape of volcanic peaks, sea cliffs, golden beaches and sparkling fjords. Visit charming fishing villages, such as Grundarfjordur, Arnarstapi and Hellnar. Admire the spectacular mountains and volcanic craters, including Kirkjufell and Ljósufjöll. Cast your eyes on the black sand beach at Djúpalónssandur, see the majestic glacier of Snæfellsjökull. Tour at a leisurely pace and experience the magnificent scenery of the peninsula at ease. The 10-hour tour takes in a variety of landscapes in a compact region, immortalized by Jules Verne in his book, "Journey to the Centre of the Earth." 

Start your journey from Reykjavik's centrally-located BSI Bus Terminal. The drive from Reykjavík to the Blue Lagoon takes approximately 50 minutes and promises to impress: along the way, marvel at the beautiful lava fields of Reykjanes Peninsula. Once at the Blue Lagoon, relax in milky-blue waters with temperatures of around 100 degrees, at your leisure. When you have enjoyed everything that the Blue Lagoon has to offer, hop on the comfortable bus back to Reykjavik (50-minute drive) or to Keflavík International Airport (20-minute drive)* for your afternoon flight. The transfer to the Blue Lagoon operates according to a set timetable. • From Reykjavík to Blue Lagoon - 9:00 AM; 10:00 AM; 11:00 AM; 1:00 PM; 2:00 PM; 3:00 PM; 5:00 PM• From Blue Lagoon to Reykjavík - 1:15 PM; 2:15 PM; 3:15 PM; 6:15 PM; 8:15 PM

Enjoy the mountain views at Lake Kleifarvatn and hike the amazing journey to the Fagradalsfjall volcano. Start your adventure with 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 the underwater hot springs and black basalt beach of Lake Kleifarvatn. Hike to the erupting Fagradalsfjall Volcano in Geldingadalur valley. Witness newly formed green lava flowing from the volcano into old lava moss and rocks. End your day by relaxing in the Blue Lagoon. Let the warm healing geothermal waters soften your muscles and soul after your volcanic experience.

Embark on a tour of Iceland’s legendary Golden Circle and soak in the thermal waters of the Secret Lagoon. Explore the southwest, including the spectacular Geysir area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park. After pickup in central Reykjavik, head to the Secret Lagoon and have 1.5 hours to unwind in the thermal waters and admire the peaceful surroundings. Continue to the active hot spring of Strokkur and watch it spout steaming water 30 meters every 8 minutes. Arrive at Gullfoss Waterfall and feel the spray of the glacial Hvítá River as it plummets down into a 32-meter-deep crevice. Next, visit Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart at a rate of a few centimeters every year. Þingvellir was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

After being collected from your Reykjavik accommodation, you will be driven to the tour starting point where you will meet with your horses. Your tour ill be between 5-7 kilometers depending on the experience of the riders, with this tour suitable for beginners and those with more experience too. After setting off, you will ride along a beautiful and smooth path along the Redhills, for groups of more experienced riders, you will ride by Rauðarvatn. On both routes, you will enjoy natural riding paths and a wonderful setting for horseback riding where you will get to know these friendly Icelandic horses. Your total tour duration will be 2.5 hours, with a total of 1.5-2 hours of horseback riding. You will be provided with rain clothing during your tour if required, and there will be complimentary tea and coffee on hand for your comfort. At the conclusion of your tour, you will be returned back to your accommodation in Reykjavik.

On this full-day tour, you’ll follow the coastline from Reykjavík into the volcanic and glaciated wonderland that is Iceland's south coast. Walk behind the thundering veil of spray at the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and take in the incredible views from the top of the Skógafoss waterfall. Your tour begins with a drive through lava fields, passing by the active Hengill volcano, and then down to rich coastal farmlands. On clear days you’ll be able to see the Hekla volcano, and in the distance the glacier-capped Eyjafjallajökull volcano rises majestically above the coastal mountains. Just a few kilometers off the coastline and easily visible are the volcanic Westman Islands, an archipelago of around 15 small islands, only one of which is inhabited. Stop at the Sólheimajökull glacier, which is every photographer’s dream. Next on the itinerary is the Reynisfjara black sand beach. See the powerful Atlantic waves crashing on the black sands, the jagged basalt sea stacks and the huge basalt-column cave. Next you’ll head to the coastal village of Vik, the southernmost village in Iceland, located on the island’s main ring road. Despite its small size (291 inhabitants), it is the largest settlement for 70 kilometers. On your way back to Reykjavík, you’ll stop by the powerful Skógafoss waterfall for a short walk up a flight of steps to admire one of Iceland´s most scenic views. The view takes in glaciers, volcanoes and black sandy beaches. The last stop is at the 60-meter-high Seljalandsfoss waterfall, best known for the hidden pathway behind and around it.

Treat yourself to a 1.5 to 2-hour Icelandic horse riding excursion. From the Íshestar Stables in Hafnarfjörður you can enjoy the friendly horses on excellent riding paths. Ride through lava fields and along beautiful green hillsides. Look for different rock formations in the lava while experiencing the special gait of these horses, known as tölt. The Íshestar Stables is unique in Iceland with facilities as good as they get. It’s set in beautiful surroundings just outside the town of Hafnarfjörður, about 10 minutes drive from Reykjavík. The facilities and the fascinating area provide endless opportunities of riding, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The locker room of the Stables is well equipped. All customers are provided with warm overalls, rain gear, riding boots, and helmets in their sizes. The Íshestar staff take pride in finding horses to suit individual needs, as well as secure the safety of everybody. Departure/Days of week: Every day at 10:00 AM, 02:00 PM and 04:00 PM (July-August only) Season: All year Duration: 4 hours (with transfer) Riding: 1.5-2 hours, with stops. Transfer starts from: 09:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM Age limit: 8 years. Children 8 - 15 years receive a 50% discount. Please note that you cannot take any backpacks or bags with you on the ride but there are safety boxes at the Riding Centre where you can store your valuables.