Volcano, Geldingadalur Hike & Reykjanes Peninsula – Private Tour

120.000 ISK

Witness the active volcanic eruption of Fagradalsfjall volcano in Geldingadalur valley. Join this life-time experience to see lava pouring in spectacular molten rivers or spurting high in the air… A guided hike to be as close as possible to this raw and powerful phenomenon.

 

Combined with the Reykjanes Peninsula Tour: incredible aspects of bird’s life & Iceland’s volcanic landscapes with cliffs, volcanoes, lava fields, hot springs & craters of various kinds…

 

Highlights of the Tour

 

Itinerary of the Tour

 

Fagradalsfjall – ” The active volcano in Geldingadalur valley “

Have you ever dreamed of seeing an active volcano eruption with your own eyes? Now you can! Embark for a once-in-life-time experience and join us to hike up to Geldingadalir to see this hypnotic fascinating Fagradalsfjall volcano.

Back in March 2021, the anticipated volcanic eruption at Gelingdalur on the Reykjanes Peninsula began after almost 53000 tremors. Initially, it was reported as a fissure up to 700 meters long, with a lava field covering several kilometers before it soon formed into an increasingly tall crater releasing gentle lava flows in the form of molten rivers. Fagradalsfjall has now changed several times since it first opened, with new fissures and impressive craters forming as the lava field develops a lot. The fountains of fire have varied greatly in their size, sometimes rising just a few meters in the air, and sometimes shooting so high that they are visible from Reykjavik. According to early datas, this is the oldest lava that has emerged in Iceland for 7000 years, a unique and fascinating phenomenon…

This tour with the guided hike will bring you, as close as it is safely possible, to the edge of the ever growing lava field, exposing you to breathtaking fountains of fire and vivid orange rivers of lava…

You will be picked up from your preferred location, in a Super Jeep designed for your comfort. As a private tour, your group will be the only passengers: the ultimate option to have a personal and intimate experience.

As we drive to the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Geldingadalur valley, you will get to see some lunar landscapes and geological marvels of the Reykjanes peninsula.

Once we reach the eruption site, we will do a quick security brief. We will always follow the Icelandic Rescue Team instructions on the best route to take every day to avoid the fumes according to the wind direction.
We’ll begin your the hike of 1-1.5 hours (one way) into the barren surrounding wilderness.Don’t forget to bring your hiking boots and water ? Your experienced guide will make your adventure safe, informative, enjoyable and will give the time to explore, see the volcano from different angles, and enjoy this incredible moment!

The fountains of fire who contrast with the sky colors, the vivid reds and oranges of the molten rock, the ever-changing shapes in the glowing rivers, the sounds of the earth bursting apart – there is no greater spectacle! No doubt that you’ll be breath-taken in a way that few other sites on the planet can provide!

After this life-changing experience of being the witness of the sheer power and most magnificent mother nature’s forces, we will continue the tour and explore the Reykjanes Peninsula (see below).

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Reykjanes Peninsula is a perfect place to discover Iceland. With its valleys flows into the lava, its bare heights, its dark rocks and gaping craters, the landscape so exceptional of the peninsula makes us showing wonderfully the unusual character of this country…

In this part of the island, it is the elements that dictate to the world how to live. This strip of land located in the southwest of Iceland is marked by an active underground volcanic activity. Its cooled lava soil, that does not allow to the vegetation to grow, gives us to see bald reliefs and dark rocks typical of volcanic areas, a moonscape shaped by lava flows… The combination of that, a lot of hot springs and sulfur springs make us understanding why Rekjanes Peninsula is an incredible place of special beauty. It is also a unique place in the world because it is the only point on earth where the rift that separates the tectonic plates of Europe and North America is out of the ocean and visible. These extraordinary reliefs shelter many species of birds which are stunning with their unique color blends.

 

Kleifarvatn – ” A magic lake and its barren shores “

The largest and deepest lake in this part of Iceland. The lake sits on a highly active volcanic fissure zone. The lake is surrounded by black sand shores and volcanic mountains. After the series of earthquakes in 2000, the lake began to disappear into a large fissure created by one of the earthquakes : an enigmatic phenomenon… Summer houses that were once mere steps from waterfront are now more than a kilometer away from the water’s edge. The placid waters have dropped more than four meters during the following year. In their place is a barren lake bed speckled with sulphur-rimmed thermal springs that spit boiling water and mud.

 

Seltún – ” A spectacular geothermal area “

We continue our journey to the charming geothermal field of Seltún. This place has many mudpots and fumaroles, heated by an underground magma chamber. Sulphuric water and gases have created colorful deposits. We will take a wooden pathways to explore this fascinating area, especially when a new maar is born with a spectacular explosion.

 

Grænavatn – ” Breathtaking lake and surroundings “

Near the geothermal fields are located several maars, rounded lakes. They were formed by explosions caused by the overheated steam of groundwater. We will stop at the largest one : Grænavatn. Up to 46 meters deep and 350 meters wide, it is a gorgeous emerald colored lake caused by a combination of thermal algae and sunlight absorbing crystals.

