Description
Reykjanes is a rare place where recent eruptions, geothermal energy and coastal life can all be experienced in a single afternoon. The landscape changes quickly from deep lakes and mineral hills to new black lava still carrying the shape of its creation.
Visit Kleifarvatn, walk among the steam and colours of Seltún, see the emerald water of Grænavatn and trace the peninsula’s modern volcanic story through Nátthagi, Grindavík and Sundhnúkagígar.
This easy-paced route is rich in variety and context, making it an excellent introduction to the dramatic geological events that have reshaped southwest Iceland in recent years.
Itinerary
Reykjavík pickup
Afternoon departure
Leave the city from the confirmed pickup point and travel into a peninsula covered by mossy lava, low mountains and active geothermal systems. The changing colours, textures and wide horizons make this one of the route’s strongest visual moments.
Kleifarvatn
Deep lake in a volcanic basin
Admire the largest lake on Reykjanes, framed by stark ridges and black shores in an atmospheric landscape fed through porous lava rather than visible rivers. There is time to enjoy the view before the journey continues through another striking part of Iceland.
Seltún
Steam and mineral colours
Follow boardwalks through a vivid geothermal valley of bubbling mud, hissing vents and red, yellow and grey hills created by mineral deposits. It is a rewarding place to pause, take photographs and appreciate the scale of the landscape.
Grænavatn
Emerald crater lake
Look across brilliantly coloured water filling a compact volcanic crater, a beautiful example of how geology and minerals transform the Reykjanes landscape. Your guide adds local context while the surrounding scenery gives the stop its own memorable character.
Nátthagi
Lava from the 2021 eruption
See where young lava entered the valley during the Fagradalsfjall eruption and discover how quickly a familiar landscape can be remade by fire. The changing colours, textures and wide horizons make this one of the route’s strongest visual moments.
Grindavík and Sundhnúkagígar
A town beside the newest lava fields
Explore the modern volcanic story around Grindavík and view expansive lava created by the recent Sundhnúkagígar eruption series before returning to Reykjavík. The changing colours, textures and wide horizons make this one of the route’s strongest visual moments.
What is included
- Reykjavík pickup and drop-off
- Guided Reykjanes sightseeing
- English-speaking guide
- Minibus transport and Wi-Fi
What do I need to bring
- Warm layered clothing
- Waterproof and windproof outerwear
- Sturdy footwear
- Water and snacks
- Camera or phone
Good to know
Pick-up: Use the exact pickup point and departure time shown on your voucher.
- The order and accessible viewpoints may adapt to road and volcanic conditions.
- Bring food, snacks and water for the half-day journey.
- The route explores recent eruption landscapes; visible flowing lava is not guaranteed.
Highlights
- Kleifarvatn
- Seltún geothermal area
- Grænavatn crater lake
- Nátthagi eruption landscape
- Grindavík
- Sundhnúkagígar lava field
Reykjanes Lava Fields & Grindavík Half-Day Tour – Frequently Asked Questions
The tour visits recent eruption landscapes, but active lava depends on nature and cannot be guaranteed.
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