That sky and that lava in one day can be unreal. This combo tour strings together a volcanic hike and a northern lights hunt so you squeeze more Iceland into one long session. You get round-trip transit from Reykjavik and expert guidance, plus a short stop at the Aurora Reykjavik center to explain what you are actually chasing.

What I like most is the built-in rhythm: you are not just walking into the dark hoping for the best. The day includes major viewpoints like Kleifarvatn Lake and Reykjanes Peninsula, then the second half focuses on chasing aurora conditions with different countryside locations. One thing to keep in mind is that the volcano route can change based on activity, and northern lights sightings are not guaranteed because weather rules everything.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Hotel pickup is included, and the pickup window can run up to 30 minutes
• You learn aurora basics at Aurora Reykjavik, then go out hunting in the countryside
• The volcano hike is real hiking (often steep), and the route may change
• Plan for cold and wind, especially on the lava fields and during the night chase
• Stops shift by the day to chase better aurora chances
• Max group size is 60, so you should feel guided without being lost in a crowd

A Two-Part Iceland Day: Lava By Day, Aurora By Night

This tour is designed for people who hate the idea of spending a whole day waiting around. The format is simple: a morning built around Iceland’s volcanic energy, then a night built around trying to see the northern lights. It runs about 11 hours, but it feels like two separate experiences stitched together.

The tradeoff is that it is a long day. You are moving from hike to drives to a science stop to night hunting, and the entire plan depends on weather and sky conditions. If you do not love long travel days, you might prefer smaller, shorter tours with fewer moving parts.

Reykjavik Pickup and the Stuff That Matters

You start in Reykjavik with pickup available from Bus Stop #12 HöfðatorgÞórunnartún 6. The stated start time is 11:00 am, and pickup can take up to 30 minutes, so do not aim to sprint across town right at departure.

You also get WiFi on board, which is handy when you are killing time between stops or mapping what to expect. Food and drink are not included, so bring a plan for staying fueled during the long stretch until the night hunt.

What to bring (practical version)

• Warm layers for wind and wet conditions
• Good boots with grip for lava and mossy surfaces
• Gloves and a hat for the night portion
• If you do not have hiking poles, they can be rented for USD 9 per person

Fitness matters here. The tour asks for strong physical fitness, and kids under 12 are not permitted. The hike can range around 2 to 4 hours, depending on what the volcano situation allows and which routes are open.

Kleifarvatn Lake: A Scenic Break Before the Main Event

The morning begins with a viewpoint over Kleifarvatn Lake, giving you that Iceland feeling right away: cold air, open views, and a big sky that hints at what the aurora hunt will feel like later. It works as a warm-up moment where you can get your bearings before the hike turns into work.

This stop is short and it is scenic more than educational. Still, I like it because it breaks up the “straight to hiking” vibe and lets you adjust to the rhythm of the day.

Fagradalsfjall Volcano Hike: Where Lava Meets Moss

The main event is the Fagradalsfjall Volcano hike. You head through mossy-covered lava fields and mountains with an expert guide, aiming for an eruption-area view. Expect the hike to take roughly 2 to 4 hours, and understand that routes can change due to volcano activity.

This part is where the reviews hit hardest: it can be strenuous, and your guide may need to watch the group pace. People describe the hike as steep, but also say the guide kept an eye on walkers and adjusted as needed. One guide name that came up clearly is Omar, who was praised as friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, and even great at photography.

What you should expect on the ground

Lava terrain is not like a paved trail. Even when you are hiking in daylight, the ground can feel uneven, and moss can make surfaces slippery. This is not a “stroll and take photos every ten steps” walk, so move with a steady pace.

Also, use the winter logic: if it is cold and windy, your effort feels higher. One review even called out that after exploring lava fields, the group could warm back up because some parts were still warm, which is very Iceland and very cool in the moment.

Bathroom reality check

There are no toilet facilities near the volcano. Plan for a wait until the next toilet stop, which can add time and patience-testing minutes to your day.

Reykjanes Peninsula Drive: Big Views Without the Detour Tax

After the hike, you switch to driving mode with a stop on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The drive time is about 1 hour 20 minutes, and the idea is to see unique surroundings from viewpoints without another long walk.

This is a good moment to reset your body after the incline. It also helps you “see more Iceland geography” than you would from the lava site alone, without spending hours on foot when nightfall is coming.

Admission is listed as free for this portion, so your money mostly goes toward transport and guidance.

Krysuvik and Seltún Hot Springs: Color When It Fits the Plan

Next comes Geothermal Area Krysuvik at Seltún Hot Springs, but with an important caveat: it can be skipped on longer hikes. If it is included, it is a brief stop of about 10 minutes—more of a quick color hit than a full hot-spring soak.

When you do get the stop, it is worth it because geothermal color is one of Iceland’s most distinctive visuals. Think bright tones against cold surroundings, and a reminder that this same energy driving volcano activity shows up in calmer, colorful ways too.

Aurora Reykjavik: The 30-Minute Science Stop That Helps You Watch Smarter

Before the evening hunt, you visit Aurora Reykjavik – The Northern Lights Center in Reykjavik. This is about 30 minutes, and the admission ticket is included.

