2022 Fagradalsfjall Hiking Trail – How To Visit The Active Volcano in Grindavik Iceland

The floor is lava!!! That’s pretty much what went through my mind while starting our hike towards Fagradalsfjall. Besides that some other things also flashed through the back of my mind.

First of all… Why was I feeling so damn excited about walking towards something so dangerous and deadly? I also regretted not bringing any marsh-mellows and somehow I got stuck with the tune of “Dumb ways to die”.

But, in contrary of what I just said, the hiking trail towards Fagradalsfjall is actually very safe and at all times you’ll be at a distance of approximately 3km from the actual lava spewing crater.

In this guide I will tell you exactly how to reach the best viewpoint over the active volcano near Grindavik and how to prepare your hike. The volcano isn’t always visible and at times it’s also not spewing lava. But with this guide you’ll never end up disappointed at the end of your hike. Instead you’ll leave with an incredible and once in a lifetime experience!

A day hike to the Fagradalsfjall Volcano should definitely be on your itinerary if you’re doing a Summer road trip in Iceland!

Needless to say, this is one of the most impressive and best one day hikes in entire Iceland at the moment!

The Fagradalsfjall Volcano in Reykjanes is currently erupting again, after 8 months of being dormant.

Keep on reading for all the latest info on how to reach the new eruption site from August 3rd.

Fagradalsfjall Hiking Trail – How To Visit The Active Volcano in Grindavik Iceland

Let’s be honest, it’s not every day that you get to see an actual lava spewing volcano right? One would think that in most cases actually you would run as fast away as possible from it. But that’s not the case with the Fagradalsfjall volcano. Ever since its eruption in March 2021 it has been attracting adventurous and curious locals and tourists. And now it’s actually one of the top attractions and top things to do in Iceland!

And it’s not the first time either that an active volcano puts Iceland even more on the tourist map. Iceland used to be a rather unknown country, one that wasn’t frequently visited and often ignored when planning a holiday. All until 2010 when the absolutely unpronounceable Eyjafjallajökull erupted. The eruption of Eyjafjallajökull, also referred to as the E15, caused absolute mayhem for air travel across Northern and Western Europe. But it also put Iceland on the tourist map all over the world.

Over time more and more movies and tv-shows were recorded in the otherworldly landscapes of Iceland, one of the last ones being Game of Thrones. And so over time Iceland became a bucket list destination for people all around the world.

And honestly, I can’t even blame them. I’ve visited Iceland now 3 times and I would still go back in a heartbeat. Every time that I leave I already start dreaming about my next journey through the land of ice and fire.

But enough of that, let’s start with giving you all of the information you’ll need to visit the Fagradalsfjall volcano.

Planning your trip to Iceland

🏨 Find the best accommodations on Booking.com
💰 Get reliable travel insurance from World Nomads
👩 Find a reliable tour guide, such as this 5 hour guided tour to Fagradalsfjall from Reykjavik

🚘 Rent a car to travel around Iceland with SunnyCars.com
🎒 Pack a power bank, hiking shoes and trekking poles.
📚 Read How Iceland changed the world, Lonely Planet’s Iceland and Nordic Islands by Stefan Forster

🗓 When to visit the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Geldingadalur

The Fagradalsfjall volcano has been active ever since its eruption in March 2021 until September of that same year. But on August 3rd 2022 a new volcanic eruption could be seen in the Reykjanes peninsula.

For the first time since September 2021, when lava stopped running from Fagradalsfjall,  the tension has given a way for the magma to burst through.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind and to look at before you start your hike.

First of all, Iceland is a very temperamental country when it comes to its weather. One day it can be sunny and the next day it be entirely covered in clouds. So it might be possible that when you reach the end of the hiking trail that there is zero visibility. Since the hiking trail towards Fagradalsfjall isn’t the easiest it’s better to avoid such disappointment.

Preparation is definitely key when it comes to visiting this volcano!

Another website to check is volcanoweather.is. This one will give you a more general idea of the current weather circumstances.

🚘 How to reach the Fagradalsfjall Hiking Trail

The start of the Fagradalsfjall hike is close to Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula. This is the same peninsula where the international airport is located so it’s most convenient to combine your visit to the volcano with your arrival or departure to Iceland.

