Frequently Asked Questions about
FAGRADALSFJALL, MERADALIR AND LITLI-HRÚTUR VOLCANO ERUPTION IN ICELAND
NOTICE
Please be aware that due to the recent resumption of volcanic activity, we are currently offering only our top-rated "Fagradalsfjall Volcano Tour". This 3-hour, easy-paced hike will take you through the stunning Fagradalsfjall volcanic region, ensuring an adventurous experience and breathtaking views.
⚠️ Tour Safety Assurance:
In the event of an active volcanic eruption, our comprehensive safety and emergency protocol is immediately implemented. This involves our guides utilizing gas meters to assess air quality and assure your safety. Emergency masks are also readily available if the situation demands. We stay constantly vigilant of the safety guidelines issued by the SAAR team (Iceland's Search, Rescue & Injury Prevention Association) and local authorities. Your well-being is our utmost priority.
Please note: As this region is geologically active, the possibility of a new eruption can arise at any moment.
⚠️ Why choose us for a private volcano tour?
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At the heart of our operations is your safety. Since the first eruption in 2021, we have rigorously prepared ourselves to meet stringent safety standards for visits to hazardous areas such as Fagradalsfjall, Meradalir, and the recent Little-Hrútur eruption.
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Our guides are equipped with portable gas meters for monitoring CO2 and SO2 levels, ensuring they know the optimum locations for the highest air quality at all times. Furthermore, we equip our guests with professional 6200-grade gas masks outfitted with acid gas and dust filters. Walking poles are also available upon request, ensuring a safe and enjoyable exploration of these volcanic wonders.
Litli-Hrútur new volcano eruption tour 2023
While this tour is unavailable as the volcano is inactive, we recommend the Fagradalsfjall trail as an excellent alternative, especially for families and leisurely hikers. However, if you're keen on pursuing this specific hike, please contact us to inquire about its potential availability.
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Our guides utilize portable gas detectors for enhanced safety.
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Professional 6200 gas masks are available with carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particle filters.
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This is a hike that ranges from moderate to challenging.
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The entire trek is approximately 17km (or 10.5 miles). This information may change.
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This is a completely private experience with only your family.
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The hike can take over 5 hours at an average pace.
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You'll have the opportunity to view the flowing lava. Depending on safety conditions, this could be from a closer vantage point or a safe distance.
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We offer the option of pick-up or meeting us on location.
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The guide will tailor the tour to your pace and preferences.
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We offer hiking poles for your safety.
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Some hills are expected on this hike, based on the lava flow and conditions.
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Please note that these details might vary depending on daily lava flow changes and terrain modifications.
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As we may detour, the hike time can vary depending on the gas pollution.
Meradalir or Geldingadalur volcano eruption in Iceland 2022
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While this tour is unavailable, we recommend the Fagradalsfjall trail as an excellent alternative, especially for families and leisurely hikers. However, if you're keen on pursuing this specific hike, please contact us to inquire about its potential availability
Fagradalsfjall volcano eruption tour in Iceland 2021
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Moderate hike. About a 3 to 4-hour tour (Based on your pace).
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Each way, the hike can take 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on individual speed and endurance, and traverses an elevation of about 300 meters (approximately 984 ft) and 8 km (around 4.9 miles).
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This is the most popular and suitable for everyone, including seniors with average fitness and families with children.
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A fully private experience with your family only.
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This hike is to Fagradalsfjall 2021 eruption crater, about an hour's walk each way based on an average pace.
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Pick-up is available, or meet us on location.
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The guide will follow your pace and custom the tour for you.
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We provide hiking poles if needed.
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We provide crampons during the winter if needed.
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⚠️ Please note that our guide may alter the tour and path based on your pace and stamina.
Why choose 2Go Iceland Travel for your Volcano Hiking Tour in Iceland? Here are compelling reasons to entrust us with your adventure:
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Our reputation precedes us: We're a top-rated company on TripAdvisor, Google, and Viator, boasting a plethora of five-star reviews from previous clients.
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Proximity: We reside near the volcano, familiarizing us with its moods and behaviors.
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Safety first: Your safety is essential to us, guiding all our decisions.
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Pioneers: We pioneered tours to this region as early as March 2021, with the first volcanic eruption in Fagradallsfjall Volcano.
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Exclusivity: Our tour is private, catering only to your family.
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Qualified guides: All our guides hold certifications, guaranteeing expertise and safety.
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Local knowledge: Our guides, primarily from Grindavik and Reykjanesbaer, possess intimate knowledge of the region where the volcano is situated.
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Safety equipment: We provide gas masks if the air quality necessitates it during an active eruption.
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Monitoring: We utilize portable gas detectors to assess air quality during active eruptions constantly.
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Supportive equipment: We supply walking poles for all our tours to ensure your comfort.
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Favorable conditions: We only embark on the tour if the weather conditions and safety are suitable.
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Experience: We have operated as a registered travel agency since 2012.
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Extra protection: Some of our guides double as members of the Icelandic Search and Rescue Team (SAR).
By choosing us, you're opting for a company that places the utmost importance on your safety and delivers top-notch experiences.
Check our reviews here.
What types of gases are released during a volcanic eruption, and how can we safeguard ourselves when in close proximity?
Volcanic eruptions release several types of gases into the atmosphere, primarily water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Additionally, eruptions can emit smaller amounts of gases like hydrogen sulfide (H2S), hydrogen chloride (HCl), hydrogen fluoride (HF), and various volatile metal chlorides.
