Day trip

Reykjavík: Volcano Eruption Site and Reykjanes Tour

4.7 / 5

280 reviews

Activity provider: BusTravel Iceland
    Add to wishlist
    Day trip

    Reykjavík: Volcano Eruption Site and Reykjanes Tour

    Activity provider: BusTravel Iceland
    Likely to sell out

    From US$ 79.50 per person

    Likely to sell out

    Hike along the new volcanic eruption site at Merdalir and visit some of the other highlights in Reykjanes Peninsula Geopark like the Reykjanesviti Lighthouse, the bridge between continents, and more.

    About this activity

    Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
    Reserve now & pay later
    Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
    Covid-19 precautions
    Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details. Learn more
    Duration 10 - 11 hours
    Check availability to see starting times.
    Live tour guide
    English
    Pickup optional
    Pickup is available from selected hotels, official bus stops in central Reykjavik, and from the cruise port. Please contact the local partner to confirm pickup details after booking.

    Experience

    Highlights
    • Visit Lake Kleifarvatn's black basalt beach with underwater hot springs and viewpoint overlooking the mountains
    • Hike to the recent eruption site at Meradalir
    • Witness bubbling mud pots and hissing steam vents at Gunnuhver Hot Springs
    • Breathe in the fresh Atlantic Ocean air at the photogenic Reykjanesviti Lighthouse with surrounding boulder ridges, sea-stacks, and cliffs
    • Walk from the Eurasian to the American tectonic plate at The Bridge Between Continents, a 15 meter footbridge spanning a gaping rift
    Full description
    Discover the beauty of volcanic landscapes in the Geldingadalur Valley on this day trip from Reykjavík. Travel by bus to Meradalir Volcano and go for a guided hike to see the new lava fields. Capture photos at locations like Lake Kleifarvatn, Valhnúkamöl Boulder Ridge, and the Gunnuhver Hot Springs. Start with a pickup in Reykjavík before heading on a scenic drive surrounded by breathtaking views. Stop by Lake Kleifarvatn to take in the black sand beach and surrounding mountains. Put on your high-quality hiking gear and set off towards Geldingadalur Valley to see the steaming, cooling lava fields formed by the recent eruption at Merdalir. The volcano erupted for much of August 2022, but has stopped for now. Please note that the hike is of moderate difficulty and takes 1.5-2 hours each way. Sit down to a delectable packed lunch on the hike where you can eat while gazing out over the immense lava fields surrounding the new crater. Drive by the Reykjanes Peninsula, where the volcanos have shaped the area which is covered by soft green lava moss. Continue to the Gunnuhver Hot Springs to breath in steam from the boiling waters. Make your way to the the oldest lighthouse in Iceland at Reykjanes Lighthouse. Admire the cliffs and sea stacks formed by the Atlantic Ocean at the Valhnúkamöl Boulder Ridge. Finally, see the Bridge Between Continents which crosses a rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Get a picture of you walking across the bridge before returning to Reykjavík.
    Includes
    • Tour guide
    • Pickup and drop-off
    • Headlamp (if required)
    • Food and drinks
    Not suitable for
    • Children under 12 years
    • People with mobility impairments
    Covid-19 precautions

    You must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed

    Safety measures in place
    • All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned

    Select participants and date

    Participants

    Date

    Meeting point

    Pickup is from bus stop #12.

    Open in Google Maps ⟶
    Important information

    What to bring

    • Comfortable shoes
    • Hiking shoes
    • Water
    • Rain gear
    • Packed lunch

    Know before you go

    • The hike to the volcanic area is around 1.5-2 hours each way. It is not an easy hike but is doable for most people of reasonable fitness
    • Please dress appropriately for what can be challenging weather conditions. Jeans are not recommended
    • Pickup is offered from selected hotels, official bus stops in central Reykjavik, and the cruise port. For this, please indicate which cruise port you will be arriving at
    • Due to city regulations, parts of the city center are not accessible by bus, therefore, you will be redirected to special bus stops if you are staying in these areas
    Customer reviews

    Overall rating

    4.7 /5

    based on 280 reviews

    Review summary

    • Guide
      4.8/5
    • Transportation
      4.7/5
    • Value for money
      4.5/5

    Sort by:

    Traveler type:

    Star rating:

    The hiking was actually easy to moderate (because it is quite steep but it is very doable), the only thing halting is just the strong wind, so make sure to have a windproof/block jacket to overcome this. The duration at some destinations were quite shorts, it would be better if we have longer duration to enjoy the views

    September 24, 2022

    G
    GetYourGuide traveler – Belgium Verified booking

    Helpful?

    Bring hiking shoes! I thought I could get away with running shoes, and for the most part I could. However, you will be walking down hill and it can be scary to lose your footing like I did, several times. The hike is also intense. I read reviews beforehand, but it was more intense than I thought. I'm a smoker, in my 30s, not the best diet or physical shape. I made it. But if any of those traits apply to you, expect it to be intense. Plan accordingly for the next two days after as you will feel it. You can't buy ibuprofen from convenience stores in iceland either so plan ahead to have that handy as well. Despite all of that, the views are worth it. The other stops on this excursion are also beautiful.

    Read more

    September 19, 2022

    M
    Madeline – United States Verified booking

    Helpful?

    Unfortunately, we arrived 1.5 weeks after activity stopped and didn't get to see an active volcano. But the experience was still amazing. However, the reason I am giving this tour 4 out of 5 is b/c of the time we actually spent at the volcano site. The description is very clear that we would be visiting other sites and it is possible the tour was modified after the activity stopped, but if the volcano was still active they don't give you nearly enough time to hike and enjoy the views. The hike is long and you are basically hiking a small mountain and if you are beginner like me or not in the best shape, it is doable but requires rest stops. I think everyone deserves to see this magnificent sight and if the full day was spent at the volcano sight, I think everyone could hike at their own pace. But overall it was still a wonderful day.

    Read more

    September 7, 2022

    G
    GetYourGuide traveler – United States Verified booking

    Helpful?

    Product ID: 398264