So you’re visiting Iceland and wondering, “Can you see lava in Iceland?” I asked that same question when I traveled to Iceland in June 2022.
Iceland’s entire island was created from volcanic activity. It is located on the Mid-Atlantic ridge, where two tectonic plates pull apart under Earth’s crust. This caused magma to rise to the surface in volcanic eruptions that created the island of Iceland.
Nowadays, Iceland is still filled with volcanic activity. It is incredibly possible to see these erupting mountains and their impressive lava for yourself. The key is to know where to find it.
In this guide, we’ll uncover how to see lava in Iceland including ancient lava fields, recent eruption sites, magma chambers, and more!
❗️A big disclaimer: Lava is not always actively flowing in Iceland, meaning you’ll likely see dried black lava fields and past eruption sites, rather than still flowing red magma. It’s still plenty cool and allows you to actually walk over the ridges and flows.
How Many Volcanoes in Iceland?
There are around 130 volcanoes in Iceland. 32 of these 130 are still active today. Many of these volcanoes are accessible to tourists, such as the Katla Volcano, Hekla, and Fagradalsfjall.
👋 Yoohoo, You May Also Like: The Ultimate Iceland Road Trip Guide (With 7-10 Day Itineraries)
List of Recent Iceland Volcano Eruptions:
The Reykjanes Peninsula, only an hour from Reykjavik, has become one of the best spots to see lava in Iceland. It’s had a huge uptake in volcanic activity since 2021, all occurring in and near the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system.
Before 2021, the last eruption in this area occurred all the way back in 1240, so it has been a big deal in the news. There have been ten eruptions in this area since 2021.
The lava in these eruptions oozed rather than exploded, which is called an effusive eruption. You can still see the patterns of this slow lava flow in the dried black lava crust that remains in the area today.
2024 – A New Fissure
The most recent volcanic eruption in Iceland occurred on November 20, 2024, from a fissure that opened in the Reykjanes Peninsula (only an hour from Reykjavik).
The volcanic activity lasted almost a month. The lava flow got so close to Blue Lagoon they had to close it down temporarily. It even damaged some homes in the nearby town of Grindavik.
2023 – The Start of Continuous Eruptions
In July 2023, there was an eruption right beside the Fagradalsfjall volcano in the same peninsula. It lasted until August and became one of the best spots for walking atop dried lava flow in Iceland.
Then in December 2023, a new fissure formed and erupted near the town of Grindavik. Six more eruptions happened after that one until December 2024.
2022 – Second Eruption
The Fagradalsfjall area had its second eruption on August 3, 2022.
2021 – Reykjane’s First Eruption in Hundreds of Years
The Fagradalsfjall area had its first eruption in over 781 years on March 19, 2021. The eruption lasted 181 days, ending in September.
2010 – Potential Eruption Soon?
Special mention is needed for the eruption from Eyjafjallajokull Volcano in 2010. The reason? Because it is connected to the Katla Volcanic system, meaning eruptions at Eyjafjallajokull usually trigger an eruption at Katla within half a decade.
However, Katla has still not erupted! It could happen any day.
Can You See Flowing Lava in Iceland?
There have been times in recent years where tourists could see real lava flowing in Iceland. The eruptions that occurred at Fagradalsfjall between 2021 and 2023 had helicopter and hiking tours created to view them.
However, lava is not flowing in Iceland all the time. There has to be an active eruption when you are visiting to see the red hot magma. It also has to be from a safe volcano like Fagradalsfjall’s slow oozing lava, otherwise it will be closed to tourists anyways.
If you are not visiting during an active eruption, you’ll be able to see dried black lava from past eruptions. Some lava fields are so old that they’ve started to grow unique ecosystems on top of the battered landscape.
💡 If you are curious to see if there are any active or expected eruptions when you are visiting, you can find current information on eruptions in the news section of the Icelandic Meteorological Office here.
Where to See Lava in Iceland:
1. The Lava Show in Reykjavik or Vik
I might have fibbed a little when I said you can’t see red hot lava outside of active eruptions in Iceland, because you can see it at the famous Lava Show in Reykjavik or Vik.
The Lava Show is the only place in the world where you can get close to red hot magma in a live demonstration. The show is 50 minutes long and recreates a volcanic eruption. They heat up real lava to 1100°C (2000°F) and show you how it flows.
They provide safety goggles and also put on educational videos about volcanoes and eruptions in Iceland.
