Volcano Hike & Northern Lights Combo Tour

The most unusual part of this day is the contrast: you walk across fresh volcanic ground in daylight, then spend the night chasing solar light in the Icelandic countryside. I like the two-part design, since it joins a major daytime sight with an evening northern lights hunt without making you arrange two separate tours. I also like the included transport and hotel pickup, which matter after a steep hike.

The main caution is the length. This is about 11 hours, with a 2 to 4 hour hike, a gap before the evening pickup, and a late return. The volcano walk can be steep, cold, windy, and tiring, and the northern lights are never guaranteed.

Key points to know before booking

• A real volcano hike: Expect mossy lava fields, mountain paths, and routes that can change with volcanic activity.
• The hike may last 2 to 4 hours: Longer routes can mean skipping Seltún Hot Springs.
• Two separate pickup times: The daytime trip starts around 11:00 a.m., while the northern lights section begins around 9:30 p.m.
• Omar is one guide to look out for: He has been praised for being friendly, helpful, good with photographs, and well informed about the area.
• The northern lights come with a second chance: If the lights do not appear, you may join another northern lights tour free of charge.
• Bring your own food and drink: Neither is included, and hiking poles cost $9 to rent if needed.

Why this works as a full Iceland day

Iceland trips often force you to choose between daytime nature and night-time aurora hunting. This tour gives you both, but it asks you to commit most of the day to the plan. You leave Reykjavik in late morning, return after the volcano outing, then head out again at night.

That long split schedule is useful if your stay in Iceland is short. You get a full day in the Reykjanes area and an organized evening search, with WiFi and transport included. You do not need to rent a car, study road conditions, or decide where to drive once the sky turns dark.

Still, you should treat this as an active expedition, not a relaxed sightseeing coach ride. The group can include as many as 60 people, and the walking section requires strong physical fitness. You need to keep moving over uneven ground and be ready for weather that may feel much harsher than it did in central Reykjavik.

The price is $185 per person. I consider that fair if you want both activities and would otherwise pay for separate transport, guiding, and an evening aurora excursion. It is less appealing if you mainly want an easy volcano viewpoint or if you already have a car and plenty of nights available for northern lights hunting.

Starting near Reykjavik at 11:00 a.m.

The meeting point is Bus Stop 12 at Höfðatorg, Þórunnartún 6. Pickup is offered, but it can take up to 30 minutes, so do not plan a tight connection immediately before departure. The northern lights pickup uses the same location and begins around 9:30 p.m., also with up to 30 minutes of pickup time.

That split is worth understanding before you pay. You are not staying continuously on one bus for 11 hours. After the daytime section, you return to Reykjavik and have time before heading out again at night. For some people, this is a welcome pause. For others, it makes the day feel long and broken up.

The coach includes transportation and WiFi. Food and drinks are not included, so bring something for the daytime and evening gap. I would also carry water, since there are no toilet facilities near the volcano itself.

Kleifarvatn Lake and the road into Reykjanes

One early highlight is Kleifarvatn Lake, a broad, striking body of water surrounded by the stark scenery of the Reykjanes area. The stop gives you a chance to appreciate the setting before the hike begins, and it breaks up the drive with a proper view rather than a quick roadside glance.

The drive around the Reykjanes Peninsula lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes. This is not just dead time between attractions. The peninsula is known for its unusual mix of lava, mountains, geothermal ground, and open coastal surroundings. Your guide can add context as the road connects these sights.

I like this section because it helps you see how volcanic forces shape the whole region, not just the eruption site. The tradeoff is that much of it is viewed from the vehicle, with the exact stops and route affected by conditions and volcanic activity.

Walking through Fagradalsfjall’s new lava country

The main event is the Fagradalsfjall volcano hike. You walk through moss-covered lava fields and mountain terrain toward an eruption site, following a route selected by the guide. The walk can last roughly 2 to 4 hours, and the route may change as volcanic conditions develop.

That flexibility is sensible in Iceland. A volcano is not a museum with one fixed path, and access can change. You should not book this expecting a guaranteed walk to one exact viewpoint. The guide’s job is to choose a route that fits current conditions while keeping the group moving.

The scenery can feel very raw. New lava fields may still hold warmth, and one outing included people using the warm rock to help thaw out on a bitter, windy day. That detail tells you something important: the ground can be fascinating and useful, but the air may still be cold enough to punish light clothing.

This is not an easy stroll. A steep section can make the hike demanding, especially if the weather turns. One guide, Omar, has been especially well received for being friendly, helpful, and good at taking photographs. Another guide was praised for checking on people during the climb and telling engaging stories about Iceland.

You should be honest about your fitness before booking. The operator requires a strong physical fitness level, and children under 12 are not permitted. Hiking poles are not included, but you can rent them for $9 per person. If your balance is uncertain or your knees dislike steep paths, poles may be worth the extra cost.

