Looking for a fun winter activity? | Check out these tours!
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See the recently erupted volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula from above with a safe and exciting helicopter tour. With an option to explore the country’s largest geothermal zone by air and foot.
This exhilarating tour, starting from Reykjavik Airport, will take you to the scenic Meradalir valley with the recently erupted volcano! Even though it may sound daunting at first, there’s no need to worry! This is a fissure volcano, meaning it causes no disruption to air traffic, and it is entirely safe to fly above it. See the newly formed lava field after the recent eruption. Volcanic eruption alone is a rare occasion itself but for it to happen in the same location within the span of one year is even more remarkable!
The tour with geothermal landing only: after the breathtaking tour of the eruption area, we’ll make our way to another impressive site. Hengill geothermal area, covering around 100 sq km, is one of the largest geothermal zones in Iceland. It is highly connected to three volcanic systems. The last eruption in the area was over 2000 years ago, but the steaming fumaroles and hot springs show that the lava is still close to the surface.
We’ll end our extraordinary helicopter flight with a scenic route over Iceland’s capital and see the famous attractions from above before taking off at Reykjavik Airport.
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Please note
Scientists and the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management are always monitoring the area closely and informing the public if there are any updates. The area is open to the public but that can of course change with little notice. The safety of our passengers is our number one priority therefore we will follow the instructions coming from the authorities but as of right now the area is open and is not considered to be dangerous to the public.
Also, we recommend visiting the volcano to follow these steps in the area:
There are no restrooms at the area just nature 😊 We do recommend that people use the restrooms in Grindavík where we stop for lunch before we start the hike.
You can bring it with you, but we do also stop for lunch in Grindavík where you can buy snacks as well for the hike. Please note though that food is not included in the tour.
The best and safest way to visit a volcano is with a guided tour. Expert guides will be able to lead you to the eruption site, choosing the most secure paths and the optimal distance to observe the newly formed lava fields so you can get the best, safest, and most enjoyable experience. You can choose to book the hike to the eruption site or book a helicopter tour and see the volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula from above.
Make sure that you are prepared before heading out to the volcano. We recommend wearing hiking clothes and packing a backpack with:
The site is open 24/7, but be mindful that it can be restricted for visitors due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. We advise checking the Safe Travel page for any changes.
It is not obligatory to be accompanied by a professional guide to visit the site. However, taking a guided tour is safer than visiting the eruption site as fellow travelers will accompany you, and a local professional guide will ensure your safety. Get to know more about hiking to Meradalir volcano from a local Arctic Adventures guide.
According to the Environmental Agency of Iceland, walking on the lava is forbidden and can be very dangerous. The top layer can easily break when stepped on, causing hazards to people. The lava at Fagradalsfjall Volcano is a unique geological monument that we must respect and protect. It is important for visitors to leave no traces such as throwing stones at the lava or making inscriptions on it. Lavas are under special protection according to art. 61 of the Nature Conservation Act. One of the biggest risks of walking on new lava is breaking the top layer over an unknown lava tube. Falling into a lava tube that's still several hundred degrees Celcius can lead to injuries.
A new eruption started on the 3rd of August 2022 in Mt. Fagradalsfjall after being officially declared over on December 18th, 2021.
Since August 21st, 2022 there has been no visible activity in Meradalir Volcano. No flowing lava can be seen at the moment, but the hiking path remains open.
The Meradalir Volcano is located on the Reykjanes peninsula close to Grindavík.
Yes, if you are not joining a guided tour and driving to the eruption site on your own, the parking fee is 1000 ISK (≈ 8 USD) and can be paid electronically at Parka.is. The payment is valid for 24 hours. There are signs at the parking lots with instructions.
There are currently two parking lots that you can choose from, Parking P1 or Parking P2. You will need to pick the correct payment site accordingly:
Parking P1: https://www.parka.is/pay/geldingadalir/
Parking P2 (Stóri-Leirdalur): https://www.parka.is/pay/volcanoskali/
According to a parka.is, the payment is necessary to pay for the infrastructure on-site and maintenance of it. The intention is to make access better and increase people's safety. The parking lots are monitored with cameras and if parking is unpaid, an additional fee is added and a bank claim is created. The claim usually goes out one day later, so if you have trouble paying on-site, you are able to finish the payment when you arrive back at your hotel.