Lava Show Reykjavik | Lava Show Vik
2. Fagradalsfjall Volcano in the Reykjanes Peninsula
Fagradalsfjall is the site of the recent volcanic eruptions lasting from 2021 until December 2024.
The area has since cooled down and lava solidified, making it one of the best places to see lava in Iceland. It is conveniently located only one hour drive from Reykjavik.
I visited Fagradalsfjall in 2022 right before the August eruption and walked right on top of the dried black lava. It crunched under my feet and I could see the ripples that showed how it flowed through the valley.
Today, there are five hiking trails that lead you to different viewpoints over the few eruption sites. They vary in length from only 800 metres each way, 2.5 km round trip, or up to 5.6 km round trip.
If you want to see the most recent lava activity in Iceland and get right up on top of it, Fagradalsfjall is the place to visit.
⭐️ Since I haven’t hiked there after the latest eruptions, learn more about the five hikes and two car parks in Anywhere We Roam’s guide here.
Location: Car Park One | Car Park Two
3. Thrihnukagigur Volcano
Thrihnukagigur is a dormant volcano with a large magma chamber that tourists can actually explore inside. In fact, it is the only magma chamber you can enter in the world!
There is a 3 km hike each way to get from the parking lot to the entrance of the magma chamber. The hike traverses over the dried lava field with incredible views. At the top of the volcano, there is a mining lift that brings people 390 feet (120 meters) down into the Earth.
There is plenty of space to explore at the bottom to take pictures. The magma chamber walls are coloured red, green, and yellow from the iron, copper, and sulfur.
How to Visit Thrihnukagigur:
To visit Thrihnukagigur, regulations require you to book the “Inside the Volcano” tour. It costs 49,000 ISK (about $350 USD). It is worth it for this completely unique experience that you can’t do anywhere else in the world.
Thrihnukagigur is only 35 km and about a 40 minute drive from Reyjkavik.
Location: Inside the Volcano Meeting Point
Check Out: Hike and Decsend into Thrihnukagigur Volcano from Reykjavik
4. Hekla Volcano & Landmannalaugar Lava Fields
Hekla Volcano is the most active volcano in Iceland. Its last eruption happened in 2000 and it has erupted five times in the last 100 years. Another one could happen any day!
Hekla has large lava fields surrounding it, which are considered relatively young. The landscape is rugged with large black lava rocks, mosses, and small plants that have started to grow on top of it. The contrast of fresh growth over the once dead barren landscape is incredibly beautiful.
The most popular thing to do around Hekla is hike. There is a trail that leads to the summit and takes about 3 – 4 hours to complete. There are also waterfalls and several interesting lava formations around the volcano.
How to Visit Hekla Volcano:
If you want to drive yourself to visit Hekla, you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle. People typically choose to visit on a guided tour to handle the transportation and get the most out of learning about Hekla’s lava fields.
Hekla is about 155 km and 2.5 hours drive from Reykjavik.
Location: Hekla Volcano
Check Out: Landmannalaugar and Hekla Volcano Day by Super Jeep from Reykjavik
5. Berserkjahraun Lava Field at Snaefellsjokull Volcano
The Berserkjahraun lava field is in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It is over 4000 years old. Four craters erupted and lava flowed down Bjarnarhafnarfjall mountain trailing all the way to the sea.
Today, this lava field is considered the most beautiful in Iceland. The landscape is jagged, uneven, and filled with black statue-like figures. There is a thick layer of bright green moss growing over it all, with black lava rock still peaking through.
How to Visit Berserkjahraun:
Berserkjahraun is 161 km and about 2.5 hours drive from Reykjavik. The road to get there is easy to drive on and there is a car park to access the lava fields.
Location: Berserkjahraun Lava Field
6. Askja Volcano
Askja Volcano is in the central highlands near Vatnajokull National Park. It has the Odadhahraun lava field stretching thousands of square km around it.
Askja is one of Iceland’s most unique volcanoes to visit because it collapsed in on itself creating a massive crater that is now a lake called Viti Lake. It’s still an active volcano and was famously used as a training grounds for Apollo astronauts because of its similar landscape to the moon.
You can visit Askja and its Odadhahraun lava field for hiking and even swimming inside the warm waters inside the volcanic crater! Where else in the world can you say you swam inside an active volcano?
How to Visit Askja Volcano:
The drive is rough on F-Roads so you’ll either need to rent a 4×4 vehicle and have off-roading experience, or book a tour to visit. It is best accessed from the Myvatn Lake and Northern Iceland area.