 

Krisuvikurberg – ” The shelter of many birds species “

The journey proceeds through one of Iceland’s best-known bird-cliffs and the highest cliffs in the southwest part of Iceland. Their average height is 50 meters, and the highest point is 70 meters. It is a home for almost 60 000 pairs of birds – mostly gulls, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars. From the middle of March to the end of August you can watch also puffins – a living symbol of Iceland. And if we are lucky we can also see whales and dolphins which are floating near the shore.

 

Gunnuhver – ” The largest geothermal field of the peninsula “

This place is both surprising and enchanting. This is a crater with ocher and orange stones that contrast with the turquoise milky waters of a lake located at the top. It is said that if you put your head under the water, you can hear the volcano breathing…

 

Leifur Eiríksson Bridge – ” The bridge between Continents “

The tour continues through wonderful lava fields and we go to the unique place where two of the Earth’s tectonic plates split. You will have the opportunity to walk over this footbridge which crosses the fissure. This 18 meters long bridge, in a symbolic purpose, illustrates the phenomenon of continental drift and connects the tectonic plates. It is where the Old World (Eurasian continent) and the New World (North American continent) was engaged in a tug of war. From the 1220s to the 1240s, the area was all on fire ! Evidence of this firestorm can still be seen in the canyons, crevices and along the jagged lines of this amazing place.

Description

Description

Booking

Info

9 hours

Pick-up

Difficulty: Easy

Best price

Age: Minimum age 10 years

No hidden costs

Tour operator: Try Iceland Tours

What is included

Complimentary pick up and drop off, round trip transportation, professional guidance, hot drinks and wifi on board, walking poles, crampons and headlights if needed


Important information

Hiking shoes, Warm clothes, Water, Food

 


 

   Attention

  • The hike to the Volcano is around 1 – 1.5 hours (one way).
  • We will always follow the Icelandic Rescue Team instructions on the best route to take every day to avoid the fumes according to the wind direction.
  • If the tour is cancelled due to bad conditions, we’ll offer to book another tour, reschedule this tour, or to be refunded.


Covid 19

Travel to and within Iceland

Information on the rules on the border can be found here:



Vaccination and antibodies

People that have been infected with COVID-19 or have been vaccinated

Travel restrictions do not apply to other EEA/EFTA-citizens and citizens of Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican.

Third-country citizens are still not authorized to travel to Iceland unless exemptions apply. Note: As of January 1st 2021, UK nationals have the status of third-country nationals.

Rules on the borders are in force until july 1st 2021.

Rules on the border

All travellers must pre-register before arriving in Iceland and confirm their departure day, if available.

Present an approved vaccination certificate or a certificate of previous infection at the border. FROM 1 JULYcertificate is valid when 14 days have passed from the second dose (or 14 days from Janssen/Johnson & Johnson dose). If a certificate is not valid the individual needs to undergo 2 tests and quarantine for 5 days in between.

Do not have to present a negative PCR test.

Everybody must undergo testing on arrival to Iceland, even children.

It is important to follow the guidelines for quarantining at home until a negative result is obtained from the border testing. If you don´t get a message within 24 hours the result is negative. Here is a list of accommodations that accommodate guests in quarantine

Testing and quarantine of children: Children born in 2005 or later are tested at the border. They are exempt from the obligation to present a negative PCR certificate upon arrival. If a child travels with a person who is required to be quarantined, the child stays with them and is released from quarantine if the second test from the companion is negative. If the companion is exempt from double screening and quarantine, so is the child. A child travelling alone must be quarantined until a negative result is obtained from border testing.

It is recommended that travellers download the Rakning C-19 app. It is used, amongst other things, to communicate negative testing results and helps to trace infections if necessary.

If the slightest suspicion arises that an individual has presented a forged certificate, he/she will be obliged to be tested twice with quarantine in between.

Other important information

It is recommended that individuals who are travelling familiarise themselves with the travel advice of the authorities as regards to COVID-19.

Icelanders and residents of Iceland needing assistance to travel home, can submit queries to the Consular Services of the MFA by e-mail at hjalp@utn.is and through Facebook. Requests are dealt with during office hours.

In emergencies, Icelanders abroad can call the Consular Services 24/7.

Privacy Statement – Infection Control Measures upon arrival to Iceland

Principal information on the rights of travellers as regards to COVID-19 can be found on the website of Ferðamálastofa.



Arrive from Greenland

Safe area

People living in Iceland are strongly advised against unnecessary travel to risk areas due to COVID-19, except being fully vaccinated. Special rules apply when travelling to Iceland. Here you can read more regarding travel restrictions to Iceland as a result of COVID-19.

Travel restrictions do not apply to other EEA/EFTA-citizens and citizens of Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican.

Third-country citizens are still not authorized to travel to Iceland unless exemptions apply. Note: As of January 1st 2021, UK nationals have the status of third-country nationals.

