The Best Way to Experience the Volcano Near Litli Hrútur
When the Fagradalsfjall eruption kicked off in 2021, it was the first sign of volcanic activity from a volcanic system that had been dormant for almost 800 years. Lava flowed from fissures and cones in the earth’s crust for months, capturing the world’s attention and turning Reykjanes into a visitor highlight like never before. For a brief period in 2022, the sleeping volcano awoke again, signaling that the eruptive phase was far from over.
Sure enough, a swarm of more than 12,000 earthquakes in 2023 preceded another eruption, this one near Litli Hrútur, close to the 2021 and 2022 lava fields. Unsurprisingly, given the extraordinary spectacle of previous years, interest in the 2023 eruption is high. So, what’s the best way to experience the volcano near Litli Hrútur? Let’s compare hiking, overflights, and Amazing Tours’ e-biking tour.
1. On foot
Many travelers’ first thought will be to hike to the volcano site. Those who came in the first few hours and days of the eruption had a nasty shock: the round trip hike was in the region of 20km long, greater than in previous years. The trail itself is mostly flat, but those unused to hiking long distances shouldn’t underestimate the length of time it takes to cover the ground and the exertion that entails.
To complete the hike, you need to be reasonably fit, carry plenty of water, and wear appropriate shoes and clothing. It’s essential that you keep up to date with current conditions; the trail can be closed with little warning or open only for restricted hours. You may not get close to the crater due to the risk of its walls collapsing.
2. By air
As in previous years, local helicopter and light aircraft tours are available. If you aren’t fit enough to walk the long and sometimes difficult trail, then hopping aboard for a scenic overflight can seem like the best option. Certainly, you’ll get a better sense of the overall geography of the eruption as you’ll see how the newest craters and lava flows fit in with the landscape of the two previous eruptions.
Imagine peering down at a lava lake as it plops and churns, watching as molten rock is ejected from the volcanic crater. It’s something you’ll remember for the rest of your life. But although you’ll have an unforgettable view, this option doesn’t come cheap and is likely to be beyond the budget of many visitors.
3. By mountain bike
Fortunately, there’s a sweet spot in the middle: the Amazing Tours Volcano mountain e-bike tour from Reykjavík. A group tour like this is fun, too: an exhilarating ride that offers a thrilling, adrenaline-fuelled tour of the eruption site and the rugged terrain that surrounds it. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll receive a full briefing on the ride and your equipment before setting off towards the volcano. We prioritize rider safety at all times.
While visitor cars aren’t permitted on the trail, two wheels are. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that tackling the 20km trail would be easier when you’re in the saddle of an electric mountain bike, though we’d still class the ride as challenging.
That said, electric assistance means that you can concentrate on your surroundings without having to make the same effort as you would if you used regular pedal power. These bikes make use of a suspension fork, rear shock, hard-grip tires, and a stable frame to cope with tougher trails and tricky surfaces.
Secure your place on the Amazing Tours’ volcano ride and let nature wow you in this incredible destination.
Note: The precise route and itinerary of the bike tour, just like the hiking paths, is fluid. Crater collapses, moss fires, and excessive amounts of noxious gases can all be hazardous, while weather conditions can change quickly. No matter which way you try to view the volcano, its activity is hard to predict and constantly changing. Seek the most up-to-date advice locally and follow the advice of the local authorities.
