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About Tour

Fly over the volcano eruption site on the Reykjanes Peninsula and see the newly formed land! After that, the scenic helicopter flight will take you to a geothermally active area which you can explore on foot!

Highlights

  • Meradalir Volcano
  • Volcano Eruption Site
  • Hengill Geothermal Area
  • Helicopter Flight

Included

  • A Scenic Helicopter Flight
  • A Visit to Hengill Geothermal Area (Geothermal landing option only)

What to bring

  • Dress according to the weather

Tour Snapshot

Availability All Year
Duration 40 min / 1.5 h
Departs From Reykjavik
Difficulty Easy Suitable for most people in fair condition.
Group maximum 5 people
Minimum age 2 years
Meet on Location Yes
Pick Up No

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  • Small Group Experience
  • Local Guides
  • Fast & secure payment
  • No Booking Fees
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Itinerary

This exciting helicopter tour starts at Reykjavik Airport and continues to fly over the Meradalir, there was a recent volcanic eruption. See the newly formed land from above as you fly safely in a helicopter through the area. If you're worried about your safety, there will be an experienced guide to take care of you and keep you out of harm's way.

The tour with geothermal landing only: Another destination of this helicopter flight will be at Helgill geothermal area. Here we will briefly land to explore the geothermally active area by foot.

After this adventure, we will return to Reykjavik Airport with a scenic view over the capital's famous attractions, such as Hallgrímskirkja Church and Harpa Concert Hall.

Please note: volcanic eruption is a natural phenomenon and therefore is hard to predict. We cannot guarantee the sight of boiling lava, but while the main crater is dormant, you will still be able to see the fresh lava surrounding the area.

  • There is a 4 person minimum passenger requirement.

  • All our flights are weather dependent and we have to abide by the rules and regulations set in place by the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management. If we have to cancel your flight due to weather or other factors out of our control, we will try to reschedule your flight or give you a full refund.

  • All landings are only done when deemed safe by our pilots and are determined by factors such as weather and glacial surface conditions.

  • Due to the nature of the flight, we can not accommodate children under the age of 2 years old on this tour. Exceptions can be discussed for private tours.

FAQ

Generally, the site is open 24/7 to all visitors, keep in mind that the area can be closed quickly due to weather or other unforeseen changes.

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.

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 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.

The Meradalir Volcano is located on the Reykjanes peninsula close to Grindavík.

Yes, the weather can make all the difference and determine whether you can reach the eruption site or if you will enjoy the journey or not. You can find Weather information here and a gas forecast here.

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 active volcano to follow these steps in the area:

  • Keep your distance and don't step into the lava from the last eruption
  • Due to the risk of gas exposure do not go down into the valleys. Instead, observe the eruption from the hills and mountainsides
  • Be aware of the wind direction
  • Avoid standing directly against the wind

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 flowing lava 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.

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.

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