LAKAGIGAR VOLCANO AND LAVA TOUR
BY SECRET ICELAND
Book Lakagigar Volcano Expedition
Duration 8 hours. Departure from Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Join the full day tour to Lakagigar Craters in Vatnajokull National Park. You will travel on a Super Jeep specially modified in Iceland to be able to deal with the tough surroundings in the highlands and on glaciers. The main focus is on individuals on these guided small-group tours with a maximum of 11 passengers.
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UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
Iceland, the land of Fire and Ice
Since the arrival of the first settlers, the Norwegian Vikings, around the year 874, people have lived in the shadow of Iceland’s volcanoes and glaciers. Over the past 1,000 years, Icelanders have adapted to extreme weather, floods caused by glaciers, and volcanic eruptions.
Geologically speaking, Iceland is a young country, located on the “Iceland hotspot” and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Known for its active geology and massive glaciers, Iceland has earned the nickname “the Land of Ice and Fire.”
In Iceland, volcanic eruptions are a common occurrence, happening roughly every 3 to 5 years. Most are small, occurring in remote highlands and causing minimal disruption. However, on June 8th, 1783, a volcanic eruption at Laki changed life in Iceland and around the world for many years. The aftermath of this eruption, known as the “Móðuharðindin” (Mist Hardships), was devastating. The poisonous gases released by the eruption killed 80% of Iceland’s sheep, 50% of its horses and cattle, and 20–25% of the human population.
The gases from Laki’s eruption also triggered unusual weather patterns across Europe, North America, and Africa. North America experienced colder, longer winters, while Europe’s weather remained erratic. The crop failures in France contributed to widespread poverty, ultimately sparking the French Revolution in 1789. The eruption’s global impact was catastrophic, resulting in millions of deaths worldwide.
This was the largest eruption in Iceland since settlement, with the accompanying lava flow, Eldhraun, being the third-largest on Earth since the last Ice Age. Eldhraun covers an estimated 600 square kilometers and is up to 15 cubic kilometers in volume.
The stories from the Laki eruption, which occurred just 240 years ago, come to life through the personal accounts of Trausti and Guðmann, who share their experiences from the 2011 Grímsvötn eruption. While not comparable to the Laki eruption, their story of waking up in total darkness, unable to see their own hands due to ash falling from the sky, gives a sense of the disaster. The thick ash created complete silence, as it suffocated all sound. For farmers in 1783, there was no radio, internet, or television. The only source of information was the church service on Sundays. In contrast, today’s modern world offers a wealth of information, but the two eruptions share the same sense of isolation and devastation. The Laki eruption lasted 8 months, while the Grímsvötn eruption lasted only 8 days.
Laki Craters is part of Vatnajökull National Park, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 5th, 2019. This recognition highlights the unique value of the park’s natural environment and the Lónsöræfi Nature Reserve to humanity.
You will travel in a specially modified huge super jeep with experienced local guides.
Super Jeep is a four-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicles equipped with massive suspension systems and tires ranging from 38″ to 46″ size. Besides using enormous tires, these vehicles have reshaped bodies to house the larger wheels, extended suspension, and a special lift kit to increase the ride height.
Click here to learn more about the specially modified Super Jeep
What are the benefits of taking a guided Super Jeep tour to Lakagígar with Secret Iceland?
Lakagígar (Laki Craters) is a volcanic fissure in Iceland that erupted in 1783-1784, causing one of the most significant volcanic disasters in history. Here’s why a Super Jeep tour with Secret Iceland is the perfect way to explore this remarkable site:
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Access to Remote Areas:
The rugged terrain and river crossings around Lakagígar are difficult to navigate without a Super Jeep. These specially modified vehicles can take you to places that regular cars can’t reach, allowing you to explore hidden gems and remote areas safely. -
Scenic Views:
The Lakagígar area boasts breathtaking landscapes, including vast lava fields, volcanic craters, and dramatic geological formations. Your expert guide will ensure you experience the most awe-inspiring spots and never miss a stunning view. -
Educational Insight:
The 1783-1784 eruption of Lakagígar had a significant impact on Iceland and the world. On this tour, you’ll learn about the eruption’s history, its global consequences, and the unique geology of the area, making it an enriching experience. -
Personalized Experience:
Secret Iceland’s small group sizes mean you’ll receive a more personalized and intimate tour. With a local guide, you’ll get in-depth knowledge and have the chance to ask questions, ensuring a richer experience. -
Adventure and Comfort:
The journey to Lakagígar is an adventure in itself. With a Super Jeep’s large 46” tires and advanced suspension system, you’ll experience a smooth and safe ride even on Iceland’s toughest terrain, allowing you to relax and focus on the breathtaking surroundings. -
Expert Local Guides:
Secret Iceland’s guides are passionate locals who are knowledgeable about the area’s history, geology, and culture. They’ll provide insightful commentary, enhancing your understanding and connection with the land.
