Iceland on Fire

Active volcanic eruption sites can be dangerous places to visit.

Molten lava (magma) reaching thousands of degrees will be actively flowing and spewing from the craters. These magma jets are sporadic in height but can reach hundreds of meters into the air and rain down on the surroundings.

New eruption fissures/craters can open up without a lot of notice.

In addition, a hidden danger can be poisonous gases releasing into the air that are odorless and invisible, reducing the air quality in the surrounding area.

Your safety is our main concern, and so Viking International Phototours have safety measures in place.

Before the tour commences, we will consult current data from the Icelandic Meteorological Office, Department of Civil Protection & Emergency Management, and Icelandic Association for Search & Rescue (including air quality/gas pollution levels, weather forecasts, and wind strength/direction). We will follow instructions/recommendations from these authorities. If they consider the site to be too dangerous, we will not proceed with the tour.

Our Guides are First-Aid, CPR, AED trained and certified by the Icelandic Red Cross.

While at the eruption site, they will carry Gas Meters to monitor air quality continually. They will provide instructions regarding keeping close by and within an appropriate distance to the crater/lava.

You will be expected to follow all instructions to ensure you are kept safe and out of harm’s way.

We operate our tours with the safety of our participants as our highest priority.

Click HERE to see the measures we have implemented regarding keeping you safe during the Covid-19 pandemic.

After clicking the booking request link, you will be asked to complete your details and provide the available dates.

We will respond to you within 1 Business Day with your tour details and a payment link for a deposit of $50 USD per person.

Once paid, this will secure your booking.

We will request the remaining payment when we confirm the tour is safe to proceed (based on weather and air quality) – usually the day of/before the tour.

We require a minimum of 2 people for a tour to proceed.

If you are a solo traveler, please contact us at [email protected] with the dates you are available, and we will do our best to accommodate you on a tour that has space.

Accessing the eruption site requires a hike of up to 5 km (3 miles) each way across challenging, uneven terrain that includes lava fields, gravel, and steep hills. While no previous hiking experience is necessary, you will need a moderate level of fitness.

We don’t recommend the tour to anyone who fits the following criteria:

• • • People with heart/lung conditions
    • Those who have problems with their back, knees, ankles, or similar
    • Young children, the elderly, or pregnant women
    • Any other serious medical conditions

Unfortunately, due to the terrain, the eruption site is not wheelchair accessible.

You must advise Viking International Phototours in advance and in writing of any illness, injury, or pre-existing medical conditions that might reasonably be expected to affect your participation during the tour.

We believe the eruption is best experienced under different light conditions – while it is incredible to view the new volcanos amongst the surrounding landscape during the day, it is just as magical to see the area transform as dusk falls and the rivers of lava start to glow.

As such, our volcano tours start in the afternoon and will finish at night.

You will be picked up early in the afternoon – the time will be confirmed on the day before your tour via email, as this will depend on how many other pick-ups we need to make.

The eruption site is in a remote area on the Reykjanes Peninsula. There are no restrooms or facilities to purchase food and beverages.

As you will be hiking, we recommend you bring a supply of water and snacks.

We will stop at a nearby town before we start the hike so you can purchase supplies if needed and use the restrooms.

That’s fine – we know that plans can change, and unforeseen circumstances can happen!

If you need to change your dates, we will do our best to reschedule your tour – contact us at [email protected] as soon as possible.

If we don’t have availability on your desired date, we will try and find you alternative options.

If the options don’t suit your schedule, a refund will be processed according to our cancellation policy (see below).

Please contact us at [email protected] as soon as possible if you need to cancel your tour.

At the time of booking, you will pay a deposit of $50 USD per person.

You can cancel your booking up to 30 days before your scheduled tour to receive a refund of your deposit minus a 10% fee. After this period has lapsed, cancellation requests and refunds will be processed according to the below:

• • • 30 days or more notice: Full refund minus a 10% fee
    • 15 -29 days notice: 50% refund
    • Less than 15 days notice: No refund

Funds can be transferred or used towards our other self-drive packages, tours, or photography workshops for up to 2 years from the date of cancellation.

If weather conditions, gas levels, or any other issue may adversely affect the safety of participants, we may cancel a tour. If this occurs, we will offer you the choice between attending on a different day or a full refund.

No problem! If you want your experience to be private, we can arrange that for you – contact us at [email protected] to discuss.

The Icelandic weather can be unpredictable and changes quickly – expect the unexpected! In addition, this tour can continue into the night where temperatures can drop to freezing, so you must be well-prepared for your experience with the following:

• • • Warm clothing even in Summer – preferably layers that you can remove if you get too warm (jeans are not recommended)
    • Waterproof jacket /outerwear
    • Beanie and gloves
    • Waterproof hiking shoes
    • Headlamp or torch
    • Water
    • Snacks
    • Face mask (to wear in the car)

For photographers, there will be ample room in the vehicle for your gear, so don’t forget to bring along your:

• • • Camera and lenses
    • Tripod
    • Filters

Iceland is absolutely stunning from the ground, and just as amazing with a birds-eye-view of the landscape. There are drone-friendly places, so if you own a drone, you are welcome to bring it along.

Please note that you are solely responsible for your equipment, and are expected to adhere to all rules and regulations as specified by the Icelandic Transport Authority (which can be accessed here). Viking International Phototours and our Guides will not be liable for any injury or damage caused to equipment, environment or people caused by you operating your drone.

Please also note that the wind and weather in Iceland can be sudden and hazardous, so use your judgment and be mindful of conditions.

That’s fine! If you have your own car and don’t wish to use our complimentary Pick-Up and Drop-Off service, contact us at [email protected] after booking. We will arrange a location near the eruption site for you to meet with your Guide.

Please refer to the Booking Terms and Conditions.

Booking with Viking International Phototours indicates acceptance of the Booking Terms and Conditions as outlined.