Eyjafjallajokull Summit Hiking Tour in South Iceland

Take on the ultimate challenge with this 12-hour guided hiking tour to the summit of Eyjafjallajokull, Iceland’s most famous glacier-covered volcano. With expert guidance and safety equipment included, this is the perfect once-in-a-lifetime experience for hikers seeking an unforgettable Icelandic summit.

Your journey begins at Seljavellir farm in South Iceland, located by the foot of Eyjafjallajokull and near the Seljavallaug swimming pool. Here, you’ll meet your experienced guide and the rest of the hiking group.

Before setting off, your group will receive a safety briefing and all the necessary glacier or safety gear. This includes ropes, crampons, ice axes, and harnesses, which will ensure a safe and controlled ascent once you reach the snowline.

Eyjafjallajokull is a 5,417-foot (1,651-meter) stratovolcano covered by a massive glacier, making it one of Iceland’s most famous natural landmarks. It gained worldwide attention in 2010, when its powerful eruption disrupted air travel across Europe. 

Despite its dramatic history, Eyjafjallajokull is now a stunning hiking destination with incredible geology, ice-covered ridges, and panoramic summit views. This tour allows you to experience the volcano’s raw beauty up close across a terrain shaped by fire and ice.

The first part of the climb takes you through steep foothills, where the trail winds up rocky ridges and volcanic slopes. The initial ascent is physically demanding, but your guide will set a steady and manageable pace so you can conserve your energy for the glacier portion of the hike.

At 3,116 feet (950 meters) above sea level, you’ll reach the glacier, where you’ll rope up for safety and continue the climb across icy ridges and deep crevasses. 

The final push to the summit is at approximately 5,250 feet (1,600 meters) of elevation gain. Though the hike is challenging, no technical climbing skills are required, making it accessible to experienced hikers with good physical endurance.

Reaching the summit of Eyjafjallajokull is an incredible achievement, offering unparalleled views over Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. 

From the top, you’ll gaze into the crater that erupted in 2010. To the north, you’ll see Myrdalsjokull glacier, while to the south, the vast Atlantic Ocean and the Vestmannaeyjar Islands stretch into the horizon.

After celebrating your summit success, you’ll begin the descent, following the same route back down. The return journey typically takes two to three hours and offers panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding glaciers. 

Throughout the hike, your guide will share insights into the region’s geology, glacial formations, and Eyjafjallajokull’s infamous eruption history.

This full-day summit hike is ideal for adventurous travelers looking to experience Iceland’s raw beauty, challenging terrain, and breathtaking mountaintop vistas. While no technical skills are required, hikers should be in excellent physical condition and come prepared with sturdy hiking boots, warm layers, waterproof gear, food, snacks, and plenty of water.

Book now for an unforgettable journey to the summit of Eyjafjallajokull, where volcanic power meets glacial beauty in one of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes. Check availability now by choosing a date.