Overall, a guided Super Jeep tour with Secret Iceland to Lakagígar offers an unforgettable adventure with expert guidance, access to remote locations, stunning scenery, and an enriching experience.
Our story
The founders of Secret Iceland are brothers Trausti and Guðmann Ísleifsson, born in the small southern village of Vík í Mýrdal. They later moved to Reykjavík with their mother but maintained strong ties to Vík and their aunt’s farm, Efri-vík, in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, where they spent many summers as children.
In 1992, the brothers began a successful business in road construction for the City of Reykjavík. Starting small, their company grew rapidly, eventually employing over 35 people. However, the 2008 global financial crisis hit Iceland hard, causing the collapse of its banking system. The brothers foresaw the trouble and began scaling back their business two years earlier. While many companies went bankrupt and families lost their homes, they managed to keep their company afloat. But when Reykjavík City halted all construction, the brothers faced a loss of work.
Then, on March 20th, 2010, a small eruption began at Fimmvörðuháls, between the glaciers Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull. The eruption was manageable for those with the right equipment, and the brothers saw an opportunity to offer tours to the site using their specially modified Super Jeep. The idea was a hit, and visitors loved the chance to see an active eruption up close. Though most eruptions are dangerous, this one was relatively harmless and even allowed tourists to cook food over the hot lava.
As the eruption faded, Eyjafjallajökull erupted—much larger and far more dangerous. Ash clouds disrupted international air travel, and the brothers began to doubt their new venture. However, the opposite happened: interest in Iceland grew, and people wanted to visit the small volcanic island that had caused so much disruption.
The brothers decided to continue with their plans and, in 2010, launched guided tours to one of the world’s largest volcanic eruptions in recent history. They were intimately familiar with the Lakagígar area, having visited with farmers as young teens. The local farmers have long used the highlands to graze their sheep, and the brothers often helped herd the animals. They also share stories of their father and uncle, who built the road to Lakagígar in 1964. Today, the road is maintained by the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration but remains rough and impassable for smaller vehicles.
Secret Iceland has been a licensed tour operator, authorized by the Icelandic Tourist Board, since 2010.
Mick W
Highly recommended!
My son and I did the trip today with Trausti and the Holasport beefed-up Ford Econoline and, despite less than perfect conditions, had an absolute blast (no pun intended). Very freaky landscapes almost reeking of the violence of the 1780’s, coupled with stunning waterfalls, great walks and climbs
Vera A
Stunning views
Trausti took us to Laki Craters and AMAZING waterfalls, completely breathtaking! It was an amazing experience that I strongly recommend. It was a whole day trip with many stops in some of the most amazing places in Iceland. Thank you so much for this experience, could have not been more perfect!
Sireenah M
Fantastic tour!
We did the Full Day Laki Crater tour with Trausti (tour guide) and it was awesome. We got to see so much and it was a great mix of sightseeing and hiking throughout the day. There are places that they take you that are just divine and that so few people probably ever get to see. Would highly recommend!.
Penny
Breathtaking!
We (mother and daughter) just finished an amazing Raki Craters tour. There is no better way to discribe it but: breathtaking. This tour takes you to places you otherwise could not reach and are therefore less touristic but no less breathtaking.
Marike V
Fantastic Day!
My sister and I did the Mountains, Waterfalls, the Moon, and the Beach tour. We managed to be the only 2 booked, so we had the tour to ourselves. We saw amazing scenery, and were able to take our time at each stop.
Rheinhold F
The best way to get into the highlands
We lucked out. Our guide was the owner/one of the owners and had been born and raised in the area so was intimately familiar with the geography, geology and farming culture. He was a joy to listen to and we could ask him just about anything we wanted to about Iceland.
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Contact us for more information on the tours or anything else you need to know.
If you have any questions or comments then please don’t hesitate to send us a message and we will do our best to accommodate you.