Geldingadalur Volcano Hike with Guidance

8.399 ISK

This first eruption in the Reykjanes Peninsula in about 800 years provides an unique opportunity to study the geologic mysteries of the region and is open for all to enjoy! After being shaken by months of increasingly disruptive earthquakes, including thousands in the past weeks, Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula is finally experiencing the volcanic eruption that many geologists suspected was on its way.

 

Reykjavik Excursions offers a guided tour to the volcanic eruption in Geldingadalur, known as Fagradalsfjall Volcano. The driver and guide will take the group to the start of the hiking route towards the volcano in Geldingadalur, where the group will hike towards the volcano. The hike will take approximately 1.5 hours each way and the trail is conveniently marked.

Don´t miss out on this once in a lifetime experience and witness the raw power of lava pouring out of the surface of the earth.

Check out this live stream of the Geldingadalur eruption from a local new weather station.

 

Please wear hiking shoes and bring crampons as conditions can be slippery.

Description

Description

Booking

Info

8 hours

Pick-up

Difficulty: Very Easy

Best price

Age: Minimum age 6 years

No hidden costs

Tour operator: Reykjavik Excursions

Important information

Reykjavik Excursions will follow the recommendations of the Civil protection service and cancel the tour if circumstances at the eruption site are unsafe.

Please be aware of the public guidance for hikers visiting the site. For more information visit the Safe Travel website.

 

· Be aware that the weather can change quickly.

· Wear hiking shoes, warm and waterproof clothing.

· Assume that the journey may take longer than planned.

· Bring a packed lunch and water to drink.

· Keep an eye on your travel companions. Fatigue and hypothermia come quickly.

· Stick to hills and ridges. Avoid valleys and dells in the landscape.

· There is a risk of rock fall. Beware of steep slopes

· The telephone connection in the area is bad and it can therefore be difficult to call for help if needed.

· Eruption sites can change, and new eruption cracks may open on short notice.

· Gas pollution is strongest close to the area and can lurk in valleys and dells where it is particularly dangerous.

· Gas pollution can change on short notice if the eruption suddenly increases, and it is dangerous to be near the eruption sites without measuring instruments.


What is included

  • Bus fare
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • This is a guided tour & hike


Please note:

  • The hike is about 1.5 hours, each way
  • Difficulty level: Moderate
  • Distance: 8 km
  • Elevation: 300 m
  • Hikers will have approximately 1,5 hours to view the volcanic eruption

 

Remember to dress according to weather and to bring food and drink.

 

Please wear hiking shoes and bring crampons as conditions can be slippery during winter.

 

  • Travellers need to bring their own face mask and are required to use it onboard all buses.
  • Hikers are responsible for following social distancing rules during the hike.


Tripadvisor
Geldingadalur Volcano Hike with Guidance
  • Jun 2021 • Solo

    Best thing to do in Iceland. The tour was well organized and made this once in a lifetime event worthy

    Hesham A

  • May 2021 • Couples
    We booked a tour to hike the volcano in late May. James and Eignar are wonderful! We were locked up on time in the nearest keep and we’re whisked away. They’re expert guides - they even divided our tour into “fast” and “not so fast” groups so everyone could go at their own pace. James guided our smaller group expertly and made sure we saw the coolest parts. They’re a small and young company - please support small businesses! This tour was the highlight of our time in iceland - and not just because James helped my fiancé find the best spot to view the eruption as he proposed 🙂

    I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to anyone of any age or ability - James and Eignar are tremendous and the tour they’ve put together is worth every single penny (or krona!)

    Kelsey K

  • The most amazing experience with a wonderful guide, Eignar! This is a once in a lifetime must. Our guide was wonferful and made sure everyone stayed together and was doing okay on the hike up. He provided poles for those uncertain of their footing. Spectacular view! We were able to get very close to the lava flows.
    Written June 6, 2021

    Rachel O

  • Jun 2021 • Friends
    James was such an amazing and patient guide, we took a night tour of the volcano which left at 6 pm. He gave us background information about the volcano, the area, and the eruptions. He was very attentive, checking in with the group throughout the 8-10 mile hike. When we reached the summit, James positioned our group on a hill, with an unobstructed view of the volcano. What a gift! We sat on the edge of the hill, and the eruptions came every 10 minutes. We were in awe! He took a quick poll...and it was unanimous, we all wanted to stay longer. So we stayed, and had an experience of a lifetime. Thank you James! He's the one in the pic!

    Nathalie

  • This was an incredible experience!
    It is very physical, and included going up and down hey steep slopes on rocky or uneven paths.

    The guide was excellent at keeping track of people while also letting them adventure on their own a bit. He knew his stuff.

    It was an incredible experience!
    Justin S

  • Literally the best tour I have been on! No regrets, not that difficult of hike had the time you will be distracted by views if lava . Perfect tour
    Written June 5, 2021

    rickybobby100

  • Truly a once in a lifetime experience to get see an erupting volcano this close! The upper parts of the trail can be steep and windy. I would definitely recommend wearing pair of hiking boots if you have them. James was a fantastic guide and was very knowledgeable able the geography of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Would highly recommend!!
    Tudor J

  • May 2021 • Solo
    There were 7 of us in the group. Einar, our guide, drove us in a most comfortable van to the parking lot. After an uphill hike of about an hour, Einar took us first to the base of the still quite warm volcanic rock, then up to the viewing station of the valvano. Absolutely amazing to witness Mother Earth belching forth molten lava -;just like the pic shows. Einar gave us pertinent info we the valcano's recent history as well as history of Iceland's volcanic history.
    I highly recommend the experience. Thank you.

    MatrixInfinity MatrixInfinity

  • May 2021 • Friends
    The volcano tour was amazing and unforgettable. Our guide, James, was very interesting and reliable. He knew every observation point worth stopping at and even picked a more beautiful road to the volcano when we drove to it. As for the volcano part, I can't describe in words how stunning it is when you stand in front of the volcano. But you are definitely worth the trip and I highly recommend this tour, it made our volcano trip a much better experience.

    火山之旅是超级难忘!感谢我们的导游,James,非常有趣和可靠。他知道每一个值得停留的点,甚至在我们开车去火山的时候,还挑了一条更漂亮的路。我强烈推荐这个旅游团,一定值得!(不知道为什么光用英文不可以,必须要写中文...)

    186sitingw

  • May 2021 • Solo
    WOW!!!! Amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity. Do not miss this! The pictures and videos are making all my friends back home jealous, and it is just a mind blowing experience.

    Glaciers and Waterfalls Iceland is a small company, not some big, generic tour operator, and it shows. Service was very personalized and pleasant. James was a great guide with a lot of enthusiasm and great information to share. I would definitely go with this company and with James again.

    The hike is about 5 miles round-trip. We took one little detour to get right up close to the lava (totally worth it!), so it ended up being about 5.5 on my GPS hike tracker.

    One thing I would recommend is to make sure and bring water and possibly some snacks. James stopped at a gas station for us so that we could grab some snacks and drinks, but I would advise just bringing some with you. Also, dress warmly and bring a rain jacket! When you are at the top, trying to enjoy the show, you can’t just go back to the car to get your rain jacket. It was pretty nice and warm as we were hiking up, but when we got to the top, it started snowing and hailing. I had a good rain jacket, but my gloves were not great, and my hands got cold.

    Totally worth it and then some. If the volcano is still erupting during your trip to Iceland, absolutely do not miss this!

    David W

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.


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