Iceland is celebrated as one of the most volcanically vibrant nations on the globe. Boasting 30 active volcanic systems and a chronicle of colossal eruptions, there are few places better to experience the breathtaking force of the Earth's innate energy.

In the past three years, the Reykjanes peninsula, just a stone's throw from the capital, has become a particular hotbed of activity. This region has witnessed three volcanic eruptions within this short timeframe, a demonstration of nature's raw power that is both awe-inspiring and scientifically significant.

Yet, this type of volcano does not pose a threat to human life or travel. In a somewhat paradoxical twist, it has earned a reputation as one of the most tourist-friendly volcanoes in the world, providing an unparalleled experience of geothermal phenomena for adventure seekers.

By embarking on volcano tour in Iceland, you can witness these astounding phenomena first-hand. With expertly guided tours, you have the opportunity to approach some of the world's most potent and active volcanic systems.

Rest assured, the tours are conducted with the utmost safety in mind. Experienced guides, who are trained to scrutinize and adapt to ever-fluctuating conditions, will educate you about the wonders of Iceland’s volcanoes while ensuring your safety.

Continue reading to explore some of Iceland's most renowned volcanoes, and learn how you can sign up for a tour to experience them personally.

Volcanoes in Iceland: 6 you need to see

Located on a tectonic plate boundary and in the middle of a volcanic hotspot, it’s no surprise that Iceland is an incredibly active volcanic area.

In fact, the very land that is Iceland was produced by volcanoes only extremely recently. That’s why, alongside being one of the most volcanic areas, Iceland is also known as the youngest country in the world.

Out of Iceland’s 30 active volcanic systems, 18 have erupted since the tenth century, when the country was first settled.

The most recent eruption has been that of Reykjanes, which treated us with a series of gentle eruptions since 2021. The eruptions were named Fagradalsfjall, Geldingadalir and Litli-Hrútur, named atfer the locations where the fresh lava occurred.

But the most famous in recent years has no doubt been Eyjafjallajökull, whose eruption in 2010 brought international air travel to a halt.

Discover six of the most famous volcanoes in Iceland that you can visit on a volcano tour.

1. Fagradalsfjall

Of all of Iceland’s volcanoes, Fagradalsfjall is the one that erupted most recently. It erupted three times within three years and is predicted to procudes more eruptions during the next years or even decades.

The Mount Fagradalfsjall volcano is only a short distance (55 kilometres, or 34 miles) from Reykjavik, making it the perfect destination for a volcano tour.

But convenience is not the only draw here. While glimpses of fresh lava can’t be guaranteed, Fagradalsfjall offers perhaps the best opportunity to see an active volcanic eruption in the world.

You’ll find Fagradalfsjall on the Reykjanes peninsula, which translates as something like the “smoking peninsula”, so-called because of its geothermal activity. Recognised as a UNESCO site, the Reykjanes Geopark is full of lava formations, volcanic black-sand plains, and other geothermal landforms.

It’s an incredible place to see the power of volcanoes.

2. Eyjafjallajökull

Do you remember back in the summer of 2010, when flights were disrupted across the world? That was because of Eyjafjallajökull, the mischievous Icelandic volcano with the unpronounceable name.

While the volcano has since stopped erupting, you can still visit Eyjafjallajökull today. Located in the heart of the south coast of Iceland, the volcano itself is buried beneath the ice cap of the same name. But that doesn’t prevent it from being a stunning sight, as the volcano towers over the surrounding area.

Back in 2010, it was precisely the fact that Eyjafjallajökull was erupting beneath a glacier that posed such a risk. Glacial flows, caused when lava melts ice, have been very dangerous in previous Icelandic eruptions. Luckily, no one was harmed in 2010 and today it is perfectly safe to visit. You’ll find a visitor centre in the nearby village of Hvolsvöllur.

• Find out more in our guide to Eyjafjallajökull

Enter a volcano

Take a trip along Iceland’s south coast and you’ll see volcanoes, both active and dormant, along the way. However, there’s only one place where you can go inside a volcano —and that’s at the Lava Tunnel.

