Volcano Hike & Northern Lights Combo Tour

See Iceland’s raw power up close. This long Reykjavik outing pairs a Fagradalsfjall volcano hike with an evening northern lights search, giving you two very different sides of the Reykjanes Peninsula in one booking. I like the included transport and the chance to visit several aurora locations instead of waiting in one spot. I also like the guides’ personal touch, especially Omar, who was praised for being friendly, helpful, and a good photographer.

The main drawback is the sheer length and physical demand. The hike can take two to four hours, routes may change with volcanic activity, and the full day runs for about 11 hours. Add cold wind, steep sections, a long bus ride, and no toilet facilities near the volcano, and you should arrive prepared rather than treating this as a casual sightseeing trip.

Key Points to Know Before You Book

• The volcano hike can change: Routes at Fagradalsfjall depend on current volcanic conditions and may take two to four hours.
• Kleifarvatn Lake is an early visual highlight: The lake gives you a striking stop before the main hike and adds variety to the day.
• The tour splits into two separate outings: The daytime portion begins around 11:00 am, while the northern lights pickup starts at 9:30 pm.
• The hike is strenuous: Expect moss-covered lava fields, mountain paths, steep sections, cold weather, and a strong fitness requirement.
• Aurora sightings are not guaranteed: Locations change according to weather and cloud conditions, and you may join another northern lights tour free of charge if the lights do not appear.
• You get a lot for $185: Transport, guidance, WiFi, the volcano excursion, and the aurora search are included, but food, drinks, and hiking poles cost extra.

Why This Two-Part Iceland Tour Makes Sense

Iceland trips often involve a tradeoff between seeing more and spending more. A volcano tour, a Reykjanes drive, a northern lights outing, and an aurora center could easily require separate bookings. At $185 per person, this package gives you a full day of activity without arranging several pieces yourself.

The value depends on your schedule. If you have only a short stay in Reykjavik, combining daytime scenery with nighttime aurora hunting saves precious time. If you prefer a slow morning, a relaxed dinner, and an early night, this is not the right fit. The second pickup begins at 9:30 pm and the northern lights portion lasts about four hours.

I also like the practical design. Round-trip transport is included, pickup is available, and WiFi is provided on board. You start and finish at Bus Stop 12 at Höfðatorg, on Þórunnartún 6, unless you arrange the offered pickup. Pickup can take up to 30 minutes, so do not panic if the vehicle is not there at the exact starting time.

The group may include as many as 60 people. That is a sizeable group for a hike, and it makes guide management important. One outing had to wait more than an hour after two people wandered away from the group, so stay close and follow instructions. You will have a much better day if you treat the guide’s meeting points as firm rules.

Kleifarvatn Lake Sets the Tone

The stop at Kleifarvatn Lake gives you a sharp introduction to the Reykjanes Peninsula. The lake is known for its broad views and stark surroundings, and the tour uses it as an early scenic pause before the volcano hike.

This is not the longest stop, but it helps break up the drive. You can take in the scale of the area before spending hours on foot. Bring gloves and a warm outer layer even if Reykjavik feels mild. The coast and open volcanic areas can feel far colder once you leave the city.

The lake also gives you a useful preview of the day’s character: open ground, dramatic volcanic scenery, and weather that can change quickly. I would keep your camera accessible, but protect it from wind and rain.

Hiking Through Fagradalsfjall’s Fresh Lava Fields

The main event is the hike toward the Fagradalsfjall eruption site. You walk through moss-covered lava fields and mountainous terrain with a guide, following a route that may change according to volcanic activity. The hike can last around two to four hours, and the broader volcano stop is listed at about five hours.

That difference matters. You are not simply getting off a bus, walking to a viewpoint, and returning. The stop allows time for the hike, pauses, group movement, and the changing route. You need proper footwear and enough stamina to remain comfortable for several hours outside.

