Iceland is a country shaped by powerful natural forces. Across the island, fire and ice exist side by side. Glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, lava formations, volcanic landscapes, and geothermal areas are all part of the scenery.
For travellers who want to understand what makes Iceland so distinctive, its geothermal landscapes offer a particularly fascinating feature.
On Craig Travel’s Iceland: Land of Ice & Fire journey departing June 1, 2027, travellers encounter geothermal Iceland in several different ways. The itinerary includes relaxing in the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon, exploring the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel, discovering the bubbling geothermal fields of Hverir, walking among the lava formations of Dimmuborgir, experiencing the Icelandic Lava Show in Reykjavík and visiting the erupting Geysir geothermal area.
Rather than seeing one geothermal attraction and moving on, this experience provides several opportunities to understand how volcanic activity has shaped Iceland’s landscapes.
What Makes Iceland’s Geothermal Landscapes So Fascinating?
Geothermal landscapes offer a fascinating glimpse into Iceland’s ongoing geological activity. On our Iceland journey, travellers experience this volcanic landscape in many forms, from the warm geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon and the underground lava passages of Raufarhólshellir to the bubbling mud pools and steaming vents of Hverir. It also reveals the dramatic lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the powerful geothermal activity of the Geysir area along the Golden Circle. Each stop offers a different perspective on the forces that continue to shape Iceland’s remarkable landscape.
Start With the Warm Waters of the Blue Lagoon
The first full day in Iceland begins with Viking history at Viking World, before travellers unwind at the Blue Lagoon, soaking in its warm geothermal waters. It is an easy and immersive introduction to Iceland’s geothermal environment; rather than simply viewing a volcanic landscape, travellers experience its warm waters firsthand.
From there, the day takes a very different turn with an exploration of Raufarhólshellir, a lava tunnel formed by ancient volcanic activity. This contrast is part of what makes the itinerary compelling: travellers move from the warmth of geothermal springs to the cool, underground world shaped by Iceland’s volcanic past.
Inside Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel
There's an opportunity to see the effects of past volcanic activity from a very different perspective at Raufarhólshellir. The lava tunnel was formed more than 5,000 years ago, revealing the path of ancient lava flows that helped shape Iceland’s volcanic landscape. It is a useful reminder that Iceland’s volcanic landscapes are not only visible on the surface. Some of their story is beneath your feet.
Hverir: Bubbling Mud Pools and Steaming Vents
Next is another distinctly geothermal landscape: Hverir. Here, bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and vividly coloured mineral deposits create an unusual and striking scene. For many travellers, it is one of the clearest examples of Iceland’s geothermal activity.
Unlike the waterfalls and sweeping coastal views found elsewhere on this adventure, Hverir offers no conventional landmarks to interpret. Instead, the landscape itself is the experience: steam rises from the ground, mud bubbles and churns, and mineral deposits paint the terrain in unexpected colours. It's almost otherworldly, and offers a vivid reminder of how dramatically Iceland’s scenery can change from one region to another.
Dimmuborgir: Lava Formations and Caves
At Hverir, steam vents and bubbling mud pools showcase the heat rising from beneath the earth’s surface. At Dimmuborgir, dramatic rock formations illustrate how lava can shape the landscape over time.
For those who are interested in photography, geology, or simply discovering landscapes unlike those at home, the contrast between these two experiences adds another fascinating dimension to the journey.
Iceland’s Geothermal Landscapes Are About More Than Volcanoes
Iceland’s volcanic landscapes are often associated with dramatic eruptions, but there is much more to discover.
On our journey, travellers encounter warm geothermal waters, underground lava formations, bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and striking lava fields and caves that reveal the many ways volcanic activity has shaped the land.
Beyond these geothermal wonders, the itinerary also takes in glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, rugged mountains, and coastal scenery, offering a broader appreciation of Iceland’s remarkable natural diversity.
Together, these contrasting landscapes bring the name Land of Ice & Fire to life.
Seeing Real Molten Lava in Reykjavík
At the Icelandic Lava Show, travellers see real molten lava poured before their eyes, an experience quite different from exploring a natural geothermal area. Rather than walking through a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity, the lava is observed in a controlled, educational setting.
