Chasing Lava in Iceland: Five Adventures Shaped by Fire

With lands shaped by volcanic activity, lava-covered plains, and steam-dancing valleys, Iceland boasts one of nature's most striking features. This country, where you can encounter a different natural phenomenon around every corner, also offers unique experiences with its lava-themed routes. From hiking trails to cave explorations, lava shows to horseback tours, these five suggestions will give you a firsthand experience of Iceland's balance of fire and ice. Iceland tells a new story with every step in its lava-shaped landscape.

Whether you chart your own route or explore with a guided tour — discovering Iceland’s lava-forged landscapes is now easier than ever with Icelandair’s direct flights from Istanbul and customizable travel packages.

Here are five lava-themed routes in Iceland: Hike through lava fields

The best way to experience Iceland's volcanic heritage is to hike through its vast lava fields. Located in the south of the country, the Skaftárhreppur Lava Field is known as the world's largest lava flow, formed after the Laki eruption in the late 1700s. Today, this area, covered with Iceland's soft, green, velvety moss, offers a landscape almost from another planet. Or, you can join a guided walking tour to learn the story of these lava formations, the impact of past eruptions on the landscape, and the region's geological significance.

Don't miss the lava show

This experience is sure to be one of the most unforgettable moments of your Iceland trip. If you want to see lava up close and even feel its warmth, be sure to visit the Lava Show in Reykjavík. Here, the eruptions of the Eyjafjallajökull and Katla volcanoes are mesmerizingly recreated. The show's energetic hosts, Mr. Lava Lava and Lady Lava, pour molten lava, at a temperature of 1,100°C (approximately 2,000°F), onto an ice block in the center of the showroom. Then begins the epic battle between two opposing forces of nature: you watch the lava flow, hear its crackling, and feel the intense heat radiating from the surroundings, hitting you in the face. This visually and aurally captivating spectacle offers a unique opportunity to experience the power of Iceland's volcanic landscape from just a few meters away.

Explore lava caves

How about delving into the mysterious world of the subterranean world? Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel, one of Iceland's largest lava tunnels, captivates with its colorful rock textures formed by lava flowing thousands of years ago. On guided walks, you can follow the traces of the lava flows and discover the red, green, and gold hues created by minerals in the rock walls. This natural formation offers a silent yet impressive testimony to lava's journey beneath the surface.

See active volcanoes up close

For adventurers, seeing an active volcano in Iceland is an unforgettable experience. The recent eruption of Fagradalsfjall Volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula has created a new lava field. Reached by foot from the Geldingadalur Valley, the area offers a glimpse of nature's rebirth, with its still-warm lava flows. For those who prefer a different perspective, the Litli-Hrútur Volcano can be viewed from the sky via helicopter tours—a sight both dramatic and captivating.

Riding Iceland's legendary horses across the lava fields is both a peaceful and impressive experience. The "Lava Fields Exploration Tour" offers routes suitable for both novice and experienced riders. Surrounded by volcanic peaks, lava-formed slopes, and steppes, these trails offer a galloping experience immersed in Iceland's natural beauty. For those seeking a more adrenaline-filled experience, quad bike tours offer thrilling explorations of the lava fields' most challenging terrain.

For those who want to feel the energy of volcanic nature, Icelandair's Volcano Adventure Travel Package offers an unforgettable experience including these five stops.