The Volcanic Way – designed by the locals, for you, the curious traveler
Local knowledge of destinations and places loved by the locals has been in demand for travelers worldwide for a long time.
Visit South Iceland and Visit Reykjanes, in collaboration with local companies, municipalities, and residents, set out to create a travel route that included all the local´s favorite spots from Reykjanes to Höfn, spanning some 700 kilometers.
That is how the Volcanic Way came to be. In a route spanning seven hundred kilometers, a vast area, we, the locals, decided to use eight main volcanoes to guide visitors through these massive regions. Curious travelers can learn and explore the vicinity of these famous Icelandic volcanoes, their history, how they affected our culture, and how they shaped our nature.
Travel with purpose and take it slow.
The Volcanic Way is a travel route designed so that we, the locals, can show travelers what volcanoes have to offer, what they can create, and how we have been able to use them, from warm bathing spots to ATV tours on black sands, hikes in old lava fields or scenic mountain outlooks. There is a lot to see along the Reykjanes and South Iceland, so we implore visitors to take it slow, travel with purpose, learn about our culture and nature, and enjoy your time on the Volcanic Way.
Our volcanic history
Black sands, Basalt columns, and vast lava fields are just some of the natural wonders that draw visitors to our small volcanic island in the middle of the Atlantic. Volcanoes and their activity have shaped all the above-mentioned natural phenomena over the millennia. Ever since people first settled in Iceland in the 800s, we, the locals, have learned to coexist with Icelandic nature, where the volcanoes have played a big part in our culture. We have used geothermal heat and energy throughout the ages, a gift from volcanic activity, to mention some of the ways Icelandic culture has been shaped by volcanoes, as today Iceland has become known for its swimming culture. Volcanoes have not only shaped our nature but also played a big part in shaping our culture and made us resilient and innovative towards the challenges posed by volcanoes and other factors of life. If not for them, we would miss out on the spectacular nature that has made Iceland so famous; in fact, Iceland would possibly not exist without the Volcanoes.
For more information, visit: https://www.south.is/en/destinations/travel-routes/the-volcanic-way
Photos: Þráinn Kolbeinsson