These gases can harm humans, especially sulfur dioxide, which can cause respiratory problems even at low concentrations. Volcanic gases can also create acid rain and vog (volcanic smog), which can have health, environmental, and agricultural effects.
To protect yourself near an erupting volcano, consider the following:
1. Use proper respiratory equipment: Use a gas mask or respirator to filter out the tiny particles in volcanic ash and gases. Regular dust masks or cloth coverings are not enough.
2. Wear eye protection: Volcanic gases can cause eye irritation, so wearing goggles can provide protection.
3. Cover your skin: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and gloves to protect your skin from irritation caused by volcanic ash.
4. Stay Upwind: If possible, stay upwind of the volcano, as winds will carry the gases and ash away from you.
5. Listen to local authorities and guides: They will have the most up-to-date information about the volcano's activity, gas levels, and safety recommendations.
Remember that visiting an active volcano should always be done under the guidance of experienced tour operators or guides familiar with the safety precautions and local conditions. They will typically provide necessary safety equipment for such tours.
Does Fagradalsfjall, Meradalir, Geldingardalur, and Litli-Hrútur refer to the same volcanic area?
Fagradalsfjall, Meradalir, and Geldingadalir/Geldingadalur often refer to the same volcanic eruption site, albeit with different aspects.
Fagradalsfjall and Meradalir designate the mountains surrounding the principal eruption site, whereas Geldingadalir indicates the valley where the eruption initially ignited in 2021.
Presently, the eruption is taking place in the Meradalur/Meradalir Valley. Hence, you might encounter any of these names, Fagradalsfjall, Meradalir, or Geldingadalir, referring to this site in various online sources.
The most recent eruption is located nearby Litli-Hrútur, and accessing the main crater viewpoint in the area takes over 5 hours of hiking in total.
Is Fagradalsfjall - Meradalir Volcano or other volcano in Iceland active in 2023?
As of July 4, 2023, the area has seen an uptick in seismic activity, leading local authorities to elevate the alarm level to orange. This status signifies that an eruption could potentially occur at any moment. For the safest and most informative experience, we highly recommend visiting with a local guide. Volcanic behavior is indeed unpredictable by nature.
On July 10, 2023, a fresh eruption commenced, now known as the Litli-Hrútur eruption 2023. This new volcanic activity sprung up near the main sites of the 2021 and 2022 eruptions, but it's closer to Mt. Keilir.
Can I do the hike to the volcano Fagradalsfjall - Meradalir or Litli-Hrútur at night?
Absolutely, night hiking is permitted, but it's only feasible during an active eruption phase and with dark conditions. During the summertime in Iceland, we have a full circle of daylight, making it difficult to catch the volcano in total darkness. We will make this option available when we have the perfect conditions.
Is safe to hike Fagradalsfjall, Meradalir or Litli-Hrútur volcano at night?
Indeed, hiking at night is safe with our experienced guides, who are well-acquainted with the terrain. We've been conducting tours daily since the initial eruption in March 2021. We supply headlights, walking sticks, and unforgettable experiences for night excursions.
Can I request a custom departure for the private hiking tour to Fagradalsfjall or Litli-Hrútur volcano?
You will be able to select a time while booking. For the night tour (if available), the time is already set based on the daylight.
Is it possible to join others on tour? Do you offer group tours for Fagradalsfjall or Litlí-Hrútur?
While we understand the appeal of group tours, we currently only provide private tours. This decision is rooted in our commitment to providing the highest quality service, allowing our guide to devote their full attention to you and your unique needs.
What's the difference between self-driving tours and transfers?
Self-Drive | Meet on location
With this option, you must be able to self-drive to our meeting location in Grindavik, 10 minutes from the hiking trail. You will follow our guide to the correct parking before starting the hike. Information about the meeting point will be available after booking.
With transfers
With this option, you also book a round transfer to the volcano. We will pick you up at your accommodation and drive to the volcano trail to meet your local guide. After the tour, we will go back to your hotel.
Are bathrooms available at Fagradalsfjall, Meradalir volcano, or Litli-Hrútur Volcano eruption?
We recommend using the facilities in Grindavik before driving to the trail.
Can you pick me up at the airport?
Yes, we can! Please send us the information while booking and write it down in the comment box. This option will be confirmed based on availability and is only available for direct bookings, not third-party bookings.
Can I get a drop-off at Blue Lagoon after the tour to Fagradalsfjall volcano?
Yes, we can! Please send us the information while booking and write it down in the comment box. This option will be confirmed based on availability and is only available for direct bookings, not third-party bookings.
What should I wear for the hike to Fagradalsfjall, Meradalir, and Litlí-Hrútur volcano?
We recommend the following hiking essentials:
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Base Layer: long-sleeved top
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Insulating layer: warm sweater
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Outer layer: shell coat
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Waterproof Pants (the weather can change rapidly)
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Merino Wool Hat
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Merino wool socks
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Comfortable Hiking Boots or good walking shoes
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Lightweight Backpack
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Bottle of water
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Energy bar or energy drink
What's the cancelation policy for the Fagradalsfjall, Meradalir, and Litlí-Hrútur Volcano Eruption Tour?
More information about our cancelation policy here: Terms and conditions
Can I book other tours with 2Go Iceland?
You can book additional adventures with 2Go Iceland Travel. We offer a variety of signature tours designed to give you the best experience during your Icelandic adventure. If you desire personalized and quick customer service or need a customized package, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're always here to ensure your travel dreams become a reality.