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About tour

See the volcanic eruption site on the Reykjanes Peninsula from above with this safe and exciting helicopter tour. Explore the country’s largest geothermal zone by air and foot.

Highlights

  • Litli-Hrútur Volcano
  • Recent Eruption Volcano Site
  • Hengill geothermal area (Geothermal landing option only)
  • Helicopter Flight

Included

  • A Scenic Helicopter Flight
  • A Visit to Hengill Geothermal Area (Geothermal landing option only)

What to bring

  • Dress according to the weather

Tour Snapshot

Availability All Year
Duration 40 min / 1.5 h
Departs From Reykjavik Airport
Level Easy Suitable for most people in fair condition.
Ratio 1:5
Minimum age 2 years
Meet on Location Yes
Pick Up No

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  • Expert Guides
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Itinerary

This exhilarating tour, starting from Reykjavik Airport, will take you to the scenic Litli-Hrútur Volcano eruption area with the currently erupting 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 hot, steaming lava spewing from the narrow fissure and flowing on the fresh lava field formed 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 2,000 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.

  • There is a 4-person minimum passenger requirement.

  • All our flights are weather dependent and we have to abide by the rules and regulations set in place by the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management. If we have to cancel your flight due to weather or other factors out of our control, we will try to reschedule your flight or give you a full refund.

  • All landings are only done when deemed safe by our pilots and are determined by factors such as weather and glacial surface conditions.

  • Due to the nature of the flight, we can not accommodate children under the age of 2 years old on this tour. Exceptions can be discussed for private tours.

  • Volcanoes are a natural phenomenon, and the level of volcanic activity at the site varies daily. Even if the volcano is not erupting during your visit, visiting the area is still fascinating.

FAQ

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 safety of our passengers is our number one priority; therefore, we will follow the instructions coming from the authorities.

Also, we recommend visitors to the volcano follow these steps in the area:

  • Keep your distance and don't step into the lava from the eruption

  • Due to the risk of gas exposure, do not go down into the valleys. Instead, observe the eruption from the hills and mountainsides

  • Be aware of the wind direction

  • Avoid standing directly against the wind

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:

  • Extra layers, gloves and headwear
  • Good waterproof hiking shoes
  • Waterproof jacket and pants
  • Snacks for the hike & water
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera and extra batteries

Yes. Due to safety concerns, the status of access to the eruption can change. The newest eruption site, which is along the route from Suðurstrandarvegur, is a unique chance to see nature's power up close. With proper preparation and precautions, a rather challenging 20km round trip can be rewarding. However, we advise to check regularly the Safe Travel page for any safety updates. So, while you can visit, it's best to stay prepared and flexible with your plans.

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.

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 10th of July 2023 in Mt. Litla-Hrút, a year after the last eruption at Meradalir ended on August 21st, 2022.

Yes, the weather can make all the difference and determine whether you can reach the eruption site or if you will enjoy the journey or not. You can find Weather information here and a gas forecast here.

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.

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