Passengers travelling to Iceland that don´t have a certificate of vaccination or a certificate that they have had COVID-19 need to follow different rules when arriving depending on where they travel from.

Only Greenland is considered safe areas but all other countries are risk areas.

NOTE: After 31 May, 2021, and until further notice, there will not be a requirement to stay in an official quarantine facility based upon country risk-areas. Quarantine facilities will continue to be used for individuals in quarantine who do not have a place to stay in Iceland or who are unable or unwilling to isolate themselves in housing on their own.

Rules on the borders are in force until july 1st 2021.

Information on the rules on the border can be found here:

People travelling from Greenland can travel without restrictions.

Other important information

It is recommended that individuals who are travelling familiarise themselves with the travel advice of the authorities as regards to COVID-19.

Icelanders and residents of Iceland needing assistance to travel home, can submit queries to the Consular Services of the MFA by e-mail at hjalp@utn.is and through  Facebook. Requests are dealt with during office hours.

In emergencies, Icelanders abroad can call the Consular Services 24/7.

Principal information on the rights of travellers as regards to COVID-19 can be found on the website of Ferðamálastofa.

FAQ regarding disease control measures at the border



Arrive from all countries but Greenland.

Risk areas

People living in Iceland are strongly advised against unnecessary travel to risk areas due to COVID-19, except being fully vaccinated. Special rules apply when travelling to Iceland. Here you can read more regarding travel restrictions to Iceland as a result of COVID-19.

Travel restrictions do not apply to other EEA/EFTA-citizens and citizens of Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican.

Third-country citizens are still not authorized to travel to Iceland unless exemptions apply. Note: As of January 1st 2021, UK nationals have the status of third-country nationals.

Passengers travelling to Iceland that don´t have a certificate of vaccination or a certificate that they have had COVID-19 need to follow different rules when arriving depending on where they travel from.

Only Greenland is considered safe areas but all other countries are risk areas.

NOTE: After 31 May, 2021, and until further notice, there will not be a requirement to stay in an official quarantine facility based upon country risk-areas. Quarantine facilities will continue to be used for individuals in quarantine who do not have a place to stay in Iceland or who are unable or unwilling to isolate themselves in housing on their own.

Rules on the borders are in force until july 1st 2021.

Information on the rules on the border can be found here:

All travellers must pre-register before arriving in Iceland and confirm their departure day, if available.

Presenting certificates for a negative PCR test certificate against COVID-19. Rapid antigen tests are not valid. The test must have been taken within 72 hours before departure on the first leg of the journey.

Everybody must undergo testing on arrival to Iceland, even children.

Testing and quarantine: Everybody must quarantine for five days and go for another test at the end of quarantine. People may quarantine at home provided that their accommodation meets certain conditions. If not, they need to stay at the governments quarantine facility during their quarantine. Here is a list of accommodations that accommodate guests in quarantine.

Go directly to the quarantine location from the border entry point by airport bus, taxi, rental car or private car. Travelers are advised to stay overnight at a guesthouse near the border entry point if they are tired or the weather is bad.

Testing and quarantine of children: Children born in 2005 or later are tested at the border. They are exempt from the obligation to present a negative PCR certificate upon arrival. If a child travels with a person who is required to be quarantined, the child stays with them and is released from quarantine if the second test from the companion is negative. If the companion is exempt from double screening and quarantine, so is the child. A child travelling alone must be quarantined until a negative result is obtained from border testing.

The second testing is done at health centres around Iceland. A bar code is sent to a mobile phone the night before testing. Please note the different opening hours for testing.

A positive result will always result in isolation, and in such cases, the instructions on home isolation must be followed. If an individual is diagnosed with a variant of the virus that is more contagious and/or causes a more serious illness, the person in question is unconditionally required to stay in a quarantine hotel. Isolation in the epidemic house is free of charge, and referral is in the hands of the infection tracing team and the COVID Outpatient Department at Landspítali.

It is recommended that travellers download the Rakning C-19 app. It is used, amongst other things, to communicate negative testing results and helps to trace infections if necessary.

Third-country citizens (not EEA/EFTA) are still not authorized to travel to Iceland unless exemptions apply.

A tourist is obliged to pre-register a departure date from Iceland if it is available. If the length of stay is shorter than the required time in the quarantine, it will be examined separately, as there is a risk that the person in question will not follow the rules on quarantine.

Please note that violations of quarantine or isolation rules are subject to fines and the involvement of the authorities to prevent violations.

Other important information

It is recommended that individuals who are travelling familiarise themselves with the travel advice of the authorities as regards to COVID-19.

Icelanders and residents of Iceland needing assistance to travel home, can submit queries to the Consular Services of the MFA by e-mail at hjalp@utn.is and through  Facebook. Requests are dealt with during office hours.

In emergencies, Icelanders abroad can call the Consular Services 24/7.

Principal information on the rights of travellers as regards to COVID-19 can be found on the website of Ferðamálastofa.