The Lava Tunnel is one of the Reykjavik area’s best kept secrets, less than half an hour from the city centre. Here you’ll walk in the path of lava that flowed thousands of years ago, carving out a space underground that’s 30 metres wide and 10 metres high. Go as far as 350 metres underground, to see captivating rock formations and strange plays of light.

3. Katla

One of the largest volcanoes in Iceland, Katla is truly a fearsome thing. It’s exceptionally active, having erupted 20 times between the tenth century and 1918. Each time, Katla had huge impacts on Icelandic life and land, even extending the south coast by as much as five kilometres.

Given that Katla usually erupts every 20 to 90 years or so, we’re overdue for an eruption. What’s more, every time that Eyjafjallajökull has erupted in history, Katla hasn’t waited long to kick into action. Over the last decade, tremors have been repeatedly felt in the surrounding area.

Like Eyjafjallajökull, the Katla volcano is hidden beneath a glacier, Mýrdalsjökull. That said, you can see its powerful shape from the south coast or from a trip into the Icelandic highlands.

4. Fimmvörðuháls

Before 2010, Fimmvörðuháls was simply known as one of the most magnificent hiking routes in Iceland. The so-called “five cairns pass” separated the two glacier-covered volcanoes, Eyjafjallajökull and Katla, providing a spectacular itinerary for anyone who fancied the challenge.

But then, in 2010, just before Eyjafjallajökull’s enormous eruption, Fimmvörðuháls had its own volcanic event. On the mountain pass, a fissure opened up, pouring out lava towards the nature reserve of Þórsmörk.

The following month, Eyjafjallajökull erupted, and the rest is history. But Fimmvörðuháls has been changed ever since.

If you want an active adventure that reveals the creative destruction of Iceland’s volcanoes, this could be the experience for you. What’s more, you’ll see waterfalls, glaciers, and breathtaking mountain views along the way.

5. Hekla

For centuries, Mount Hekla, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, was known as the “gateway to hell”. Stories told of its fiery cauldron of lava, where witches were thought to gather.

Now, it’s safe to say that Hekla isn’t the entrance to the underworld (that would be Snæfellsjökull on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, according to other theories). But it’s a pretty awe-inspiring thing nonetheless. 10% of all the volcanic material in Iceland is estimated to have originated from Hekla, perhaps the largest volume of lava of any volcano in the world.

Like other volcanoes in Iceland, you can see Hekla in tours of the south coast of Iceland. It’s weather-permitting, though. The name “Hekla” comes from the word for a hooded cloak, a likely reference to its frequent covering in mysterious clouds.

6. Grímsvötn

In the heart of the Vatnajökull National Park, you’ll find Grímsvötn, Iceland’s most frequently erupting volcano. However, it’s also probably the most inaccessible volcano in Iceland, as it is completely covered by the Vatnajökull glacier, one of the biggest in Europe.

While it is far away from any settlement, Grímsvötn has been known to affect the life of Icelanders. For example, during an eruption in 1996, part of the glacier melted, flooding Iceland’s Ring Road and washing part of it away. Luckily, no one was hurt, thanks to continued monitoring of the volcano.

Volcanoes in Iceland

Volcanoes are one of the most awesome things you can see on planet Earth. With their power to destroy, disrupt, and create things anew, they have a huge impact on our lives. It’s no wonder that getting up close to a volcano has become a top item on many people’s bucket lists.

Iceland is the best place in the world to do it. With 30 active volcanoes and one hundred more dormant or extinct ones, there’s a huge variety to experience. What’s more, some are only a short distance from the capital city, making them incredibly easy to visit. Find out more in our guide to volcanoes in Iceland.

How to dress for a volcano tour

When visiting a volcano, it’s important to come prepared. Volcanoes are rugged, mountainous locations that defy human intervention. If you’re joining a volcano tour, come with clothes that are robust and comfortable to walk in.

Firstly, that means that trainers or sneakers are not a good idea. These can be torn on the sharp rocks that you’ll find in these volcanic areas. Instead, sturdy walking shoes, preferably with ankle support, are recommended.