The group size can reach 60 people. A larger group offers the security of organized transport and a guide, but it can also stretch out on a difficult trail. Staying close to the group matters. On one outing, two people wandered away, leading to a wait of more than an hour while they were located. That is a rare but serious reminder to follow instructions and keep track of the guide.

Seltún Hot Springs, when the hike allows

The geothermal area at Krysuvik, including Seltún Hot Springs, is scheduled as a short stop of about 10 minutes. The ground here is marked by colorful geothermal features, and it offers a sharp contrast to the dark lava fields around the volcano.

Do not count on this stop as a fixed part of every departure. It is skipped on longer hikes. The volcano walk takes priority, so the day may focus almost entirely on the eruption area if the selected route requires more time.

That is a reasonable trade. I would rather have enough time for a safe, worthwhile volcano hike than race through the geothermal area simply to preserve every planned stop. Still, if Seltún is a major reason you want to go, ask about current route plans before departure.

Aurora Reykjavik before the night search

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

That short lesson is useful because it makes the night hunt more than a simple wait in the dark. You learn what causes the lights and why clear skies, darkness, and solar activity all matter. It also gives you something worthwhile to do if clouds later spoil the view.

The center does not improve the weather or guarantee a sighting. Its value is practical and educational. You gain context for the natural event, then head out with a better idea of what you are hoping to see.

Four hours of northern lights hunting

The final section lasts about four hours and heads into the countryside around the capital region. The exact locations change from day to day, based on where the guides think the chances are best. That may mean a different route each night rather than a standard list of stops.

This is the right approach for aurora hunting. The lights are not scheduled, and staying tied to one viewpoint would make little sense. Your guide can adjust the plan as cloud cover and conditions change.

You need to keep expectations in check. Sightings are not guaranteed, even with a long search and a clear effort to find better conditions. One evening ended without a display, although hot chocolate and a fire pit helped make the wait more comfortable. The guide also handled expectations carefully, which is important when the sky refuses to cooperate.

If you do not see the lights, you are allowed to join another northern lights tour free of charge. That is a valuable safety net, but it only helps if you have another night in Reykjavik. If this is your last evening, a free rebooking does not give you another chance.

The evening tour may be particularly worthwhile for people who do not want to drive after dark. The guide handles the route while you watch the sky, and the countryside offers darker conditions than central Reykjavik. Just remember that you may spend a lot of time waiting in the cold, so warm layers are more important than stylish clothes.

What to pack for the volcano and the aurora

I would pack for two different outings, even though they happen on the same day.

• Warm, wind-resistant layers for the open lava fields
• Sturdy footwear suitable for steep and uneven ground
• Water and food, since meals and drinks are not provided
• Gloves and a hat for the night search
• Hiking poles, or $9 for rental poles if you want extra support
• A charged phone for the mobile ticket and photographs

You also need patience. The schedule can shift when the hike runs long, volcanic activity changes the route, or a group member falls behind. The absence of toilet facilities near the volcano makes planning important, too.

Who will get the most from this tour

I would choose this tour if you have limited time in Reykjavik and want one organized package covering a volcano hike, geothermal sights, and a northern lights attempt. It suits people who value convenience and do not want to arrange several separate bookings.

It is also a good match if you enjoy guided walking and want a local guide to explain Icelandic scenery along the way. Guides such as Omar add real value when they help with photographs, keep spirits up, and explain what you are seeing.

I would hesitate if you want a gentle day, a small private group, or a guaranteed volcano route. The group can be large, the hike can be strenuous, and the northern lights depend on nature. You should also think twice if you have no spare evening for a second aurora attempt.

The free cancellation policy gives you flexibility before the cutoff. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. Poor weather or a failure to reach the minimum number of participants can also lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book this Reykjavik combo?

Book it if the appeal is the full contrast: warm volcanic ground under your feet by day, then a dark Icelandic sky overhead at night. At $185, the transport, guides, Aurora Reykjavik visit, and second-chance aurora option make the package sensible for a short stay.

Skip it if you want a calm sightseeing day or if the northern lights are your only priority. The volcano hike takes real effort, the schedule is long, and no operator can promise an aurora. For the right person, though, this is an efficient way to see a vivid slice of Iceland in one demanding, memorable day.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The full experience lasts approximately 11 hours, including the daytime volcano and Reykjanes outing and the evening northern lights hunt.

What time does the daytime tour begin?

The daytime portion starts at 11:00 a.m. Pickup can take up to 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Bus Stop 12 Höfðatorg, Þórunnartún 6, 105 Reykjavik, Iceland.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Reykjavik.

When does the northern lights portion begin?

Pickup for the second part begins at 9:30 p.m. at the same location. Pickup can take up to 30 minutes.

How long is the volcano hike?

The hike can take about 2 to 4 hours. The route changes according to volcanic activity and current conditions.

Are hiking poles included?

No. Hiking poles can be rented for $9 per person.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should bring your own supplies.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 12 are not permitted to participate.

Are the northern lights guaranteed?

No. The northern lights depend on weather and other natural conditions. If you do not see them, you may join another northern lights tour free of charge.