From Seljavallalaug: Eyjafjallajökull Volcano Summit Hike

If you’re looking for an adventure that combines Iceland’s rugged beauty with a true test of your hiking stamina, this tour offers just that. The full-day guided hike to the summit of Eyjafjallajökull is designed for experienced hikers ready to conquer a dormant volcano and enjoy panoramic views that are hard to match. Starting from the scenic Seljavallalaug pool, this trek promises a mix of steep climbs, glacier walking, and awe-inspiring landscapes.

What we love most about this experience is the balance between adventure and scenery. The route takes you through dramatic terrain, with views of the Highlands, neighboring glaciers, and even the Vestmannaeyjar islands. Plus, the knowledgeable guides, equipped with proper glacier gear, make sure safety is a priority. A potential drawback? The hike’s physically demanding nature means it’s not suitable for everyone—so good fitness and prior mountain hiking experience are a must.

This tour fits best for seasoned hikers looking for a challenge and wanting to see Iceland’s iconic volcano from a truly spectacular vantage point. If you’re prepared for a full day of strenuous activity and crave authentic adventure, this is one trip you’ll remember.

Key Points

Stunning panoramic views from the summit of Eyjafjallajökull.
Challenging terrain with steep ascents and glacier crossings, suited for experienced hikers.
Expert guidance and necessary glacier equipment included, ensuring safety during glacier sections.
Long, full-day experience lasting around 10 hours, so prepare for an all-day commitment.
Limited group size (max 6 participants), providing a more personalized experience.
Weather can change quickly, so layered clothing and waterproof gear are essential.

An In-Depth Look at the Eyjafjallajökull Summit Hike

The Starting Point: Seljavallalaug

Your adventure kicks off at the picturesque Seljavallalaug pool, a historic outdoor swimming spot tucked into the Icelandic landscape. From here, your guide, easily recognizable in a bright red jacket, will give a safety briefing and outline the day’s plan. The initial approach is through the foothills, with a steep but manageable climb that gets your legs working right away. This part of the trek allows you to soak in the peaceful surroundings and get acclimated to the terrain before the more challenging sections.

Ascending to the Snowline

As you progress upward, the landscape shifts, revealing the snowline of Eyjafjallajökull. The terrain becomes more rugged, and you’ll find yourself traversing uneven paths and loose volcanic ash. The climb is steady, but the views start to open up, offering glimpses of the surrounding glaciers, like Mýrdalsjökull, and the expansive Highlands.

Several reviews highlight how the guide’s expertise makes a difference: “Our guide was very attentive to safety, especially on the glacier crossing, and kept the mood light with interesting facts about the volcano.” This reassurance is important, considering the longer, more demanding sections.

Glacier Crossing and Rope Sections

Reaching around 950 meters (3,116 feet), you’ll gear up for the glacier crossing, which involves using the provided ropes and crampons. While no technical climbing skills are required, this part demands a good level of fitness and confidence on snow and ice. The guides ensure everyone is equipped and comfortable before proceeding, making this one of the most memorable parts of the hike.

This glacier section is a highlight for many. One reviewer mentioned, “The glacier crossing was definitely tough but exhilarating. It’s incredible to stand on a glacier that’s part of an active volcano.” The gear, combined with expert guidance, makes this section accessible yet thrilling.

Reaching the Volcanic Summit

After about 8 kilometers (5 miles) and an elevation gain of 1600 meters (5,250 feet), you arrive at the summit of Eyjafjallajökull. The sense of achievement is palpable—standing on top of a volcano famous for its 2010 eruption, with views that stretch over the surrounding glaciers and even the Vestmannaeyjar Islands.

The panoramic vistas are truly remarkable. On clear days, you can see Tindfjallajökull, the 2010 eruption site, and the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. The summit provides an unforgettable perspective, making the challenging ascent well worth it.

