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A new fissure opened near Litli-Hrútur mountain on 10th of July, 2023. Eruptions are rare events, and they are very hostile in nature. This element of rarity, the sheer power, and the potentially destructive forces behind eruptions make them hypnotically fascinating. This afternoon or evening guided hike will take you to the Litli-Hrútur volcano eruption to see the freshly formed lava field!
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On the 10th July, 2023, the Litli-Hrútur volcano erupted, marking the third time that a volcano burst out in this area in a span of three years.
This eruption site is very accessible to people who are willing to make the effort of the hike to witness this magnificent spectacle of nature. During this tour, you will see the recently erupted volcano site where you can really see a newly formed lava-covered field. It's still possible to see steam and gases rising from the formed lava field and newly-appeared fissure. This offer should be on your bucket list, don't miss it!
Please note: The total hike to the eruption site and back is 20 km long. Take note that the shorter route is actually more challenging, so please evaluate your physical preparation before booking this tour. The hike takes around 9 hours and is considered hard/challenging. Due to safety regulations, we reserve the right to adjust the itinerary and/or choose different hiking routes depending on conditions.
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.
Please note: if you don't choose the pickup location from our list when booking, you will be picked up from bus stop nr. 12 - Höfðatorg. If you could not find the pickup location near you and want to choose another location that is not stated in the list additional fees may apply.
We do not offer to meet on location option for this tour, the closest pickup location to the volcano is Hotel Vellir, Tjarnarvellir 3, Hafnarfjordur. It is halfway to Reykjavik (about 20 minutes driving from Keflavik airport) with a parking lot. If you want to be picked up from one of these locations please choose the pick-up location option: "Not sure yet, I will contact you later to let you know" in the booking widget when placing an order and let us know from which location you want to be picked up. The pick-up time for these locations is 11:30 am.
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:
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:
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, 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.
