Nestled on the southern coast of Iceland, the charming village of Vík í Mýrdal (Vik) is a gateway to some of the country’s most dramatic volcanic landscapes. Vik volcano tours offer an unforgettable journey into Iceland’s volcanic heart, where fire and ice collide to create breathtaking natural wonders. With its proximity to Katla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes, expansive lava fields, and black sand beaches, Vik is a must-visit destination for geology enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and nature lovers.
These volcano tours are designed to take you deep into the forces that have shaped Iceland over millennia. Whether you’re trekking across ancient lava fields, visiting ice-capped volcanoes, or exploring hidden caves created by past eruptions, every experience offers a blend of thrill and insight. Local guides bring the land to life with captivating stories, scientific knowledge, and firsthand accounts of volcanic eruptions that have left their mark on the Icelandic landscape.
Vik location on the edge of the Katla Geopark makes it an ideal base for exploring southern Iceland’s active volcanic systems. The region is defined by dramatic terrain formed by centuries of eruptions, glacial floods, and shifting tectonic plates. Tour operators based in Vik provide access to exclusive routes, including super jeep expeditions, glacier hikes on volcanoes, and helicopter overflights. ..
Read More
The tours are also deeply educational. You’ll learn how the interaction between volcanic activity and glacial meltwaters has carved out canyons, valleys, and natural ice sculptures. Guides often share details about recent volcanic activity, including the infamous 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajokull , which disrupted air traffic across Europe, and the sleeping giant Katla, which lies beneath the Myrdalsjokull Glaciers .
One of the most popular and surreal experiences is the Katla Ice Cave tour. This journey combines a visit to a natural ice cave with an exploration of the mighty Katla volcano hidden beneath Mýrdalsjökull. Tours begin in Vik, followed by a thrilling super jeep ride over black volcanic plains. Once at the glacier, you’ll strap on crampons and helmets for a guided hike into a dazzling cave of blue ice, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions and compressed glacial ice.
Experience the infamous volcano that made global headlines in 2010. The Eyjafjallajökull tour typically departs from Vik or nearby Skógar, taking you by super jeep into the highlands to get up close to this active volcano. You'll pass by lava fields, glacier outlets, and waterfalls formed by eruption meltwaters. It’s an incredible chance to witness the raw power and beauty of Iceland’s volatile geology.
For the active traveler, multi-hour hikes into the volcanic highlands are a rewarding experience. Walk across rugged lava flows and rhyolite mountains, past steaming vents and moss-covered valleys. Guided treks into the Thórsmörk valley, located between Katla and Eyjafjallajökull, are a favorite. Some tours even combine hiking with overnight camping in the highlands under the midnight sun or Northern Lights.
For a bird’s eye view of southern Iceland’s volcanic landscape, helicopter tours from Vik or nearby airfields are an unparalleled option. Fly over Mýrdalsjökull, Katla, and even across to Vatnajökull National Park. These scenic flights offer breathtaking views of volcanoes, craters, and glaciers, ideal for photographers and adventurers looking to capture Iceland from a unique perspective.
Most Vik volcano tours are fully guided and include transportation, safety equipment, and expert commentary. Depending on the tour type, packages may include:
Volcano tours operate year-round, but your experience will vary by season. In summer (June to August), the trails are more accessible, and midnight sun hikes allow for extended explorations. Winter (November to March) brings icy terrain and the opportunity to combine your tour with Northern Lights viewing and ice cave exploration. Autumn and spring offer a balance of lower crowds and dramatic landscapes.
Vik volcano tours are suitable for travelers of all levels. From families to thrill-seekers, there are options for everyone:
All tours are operated with strict safety protocols. Guides are experienced in navigating glacier and volcanic terrain, and all guests are equipped with the necessary gear. Additionally, many companies in Vik adhere to eco-tourism principles, ensuring minimal impact on the fragile landscapes. Respect for Iceland’s volcanic terrain is a core value.
Many Vik volcano tours can be combined with other regional highlights such as:
Whether you're in Iceland for a few days or planning a more extensive journey, Vik volcano tours provide one of the most memorable and educational travel experiences in the country. Every tour is a reminder of the planet’s powerful forces and the awe-inspiring beauty they create.
Read Less
Yes, all tours are led by experienced guides with proper training. Safety gear is provided, and routes are carefully monitored based on volcanic activity and weather.
While the Katla crater itself is beneath a glacier and not accessible, you can tour the surrounding area, ice caves, and see evidence of past eruptions.
No, many tours are vehicle-based with optional short walks. However, glacier hikes and some lava field treks do require moderate physical effort.
Yes, many volcano tours run year-round. In winter, tours include snow-covered terrain and may be combined with Northern Lights or ice cave visits.
Vik is approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Reykjavik. It’s a popular stop on South Coast itineraries and an ideal base for exploring volcanoes in the region.
Ready to step into the heart of Iceland’s volcanic wilderness? Book your Vik volcano tour today and get ready to witness Earth’s natural forces at work. Whether you crave adventure, science, or photography, there’s a journey waiting in the lava-sculpted landscapes of Vik.
See what makes our Iceland trips special with testimonies from our lovely customers.
A truly amazing experience! With Iceland Packages, I reserved an Iceland trip package for my honeymoon, and it well above all my expectations. Everything about the experience was beautiful, from the breath-taking scenery to the flawless setups. Strongly advise anyone organizing a romantic gateway to use their services.
A Memorable Iceland Journey! I had the most amazing holiday ever with my family. All the must-see locations and activities were included in the thoughtfully designed tour package. The local guides were immensely informative, and the accommodations were excellent. I'm eager to make another reservation with them.
A Fantastic Trip to Iceland! I am so grateful to Iceland Packages for planning the ideal trip for me. Everything was handled perfectly from the time I landed until I left. I was able to take my time discovering Iceland's hidden treasures because I could alter my schedule to suit my needs. Absolutely once in a lifetime!".
Easy Reservations and Top-Notch Support! It was really easy to book my flights and vacation package to Iceland. Their customer service team was really helpful throughout the entire process. The trip itself was excellent; every aspect had been carefully thought out. Strongly advised for hassle-free trip preparation!.
The best deals straight to your inbox
