Volcano Hike & Northern Lights Combo Tour

The most memorable part of this long Iceland day is the walk across moss-covered lava fields toward the Fagradalsfjall eruption area. You are not simply looking at a volcano from a roadside pullout. You are climbing through raw volcanic country, with new lava, steep ground, cold wind, and wide views across the Reykjanes Peninsula.

I like the way this tour combines two costly outings into one plan, and I like having transport from Reykjavik for both parts of the day. Guides such as Omar have been praised for being friendly, helpful, and good with photos, while guides such as Hindrik made the long hours more entertaining with Icelandic stories. The main caution is stamina: the hike can take two to four hours, conditions can be rough, and the northern lights are never guaranteed.

Key points to know before booking

• The volcano hike can change: Routes depend on volcanic activity and may take two to four hours.
• You get two separate experiences: The day hike begins at 11:00 am, and the northern lights outing begins around 9:30 pm.
• Fagradalsfjall is not an easy stroll: Expect steep sections, cold wind, and uneven ground.
• The northern lights hunt is weather dependent: If the lights do not appear, you can join another northern lights tour free of charge.
• Kleifarvatn and Seltún add variety: You see a lake, volcanic scenery, and colorful hot springs when the longer hike does not take up the time.
• This is a full-day commitment: The roughly 11-hour format suits active visitors with a free evening and good physical fitness.

A volcanic day from Reykjavik to Reykjanes

At $185 per person, this is best viewed as a two-part excursion rather than a standard sightseeing bus ride. You spend the first part of the day in the volcanic countryside and return to Reykjavik before heading out again at night to search for auroras.

That structure saves you from arranging separate transport to the Reykjanes Peninsula and a separate northern lights tour. It also fills a day that might otherwise require careful planning around changing weather. The tradeoff is simple: you give up most of the day and evening, with a gap between the two outings.

Pickup begins around 11:00 am, with up to 30 minutes allowed for collection. The stated meeting point is Bus Stop 12 at Höfðatorg, Þórunnartún 6, in Reykjavik. The second pickup begins at about 9:30 pm from the same location. Transportation, WiFi on board, and guide service are included.

The group can contain up to 60 people. That is a fairly large coach, so do not expect the intimacy of a private outing. A larger group can also move more slowly, especially on a demanding trail. One useful lesson from the day is to stay close to your guide and keep the group in sight. A previous outing was delayed for more than an hour after two people wandered away from the group.

Walking across the Fagradalsfjall lava fields

The main event is the hike toward the Fagradalsfjall eruption site. Your route leads through moss-covered lava fields and mountain terrain, with the exact path changing according to volcanic activity. The walk can last roughly two to four hours, so you should treat it as a serious hike rather than a quick photo stop.

The appeal is the ground itself. Iceland’s volcanic areas can look stark from a bus window, but walking across them gives you a closer view of the moss, rough lava, ridges, and new volcanic material. The fresh lava may still feel warm in places, a striking contrast on a cold and windy day. Seeing that heat remain in recently formed rock is one of the tour’s more unusual details.

The hike has included views of the Meradalir volcano area and new lava fields. Depending on conditions, you may see an active eruption from a safe distance, as one November outing did. The tour does not promise a close approach, and the route can be replaced or adjusted. A different hike involving a hot river has also been used when conditions changed.

You need strong physical fitness for this experience. Expect steep stretches, uneven surfaces, and weather that can make the same trail feel much harder. Hiking poles are not included, but you can rent them for $9 per person. I would strongly consider using them if your balance is not excellent or if you are unused to rough volcanic ground.

There are no toilet facilities near the volcano. That matters more than it might at first seem, since the hike can last several hours and the drive to the next suitable stop may take time. Use the facilities before the hike and do not assume you will find one beside the trail.

The guide’s role matters here. Omar has been praised for helping with photos and keeping the mood friendly, while another guide was appreciated for checking on the group during a strenuous climb. Those details are important because a good guide can make a difficult walk feel organized rather than rushed.

Kleifarvatn Lake and the changing Reykjanes route

The drive includes spectacular views of Kleifarvatn Lake. The lake gives you a quieter counterpoint to the rough volcanic fields, and it is a good reminder that Reykjanes is more than a single eruption site.

You also spend about 1 hour and 20 minutes driving around the peninsula. This is not wasted time. The scenery changes as you move among lava fields, mountains, coast-facing areas, and geothermal ground. Since the route is shaped by weather and volcanic conditions, the exact order and number of stops can vary.

That flexibility is useful in Iceland, where wind, visibility, and volcanic access can change plans quickly. It also means you should not book this tour expecting a fixed checklist. The experience is built around what is safe and practical on the day.

Seltún Hot Springs when time allows

The geothermal area at Seltún, near Krysuvik, is usually a quick stop of about 10 minutes. You see colorful ground and steaming hot springs, with mineral shades that make this part of the peninsula feel very different from the lava fields.

The important catch is that Seltún is skipped on longer hikes. If the volcano route takes closer to four hours, the guide may need to remove this stop to keep the day moving. I would treat Seltún as a welcome extra, not a guaranteed centerpiece.

Ten minutes is enough for a look and a few photographs, but not for a long walk around the geothermal area. Stay on the marked paths and follow the guide’s instructions. Hot ground and steam are not places for casual wandering.

