Looking for a fun winter activity? | Check out these tours!
Language: English
Currency:
USD
ISK
USD
EUR
CAD
If you’re traveling in Iceland anytime soon, you’re in luck! A new fissure opened at Meradalir on August 3rd, 2022. Use this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the recently erupted volcano!
Hike the recently formed lava field to the Meradalir volcano eruption site. Feel the power of seismic energy, the volcanic eruption began on August 3rd, 2022, after a series of earthquakes. The outbreak occurred for the second time in the same area. The last breakout diminished in late 2021. After the day hiking to and from the volcano site, we'll relax and take a swim in the calming baby blue waters of Blue Lagoon.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to see the recently erupted volcano. Such an accessible eruption site is a rarity and a phenomenal chance to see this occurrence with your own eyes!
From
The tour starts with a pick-up routine. You will be picked up from your chosen Reykjavik location. When everyone gets on board, your driver guide will take you to the first destination of the day.
Lake Kleifarvatn
Kleifarvatn is the biggest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its seismic activity. The lake, surrounded by mountains, is decorated with black beaches and interesting rock formations formed by weather conditions for centuries. Kleifarvatn has been affected by the seismic activity and moving tectonic plates itself - underwater hot springs with bubbling hot water are common here.
Meradalir Volcano
Meradalir Volcano is the place of a recent volcanic eruption in the Reykjanes Peninsula. A recently erupted volcano site alone is a spectacular view itself, but the beautiful scenery of the Icelandic backcountry will surely add to your experience. A hike to the Meradalic volcano in the Geldingadalur valley will surely serve you with some breathtaking views and a number of interesting places encountered along the way.
Grindavik Fishing village
Grindavik is the nearest village from where the eruption is happening. It is situated in the southern part of the peninsula, and you can see the beautiful lava fields meeting the ocean while driving through. Grindavik is more than a picturesque village - it is one of the main fishing harbors in the country. With a population of 3,300 people, it relies upon fishing-related activities for its livelihood.
Blue Lagoon
All this day of adventurous activities and the thrill of seeing the recently erupted volcano will leave you in need of relaxation. The geothermal blue waters of Blue Lagoon are perfect for that. Put on your silica mask, grab a drink (included), and soak in the calming waters.
On our way back to Reykjavik, we’ll drive through the charming village of Hafnarfjörðu, known for silly folk stories about Elves and Vikings.
Food is not included in this tour, so brinks your lunch. We will be stopping for lunch around 2 p.m. A hike to and back from the Meradalir volcano is approximately 12 km (3-4 hours) long and challenging, so please evaluate your physical preparation...)
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.