There are actually 3 different trails that lead to the volcano but only one of them has a good view over the active crater. While at the start of the eruption in March 2021 you had to follow hiking trail B, now you have to follow hiking trail C which will lead you to two different viewpoints.

One of them is viewpoint N which offers a view over the massive lava field in the valley, the other one is viewpoint L which is higher up the mountain and will grant you a spectacular view over the crater.

🚗 BY CAR/ CAMPER VAN

If you’re coming from the airport you’ll first drive through the centre of Grindavik after which you make a left onto the 427. Keep on following this road for a couple of minutes and after a while you’ll see a first parking lot but that’s not the one you want. Instead keep on driving down the road until you see another large parking lot on your left! This is the one where hiking trail C starts.

There’s a small parking fee of 1000IKR since to parking is located on private property.

🚌 BY BUS

There’s a bus that leaves from the centre of Grindavik to the eruption site. It operates daily and the first bus leaves at 8am and the last one returns at 10pm.

🎫 WITH A TOUR

There are several tours that will take you to the Fagradalsfjall eruption site and I’ve listed my favorite ones below:

• A 5 hour guided tour to Fagradalsfjall from Reykjavik
• A guided hike to the active volcano from Reykjavik
• Hike to the active volcano and a tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula from Reykjavik
• From Reykjavik: Active volcano hike and Blue Lagoon

🥾 Fagradalsfjall Hike Details

Hike Distance – The total hike distance to the viewpoint of the crater and back to the parking lot is 9km (or 5.6 miles).

Hike Duration – In total you’ll probably spend 2 to 3 hours, depending on how many time you’ll stop to take photos. As a reference for me it definitely was 3 hours.

Hike Difficulty – The start of the hike is easy and flat but after passing the lava field it becomes more and more strenuous. You’ll have to climb several hills and at times the incline will be very steep. The trail consists of loose gravel, rocks and small boulders. If you have trekking poles with you they will for sure come in handy and make sure to wear proper hiking shoes, preferably with ankle support.

Hike Incline – The total incline of the hike to the Fagradalsfjall viewpoint is 300 meters.

🌋 How to reach the new Meradalir volcano eruption site

So the most recent eruption that started on August 3rd 2022 actually occurred in a lava field created by last year’s eruption in the neighboring valley.

But compared to the Fagradalsfjall eruption site, the Meradalir eruption site is a lot harder to get to. Whatever you do, DO NOT TAKE A SHORTCUT ACROSS THE OLD LAVA FIELD! Although the sides of it may seem completely hard, it sometimes happens that it transforms again in a sea of molten lava and this phenomenon can happen in just a few seconds.

The hike to the new eruption site is 7km one way and has an elevation of a 300 meters. The route is on very hard terrain and up very steep hills close to the crater. The hike itself can take around 4-5 hours at least.

The hike to the sightseeing platform where the crater is visible is about 5 km (3 miles) one way, it is best to park your car at parking lot #1 and hike route A and continue over the terrain, towards the new eruption site.

Follow instructions from the local authorities and the ICE-SAR members on site. The area could be closed with short notice.

🙋🏼‍♀️My Experience on the “Fagradalsfjall Hiking Trail”

After weeks of stalking the live cam on Youtube the day had finally arrived! We landed in Iceland around 3pm and after picking up our 4×4 camper van from Happy Campers we set off on our first adventure in Iceland.

I quickly checked the live cam and the seismograph one last time and everything looked good to make it an unforgettable evening! We parked our van, jumped out of the car, forgot our water bottle out of pure excitement and started walking along the trail.

Out of the corner of my right eye I had already spotted a small food truck and I could already taste my first Icelandic hot dog of this trip. But first things first: hiking up to see the active volcano with my very own eyes.

The trail started on a dirt road made of gravel and yellow sand but we couldn’t see anything yet in the distance. The only thing we saw were the stars in the eyes of the people returning from their visit of the crater. They looked like they had the time of their life and I started to accelerate my pace.

After 15 to 20 minutes walking my mouth fell to the floor for the very first time. We had arrived at viewpoint N and the floor was actually lava! To reach the valley of cold lava we would have to make a small detour so I decided not to risk it and visit it after witnessing the crater. According to the seismograph the volcano would remain active for a while longer but nevertheless I wasn’t going to take any chances!

