Earn Your Soak: Why This Lava Field Hike + Blue Lagoon Combo Works
A 9-hour small-group tour combining a guided hike across the Fagradalsfjall lava fields on the Reykjanes Peninsula with 2 hours at the Blue Lagoon (Comfort Admission included). Hiking approximately 8–10km across newly formed lava terrain with an expert guide, then soaking in geothermal water with a free mud mask and drink. Hotel pickup. Wi-Fi on board. Headlamp included. 4.5/5 across 150 reviews. From $260 per person. Free cancellation.
About This Activity
Up to 24h, full refund
Book today, pay nothing until later
Departs 8 AM from Reykjavik
~8–10km across Fagradalsfjall eruption landscape
Towel, silica mud mask, one drink included
For early morning departures
Why This Specific Combination Works
The logic of this tour is physical: you do the hard thing first (hike across volcanic lava terrain for 3–4 hours) and the comfortable thing second (soak your tired muscles in 38–40°C geothermal water for 2 hours). Kerri B. (January 2025) puts it most memorably: “Volcano Hike exceptional — makes the Blue Lagoon an extra-earned treat.”
The hike covers the Fagradalsfjall volcano area on the Reykjanes Peninsula — the site of Iceland’s first eruption in this area in over 6,000 years (March 2021), followed by multiple eruptions in the Sundhnúkagígar crater row through 2023–2025. The lava field is genuine: black and red newly-formed volcanic rock, still smoking in places, with visible crater formations and the landscape of Iceland’s newest land. You’re hiking on geology that didn’t exist five years ago.
The honest fitness note: multiple reviewers describe the hike as harder than expected. The description says “moderate difficulty,” but Janessa T. (March 2026) writes “I felt like I was training to be a mountain goat” — the terrain itself is the challenge, not just the elevation. Lava rock is uneven, sharp, and unpredictable underfoot. This is genuine hiking, not a gentle walk. Russell S. (October 2023): “1st it’s not for the weak of lungs or calf muscles! 3 hours of mountain climbing is 3 hours of incline hiking — please take it seriously. IF you’re able to finish, it’s so worth it.”
When active lava was flowing (2021–2025), some departures got dramatically close to lava flows. Peter R. (July 2025): “Great trip — the volcano erupted 5 days before so the hike was amazing. The sounds, the heat and the sights — amazing.” With the Sundhnúkagígar eruptions paused as of August 2025, current hikers see the lava field landscape without active lava — still extraordinary, still unique, just without the most dramatic possible conditions.
The Four Stops
Reykjanes Peninsula — Drive and Context
Drive south from Reykjavik
The drive to the Reykjanes Peninsula takes approximately 45 minutes. Some guides add bonus stops en route: Kleifarvatn (the deepest lake in Iceland, on a tectonic rift), a dry fish farm, geothermal areas, or viewpoints over the peninsula. Lauren L. (October 2024): “Mario incorporated several bonus stops like the dry fish farm, the deepest lake, and geothermal area. All prior to getting to the volcano hike parking lot — it made the trip fly by.”
Kleifarvatn Lake — Bonus Stop on Some Departures
10 min · Free · Not on every departure
Iceland’s deepest lake, sitting on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge rift zone. The water level of Kleifarvatn visibly dropped after a 2000 earthquake when fissures in the lake bed opened and drained water. Geothermal activity is visible at the shoreline. A significant geological site that most tourists drive past.
Fagradalsfjall Volcano — The Hike
4 hours · Free admission · Moderate to strenuous
The main event. You hike from the parking area across the lava field toward the Fagradalsfjall and Sundhnúkagígar eruption sites. The guide leads and adjusts the pace — faster walkers can push ahead while slower walkers set their own pace, with the group meeting back at the bus at an agreed time. The bus stays open as a retreat option if someone needs to stop early. The lava terrain is the challenge: uneven, sharp, and unpredictable. Views from the higher points of the eruption landscape are extraordinary — crater formations, lava rivers solidified mid-flow, and steam still venting from the rock.
Bring your own food if you want to eat on the hike — there are no food stops until the Blue Lagoon. No public toilets until the Blue Lagoon. Kerri B. specifically warns about this: plan accordingly.
Blue Lagoon
2 hours · Comfort Admission included
After the hike, you’re dropped at the Blue Lagoon for 2 hours. The Comfort Admission includes: entry, use of a towel, one silica mud mask, and one drink of your choice. Bring your swimsuit. Most reviewers describe this as the perfect ending — the contrast between the physical effort of the hike and the warmth of the geothermal water makes the Blue Lagoon feel earned rather than just touristy.