The hike has steep sections. One person described it as beautiful but clearly not easy, while another found walking around Meradalir enjoyable despite cold and strong wind. Those comments match the practical warning that you need a strong level of physical fitness.

The reward is close contact with new volcanic ground. Fresh lava fields can retain warmth, and one outing found the remaining heat welcome on a very cold day. You may see dark rock, green moss, mountain views, and the unusual sight of ground formed by recent volcanic activity.

Do not expect a guaranteed view of active lava or an identical route every time. Volcanic conditions control access, and the tour may shift to another hike or even a hot river experience. That flexibility is useful for safety, but it means you should book this for the volcanic region and outdoor adventure, not for one exact photograph.

A guide can make a major difference here. Omar received especially warm praise for helping with the hike, taking photographs, and keeping the mood friendly. Another guide, possibly named Hindrik, was remembered for telling engaging and funny stories about Iceland. Since guide assignments can change, consider those examples of the service rather than promises about who will lead your outing.

There are no toilet facilities near the volcano. Plan carefully before leaving the last available stop, and avoid drinking a huge amount of coffee just before the hike. A delay caused by separated group members once made the toilet wait even longer.

The Reykjanes Peninsula by Bus

After the walking portion, the bus continues around the Reykjanes Peninsula for about 1 hour and 20 minutes. This drive gives your legs a break and lets you see the region beyond the eruption site.

I find this part valuable because the peninsula is more than a single volcano stop. You get changing views of volcanic ground, mountains, coastline, and open surroundings from the comfort of the vehicle. The guide’s stories also help give the scenery meaning, especially when you are tired from the hike.

The bus ride can feel long after a strenuous walk, particularly in a large group. Use it to warm up, charge your phone if possible, and review your clothing before the evening portion. WiFi is included on board, which is handy for sending photos or checking the weather, though it should not replace bringing offline directions and essential booking details.

Seltún Hot Springs and the Krysuvik Geothermal Area

The Krysuvik geothermal area, including Seltún Hot Springs, is listed as a short 10-minute stop. Here you see colorful ground and geothermal activity, adding steam, mineral tones, and a different kind of volcanic scenery to the day.

The stop is brief, so keep your expectations sensible. It is a quick look, not a long walk or bathing experience. It may also be skipped when the volcano route takes longer. That is one reason not to judge the tour by a checklist of every stop. The hike is the priority, and the schedule has to bend around safety and trail conditions.

If the geothermal stop matters greatly to you, ask about the expected route when you book or at pickup. The tour operator may adjust the day when volcanic activity or hiking time requires it.

Aurora Reykjavik Gives You Context Before the Search

The evening portion includes a 30-minute visit to Aurora Reykjavik, the Northern Lights Center in Reykjavik. The center explains the aurora and the science behind it, including how charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere.

This stop is useful because it turns the night hunt into more than a random drive into the countryside. You learn what causes the northern lights and why weather, darkness, cloud cover, and solar activity all matter. It also helps manage expectations. Even with a clear sky, an aurora display may not appear.

The center is especially helpful if this is your first time trying to see the lights. You gain a little context before heading out, and you can better understand why the guide may keep changing locations.

Four Hours of Northern Lights Hunting

The final portion takes you into the Icelandic countryside for about four hours. The exact locations change from night to night, with the guide choosing the direction that offers the best chance of seeing the northern lights.

That flexibility is a strength. You are not locked into one viewpoint if clouds move in or conditions worsen. It also means the experience is not a fixed sightseeing route. Much of the value comes from the guide’s judgment and the night’s weather.

Still, no one can promise an aurora. One outing saw no lights, despite a careful search. The guide did a good job managing expectations, and the hot chocolate and fire pit were welcome during the wait. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price, so do not assume refreshments will be provided every time. Bring your own snacks and a warm drink if allowed, and plan to eat before the evening pickup.