Location: Askja Volcano
Check Out: Askja Volcano and Wildnerness Super Jeep Tour from Myvatn
7. Krafla Volcano
Krafla Volcano is similar to Askja with its massive crater that has been filled in with a lake. The lake is a gorgeous milky turquoise colour from the minerals. It is located in Northern Iceland, close to popular Mývatn.
A lot of the area surrounding Krafla is an active geothermal area with bubbling mud and steam. You can also hike up to the rim of the lake. It only takes 20 minutes walk from the parking lot and there is a 30 minute trail circling the crater lake.
The lava field surrounding it is still bubbling and steaming with interesting lava formations and craters. Some of the dried lava is still so hot it can burn your shoe’s soles!
8. Hverfjall (aka Hverfell)
Hverfjall is really close to the Krafla Volcano, on the Eastern side of Lake Mývatn. It looks like a giant hill made of black ash with a crater at the top.
It is part of the same volcanic system as Krafla and surrounded by the same lava fields. You can hike to the top of the crater. It takes about 20 minutes each way. The top has great views over Lake Myvatn, Dimmuborgir (more on this below), and the surrounding dried lava fields.
9. Dimmuborgir
Dimmuborgir is also known as the Dark Fortress. It is a big section of dried lava near Lake Myvatn formed by the eruptions of the Kafla Volcanic system 2,300 years ago.
The area is unique because the lava formed in large stacks, caves, and caverns. It is often said to look like a medieval castle.
10. Eldhraun Lava Field
Eldhraun is the largest lava flow in the entire world. It formed in the 1700s when Laki Volcano erupted, spewing poisonous ash and lava over 565 square kms.
The dried lava is about 12 meters (39 feet) thick. It is characterized by jagged and uneven black lava formations covered by green moss. It was used by the Apollo 11 crew to train their astronauts for the moon, similar to what they did at Askja Volcano.
Eldhraun is in Southern Iceland, just past Vik. It’s about 3 hours drive along Ring Road from Reykjavik.
10. Katla Volcano Lava Fields and Volcanic Sand
Katla Volcano is one of Iceland’s largest volcanos and remains very active. It is in southern Iceland, really close to Vik. The volcano is currently located underneath the ice of Myrdalsjokull Glacier, having erupted over 100 years ago in 1918.
The lava fields surrounding Katla cover over 600 km, with black sand everywhere. You can take tours to visit the volcanic features surrounding Katla, like the craters and geothermal vents.
Katla Volcano is also famous for its ice cave. Tours run inside the Katla Ice Cave where you walk inside the glacier and can see hundreds of years of history in the ice.
Check Out: Katla Ice Cave Tour From Vik
How to See Lava in Iceland
Active Lava Flow:
If you are hoping to see active lava flow from a current eruption, you’ll either have to specifically book a trip to Iceland when news of an eruption starts or get lucky to have your trip correspond with one.
When lava is actively flowing, there is occasionally opportunities to view the magma as a tourist. The volcanic eruptions that occurred between 2021 – 2023 were considered tourist eruptions, where designated hiking trails were created to view the magma. There were also helicopter tours that ran frequently to bring tourists up close to the magma from above.
You can check for eruption news at the Icelandic meteorological office here.
If you are there during an active eruption that is tourist-safe, there will be tours found on Get Your Guide or Viator.
Dried Lava:
There are several options for seeing any of the above listed dried lava fields and volcanic craters.
- Drive there yourself and hike
- Take a helicopter tour
- Book a guided excursion
Driving Yourself:
The most accessible lava fields and craters to visit without a guided tour are:
- Fagradalsfjall in Reykjanes Peninsula – 1 hour drive from Reykjavik. Incredibly easy to get there with two car parks and easy to follow hiking trails.
- Berserkjahraun Lava Field – 2 hours drive from Reykjavik in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It is easily accessible to drive to and the best thing to do there is simply wander.
- Krafla Volcano and Lava Fields – An easy detour from Ring Road in Northern Iceland. There is a parking lot and its only a 20 minute walk to the crater from there. There’s a 5 km loop around the Lava fields that takes 1 – 2 hours.
- Hverfjall – This volcanic crater is accessed by the same detour route as Krafla off ring road. There are two easy trails that lead to the crater, taking only 20 minutes each way. There are other hiking trails available to explore the surrounding lava fields in more detail.
- Dimmuborgir – In the Mvatyn area, the roads to this lava field are easily drivable and a short detour off ring road.
