15 Lava and Eruption Tours in Reykjavik to Build a Day Around

1.Reykjavik: LAVA SHOW – Immersive Experience Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,360 reviews · 50 - 75 minutes · from $54Our pick

Reykjavík’s Lava Show brings real molten lava into a safe indoor setting. An English-speaking host explains Icelandic eruptions, geology, and volcanic risks as you feel the heat up close. Choose Classic or Premium, which adds a drink, balcony seating, a furnace-room visit, and a lava souvenir.

“a fantastic, informative show. Definitely recommend this unique experience. Samantha was extremley knowledgable and answered all questions.”

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2.Lava Show Reykjavik Admission Ticket – Optional Premium Upgrade

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,278 reviews · 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $54Top rated

At Reykjavik’s Lava Show, a host such as Mariana, Samantha, Neil, or Ian explains Icelandic volcanism before pouring superheated real lava in front of you. Expect a 50 to 70 minute English presentation, a hot showroom, audience questions, and an optional Premium upgrade with lounge access, a drink, backstage visit, and lava souvenir.

“Definitely worth doing the upgraded experience! The back show program and the additional information plus getting a souvenir piece of lava was pretty cool!”

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3.Reykjavik: Red Lava Horse Riding Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,383 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $142

Ride a calm Icelandic horse for 1.5 to 2 hours across the Redhills and lava fields near Reykjavik. Guides match horses to your ability, divide groups by pace, and may introduce you to the famous tölt. Pickup, helmets, rainwear, and hot drinks are available.

“Wow, what an experience this was, both myself and my husband really enjoyed the horse ride the horses were amazing, the guides great and the scenery was just outstanding! We are both very much new to horses, not experienced at all and yet it was fantastic! I recommend to anyone! Thank you for a great day!”

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4.The Lava Tunnel Tour – Raufarhólshellir

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,373 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $74

At Raufarhólshellir, an English-speaking guide leads you through a 5,200-year-old lava tunnel formed during the Leitahraun eruption. You walk about an hour over rocky ground and stairs, with helmets, headlamps, and lit platforms provided. Guides such as Meagan, Alex, and Benjamin are praised for clear, funny explanations.

“The tour was easy to book. We enjoyed the tour because it was very informative about the cave and how lava tunnels get formed.”

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5.From Reykjavík: Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,356 reviews · from $141

At Íshestar Stables near Hafnarfjörður, you’ll ride friendly Icelandic horses for about 1.5 hours through lava fields and green hills. Guides such as Sonya help beginners feel secure, while confident riders may try the smooth tölt. Warm overalls, helmets, boots, and rainwear are provided.

“The day was brilliant. picked up by mini bus local to our hotel. took 30mins to get to riding centre. all waterproof clothing and helmets provided. very informative guides and great photo opportunities. horses were very tame and lovely to ride, me and my family stayed in the slow riding group as had never rode a horse, opportunities for others to join another group to gallop so was a nice balance. would highly recommend and we'll worth the money 😁🐎”

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6.Reykjavik: Snæfellsnes Day Trip with Vatnshellir Lava Cave

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,108 reviews · from $219

Spend 11 hours exploring Snæfellsnes with a small group, visiting Kirkjufell, Svöðufoss, Vatnshellir Lava Cave, Arnarstapi, Lóndrangar, and Búðakirkja. English-speaking guides such as Evo, Smári, Stefan, and AJ add Icelandic sagas, folklore, music, and photo tips along the way.

“The landscapes are just unbelievable, totally worth it, and our guide, Smari, it's simply the best, you can tell he really likes his job. He even played a song for us at the end of our tour. I completely recommend this tour.”

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7.Reykjavík: Volcano Eruption Site and Reykjanes Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,066 reviews · 9 hours · from $126

Spend nine hours exploring Reykjanes with a guide such as Omar, Ottar, HBO, or Colin. The main event is a demanding two-hour hike each way toward recent eruption sites, balanced by stops at Lake Kleifarvatn, Seltún, Gunnuhver, Reykjanes Lighthouse, and the Bridge Between Continents.

“Tour even better because we were some of the first hiking groups into the area afgter the July 17 eruption and lava flow, which we actually got to cross over. Lava rocks were still warm. Guide was great, so we learned all about Iceland's volcanos. Highly recommend.”

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8.From Reykjavik: Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel by Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 793 reviews · 3 hours · from $129

Travel by climate-controlled bus from Reykjavik’s BSI terminal to Raufarhólshellir, one of Iceland’s largest lava tubes. Your English-speaking guide provides a helmet, flashlight, and a one-hour walk through colorful rock formations, skylights, uneven ground, and total darkness.

