Is Katla Volcano Erupting?

As of 2025, Katla, Iceland's most powerful subglacial volcano, remains under close watch. While it hasn’t erupted since 1918, recent seismic activity has kept scientists on high alert. In July 2024, a significant jökulhlaup (glacier-outburst flood) from Katla’s caldera caused damage to parts of Iceland’s Ring Road, briefly raising the Aviation Color Code to Yellow before it was downgraded back to Green.

Despite being historically overdue for an eruption, Katla remains unpredictable. Volcanologists from Iceland and worldwide are closely monitoring its activity with advanced technology, tracking any potential warning signs.

Katla is a large subglacial volcano in southern Iceland, located beneath Mýrdalsjökull glacier north of Vík í Mýrdal village. It has a system covering an area of 595 km² (230 sq mi), and its caldera spans 10 km (6.2 mi) in diameter. The volcano stands at 1,512 meters (4,961 ft) in elevation. Katla has erupted over 20 times in the last 1,000 years, with intervals ranging from 13 to 95 years.

This question is gaining more attention due to Katla’s history and recent activity. Although increased seismic movements were recorded in 2024, scientists estimate that Katla could erupt anytime in the next few decades. In July 2024, 30 earthquakes up to magnitude 2.2 were detected near the volcano, causing speculation about an impending eruption. However, the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) has stated that while Katla’s geothermal activity is rising, there is no immediate sign of an eruption.

Seismic activity around Katla has been observed at multiple points over the past several years. Increased tremors were recorded in 2016, 2017, and 2024. The last major earthquake in the region was a 4.5-magnitude tremor on July 27, 2017, followed by a 3.2-magnitude quake. These events temporarily raised the aviation warning level to Yellow. 

In 2018, volcanologists noted significant CO₂ emissions from Katla, but Icelandic geophysicists emphasized that further research is needed before drawing conclusions about an imminent eruption. Katla’s activity fluctuated between yellow and green alert levels in 2024 due to seismic shifts.

Iceland has seen a series of volcanic eruptions in the past few years on the Reykjanes Peninsula:

• November 2024: An eruption near Stóra-Skógfell opened a 3 km fissure, marking the seventh eruption in the area since December 2023.
• August 2024: A large-scale eruption lasted 14 days, covering 15.8 km² with lava.
• May 2024: A fissure eruption spanned 3.4 km and lasted for 24 days.

These eruptions primarily consisted of fissure lava flows rather than explosive ash clouds, minimizing air travel disruptions. Authorities have successfully managed evacuations and safety protocols.

From around 1500, all of the eruptions have occurred between May and November. There is no clear reason for this, but it might be caused by added pressure under the glacier in spring, summer, and fall.

Katla is a natural volcano, so there is no set time frame, but the eruptions have been anywhere from two weeks to five months or longer. In 1823, Katla erupted for 28 days, which is considered a short Katla eruption. In 1755, Katla erupted for 120 days, which is still the longest one on record.

Katla has erupted at least once every 95 years for more than 11 centuries. There may have been minor subglacial eruptions in 1955, 1999, and 2011. However, the major eruption of 1918 is the one we are counting from, which means that Katla hasn't erupted for 107 years—so the time is ripe!

Damage and environmental impact due to eruptions from the Katla volcanic system are mainly caused by tephra, runoffs from a subglacial eruption, lava flows, lightning strikes, and earthquakes. Tephrunoffsun-offs from subglacial eruptions are the most common offenders. Katla has sometimes ruined the land for farmers and some farms were even deserted. Animals have had to seek grass in new places and/or be taken inside.

The record for the most damage still stems from the year 934 and the Eldgjáar eruption, lava flowed down into Álftaver, Meðalland, and Landbrot. Nowadays, an eruption could affect air transportation, and roads might be closed.

For generations, Icelanders have lived alongside active volcanoes—it’s just part of life here. There’s a reason Iceland is called the Land of Fire and Ice. Eruptions happen every few years, sometimes even more frequently, and locals are used to the cycle.

When Bárðarbunga was gearing up to erupt, many Icelanders admitted feeling excited—though some joked they felt a little guilty about it. Since the eruption was far from any communities, no evacuations were needed, making it easier to view it as a spectacle rather than a threat.

So when Katla shows signs of stirring, there’s always a mix of curiosity and anticipation. It’s a powerful force of nature—but one Icelanders have learned to live with.

Iceland knows how to handle eruptions. With top-tier monitoring, clear evacuation plans, and swift action, volcanic activity rarely causes real danger. Scientists track every tremor, gas release, and temperature shift, so authorities can respond before things escalate.

The 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption proved this system works. Flights were grounded, but no one was harmed, and residents were safely evacuated within hours. More recently, the 2021–2024 Reykjanes eruptions showed just how smoothly Iceland manages volcanic events—visitors could even watch from safe distances without disruption to daily life.

If Katla erupts, the same level of preparedness applies. Iceland’s emergency teams are always ready, keeping locals and travelers informed, safe, and—if needed—swiftly relocated.

If you're fascinated by Iceland’s fiery landscapes, you can explore them safely with our guided volcano tours. The popular all-year “Under the Volcano” tour takes you on a thrilling super jeep ride across the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, combined with a hike and an unforgettable visit to the Kötlujökull Ice Cave inside Katla’s glacier-covered caldera. Witness the raw power of nature while staying completely safe and guided by experts.