Explore Iceland’s volcanic landscapes on this full-day guided tour that combines underground lava caves with expansive lava fields. Walk inside the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel, then continue across the Reykjanes Peninsula, one of Iceland’s most volcanically active regions in recent years. The route includes geothermal areas, hardened lava flows, and coastal viewpoints, with clear insights into how volcanic forces continue to shape the land.
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This tour takes you on a journey through Iceland’s volcanic heart, beginning with a walk inside the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel and continuing across the striking landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Along the way, you’ll visit Kleifarvatn Lake, the steaming Seltún geothermal area, and the vivid green Grænavatn crater lake, each displaying the powerful forces beneath the surface.
The journey wraps up at recent eruption sites near Fagradalsfjall, where frozen lava flows tell the story of Iceland’s newest volcano eruptions. You’ll pass through the affected town of Grindavík and across the fresh Sundhnúkagígar lava field before returning to Reykjavík in the early evening after a day shaped by fire and earth.
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from Reykjavík at 8:00 AM. Once you and your fellow travelers are in the bus, you’ll head on to Raufarhólshellir, one of Iceland’s longest and most accessible lava tunnels. Stretching an impressive 1,360 meters (4,461 feet), this vast underground passage provides an easy and comfortable walk through a spectacular volcanic world.
After entering through a narrow cave opening, you’ll gradually make your way deeper inside, where the walls come alive with natural hues of red, violet, and turquoise caused by mineral deposits. Along the route, your expert guide will explain how the tunnel was formed, point out the cave’s most striking features, and ensure a safe and memorable experience.
The guided cave tour lasts approximately one hour. Afterward, you’ll be dropped back in Reykjavík for some free time before being picked up again at 12:00 PM to continue the second half of the day’s adventure.
Once back on board, part two of the tour begins with a scenic drive to Kleifarvatn, the largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula. This mysterious lake is also one of the deepest in Iceland, reaching depths of up to 97 meters (318 feet).
Unusually, Kleifarvatn has no visible rivers or streams flowing into or out of it. Instead, it is fed entirely by groundwater filtering through the surrounding porous lava rock. As you take in the powerful views of the lake framed by colorful hills and rugged lava formations, your guide will share local legends—most notably the tale of a mythical worm-like creature said to dwell beneath the dark waters.
Next, you’ll head to the otherworldly Seltún geothermal area, located in the Krýsuvík area. This stop feels like stepping onto another planet, with steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and vividly colored hills in shades of red, yellow, and grey.
The strong scent of sulfur in the air is a clear reminder of the powerful geothermal activity beneath your feet. Walking along well-maintained wooden paths, you’ll explore hissing fumaroles and boiling earth, while your guide explains the science behind this constantly shifting landscape.
After a short drive, you’ll arrive at Grænavatn—literally “the Green Lake.” Nestled inside a volcanic crater, this striking lake is famous for its vivid green color, caused by a high concentration of sulfur in the water.
Surrounded by stark volcanic terrain, this tranquil spot serves as a perfect contrast to the steaming geothermal areas visited earlier. It’s an excellent opportunity for photography, so be sure to have your camera ready.
The trip continues to Nátthagi, located near the Fagradalsfjall volcano, the site of the shocking 2021 eruption. After lying dormant for nearly 6,000 years, the volcano exploded for six months, making it the longest-lasting eruption in Iceland in the 21st century.
Here, you’ll see vast lava fields formed by slowly flowing molten rock, now frozen in time. Rounded black formations mark where the lava finally came to rest at the valley’s edge. A short 20-minute hike leads to the Nátthagi viewpoint, giving a closer look at this remarkable lava river.
Please note: The hike to the lava field requires you to be comfortable with uneven paths and rugged terrain.
As you approach the town of Grindavík, you’ll experience a powerful reminder of Iceland’s volatile nature. Once a lively fishing town, Grindavík was heavily impacted by volcanic activity beginning in late 2023, which led to evacuations and extensive infrastructure damage.
Although the town has recently been declared safe and reopened, many homes remain abandoned, and damaged roads still bear visible signs of seismic movement. Walking through Grindavík presents a rare and sobering insight into how quickly nature can reshape human settlements.
Before the final stretch of the journey, there will be a brief 15–20-minute stop at a local restaurant for refreshments.
You’ll then drive through the Sundhnúkagígar lava field, just outside Grindavík. This area was formed by some of Iceland’s most recent eruptions, widely covered in international news. The landscape here is raw and newly formed, with steam still rising from the ground in places—an extraordinary chance to witness Iceland’s geology in its youngest state.
After exploring this natural masterpiece, you’ll head back to Reykjavik, driving through the picturesque Icelandic countryside and sharing the highlights of an adventure-filled day. You’ll arrive in the early evening, giving you plenty of time to relax or explore the vibrant capital.