What’s Included
- Blue Lagoon Comfort Admission Ticket — towel, silica mud mask, one drink
- Professional guide — expert on Icelandic geology and volcanic history
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from designated Reykjavik meeting points
- Wi-Fi on board, air-conditioned vehicle
- Headlamp
Not included: Food — no food stops until the Blue Lagoon. Bring your own snacks and lunch for the hike. No toilets until Blue Lagoon — plan accordingly. Swimsuit for the Blue Lagoon (bring your own). Hiking boots strongly recommended. Not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with serious heart conditions. Travelers should have moderate physical fitness. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
How the Day Unfolds
| Season | Upsides | Downsides | Book Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year-round | Lava field hiking available in all seasons — winter snow adds drama | No active lava since Aug 2025 — steam and solidified lava field only | Book 58 days ahead on average |
| Mar–May (Spring) | Good hiking conditions, manageable weather, Blue Lagoon less crowded | Lava field can be icy in places — waterproof boots essential | 3–4 weeks |
| Jun–Aug (Summer) | Best hiking conditions, longest days | Blue Lagoon busiest — pre-book earlier time slot preferred | 4–6 weeks |
| Sept–Feb (Autumn/Winter) | Snow and ice on lava terrain adds challenge and drama | Cold — dress in serious layers, waterproof everything | 2–3 weeks |
Important Information
This is a real hike. The description says ‘moderate difficulty’ but multiple reviewers describe it as more strenuous than expected due to uneven lava terrain. If you’re not comfortable hiking on rough, uneven ground for 3–4 hours, this tour is not suitable.
Bring your own food and water. There are no food or toilet stops between Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon (approximately 4–5 hours into the day). Pack a substantial lunch and snacks.
Bring your swimsuit. It’s needed for the Blue Lagoon — the Comfort Admission covers towel, mask, and drink, but not a swimsuit.
Wear hiking boots. Lava terrain is sharp and uneven — proper hiking footwear is not optional.
Dress for wind. Janessa T. (March 2026): “Icelandic winds are no joke even on a day when they are considered mild.”
The active lava era on Reykjanes is currently paused (as of August 2025). The hike covers lava field terrain from the 2021–2025 eruptions — extraordinary landscape, still steaming in places, but without flowing lava. This can change — Iceland’s volcanic activity is ongoing.
What Travelers Said
⭐ 4.5/5 based on 150 reviews — Read all reviews on Viator
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Kerri B, Ireland — January 2025
Fantastic experience from the moment we got on the bus. Chlear our guide was awesome — I’ve never known someone to be as attentive and informative with 1-on-1 support. Hike up volcano was awesome. No toilets until Blue Lagoon — be prepared. 4 hours of walking but steady, lots of stops. Blue lagoon was another highlight — out of this world. Highly recommend.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lynn C, United Kingdom — November 2025
Wow what an amazing day! Our guide Hler was so engaging, interesting and knowledgeable. A few stops before the hike including hot springs. The volcano hike was brilliant — walking across a lava field still smoking was awe-inspiring. After a hike in the freezing cold, the blue lagoon to end the day was just perfect.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lauren L, United States — October 2024
This was such a great experience, made special by the small group (16) and our guide Mario. He incorporated several bonus stops — the deepest lake and geothermal area — all prior to the volcano hike. He gave people the opportunity to follow him or hike their own path as long as everyone met back by the bus. We never once felt rushed. The blue lagoon — 2 hours, free face mask and drink — was the perfect amount.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Janessa T, United States — March 2026
The hike was a lot more difficult than I anticipated and I am used to long hikes. It’s the terrain that’s tricky — I felt like I was training to be a mountain goat. If you catch it on a windy day, be prepared! Icelandic winds are no joke. The sights are incredible. Pack food with you — no other opportunities until you reach the blue lagoon. Blue lagoon is a welcome treat for soaking.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Peter R, United Kingdom — July 2025
Great trip — the volcano erupted 5 days before so the hike was amazing. The sounds, the heat and the sights — amazing. 10km hike — easy for those who walk in the countryside regularly. Blue lagoon — so relaxing!
⭐ Heather B, United States — July 2024
We had a horrible experience — my husband and I had difficulty finding the tour bus and then they left us without any warning! (Operator note: the guide was at the designated pickup location and contact attempts were unsuccessful due to an invalid phone number provided. The bus had to leave on schedule for other passengers.)
Book the Volcano Hike and Blue Lagoon Tour
8–10km across Iceland’s newest lava fields, then 2 hours soaking in the Blue Lagoon with Comfort Admission included. From $260 per person with free cancellation. Bring food, water, swimsuit, and proper hiking boots.
Want to see the same lava fields without hiking? See the Volcano Shuttle Super Jeep Tour — from $85, no hiking required. Or browse all Iceland volcano experiences at Iceland Volcano Tour.