After admiring the lava field from afar we started hiking up the first hill. The gravel was slippery at times and the incline steep. At one side there was a rope where people were holding onto when shuffling back down. Needless to say that you’ll need proper hiking shoes when starting this hike! Besides our water bottle I had also left my trekking poles in the car. Something I would later on come to regret a lot, especially when hiking back down.

But after reaching the first top we could already see the crater in the distance. Bright orange lava was being sprayed into to dark grey air leaving a hazy glow behind. I immediately took out my camera and started taking photos.

I felt the adrenaline rushing through my veins and didn’t even care about my throat that now started to feel like dried up parchment. We had a couple more hills to climb but every single one brought us closer to this fiery wonder. After every incline the crater came closer and the lava glow became intenser. Until we finally reached viewpoint L and our mouths literally fell open.

There it was, in all of its glory. I had been staring at it through a screen for the past weeks but nothing and I really mean nothing could have prepared me for this very moment. I felt so small and insignificant but at the same time also very grateful that I was lucky enough to see it with my very own eyes.

You can imagine that what happened next was a very elaborate photoshoot!

After spending at least an hour admiring the crater from all possible angles we decided to hike back down. I didn’t fly my drone at the time because the wind gusts felt too strong and after crashing my previous one I didn’t want to risk it ending up in the lava on its very first international flight.

In hindsight I truly regret it but oh well, so be it!

We started hiking back down and decided to now take that short detour to the lava field. It was only when we came closer to it that we realized its magnitude. This wasn’t just a layer of dried up and cold lava. This was a massive thick layer of nearly 2 meters and it looked like something that didn’t even belong on planet earth.

Realizing all of this magma came streaming down only a couple of months ago completely blew my mind and the textures it left behind were incredible.

After our adventure it was time to head back to our camper van and to my surprise the food truck was still very much open! Time for that first Icelandic hot dog, followed by chugging down a gallon of water and heading towards our campsite nearby in Grindavik.

In the far distance I could still see the orange glow in the sky and with a heart filled with utter joy I fell sound a sleep after only 5 minutes.

🏨 Where to stay when visiting the active volcano in Iceland

If you’re traveling by camper van the closest campsite is the one in Grindavik. The facilities are clean and it’s only 15 minutes driving from the eruption site.

Another option is to already drive towards the capital Reykjavik. The campsite here is a little more expensive but does have more facilities. The only downside is that if you arrive after opening hours you have to have your tickets booked in advance or you can’t enter anymore.

If you prefer staying at a hotel these are my personal favorites:

• Northern Light Inn – This cute cottage style hotel is located in Grindavik and only 15 minutes away from both the eruption site as the Blue Lagoon.
• Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel – This stunning and originally decorated hotel is located right in the heart of Reykjavik and right next to its main shopping street.
• Hotel Borg by Keahotels – This hotel screams lavish luxury but is also understated with it’s black, white and grey design. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want a more luxurious start or end of your trip.

DON’T WANT TO DO THIS HIKE ON YOUR OWN?

You can join a tour to see the Fagradallsfjall volcano and admire its beauty without having to plan anything yourself. Embark on a magical afternoon or evening tour through Geldingaladur Valley and see the eruption site in Meradalir Valley next to Fagradalsfjall Volcano alongside a licensed guide.

🧳 Iceland Hiking Packing List

A lot of people come to Iceland unprepared for the cold, especially during the Summer months. While it can get warm on a sunny day you also need to be prepared for the cold and typical Icelandic wind. For instance, when we were hiking up this mountain I was sweating a lot but the wind was so cold and so harsh that I had to wear a bonnet to keep my ears warm and pain free.

Below are some items that you definitely want to bring with you if you’re planning an adventurous trip to Iceland.

Hiking shoes – You will definitely need a pair of these. Even that some attractions are located right next to a parking lot you’ll pretty much always have to hike over a rocky terrain. I love my Meindl Mountain Trail Boots for longer hikes and my Danner Mountain Light Boots for daily wear and shorter distances.

Trekking poles – These will especially come in handy cause a lot of the hikes in these guide can be rather strenuous on the joints. I used the Leki Adventure Light trekking poles for all of my hikes in Iceland!

Back Pack – You’ll want to bring a back pack with you to carry your camera, some snacks and your refillable water bottle. I love the Kanken No. 2 back pack from Fjallraven and pretty much take it with me everywhere I go.

