Explore the Volcano Circle
A self-drive route around Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula. Connecting volcanoes, geothermal areas, sea cliffs and local communities. Plan a day of exploring, or pick a few stops close to Reykjavík and Keflavík Airport.
Explore the routeOne route. A lot to see.
The Volcano Circle is a driving route around the Reykjanes Peninsula in Southwest Iceland. Visit eruption sites, steaming geothermal areas, coastal viewpoints and small towns. Follow the circle from Perlan in Reykjavík, or join wherever suits your trip to explore at your own pace.
About the Volcano Circle- 12
- Places to discover
- One circle
- Start & finish at Perlan
Stops along the Volcano Circle
Every stop is different. Some are a quick viewpoint; others deserve a longer walk. Choose what interests you and build your own trip.
05Fagradalsfjall
Fagradalsfjall is known for the volcanic eruptions that created new lava fields between 2021 and 2023. Today, you can hike marked trails to viewpoints overlooking the eruption sites and solidified lava. Allow 3–6 hours, wear proper hiking gear, and always check current conditions before visiting.
Discover03Krýsuvík & Seltún
At Krýsuvík & Seltún, the geothermal activity is noticeable as soon as you step out of the car. You can see the steam, hear the bubbling mud pools, and smell the sulphur in the air. Follow the boardwalk for a closer look at the geothermal features that make this one of the most distinctive stops on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Discover04Krýsuvíkurberg
Krýsuvíkurberg brings you to the southern edge of the Reykjanes Peninsula, where long sea cliffs face the open Atlantic. The area is particularly known for its birdlife, with thousands of seabirds nesting along the cliffs during summer.
DiscoverIceland’s volcanic landscape, close to the city
You don’t have to travel far from Reykjavík to see how volcanic activity has shaped Iceland. The Reykjanes Peninsula sits across the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, with geothermal areas, lava fields and traces of historic and recent eruptions. The Volcano Circle brings these landscapes together in one route.
Explore the volcanic story
Closer than you might think
Start in Reykjavík, arrive from Keflavík Airport or join while travelling around Reykjanes. Our mapped circle starts and finishes at Perlan, but you can pick the stops that fit your day.
Ready to drive the Volcano Circle?
Pick your stops, check the conditions and start exploring Reykjanes.
Explore the route Open the interactive mapBefore you set off
Conditions around Reykjanes can change quickly, particularly near volcanic areas and in winter. Check road conditions, weather and current access restrictions before heading out. Allow time for the walks you choose, and plan breaks for food, toilets and fuel.
Latest road reports
Checking reports for Reykjanes…
Weather around the circle
Checking local forecasts…
Plan your
Volcano Circle.
Choose a starting point, pick your stops, and make the day your own.