From Reykjavík: Volcanoes and Blue Lagoon Day Trip

A volcano hike followed by a warm soak is a fine Icelandic trade: first walk across fresh-looking lava, then let the Blue Lagoon take the edge off your tired legs. This nine-hour trip also stops at Kleifarvatn’s black shore and the steaming Seltún geothermal area, giving you more than a single volcano viewpoint.

I like the contrast between walking through Reykjanes’s raw volcanic terrain and finishing at the Blue Lagoon, and I like that the guide provides context along the drive and hike. The main consideration is the walk: it is rated moderate, involves several hours on foot, and is not suitable for anyone under 14 or with mobility impairments.

At a glance

• A real hike, not a quick viewpoint stop: The route near Fagradalsfjall and Geldingadalur involves a substantial walk over volcanic ground.
• Eruption does not mean guaranteed lava: A new fissure opened in July 2023, but the supplied update says the flow had stopped by August 9. The area was still smoldering then, and conditions can change.
• Kleifarvatn and Seltún add variety: Expect a brief stop at the lake’s black basalt shore and a short walk among geothermal features.
• Blue Lagoon time is built in: The Comfort Package includes admission, a towel, silica face mask and one drink, with about 2.5 hours scheduled.
• Bring food and proper outdoor gear: Meals are not included. Pack a snack and water, wear hiking-ready clothes and bring swimwear and rain gear.
• Price: At $259 per person, the day combines transport, a guide, the hike and Blue Lagoon entry. Its value depends on wanting both the outdoor trek and the spa visit.

Leaving Reykjavík for Reykjanes

Pickup is available from selected central Reykjavík hotels and official bus stops. There are 23 listed pickup points, including stops near Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa, City Hall and the BSÍ bus terminal. Confirm your exact pickup point with the operator after booking; choosing the nearest stop can save you a rushed start.

The drive toward the Reykjanes Peninsula takes about 40 minutes before the first listed stop. From the coach window, look for moss-covered lava, geothermal ground, coastal features, fishing villages and mountain views. The guide is part of the experience here: visitors particularly value guides such as Beggi, Roman, Hler and Sara for combining local stories and geology with humor and a reassuring presence.

You are not simply being driven between attractions. The volcanic setting makes more sense when someone explains how recent eruptions have altered the ground and what you are seeing along the way. Still, the coach portions add up, and this is a long day with several changes of pace.

Kleifarvatn’s black shore and Seltún’s hot ground

Kleifarvatn is the first stop, with about ten minutes set aside for photos. Its dark shore and mountain setting offer a quick look at the stark colors that define much of Reykjanes. Treat it as a brief pause rather than a lakeside outing: there is little time to wander far.

Next comes Seltún, where you have about 15 minutes for sightseeing and a short walk. Geothermal activity gives the area a different feel from the lake, with hot springs and ground shaped by heat. It is a small stop, so follow the guide’s timing and stay with the group.

These two stops are useful scene-setters, but the hike is the day’s main event. If you want long, unhurried visits to each place, this schedule may feel brisk. If you enjoy a sampler of different natural features before a bigger walk, the sequence works well.

Hiking near Fagradalsfjall and Geldingadalur

The tour heads to the Fagradalsfjall volcano area and the eruption sites in Geldingadalur Valley. The route crosses ground shaped by volcanic activity, with views of lava fields, moss and rocks. Depending on what is accessible, you may see cooled lava, vents or signs of lingering heat. The attraction is the chance to understand a recently changed volcanic area on foot, rather than look at it from a bus.

Be realistic about the distance. The hike is described as about two hours each way, while the itinerary allocates 3.5 hours for the stop. Those figures do not line up neatly, so treat this as a substantial outing and ask the operator about the expected route for your date. Other versions of the walk have varied, particularly in difficult weather or when conditions affect access.

The route is rated moderate, but that does not mean effortless. You are advised to book only if you can walk for many hours without trouble, and guides may turn away people who are not dressed for hiking. Wear sturdy walking shoes or boots and weather-ready layers; jeans are not allowed. Rain gear is specifically recommended, and waterproof trousers and footwear are sensible if the forecast looks wet. Bring water and a packed lunch or snacks, since food and drinks are not included.

Weather can change how much you see and how the day runs. Fog may reduce views of a crater, while snow or ice can affect the route or delay access. The guides’ attention to weather and safety is a notable part of the trip, but no clothing choice can guarantee clear skies or a particular view.