What I appreciate about this kind of stop is that it gives context while you are still warm and sheltered. The tour explains that auroras are tied to charged particles released from the sun that collide with atmospheric gas particles, creating the glow you hope to see.

It is not a long lecture, but it can change how you watch the sky. Even a quick explanation helps you look for aurora behavior rather than just scanning for random light.

Northern Lights Hunting in the Capital Region: Expect the Chase

The second part starts at 9:30 pm (21:30), again with pickup from the same location as the morning. This hunt runs about 4 hours, and it is weather dependent. You cannot count on lights every night, but the tour is set up to improve odds by changing locations.

The key idea is that the sites are different day to day. The guide takes you toward areas with better chances depending on the conditions. If you do not see aurora during your trip, you are welcome to join another northern lights tour free of charge.

What the night can feel like

Your time outside can be long, and waiting is part of the deal. One review mentioned hot chocolate and a fire pit, which makes sense as a practical way to keep people from going numb while they scan the sky.

Even when the aurora does not show up, a good guide can still make the night worth it by managing expectations and keeping people focused on what to look for. That same review also noted that the northern lights guide handled expectations well, even when the result was a miss on that particular evening.

Guides, Stories, and the Value of a Smallish Group

This tour caps at 60 travelers, which matters more than it sounds. In a volcano hike and an aurora chase, you want a group that is big enough for energy but small enough to keep an eye on everyone.

The reviews also show that the guides bring the experience to life through storytelling. One person said a guide and driver were amazing, with funny and engaging Iceland stories, and guessed the guide might be Hindrik. Another review praised Omar for being friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, and a strong photographer.

Those details matter because they shape your day. On a steep hike, a guide who checks on people makes the difference between a stressful slog and a doable adventure. On a night hunt, a calm, organized guide keeps everyone moving together and gives you the best chance to catch breaks in the clouds.

Price and Value: Is $185 Worth This Much Daylight and Night Time?

At USD 185 per person, this combo is not cheap, but it is also not just paying for a ride. You get transportation, expert guidance, WiFi on board, and a bundled structure that covers both major experiences.

Several admissions are listed as free, including the volcano hike ticket and other scenic stops. The Aurora Reykjavik center ticket is included, which is a real add-on value compared with tours that only throw you into the field with a briefing.

You do pay extra if you need hiking poles (rental is USD 9 per person), and you still need to cover your own food and drinks. But overall, the cost feels like it is built around reducing your friction: pickup, transit, guidance, and the “try twice” approach on aurora (including the offer to join another northern lights tour free of charge if you miss your chance).

If you are short on days in Iceland and want to maximize your time without stitching together separate tours yourself, this price can make sense. If you have plenty of time and prefer to keep plans flexible, you might compare options—but the combo format is clearly meant for efficiency.

Who Should Book This Combo Tour

This works best if:

• You want one booking that covers both volcano exploration and aurora hunting
• You are comfortable with a long day and cold evening conditions
• You have strong physical fitness for a steep hike and variable route options
• You like having a guide handle navigation and timing

It might not be your best fit if:

• You hate weather uncertainty and can’t handle the possibility of no northern lights on your night
• You want guaranteed fixed trails and fixed viewpoints (the volcano route can change)
• You need frequent, nearby facilities during the hike (toilets near the volcano are not available)

Also, kids under 12 can’t join, so plan accordingly if you are traveling as a family.

Should You Book It?

I think you should book this tour if you want to maximize your Iceland time and you are willing to do real hiking plus a long night outside. The combination of daytime volcanic views and a guided aurora hunt is exactly the kind of plan that makes a short trip feel full.

Skip it if your top priority is a guaranteed northern lights sighting or if you are not ready for a steep, cold hike with limited facilities nearby. When weather and routes line up, this kind of day can feel like the best of Iceland stacked back-to-back.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and how does pickup work?

It starts at Bus Stop #12 HöfðatorgÞórunnartún 6, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland. Pickup can take up to 30 minutes, and the second part of the day uses the same pickup location.

What time does the tour run?

The morning portion begins at 11:00 am and the overall tour is about 11 hours. The northern lights portion starts at 21:30 (9:30 pm) and runs for about 4 hours.

How long is the volcano hike?

The volcano hike can range from around 2 to 4 hours. The exact route can change depending on volcano activity.

Is the northern lights portion guaranteed?

No. Northern lights sightings are weather dependent and not guaranteed. If you do not see the lights, you are welcome to join another northern lights tour free of charge.

What admissions are included?

The Aurora Reykjavik center ticket is included. Other listed admission items are free, including stops like Kleifarvatn viewing and segments such as the Reykjanes Peninsula drive.

What should I bring regarding food, drink, and gear?

Food and drink are not included, so bring what you need. Hiking poles are not included either, but you can rent them for USD 9 per person.

Who can join the tour?

The tour is for people with a strong physical fitness level, and kids under 12 are not permitted. The maximum group size is 60 travelers.