You can join another northern lights tour free of charge if the aurora does not appear. That is a useful safety net, but it only helps if you have another evening in Reykjavik. If this is your final night, the rebooking offer may not be practical.

The four-hour search can also be tiring after the hike. I would avoid scheduling an early morning flight or major activity the next day. This is a late finish after a demanding day outside.

What to Wear and Bring for the 11-Hour Day

Your clothing will have a direct effect on how much you enjoy this tour. The volcanic hike and aurora hunt both involve long periods outdoors, and conditions can be cold and windy.

Pack:

• Waterproof hiking shoes or sturdy boots
• Warm layers that you can add or remove
• Waterproof trousers and a weatherproof jacket
• Hat, gloves, and extra socks
• Water and food for the day
• A phone charger or power bank
• A small headlamp if you already own one
• Camera protection for wind and rain

Hiking poles are not included, but they can be rented for $9 per person. If steep or uneven ground concerns you, that extra cost may be worthwhile. Food and drinks also cost extra, so plan for the gap between the daytime tour and the 9:30 pm pickup.

Children under 12 cannot join. The stated fitness requirement is a better guide than age alone for older children and adults. You need to manage uneven ground, steep sections, cold weather, and a long day without losing pace.

Group Size, Guides, and Overall Organization

A maximum of 60 people is allowed, so this is not a small private excursion. A larger group can make transport economical, but it also requires patience at trail stops and pickup points.

The strongest personal praise goes to the guides. Omar was described as friendly, helpful, and an excellent photographer. Another guide was remembered for funny, engaging stories about Iceland and for checking on people during the strenuous hike. Those details matter because a long outdoor day feels much easier when the guide watches the group and keeps the mood light.

The main organizational warning is staying together. A previous group lost track of two people, leading to a long wait on the bus. Keep the people ahead and behind you in sight, and do not wander off for a better photograph without telling the guide.

Is $185 a Fair Price?

At $185, I see fair value if you want both a volcano experience and an aurora search. You receive transportation, expert guidance, WiFi, the volcano hike, the peninsula drive, the aurora center visit, and the nighttime search. Booking each part separately could take more planning and may cost more.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want an easy volcano viewpoint. The hike is active, the day is long, and the northern lights remain uncertain. You are paying for access, transport, guiding, and the chance to search across several locations, not for a guaranteed eruption view or aurora display.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made later are not refunded, and changes made within 24 hours are not accepted. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum group size can lead to a different date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should You Book the Volcano and Aurora Combo?

I would book this tour if you have limited time in Reykjavik, want a full day outdoors, and accept that both volcanic access and northern lights depend on conditions. It is a strong choice for active adults who value scenery, guide stories, and convenience more than a relaxed pace.

I would skip it if you dislike long bus rides, steep hikes, cold weather, or late nights. You should also think twice if you have only one evening left and a successful aurora sighting is essential, since the free rebooking option cannot help after you leave Iceland.

For the best chance of enjoying it, arrive well fed, wear serious outdoor clothing, rent poles if you need extra balance, and stay with the group. The volcano hike is the main prize, while the aurora hunt is a hopeful second act. Together, they make a memorable but demanding Iceland day.

FAQ

How long does the Volcano Hike and Northern Lights Combo Tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 11 hours. The daytime portion begins at 11:00 am, and the northern lights pickup begins at 9:30 pm.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The listed meeting point is Bus Stop 12 Höfðatorg, Þórunnartún 6, 105 Reykjavík. The activity finishes back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered, and it can take up to 30 minutes. The second pickup for the northern lights portion uses the same location as the morning tour.

How difficult is the volcano hike?

The hike requires a strong level of physical fitness. It can take around two to four hours, includes steep sections, and the route may change depending on volcanic activity.

Are children allowed to join?

Children under 12 are not permitted to participate.

Are northern lights guaranteed?

No. The northern lights are weather dependent and sightings are not guaranteed. If the lights do not appear, you are welcome to join another northern lights tour free of charge.