And keep your expectations current. The supplied update dated August 9, 2023, says the Litli Hrutur lava flow had stopped at that point, though the area was still smoldering. The tour focuses on eruption sites and lava formations, not a promise of active lava. Volcanic activity and safe access are changeable, so check current conditions rather than booking for a guaranteed eruption.

The Blue Lagoon as a well-earned finish

After the hike, the coach takes you to the Blue Lagoon for about 2.5 hours. The Comfort Package includes entrance, a towel, a silica face mask and one free drink. That makes the final stop more than a quick photo opportunity: you have time to change, get into the water and relax before the return trip.

For many people, the order is the point. A warm soak after several hours on volcanic ground feels especially welcome, and the included towel and mask simplify the visit. But the Lagoon is not the focus for the entire day. If you want to spend most of your time there, 2.5 hours may feel short; one visitor found it ample, while another noted that the hike and other stops take up much of the day.

It is also wise to remember that access can be disrupted. A closure during a recent tour led to a refund for the Blue Lagoon portion, but that account is not a guarantee of how any future disruption will be handled. Check the current operating status close to your travel date.

What $259 buys you

At $259 per person, this is a full-day package, not simply a bus ride to the Blue Lagoon. The price includes selected central Reykjavík pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, a guided volcano hike, and Blue Lagoon Comfort entry with towel, silica mask and one drink. For someone who wants both the hike and the soak, combining them can be good value compared with arranging separate transport and admission.

The value is less clear if you are mainly interested in the spa. You will spend much of the day travelling or walking, and food is extra. Likewise, if your priority is an eruption in progress, the tour cannot promise one. You are paying for access to volcanic sites and an informed guided outing, not a particular stage of volcanic activity.

There are 23 listed pickup and drop-off options, which can make the start and end easier to manage. The day lasts around nine hours, with coach transfers between Reykjavík, the stops, the hike and the Lagoon. Expect a full schedule rather than a leisurely day with long stays at each location.

Who will get the most from this trip

This trip suits you if you like active sightseeing, want to walk across volcanic terrain and would appreciate a warm-water finish. It is especially appealing if you are curious about geology and recent eruptions, or if you want a guide to help explain what you are seeing rather than simply visit a viewpoint.

It is not a good fit if a multi-hour walk is beyond your comfort level, if you have mobility impairments, or if you are travelling with a child under 14. Nor is it ideal if you want a full day at the Blue Lagoon. The tour asks you to do the strenuous part first and relax afterward.

Practical details before you book

Pack swimwear, rain gear, sturdy hiking footwear, water and food for the day. Bring layers suitable for walking outdoors, and skip jeans: they are not allowed. Since the hike can be long and the weather changeable, dress for the trail rather than for the spa; you can change later.

The tour is guided in English. Pickup is included from selected hotels and official central bus stops, but you need to confirm the details with the local partner after booking. Starting times depend on availability. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help keep plans flexible.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if the idea of walking through Reykjanes’s volcanic ground sounds as appealing as the Blue Lagoon, and you are prepared for a long, weather-dependent hike. The combination of lake, geothermal stop, eruption sites and spa time makes a varied day, while guides such as Beggi, Roman and Hler have been singled out for their stories, humor and care on the trail.

Choose another plan if you mainly want a leisurely spa visit, cannot walk for several hours, or expect to see flowing lava. For the right person, the best part is not a guaranteed eruption or a long soak. It is seeing the volcanic ground up close, then having a warm place to rest afterward.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The day trip lasts about nine hours, including transport, stops, the hike and time at the Blue Lagoon.

How long is the volcano hike?

The walk is described as about two hours each way, while the itinerary sets aside 3.5 hours for the Fagradalsfjall stop. The route and timing can vary, so ask the operator what to expect on your date.

Is the hike difficult?

It is rated moderate and involves walking for many hours. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and guides may turn away anyone not dressed appropriately for hiking.

Can I expect to see flowing lava?

No. The tour visits eruption sites and lava fields, but flowing lava is not guaranteed. An update dated August 9, 2023, said the Litli Hrutur flow had stopped, though the area was still smoldering at that time.

What is included at the Blue Lagoon?

The Comfort Package includes admission, a towel, a silica face mask and one free drink. About 2.5 hours is scheduled there.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and rain gear, along with suitable hiking clothes and footwear. Water and snacks or a packed lunch are useful because food and drinks are not included. Jeans are not allowed.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, apart from the one free drink included with the Blue Lagoon Comfort Package.

Can children join the tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under 14 years.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is available from selected hotels and official bus stops in central Reykjavík. Confirm your specific pickup details with the local partner after booking.