- Eldhraun – This lava field has an accessible parking lot just off of ring road between the towns of Vik and Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Helicopter Tours:
Taking a helicopter tour over Iceland’s volcanoes is one of the best ways to see lava in Iceland. The unique landscapes created by lava flow are best viewed from above because you can see the entire picture. That’s why helicopter tours are so popular in Iceland.
Here are some of the best helicopter tour options:
- Helicopter Tour over New Volcanic Area in Fagradalsfjall
- Helicopter Tour over Geothermal Areas and Volcanic Landscape from Reykjavik
Guided Tours to See Lava:
Exploring Fagradalsfjall
1. Volcano Lava Fields, Hot Springs, and Sky Lagoon Tour from Reykjavik
This is an excellent option if you are limited on time or simply want to experience a well-rounded tour of volcanic activity. The tour will bring you to the freshly dried lava in the Reykjanes Peninsula but also to see other popular sights in Iceland like the stunning Sky Lagoon.
2. Quad Biking Tours of the Reykjanes Peninsula
If you want to add a thrill to the already adventurous exploration of Fagradalsfjall volcano, try taking a quad biking tour.
3. Small Group Hike with a Geologist over Fagradalsfjall Solidified Lava
If you’re interested in volcanic activity from a science perspective, you can visit Fagradalsfjall with a geologist. This is a great way to learn how the volcano was formed, the different types of eruptions, and the geological composition of the lava rocks.
4. Small Group Golden Circle, Lava Fields, and the Blue Lagoon
Another good option for those looking to combine volcano excursions with sightseeing. This one includes the famous Blue Lagoon, as well as the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle is made up of three of Iceland’s top attractions near Reykjavik: Thingvellir National Park (where you can walk between two continental plates), Gulfoss waterfall, and the great geysir.
Exploring Hekla Volcano
5. Landmannalaugar and Hekla Volcano Day by Super Jeep from Reykjavik
Hekla is one of the volcanoes best visited on a tour, unless you are experienced with off-road vehicles. Landmannalaugar and Hekla are in Iceland’s Southern Highlands which require driving on F-Roads to get there.
Joining a guided tour by super jeep is also great for learning about the unique geology that turns Landmannalaugar’s mountains multi-coloured. It’s completely hassle free and transports you to and from Reykjavik.
6. Landmannalaugar and Hot Springs Adventure from Reykjavik
If you are more interested in Landmannalaugar’s geothermal and mountainous landscape, this is another great tour option that also includes a stop at some hot springs. The caveat with this option is that it only views Hekla Volcano as a pass by.
Exploring Thrihnukagigur Magma Chamber
7. Decend into Thrihnukagigur Volcano and Hike from Reykjavik
A guided hike through lava fields to reach the elevator into the earth. A professional guide will teaches about the magma chamber, past eruptions, and more.
Exploring Katla Volcano
8. Katla Ice Cave Tour from Vik
The Katla Ice Cave is inside the Kötlujökull Glacier. This glacier is a section of the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap which covers over top of Katla Volcano. This tour comes with all the equipment needed, like crampons and ice axes, and a professional guide.
9. Katla Ice Cave and Southern Waterfalls from Reykjavik
Most tours to Katla leave from Vik because it is much closer. However, if you want to visit from Reykjavik, this tour is available. The tour lasts 11 hours but also includes a couple waterfall visits.
Explore Snaefellsnes Peninsula
10. Journey to the Centre of the Earth in Snaefellsnes Peninsula
This tour doesn’t focus on a specific volcano, but the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is filled with the effects of volcanic activity. You’ll explore Mt. Kirkjufell, Djupalonssandur black-sand beach, and see geothermal activity in the countryside. There’s even a homemade traditional meal included.’
Exploring Askja Volcano
This incredible jeep tour explores Askja volcano and its Viti Crater. With a local guide, you’ll explore deeper into the Icelandic Highlands and their unique scenery. The super jeep is an adventure in itself, as you traverse F-Roads and stop wherever you find something interesting.
Final Thoughts on How to See Lava in Iceland
Whether you’re hoping to catch a rare glimpse of flowing lava or walk across centuries-old lava fields, Iceland is one of the most accessible places in the world to experience volcanic activity up close.
From recent eruption sites like Fagradalsfjall to surreal magma chambers and moss-covered lava plains, you have endless options to see lava in Iceland. Even if the lava isn’t flowing while you’re there, the volcanic landscapes are still some of the most dramatic and fascinating in the world, and absolutely worth the trip.
* Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. I only recommend products and companies that I use. Thanks for the support!
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