Hiking to the Fagradalsfjall volcano

The craters of Litli-Hrútur are the newest landscape of Iceland. The area, known broadly as Fagradalsfjall volcano, has erupted three times since 2021 and remains a top-attraction in Iceland's southwest corner.

Read news on current eruptions here

Dormant craters and black, uneven lava pave the uninhabited valley on the Reykjanes Peninsula. When the craters flared to life -- only 35km from Reykjavík -- the glow was visible from Iceland's capital. Getting closer, however, is a hike. Contrary to expectations, the longest path leads to the newest lava, from 2023, at a mountain known as Litli-Hrútur, some 20km (12 miles) round-trip. The shorter path, at Stórhóll viewpoint, features everything but the creates.

Always consider weather conditions. The mountain is cold and windy, with a stubborn fog.

Getting to the base

The eruption site is within an hour's drive from Reykjavík and about 30 minutes from Keflavík airport. 

FROM REYKJAVÍK. Take road 41 towards Keflavík, turn to road 43 towards Grindavík, and follow road 427 until you see the marked parking lots. 

FROM KEFLAVÍK. There are two routes available that both lie through Grindavík. They make a nice Reykjanes circle if you are going both ways. 

• Option 1: Take road 41 towards Reykjavík, turn right on road 43 towards Grindavík and follow road 427 until you see the parking signs. Strætó buses only go as far as Grindavík; without a rental car it is best to join an organized tour.
• Option 2: Along the coast, take road 41 towards Reykjavík, turn right on road 44 towards Hafnir, continue on road 425 towards Grindavík and follow road 427 until you see marked car parks.

Note that parking along road 427 is forbidden. The parking fee of 1,000 ISK (8 USD) can be paid electronically at Parka.is.

Keep in mind that no service is available at the eruption site, so having a pit stop in Grindavík to get food and drinks is an excellent idea before continuing to the eruption site.

Also, don't forget to check the current road conditions on the official Icelandic Road administration site Vegagerdin.is.

Choosing a hiking route

It is best to begin the hike at 'Geldingadalir Parking P1', the label given on Google Maps, with three marked options.

Path A - Mt. Fagradalsfjall (pink) to the eruption from 2021 and 2022 is about 6-8 km (one way), or about 2-2,5 hours of hiking. The distance depends on where you are able to park your car and how much hiking you do when reaching the eruption site.

Path C - Mt. Langihryggur (green) is about 4 km long (one way) to a viewing point of all the eruptions, from 2021, 2022 and 2023. From this path, you can see the lava from the new eruption by Mt. Litli Hrútur, but not the crater itself. Walking on the lava is dangerous and not allowed.

Path E - Meradalir (blue) to the new eruption site (July 2023) by Mt. Litli-Hrútur. The path is about 18--20 km. The first part of the hike is on a gravel path. The last 2 km over mossy lava rocks. It can take 5-6 hours in total to hike (not including a stop for viewing). It can be challenging. There are nice viewing spots on the way and remember that walking on the lava is dangerous and not allowed.

Are you up for it? Then check out Safetravel.is for current information on weather and possible hazards and this article with general safety rules at the eruption site.

Guided tours

Many tour operators offer guided tours to the volcano. Visiting with a local guide is highly recommended to get the most out of the experience and maximum safety. The tours may include a pick-up from Reykjavík or meeting with your guide at the parking if you prefer to drive there yourself.  

Sightseeing from air  

If hiking to the volcano in Iceland is not your thing: witnessing the eruption from above is a unique and very exclusive experience. So, if you would like to get a bird’s eye view of Fagradalsfjall, a helicopter or airplane flight over the volcano might be the right option for you.