Descent and Scenic Views

The hike back follows the same route, giving you the chance to soak in the scenery one last time. As you descend, you’ll pass by vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the Vestmannaeyjar Islands, which add to the visual feast. Many past participants appreciated the scenic beauty of the route on the way down—it’s less strenuous but equally captivating.

What’s Included and What to Prepare

Your guide, from ICELANDIA, provides a professional, safety-conscious approach along with necessary glacier equipment. Expect a full safety briefing before starting, which is reassuring given the terrain.

You’ll need to bring your own hiking shoes, warm layers, waterproof clothing, gloves, hat, and sun protection. Since the weather in Iceland can change rapidly, layering is crucial. The tour doesn’t include meals or transport, so plan to carry snacks and arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

Participants rave about the small group size—limited to 6 people—which allows for more personalized attention and better interaction with guides. The guides also have a wealth of knowledge, sharing insights about the volcano’s history and geology along the way.

Duration and Practical Considerations

This is a 10-hour experience, so prepare for an all-day commitment. The timing depends on availability and weather, so flexibility is helpful. Weather can lead to cancellations or rescheduling, which is common for mountain hikes, but the tour provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour is not suitable for children under 16, pregnant women, or those with certain health issues. Good physical fitness and mountain hiking experience are strongly recommended, as the terrain involves steep climbs and glacier crossings.

The Value of This Tour

When we consider the cost, it’s important to view this as an all-inclusive adventure—guides, glacier gear, and safety briefings are provided, which adds value. The experience of standing atop an iconic Icelandic volcano, with such spectacular views, justifies the effort and expense. It’s a unique opportunity to learn about and witness something truly extraordinary in an environment that’s both challenging and breathtaking.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This hike is best suited for experienced hikers who are comfortable with steep ascents and long days on their feet. If you crave an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure and don’t mind the physical effort, this route offers a meaningful way to connect with Iceland’s volcanic landscape.

However, it’s not suitable for young children, pregnant women, or anyone with back, heart, or respiratory issues. The unpredictable Icelandic weather can also be a limiting factor, so flexibility and preparedness are key.

Final Thoughts

This full-day summit hike of Eyjafjallajökull is a remarkable journey that blends physical challenge with spectacular scenery. The guided approach, with experienced professionals and proper glacier equipment, provides a safe way to explore one of Iceland’s most famous volcanoes. The views from the top are truly some of the most impressive in the country—on clear days, you’ll see the Atlantic, neighboring glaciers, and volcanic sites that tell powerful geological stories.

For those who love mountain adventures, enjoy the thrill of glacier crossings, and appreciate remote landscapes, this tour delivers in spades. It’s a perfect choice for seasoned hikers looking for a memorable day in Iceland’s wild interior.

FAQ

Is this hike suitable for beginners?
No, this hike requires good physical fitness and prior mountain hiking experience due to steep climbs and glacier crossing.

What should I bring?
Bring warm layers, waterproof clothing, a hat, gloves, sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, water, and snacks. The weather in Iceland can change fast, so be prepared.

How long is the hike?
The entire experience lasts about 10 hours, covering approximately 8 kilometers with a significant elevation gain.

Are glacier crossings difficult?
No technical climbing skills are necessary, but glacier crossings involve using ropes and crampons, so confidence on snow and ice is important.

Is equipment provided?
Yes, the tour includes necessary glacier gear and safety equipment.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Weather conditions may impact the schedule or lead to rescheduling.

What is the group size?
Limited to 6 participants for a more personalized and attentive guide experience.

Do I need to know Icelandic?
No, the tour is guided in English.

Can children participate?
No, the minimum age is 16 years old.

Is transportation included?
No, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the starting point at Seljavallalaug.

To sum it up, this Eyjafjallajökull summit hike offers a rare chance to stand atop one of Iceland’s most iconic volcanoes. With breathtaking views, glacier crossings, and expert guidance, it’s a challenging yet rewarding experience for seasoned hikers eager to add an unforgettable adventure to their Iceland trip. If you’re physically prepared and craving authentic mountain landscapes, this tour is well worth considering.