A Lava Show tops it off, with a visit to the Perlan Museum to enjoy immersive exhibits that explore Iceland’s glaciers, ice caves, and Northern Lights. Together, the two experiences bring Iceland’s “ice and fire” theme vividly to life.
The Golden Circle: Where Geothermal Iceland Comes Together
We begin at Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, before visiting the Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse, plus the erupting Geysir geothermal area, and the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall.
The Golden Circle is an especially effective way to close the journey, bringing several defining elements of Iceland together in a single day: geological history, geothermal activity, sustainable agriculture, and one of the country’s most iconic waterfalls. For travellers who have spent the previous days experiencing Iceland’s volcanic landscapes in different forms, the Golden Circle offers yet another perspective on the island’s remarkable natural diversity.
What Is the Geysir Geothermal Area Like?
The Golden Circle visit includes the erupting Geysir geothermal area, offering travellers another chance to experience geothermal activity firsthand rather than simply learn about it. Rather than being a standalone excursion, it forms part of a wider sightseeing day: after Þingvellir and lunch at the Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse, the group visits Geysir before continuing to Gullfoss. This combination allows travellers to experience several very different Icelandic landscapes in a single day.
From Hot Springs to Lava Fields: A Journey Through Iceland’s Natural Forces
One of the most appealing aspects of this Iceland journey is the variety of ways travellers encounter the island’s volcanic character. Each stop offers a different perspective on the same underlying story:
- Blue Lagoon — Warm geothermal waters provide a relaxing introduction to Iceland’s geothermal environment.
- Raufarhólshellir — An ancient lava tunnel reveals the path of past lava flows.
- Hverir — Bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and colourful mineral deposits create a striking geothermal landscape.
- Dimmuborgir — Lava formations and caves show the lasting physical impact of volcanic activity.
- Icelandic Lava Show — Real molten lava offers a dramatic demonstration of Iceland’s volcanic forces.
- Geysir — An erupting geothermal area forms part of the Golden Circle experience.
Together, these experiences make the journey particularly well suited to travellers who want to understand Iceland through its landscapes.
Is Iceland’s Geothermal Landscape Suitable for Senior Travellers?
Craig Travel rates the Iceland: Land of Ice & Fire journey 3.5/5 — Challenging. The journey is described as a coach tour with some long travel days and a busy itinerary. Several site visits involve walking over rough, uneven surfaces, and travellers should be good walkers to fully enjoy the journey.
Most hotels are two-storey with no elevators, and porters are not available, so travellers must handle their own luggage. These details matter when deciding whether the journey suits your travel style.
Beyond the geothermal experiences, the itinerary includes waterfalls, national parks, coastal landscapes, and lava formations, where walking on uneven terrain may be involved. If mobility or walking ability is a concern, it is sensible to discuss the itinerary with Craig Travel before booking.
A Journey Beyond Geothermal Landscapes
Although geothermal features are a major theme on this exploration, it also includes whale-watching from Húsavík, an Icelandic horse demonstration at a family farm, the turf houses at Glaumbær, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Skaftafell National Park, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Food traditions are featured too, with a visit to the Shark Museum and a tasting of fermented shark.
Why Guided Travel Can Be Helpful in Iceland
Iceland's landscapes can be spectacular, but travelling between them involves considerable distances. For travellers who would rather have the major logistics organized for them, the guided group experience means all of the details are taken care of, including international and domestic flights, airport transfers, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees, meals as indicated, a dedicated journey leader, national guides and local specialists where applicable. The goal is to travel with ease, knowing that every detail is taken care of for you!
Explore Iceland: Land of Ice & Fire
Craig Travel's Iceland journey includes 21 meals, small-group travel and a 3.5/5 Challenging rating. The itinerary includes the Blue Lagoon, Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel, Hverir, Dimmuborgir, the Icelandic Lava Show and the Geysir geothermal area, along with many other natural and cultural highlights.
For Canadian travellers who want to experience Iceland's remarkable landscapes with the support of an organized journey, this itinerary offers a varied introduction to the country's famous “ice and fire” character. Now is your chance to experience it!
ICELAND
Land of Ice & Fire
June 1, 2027 | 12 Days | 21 Meals
Journey Leader: Michele Buys