A short lesson at Aurora Reykjavik

Between the daytime outing and the night search, the itinerary includes a visit to Aurora Reykjavik, the Northern Lights Center. This indoor stop lasts about 30 minutes and is included in the price.

The visit explains what causes the aurora. Charged particles released by the sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, producing the shifting light known as the Aurora Borealis in the Northern Hemisphere. That bit of science helps you understand why clear skies alone do not guarantee a display.

This stop also gives the evening a little structure. Instead of simply waiting in a parking area and hoping, you get useful background before heading into the countryside. It cannot improve the weather or solar activity, but it can make the search more meaningful.

Searching for the northern lights after 9:30 pm

The second part of the experience is a separate northern lights hunt lasting about four hours. The guide chooses locations day by day, driving toward areas with better chances based on conditions.

That flexibility is a strength. The best place for an aurora is not always the same place each night, and a fixed viewpoint would limit the guide. The downside is that you may spend much of the evening riding between possible locations, waiting, and managing expectations.

The lights are not guaranteed. One outing did not see them, but the guide handled the disappointment well, and hot chocolate and a fire pit helped make the wait more pleasant. If you miss the display, the operator allows you to join another northern lights tour free of charge. That is a meaningful safeguard, although it only helps if you have another suitable night in Reykjavik.

You should also understand what this promise does not mean. It does not guarantee that you will see the aurora on a later attempt, and it does not necessarily fit a tight itinerary. If you are leaving Iceland the next morning, the free rebooking option may have little practical value.

Is $185 a fair price for this long day?

For $185, you receive transportation, guide service, WiFi on board, the volcano hike, peninsula touring, the Aurora Reykjavik visit, and the evening northern lights hunt. You do not receive food, drinks, or hiking poles.

I find the price reasonable for someone who wants both experiences and would otherwise pay for separate transport and tours. The value improves if you have only one open day in Reykjavik and want to cover a lot of ground without renting a car.

The value is weaker if you prefer slow travel. The day includes long driving, a demanding hike, a gap before the night outing, and another several hours on the road. You may also lose Seltún if the hike runs long. In other words, you pay for breadth and convenience, not for a relaxed pace.

Bring your own food and water because meals are not included. Dress for cold, wind, and changing conditions, and bring sturdy footwear suitable for steep and uneven ground. The tour is not open to children under 12, and the strong fitness requirement should be taken seriously.

Who will get the most from this experience?

I would recommend this tour to active visitors who want to see volcanic Iceland and make a serious attempt at the northern lights without organizing two separate outings. It is especially practical for a first visit when you want transport, a guide, and a broad look at the Reykjanes Peninsula.

It also suits you if you enjoy seeing places in imperfect weather. Cold wind, muddy ground, route changes, and a missed aurora are all possible. The reward is a more direct look at Iceland’s active geology, rather than a polished collection of easy viewpoints.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you dislike strenuous walking, need reliable meal breaks, or have very little flexibility at night. The long day can be tiring, and the aurora portion depends on weather and solar conditions beyond anyone’s control.

The maximum group size of 60 is another point to weigh. A large group can work well with an organized guide, but it requires you to stay alert and remain near the group. Do not wander off to take one extra photograph.

Booking details and cancellation terms

The experience ends back at the Reykjavik meeting point. Confirmation is provided when you book, and the activity is offered in English with mobile tickets.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and cancellations inside that window are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the tour, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Because weather affects both the hike and the aurora search, I would avoid placing this tour on your final possible day unless you have no alternative. A little schedule room gives you a better chance to use the free northern lights rebooking option.

Should you book the Volcano Hike and Northern Lights Combo?

Book it if you want one efficient, active day built around Iceland’s volcanic ground, and you are happy to accept a flexible route and a non-guaranteed aurora. The combination of a long volcano hike, Kleifarvatn Lake, possible Seltún hot springs, an aurora lesson, and a night search gives you a lot for the price.

Skip it if you want an easy sightseeing day or if you need certainty. The hike is strenuous, Seltún may be dropped, toilet access near the volcano is limited, and the northern lights may not appear. For fit visitors with another night available in Reykjavik, the free rebooking offer makes the gamble more reasonable.

FAQ

How long does the full tour last?

The experience lasts about 11 hours in total. It includes the daytime volcano and Reykjanes portion, followed by a separate northern lights outing at night.

What time does the tour begin?

The daytime portion begins at 11:00 am. Pickup can take up to 30 minutes.

Where is the meeting point?

The stated meeting point is Bus Stop 12, Höfðatorg, Þórunnartún 6, 105 Reykjavik, Iceland. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

When does the northern lights portion begin?

Pickup for the second part begins at about 9:30 pm. It uses the same pickup location as the daytime tour.

How long is the volcano hike?

The hike can take around two to four hours. The route changes according to volcanic activity and conditions.

Are hiking poles included?

No. Hiking poles are not included, but they can be rented for $9 per person.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should plan accordingly for a long day.

Are the northern lights guaranteed?

No. The northern lights depend on weather and other conditions, so sightings are not guaranteed. If you do not see them, you may join another northern lights tour free of charge.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 12 are not permitted. The tour also requires a strong level of physical fitness.