Refillable Water Bottle – The water in Iceland is some of the freshet in the entire world so there’s no need at all to buy plastic bottles. Simply find the nearest stream to fill up your bottle and you’re good to go.

Another option is to use a back pack which has a water reservoir built inside of it. For instance this 3L Hydration Bladder is leak proof and can be stored inside a back pack.

Trail Leggings – I love hiking in leggings and have lately been loving the Abisko Trail Tights from Fjallraven.

Fast Drying Shirt – When hiking you tend to sweat, especially when climbing a mountain. One of the best things to wear is a shirt that quickly dries so you don’t get cold high up the mountain.

Insulating Jacket – Depending on the temperature you’ll either want a thicker or lighter jacket. If it’s pretty cold outside I always go for my Fjallraven Vidda Jacket. Otherwise I go for their High Coast Light Jacket which is super light weight.

Woolen cap – The perfect accessory to protect your ears from the cold and to cover your hair after a few days without a shower.

Protein Bars – Make sure you have a couple of these stowed a way in your back pack to boost up your energy level during the hike.

Sunscreen – Make sure to re apply to your face regularly cause pretty much all of the hikes that we did in Iceland were exposed most of the time. I love this one by Neutrogena which feels like a face mist but also provides SPF 50 protection!

Merino Wool Socks – My go to brand has always been Falke and I love how fast they drive after a long day of hiking. Plus since they’re made of merino wool they don’t smell and can be worn for a couple of days.

❗️Essential tips for hiking in Iceland

• Wear sturdy hiking shoes, preferably mountain trail shoes. A lot of the trails can be rocky and uneven and you don’t want to loose your balance. For longer hikes I always wear my Meindl Borneo Lady Boots and for shorter ones I switch to the Danner Mountain Light.
• Pack for 4 seasons: even in the Summer months it can be very cold if you start hiking in the early morning. Make sure you’re wearing layers so you can easily take something off or put on an extra layer if you’re taking a break.

📖 CLICK HERE FOR MY COMPLETE CAMPER PACKING LIST

• Make sure to arrive early at the most popular hiking trails to ensure you have the best experience.
• Bring a small first aid kit with you. You can always hurt yourself during a hike and it’s important that you’re able to disinfect wounds as fast as possible.
• Almost all of the hiking trails are well marked but make sure to plan your route on maps.me as well.

💸Iceland Travel Insurance

I highly recommend you to get a travel insurance before your trip cause the risks are never worth the costs. If you’re going on a more adventurous trip you can always get yourself injured! So far I have sprained my ankle in Jordan, got food poisoning in India, turned snow blind in the Dolomites and have fallen multiple times during many hikes. It’s always best to be safe than sorry in such cases and with a good travel insurance you don’t have to worry about medical bills piling up.

I personally love World Nomads, their prices are affordable, their coverage is great, and they also offer 24/7 on-call customer service! When I got super sick in India they even covered an extra night for me at the hotel that I was staying it and rearranged my flight home at no extra cost!

📸 My Iceland Camera Gear

• Canon EOS 6D Mark II – My go to camera body for the past 3 years
• Main Lens – Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II
• Zoom Lens – Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6
• Wide Angle Lens – Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L III
• Tripod – Manfrotto Tripod
• Drone – DJI Mavic Mini 2 Fly More Combo

You can find my complete list of photography gear here

📚 More Iceland Blog Posts

I have visited the land of ice and fire 3 times in 3 years and I loved adventuring and driving around the country. On my blog you can find a ton of free resources to help you plan the perfect trip to this beautiful country.

Below are some of my favorite articles and there’s a lot more to come so keep an eye on this space!

• The Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland – A list of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland that I visited myself, divided by region.
• The perfect winter road trip in Iceland – A day by day guide and retelling of my first time visiting this beautiful country.
• Hidden Gems in Iceland – Of the beaten path places that haven’t been discovered by mass tourism.
• Fagradalsfjall Hiking Trail – How To Visit The Active Volcano in Grindavik Iceland
• 1 Day in Landmannalaugar – The Mount Blahnukur Trail
• Discover Thakgil – A hidden gem in southern Iceland
• Mulagljufur Canyon – Discover a true hidden gem in South Iceland
• 7 Best Places To See in The Highlands in Iceland
• Kerlingarfjöll Hiking Trail – How To See The Hveradalir Geothermal Area in a couple of hours.