Shortly after 1 p.m. on August 3, 2022, a 500 m long fissure opened up in the Meradalir valley, erupting a few cubic kilometres of lava per second. The eruption site is conveniently located right beside Geldingadalur, the epicentre of the 2021 eruption that heralded a COVID-era tourism boom here in Iceland and encouraged just about everyone to take up hiking for the chance to lay eyes on the once-in-a-lifetime (or so we thought) natural phenomena right on Reykjavík’s doorstep.

Although the country of fire and ice is always amazing to visit, there is a certain added layer of excitement any time there’s unusual geological activity to witness.

It’s no secret that Iceland is a very active volcanic island. Eruptions occur every 2 to 3 years, on average, which can make these volcanic events feel almost mundane to those who live here — almost. It is, however, very rare that an eruption is as safe to view and easy to access as the one that took place in Geldigadalur and Fagradalsfjall in 2021.

Odds are we might get to enjoy the spectacle for a while. First reports indicate this new eruption could be 5-10 times stronger than last year. Furthermore, the Department of Civil Protection has forecasted that the eruption site could stay active for a few months, much like last year.

Much like seeing a whale breach or watching the northern lights dance in the winter sky, witnessing a volcanic eruption never get old.

Now that safety has been ensured, our Volcano Hike with Guidence tour will give you the thrill of traversing rugged terrain and viewing the awe-inspiring power of a brand new volcano!

The tour starts with a hike up to the active volcano. An eruption makes for extremely dynamic conditions; lava flow and weather are ever-changing and as a result the trail will change from day to day to best maintain safety and visibility. To ensure as pleasant a hike as possible, it’s always smart to be prepared for all scenarios by wearing wind- and waterproof clothing and sporting sturdy shoes or hiking boots. The area around the volcano is hilly and marked with loose gravel, so appropriate footwear is really a must to avoid any avoidable accidents. We recommend packing ample amounts of water, tasty high energy snacks and a flask of a hot drink. Few things compare to a cup of hot chocolate with the view of an active volcano.

You also have the option to end your adventure on a high note by combining the Volcano hike with a Sky Lagoon Spa visit. It’s one of Iceland’s most popular destinations for a reason. Located just outside Reykjavík, it's a truly unique bathing experience, topped off with the 7-step The Ritual - a combination of relaxation and the healing powers of warm water, cold water, warm steam, dry heat and fresh air.

Whether you were lucky enough to see the 2021 eruption or you’ve been kicking yourself ever since for thinking you missed your chance, now’s the time to seize this amazing opportunity. Book early to secure your spot in one of Reykjavík Excursions’ regularly scheduled tours, or be in touch with our team to arrange a private excursion for your travel party. We’re happy to build an unforgettable excursion tailored to your individual needs and sure to scratch a few items off your bucket list.