On the Reykjanes peninsula, there have been 10 Volcanic eruption since 2021. Due to road closures and other factors, we cannot guarantee that the tours will follow the exact itinerary described here. (updated 12th of Feb 2025)
A tour from Reykjavik to Reykjanes peninsula can be organized, depending on your available time, and preferences. This private half day tour may take from 4-5 hours. If you prefer a full day tour (8-9 hours) with an option to include other activates such as experience the Blue lagoon in the itinerary, then click here. If you on the other hand only like to visit the Blue Lagoon then please see other options and click here
The Peninsula is perhaps one of the most underrated places in Iceland. Recognized as UNESCO Global Geopark since 2015, this 829 km2 area is a testament to the earth's raw power.
When choosing Reykjanes peninsula tour, then you experience the beautiful magic scenery of the youngest part of Iceland. The peninsula is a fascinating geological site with rugged, alien-like landscape. Moss-covered lava fields stretch endlessly in every direction. Reykjanes showcases high-temperature wonders like fissures, lava cracks, tectonic faults, volcanic craters, bubbling geysers, mud pools, lava fields and caves.
Reykjanes peninsula is one of the few places where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is visible above sea level. Here the North America and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly drift apart. Visitor can walk across a bridge that connects the two continents.
By the sea, there are many places with amazing rock formation astonishing cliffs, most of them dark grey. Additionally, you may see some colonies of sea birds, black sand, and beaches.
A visit to the “High temperature” Geothermal areas, the famous hot spring “Gunnuhver”, Lighthouse is very popular. High geothermal areas have several characters. The main features are diversity on colors. Clay creates brown and white color. Fools gold seems dark grey. Sulphur forms a bright yellow texture, and the copper amalgamation are blue green. Fumaroles are common on the peninsula, and they sometimes erupt with blue grey clay splatters.
In this area, we harness the high-temperature geothermal resources for electricity production (around 184 MW) and district heating for all the houses on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Interesting development which started in the eighties utilizing the renewable and environment friendly energy.
A volcanic eruption at Fagradalsfjall began on March 19, 2021, following frequent earthquakes, lasting until late September of that year. Another eruption started on August 3, 2022 just a few hundred meters away in an area called Meradalir, lasting only three weeks. On July 10, 2023, a third eruption occurred nearby also lasting a few weeks.
The first two eruptions attracted both Icelanders and tourists, as they could hike close to the lava. Visitors still enjoy seeing the new lava fields and taking hiking tour. On December 18, 2023 a fourth eruption occurred, lasting only a few days, followed by a fifth eruption in January 2024 near the village of Grindavik. Since then, a series of eruptions has taken place in an area called "Sundhnúksgígar". In total, there have been 10 eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula since 2021. Hiking option Click here.
