Volcano Hike & Northern Lights Combo Tour

This is an interesting day because you’re chasing two headline Iceland moments in one long outing: a volcano hike in the Reykjanes area, then a late-night northern lights hunt around the capital region. I especially like the hotel pickup style convenience that makes it easier to fit into a busy Reykjavik schedule, and I also like the human side, like the stories and careful pacing some guides bring, including guides such as Omar and Hindrik.

The big consideration is that the volcano hike can be steep and weather changes fast, and the northern lights part is always weather dependent, so sightings are never promised.

Key Points Before You Go

• Pickup and round-trip transit mean you spend less time figuring out rides and more time out seeing things
• A real eruption hike component at Fagradalsfjall, with routes that can change depending on activity
• Aurora Reykjavik educational stop so you learn what you’re actually watching for before you hunt
• Krysuvik and Seltún Hot Springs is quick, and it can be skipped if your volcano hike runs longer
• Night hunting shifts by the forecast, and you may be offered another northern lights tour for free if you miss out

A Full-Day Combo From Reykjavik to Late Night Aurora

This tour is built as a two-in-one plan, starting in the morning and running into the night. The daytime portion begins at 11:00 am, with you heading out from Bus Stop #12 HöfðatorgÞórunnartún 6, 105 Reykjavík. Depending on the pickup, you should plan for a wait of up to 30 minutes. After the volcano and sightseeing, the northern lights portion starts at 21:30, using the same pickup location again.

Real talk on timing: it’s a long day. Even if you’re the kind of person who hates sitting still, you’ll still want breaks, layers, and patience. The payoff is that you’re not spending separate days just to cover volcano plus aurora. If you only have a short trip, that time-saving matters.

It’s also capped at up to 60 people, which tends to keep the day from feeling like a moving stadium. You’ll still be in a group, but it should feel manageable.

Volcano Hike Details at Fagradalsfjall, What the “Eruption Site” Really Means

The volcano part is the heart of this tour. First, you get scenic time at Kleifarvatn Lake. Then you head toward Fagradalsfjall Volcano, where you hike to the area connected with the eruption site.

Here’s what you should expect. The hike time can range from about 2 to 4 hours, and routes can change due to volcano activity. That variability is not just a vague warning. It means your exact path, ground conditions, and how long you’re walking can shift based on what’s safe and accessible that day.

From the feedback I’ve seen, this part can be strenuous. One person described the hike as pretty steep, and another mentioned it was more demanding than easy. The good news is that guides appear to take the job seriously. On one outing, the guide made sure to check on the group during the tougher parts, and the experience still ended with the reward of seeing the volcano from afar.

A practical gear note: the tour can include lava-field walking over uneven ground. If you have knee issues, consider reserving hiking poles. They’re not included, but you can rent them for USD 9 per person. Also, dress for wet cold and wind, not just chill. Iceland conditions love to surprise you, and the ground can be slippy.

Finally, don’t plan on bathroom comfort near the volcano. One review flagged the lack of toilet facilities near the hike area. If that matters to you, prepare mentally and physically for limited options until the next stop.

The Reykjanes Peninsula Drive and the Quick Stop at Krysuvik

After the hike, you shift gears into scenery by bus. At Reykjanes Peninsula, you get a drive around the area for about 1 hour 20 minutes. This is the part of the day where you can warm up a bit, catch your breath, and reset your legs after the hike.

Then comes a quick geothermal stop at Krysuvik, specifically at Seltún Hot Springs. It’s listed as about 10 minutes. That short stop is intentional: it’s meant to give you a hit of colorful geothermal terrain without turning the day into an all-day marathon.

One thing to know before you go: this Krysuvik stop can be skipped on longer hikes. So if you’re hoping for a full geothermal wandering session, this might not be the tour for that. Think of it as a taste, not a long soak. If you want more time at geothermal areas, you might pair this with an extra independent visit on another day.

Aurora Reykjavik Center, Learning Before You Chase the Sky

The next stop is in Reykjavik itself, at Aurora Reykjavik, the Northern Lights Center. This is a 30-minute included visit, and the ticket is listed as included.

Even if you’ve chased auroras before, this kind of pre-hunt lesson helps. It gives you context for what you’re looking for and why. The tour also frames the northern lights as atmospheric collisions, where charged particles meet gases high in the sky. The practical value is that you’re more likely to notice subtle changes and differentiate between clouds and sky movement once you understand the basics.

This center time also gives you a chance to reset after the cold evening outdoors. If the night is cloudy, knowing what conditions are required makes it feel less random and more like informed patience.

Northern Lights Hunting in the Capital Region, Weather Moves the Day

After the center, you head into the night hunt. The tour moves through the capital region, and the locations are different from day to day based on where the chances are best.

The duration here is about 4 hours, and it’s explicitly weather dependent, meaning sightings are never guaranteed. This is one of those details that can either ruin your mood or help your expectations. I’d treat it like this: you’re buying a guided plan and educated positioning, not a guaranteed show.

There’s also a helpful policy tied to this reality. If you don’t see the lights, you’re welcome to join another northern lights tour free of charge. That’s a big deal, because rebooking aurora hunts on a different night can be expensive and stressful when the weather is changing every few hours.