As this is Iceland, we’d also suggest that you come prepared for the cold and any possible rain or snow. Warm layers are a good idea, along with a waterproof jacket. Some spare layers can be wise too.

• Find out more in our packlist for Iceland

LAVA Centre: Iceland’s best volcano exhibition

Want to learn more about the fascinating science of volcanoes? Head to the LAVA Centre, an interactive, high-tech educational exhibition depicting volcanic activity, earthquakes and the creation of Iceland over millions of years. It is the most awarded exhibition in Iceland both when it comes to design and technology.

Nestled on Iceland's South Coast near Hvolsöllur, the center stands as an essential destination for those captivated by the country's stunning geological marvels.

The unique Lava Show

The unparalleled Lava Show is a riveting fusion of education and thrill, where visitors witness genuine lava in action. The show recreates a volcanic eruption by superheating real lava up to 1100°C (2000°F) and then pouring it into a showroom full of people.

As the lava meanders over ice, it bubbles and crackles, painting a dramatic contrast. This is more than just a show; it's an unmatched sensory experience that will linger in your memories.

Frequently asked questions about volcano tours in Iceland

Still have questions about Iceland’s volcano tours? Here we offer some answers.

What is the best active volcano to visit?

The best active volcano to visit in Iceland is Fagradalsfjall. It was last seen erupting in August 2022, and there’s a good chance it will spurt out more lava in future. Even if it doesn’t erupt on your visit, you’ll see fresh tracks of lava and brand new craters.

Fagradalsfjall also has the benefit of being very accessible. If you want to see a volcano up close, this is probably your easiest and safest option. What is the safest volcano to visit?

Iceland’s safest volcano to visit is Fagradalsfjall. Don’t think of it like a cone volcano, shooting out enormous clouds of smoke and pyroclastic clouds. Rather, it’s a tuya volcano, with a flat top where lava has been bubbling away.

Its recent eruptions have so far been gentle and limited, though no less fascinating. But to stay safe on a visit, you should take some basic precautions. For example, don’t touch the lava, as it can still be hot.

Can you tour the active volcano in Iceland?

It’s possible to tour Fagradalsfjall, the recently active volcano in Iceland. You can either visit by yourself or join a guided group, led by an expert. The guided tour has the benefit of helping you to understand what it is you’re seeing.

Whichever you choose, visits to the volcano require a hike that can take as long as two or three hours. The route will take you right up to the lava.

How much does it cost to go inside a volcano in Iceland?

You can go inside a volcano at the Lava Tunnel, an underground experience at Raufarhólshellir, near Reykjavik. Tickets start from 7,400 Icelandic krona.

Can I visit Fagradalsfjall without a guide?

It’s possible to visit the Fagradalfsjall eruption site without a guide. That said, it’s recommended to go as part of a guided tour. You’ll get deeper insights into the history and science of Iceland’s volcano and be sure that you’re totally safe.

How do you tour the volcano in Iceland?

There are many ways you can tour volcanoes in Iceland. You can join a guided group, book a private tour, or organise your own journey to and from the site.

Guided tours come in all shapes and sizes. For example, you can just visit Fagradalfsjall and meet your guide on site. Or, there are many options to combine your trip to the volcano with other experiences along the way.

For example, on a tour of the Reykjanes Geopark, you can see the eruption site along with other incredible destinations, such as the Bridge Between Continents.

Can I go inside a volcano in Iceland?

In Iceland, you can go inside a volcano at the Lava Tunnel, at Raufarhólshellir. You’ll venture nearly half a kilometre underground through a cavernous hole created by volcanic processes. For a full volcanic experience, combine a visit to the Lava Tunnel with an Iceland volcano tour.

Visit Iceland’s volcanoes with Reykjavik Excursions

Come to one of the most volcanic areas in the world and see Iceland’s geological wonders for yourself.

At Reykjavik Excursions, we make your experience easy. Whether you want to see Fagradalfsjall up close or join a tour across Iceland’s south coast, we can make it a reality.

Start your adventure today by exploring our guided volcano tours in Iceland.