“Amazing experience the lava tunnel is wow and even more so when we turned off the lights and saw the complete darkness inside, I loved it!”

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9.From Reykjavík: Fagradalsfjall Volcano Hike with Geologist

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 780 reviews · 4 - 6 hours · from $163

Travel from Reykjavík to Fagradalsfjall with a geologist such as France, Giuseppe, Jasmine, or Joseph. Hike 1 to 1.5 hours each way across rough volcanic ground, study lava formations, and reach a crater viewpoint. Hot glowing lava is not guaranteed, and weather or gas can cancel the outing.

“Wonderful, I absolutely loved our geologist Joseph… he explained everything very clearly and even showed us the mineral deposits on the rocks… the highlight of the show is we walked on the Lava river and felt the steam coming out of the Fissure which is amazing… we hiked for 3hrs but it’s absolutely worth it… I would definitely recommend to do this hike.”

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10.From Reykjavik: Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 705 reviews · 1 - 3 hours · from $69

Travel from Reykjavik to Raufarhólshellir, a chilly lava tube shaped by volcanic fire. Your English-speaking guide supplies caving gear, leads you over rock and steps, explains the formations, and may switch off the lights for total darkness. Pickup is optional, and the cave tour lasts about an hour.

“What a beautiful and stunning tunnel. We went in the winter with the ice stalagmites and stalagtites. You really must see this one. And a really good entertaining guide who told and explained everything. A must see”

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11.Iceland Hiking Tour to Fagradalsfjall Volcano with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 573 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $189

Walk across recent volcanic terrain with guides such as Oddi, Guðný, Sigrún, and Guðni. This 5-mile hike includes 984 feet of climbing, lava fields, steam vents, and wide Reykjanes views. Reykjavík pickup adds stops at Grindavík, Seltún, and Kleifarvatn.

“Oddi was wonderful and an informative guide! We learned about the history of Iceland, the volcanic eruptions in Iceland and how they differ from other types of volcanic activity in other parts of the world. Loved the numerous colors of the lava and what created them. I also enjoyed learning about the types of plants/flowers that thrive in this terrain.”

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12.Private South Coast Fire and Ice: Glacier viewpoint & Lava Show

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 451 reviews · 11 hours (approx.)

Spend about 11 hours with a private guide exploring Iceland’s South Coast by luxury minivan. Walk to Solheimajokull Glacier, visit Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss, explore Reynisfjara, and watch real molten lava at the Lava Show in Vik. Guides such as Einar, Levi, and Atli are known for lively local stories.

“My husband and I took this tour in early Oct '24. It was us and one other couple. We saw so many waterfalls, the black beaches and Lava show in Vik. The glacier is so amazing to see close up. Our guide was in-depth, kept us on time, and was so knowledgeable about the area. We had a fun and amazing time. We highly recommend!”

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13.The Lava Tunnel Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 435 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $124

Travel from Reykjavik’s BSÍ terminal to Raufarhólshellir, where a guide leads you through a natural lava tunnel with headlamps, helmets, platforms, and steel walkways. Guides such as Alex, Francesca, and Stephanie bring geology to life. Expect about an hour underground and a chilly, uneven path.

“We never thought we would walk through a lava tunnel. It was fascinating. Our guide at the tunnel was brilliant and our bur driver was lovely. The wifi and charging statiins worjed. I have to mention this as they did not work for many buses.”

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14.Red Lava Horse Riding Tour From Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 386 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $139

Ride gentle Icelandic horses through the red lava hills of Heiðmörk and Hólmsheiði on a 2.5-hour small-group tour from Reykjavik. You get matched with a horse, receive riding help and weather gear, and may try the Icelandic tölt. Pickup is available from Reykjavik hotels, guesthouses, and BSI.

“Absolutely brilliant, friendly animals suitable for beginners and experts alike. The guides were really friendly and very helpful, they offer winter suits to help keep warm recommend using them. Wear good socks to keep your feet warm. Thank you Claudia.”

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15.Lava Tunnel Tour Including Transfers from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 345 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $129

Travel from Reykjavík to Raufarhólshellir, one of Iceland’s largest lava tunnels, for a one-hour guided walk beneath the lava fields. Your guide explains the eruption, minerals, and cave formations, while helmets, flashlights, and safety instruction are provided. Hotel and cruise-port pickup may be available.

“A fabulous experience with a witty and knowledge guide Demitri, stunning scenery on the drive to it as well.”

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