One review mentioned an outing where the lights were not seen and the group did not have enough time to rebook. That highlights a practical truth: even with a free option, your schedule has to cooperate. So if you can, build at least one extra flexible evening into your Iceland plan.

Also, in some night hunts, you may experience warm comfort items like hot chocolate and a fire pit, which can make the waiting far more bearable. Even if every departure feels different, plan to be outside in cold conditions and bring realistic expectations about waiting.

Guides, Group Pace, and the Small Things That Make or Break It

The guide quality comes through strongly in the feedback. People highlighted guides who were friendly, funny, and serious about sharing Iceland context. Omar was specifically called out as friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, and a great photographer. Another guide, Hindrik, was also mentioned as amazing and story-driven, with a knack for making the day feel alive.

That matters because two different things happen in this tour: a hike where your legs need attention, and a night hunt where your mind needs patience. In the best versions of this experience, the guide balances both. One review praised a guide for checking on hikers during the more strenuous parts, and that’s exactly what you want on a steep route through lava fields.

WiFi on board is included, which is handy for quick messages and for checking how you’re doing time-wise. It also helps with navigation and staying calm when pickup timing feels slow.

One more detail: the tour includes an option for rented hiking poles. That’s a small add-on, but it can prevent wasted energy and help you descend comfortably.

About group pace: one review criticized the volcano guide for not keeping the group together, which led to a longer wait on the bus while two people were found. That’s not something you can control, but it’s a reminder to stay close to the group, especially around rugged terrain.

Price and Value, Is USD 185 Worth It for Your Day Plan?

At USD 185 per person, this isn’t a cheap add-on, but it can be strong value because you’re buying a full day of guided transportation plus a guided hike plus aurora education plus organized night hunting.

Here’s how the costs stack up in your head:

• Transportation is included, so you’re not paying for separate rides between distant areas. Reykjavik is compact, but volcano regions are not.
• Guidance is included, which matters most on steep, changing routes around active geology.
• Some admissions are listed as free (like the volcano and several stops), and the Aurora Reykjavik center ticket is included.
• You still need to budget for food or drink, since it’s not included. You’ll likely want to grab snacks before the day gets busy.

If you were to do this as separate activities, you’d likely spend more time and more money piecing things together. If you have limited Iceland days, this combo often pays off because you’re consolidating planning and logistics into one purchase.

That said, you should only buy this if you can handle a long day and a possibly challenging hike. If you want a light walking tour, you may end up frustrated by how intense the volcano portion can feel.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This tour is best for you if:

• You can handle a 2 to 4 hour hike on steep and uneven ground
• You want one organized day that covers volcano + northern lights without juggling separate bookings
• You like guidance and storytelling, and you’d rather spend money on a plan than on transportation confusion

It may be a poor fit if:

• You want guaranteed northern lights. No aurora tour can honestly promise that.
• You dislike long waits. The night hunt can mean hours of holding still while the sky decides.
• You’re traveling with kids under 12, because kids are not permitted.

Fitness note matters. The tour description asks for a strong physical fitness level, so be honest with yourself before you commit.

Quick Booking Tips for a Smoother Day

Keep these practical ideas in mind:

• Bring warm layers and wind protection for the volcano and for the night hunt
• Plan for limited toilet access near the volcano until the next stop
• If you have knee or balance concerns, consider renting hiking poles
• If you really care about seeing auroras, try to keep at least one backup night free so you can take advantage of the free rejoin option if conditions are rough

Also note: the tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’re offered a different date or a full refund. That helps protect you from totally losing your money on a bad forecast.

Should You Book This Volcano Hike and Northern Lights Combo?

Book it if you want maximum Iceland time in one shot, and you’re comfortable with a real hike followed by a long night outside. The best reason to book is the structure: transportation is handled, the day is guided, and the northern lights hunt includes an educational stop so you’re not guessing blindly.

I would not book it if seeing northern lights is your only goal and you cannot tolerate the chance of cloudy skies. Also skip it if the idea of steep lava terrain sounds like stress rather than adventure.

My final take: if your schedule is tight and you’re physically up for it, this is a smart, efficient way to do two major Reykjanes experiences in one go. If you’re flexible with another evening and you come prepared for weather, you dramatically improve your odds of walking away happy.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and how long is it?

The morning portion starts at 11:00 am and the full experience runs for about 11 hours. The northern lights portion begins again at 21:30.

Do you offer pickup in Reykjavik?

Yes. Pickup can take up to 30 minutes, and the pickup location is the same for both parts of the day at Bus Stop #12 HöfðatorgÞórunnartún 6, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland.

How long is the volcano hike, and is the route fixed?

The hike at Fagradalsfjall Volcano can range from about 2 to 4 hours, and routes can change due to volcano activity.

Are the northern lights guaranteed?

No. The northern lights part is weather dependent, and sightings are not guaranteed.

What’s included in the price, and do I need to pay for food?

Included features are transportation, expert guidance, and WiFi on board. Food or drink is not included.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

No. Kids under 12 are not permitted to join the tour.