Iceland Volcano Holidays
If your interest in volcanoes is bubbling away then we have plenty to fire your imagination. Sited on a geological hot spot, Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on earth.
The latest eruption started on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula in August 2022 with magma pushing to the surface in the Meradalir valley near to the site of the 2021 eruption. Another tourist-friendly eruption, it lasted a few weeks before activity died down.
Our 3-night Reykjanes Peninsula and Volcano Explorer self-drive includes a guided tour and hike to the eruption site where you can witness the newly formed landscape. Or speak to our Travel Specialists about incorporating a volcano experience into a Reykjavik city break or tailor made Iceland holiday.
Images of the eruption in Meradalir from 3 August 2022
On average there is an eruption there every five years, though with the latest eruption starting on 3rd August 2022 less than a year after previous eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in March 2021, they don’t operate to a schedule. Prior to that, most significant and well-publicised eruptions were at Bardarbunga in 2014 and infamously at Eyjafjallajokull in 2010, which resulted in global disruption to air traffic. Thankfully most volcanic eruptions are perfectly safe and once the initial activity is over, the aftermath can create an inspiring spectacle as Iceland’s magnificent other-worldly landscape continues to be defined today.
Volcanoes have long been a big attraction of this north Atlantic island, and plenty can be found on the doorstep of Reykjavik – both the 2022 eruption and the 2021 eruption at Fagradalsfjall are just 25km from the capital, in an uninhabited valley. Our Reykjanes Peninsula and Volcano Explorer self drive includes a guided hike to the eruption site. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the volcanic landscapes and rugged coastline of the peninsula, which is a UNESCO Global Geopark, at your own pace.
Images of the eruption in the Geldingadalur Valley in 2021
Exploring Iceland's Volcanoes
Whether you want to spend an entire week exploring Iceland’s most impressive eruption sites or just stop off for a curious peak as you drive along the coast, then you’ve come to the right place! Avid thrill seekers can sign up to our Volcano Hotline to be kept informed of live eruptions and any potential trips to see them.
From live eruptions to dormant volcano explorations, for many years we’ve been sending our clients to experience the splendour of Iceland’s iconic volcanic landscape. Whether you want to descend deep into the magma chamber of a dormant volcano, fly over a crater in a helicopter, or simply hike over Iceland’s lava fields, we have a holiday just for you. Our collection of specialised volcano holidays includes a superjeep adventure, self drive exploration and northern lights combo. Alternatively, speak to our specialists about how you can enjoy Iceland’s volcanic curiosities on your tailor made itinerary.
A popular stop on the South Coast for our self-drive clients, the Lava Centre provides a high-tech, multi-sensory insight into the region’s volcanoes, including Hekla (one of the country’s most prolific volcanoes) and Eyjafjallajokull, Iceland’s most infamous (and unpronounceable) volcano which wreaked aviation havoc in 2010. We can arrange for you to explore some of the eruption sites on a superjeep expedition into the Thorsmork valley.
