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Volcanoes: The Pillars of the Earth

Volcanoes remind us of the beauty, power, and majesty of nature — and Iceland has more than its fair share! These living mountains spit liquid fire and alter the world around them, creating lava caves and darkened skies.

Arctic Adventures volcano tours bring you straight into the belly of the beast. Walk above volcanoes to behold them from above, or conquer your volcano of choice by wheel or foot.

Here’s a quick guide to Iceland’s mighty volcanoes and how to enjoy the country’s fieriest attractions. 

Going Underground: How Volcanoes Create Caves and Tunnels

Have you ever seen a blowtorch? Industrial forging is a good indication of how lava works. The basic principle of fire forging also leads to lava tunnels: scorching liquid coursing through softer walls of resistance beneath a harder surface. During volcano tours, you walk on or under this surviving surface! Many caves and lava tunnels are sturdy and big enough for people to pass through. 

There are many ways to get to the heart of a volcano in Iceland. A popular choice is the Thrihnukagigur Volcano – literally the only place on Earth where you can explore the inside of a magma chamber.

After crossing a lava field on foot, you take the lift 400 meters (1200 feet) down into the heart of the volcano. The burned insides are a sight to behold – shades of red, orange and other colors that cannot be seen anywhere else. You’ll see firsthand how the mountain’s insides are reshaped as lava rips through them. No wonder CNN lists Thrihnukagigur Volcano as one of the must-see places in the world!

If you’re feeling even more adventurous, why not try caving? Iceland’s volcanoes have carved out a vast, intricate and fascinating series of underground tunnels. Our Underworld Tour brings you into tunnels that were created thousands of years ago by searing rivers of lava. Behold the otherworldly shapes and colors created by Iceland’s volcanoes and – if you visit at the right time of year – marvel at the beautiful icicles.

Scorched Earth: How Landscapes Are Shaped by Lava

Iceland’s glorious vistas are the result of the country’s turbulent environment. Over the centuries, locals created captivating mythology to explain how Iceland’s landmarks were formed. For instance, the volcanic rock formations of Dimmuborgir (roughly translated as “Dark Castles” in Icelandic) were said to be the home of the half-troll, half-ogre Grýla and her 13 children. The real stories are no less exciting!

Iceland’s Most Famous Volcanoes: Hekla, Katla, Eyjafjallajökull, Fagradalsfjall and Litla-Hrút

Hekla, Queen of the Volcanoes

Mount Hekla is undoubtedly the queen of Iceland’s 100 volcanoes. Hekla last erupted on February 26, 2000. According to scientists, the volcano’s pressure measurements are now rising at a higher rate than they were at the last eruption! We don’t know when Hekla will blow her top next, but it could be very soon. 

Hekla is often called the “Queen of Iceland”. You can find the legendary volcano in the Fjallabak Mountains. Hikers from across the globe dream of climbing to the summit of Hekla ⁠— a 1491-meter trek. 

Katla Volcano

Katla Volcano often makes headlines because of the belief that a future eruption is drawing closer and closer. Local Icelanders don’t understand all the hype — nothing unusual has happened at Katla, so there’s no cause for immediate concern. Then again, that could just be the typical mindset when you live in such a volcanic country! 

Katla lies beneath the surface of Kötlujökull Glacier, an outlet of Mýrdalsjökull’s Glacier in the Southern Highlands. Katla is a stratovolcano, just like the notorious Eyjafjallajökull Volcano that erupted in 2010. It’s also one of the biggest and most active volcanoes in Iceland. The volcano has erupted 16-20 times in the last thousand years. The last eruption occurred in 1918.  

Throughout history, the time between eruptions was 20 to 80 years. However, it has now been over 100 years since Katla last erupted.  This either means that Katla has “shut down,” or that its next volcanic event is long overdue. In more recent years, Katla has had smaller eruptions that didn’t disturb its glacier ice layer. The last small eruption occurred in 2011. 

Eyjafjallajökull Volcano

Eyjafjallajökull is a rare stratovolcano in Iceland. You may have heard the name of this volcano before — in 2010, the ash cloud that erupted from Eyjafjallajökull brought air travel across Europe to a stop for five days! The 2010 eruption was the largest volcanic event in Iceland since the Katla Volcano eruption in 1918, nearly 100 years earlier. 

Adventure seekers love to trek across the unique paths that have been formed by volcanic activity. The most famous of these paths is Thorsmork Volcano Hike, a hike from Thorsmork Valley to Fimmvorduhals Pass. Along the way, hikers pass by the newly-created craters of Magni and Modi. These craters point to the scene of the Eyjafjallajökull eruption. 

The views along the Thorsmork Volcano Hike are among the most beautiful in Iceland. At the 800-meter summit of the craters, hikers look over stunning hillside, volcanic paths, and magnificent glaciers. This unique landscape was largely formed by rivers of lava. 

You can also try out the Eyjafjallajökull Tour, which brings you to this epic volcano on a Super Jeep. 

Fagradalsfjall volcano

Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted for the first time on March 3rd, 2021, and for the second time on August 3rd, 2022, and is located in Geldingadalur on Reykjanes Peninsula. After the series of earthquakes, an eruptive fissure opened in Meradalir, a bit north of the last eruption. The eruption site is only 9 kilometers away from the nearest Grindavik village, making it one of the most accessible volcanic eruptions ever. Thousands of tourists and locals have visited the site individually or with a guided tour.

LITLI-HRÚTUR VOLCANO

On July 10, 2023, at approximately 16:40, a volcanic eruption occurred near the Litli-Hrútur mountain, southwest of Reykjavik. This marks the third eruption in the region within three years. The eruption is classified as small and is not emitting ash into the atmosphere. Lava is flowing from a 200-meter (656 feet) fissure, creating captivating fountains. Concerns arise due to potentially high levels of volcanic gases, leading to the closure of access to the volcano. The eruption was preceded by increased seismic activity for a week. Fortunately, the eruption site is uninhabited, ensuring no immediate risks to communities or infrastructure. The lava flow is intensifying, resulting in expanding craters. From July 12, the eruption site partially opened and visitors can explore it via the Meradalir Route from Suðurstrandarvegur. This 20km journey requires preparation, but with a guided tour, appropriate clothing, food, water, and a charged mobile phone, it can be a safe and unforgettable experience despite the site's dynamic nature.

SUNDHNUKAGIGAR VOLCANO

The Sundhnúksgígar volcanic system, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland, is a series of volcanic craters rather than a single volcano. This system has experienced multiple eruptions in recent years, with the first significant activity recorded on December 18, 2023. This initial eruption lasted for 3 days near Grindavík.

It was followed by additional eruptions, including significant ones on January 14, February 8, March 16, and May 29, 2024. Each of these eruptions has been localized, with the sixth one starting on August 22, 2024. Due to the volcanic activity, residents of Grindavík were evacuated as a precaution, but there was no bigger impact on other regions of Iceland. For ongoing updates, please refer to our section on seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula

HAGAFELL VOLCANO

The new year in Iceland was already marked with an eruption that took place on January 14th, 2024. This is when lava near Hagafell Mountain burst. Since this wasn't the first recent eruption in the area, the authorities were prepared, making sure that no citizens of Grindavik were still in the town. The flights and other services were operating as per usual.

Lunar Landscapes

Geothermal activity has formed Iceland’s most beautiful landscapes, from deep green valleys to towering mountain peaks. Volcanoes are also to thank for the creation of the phenomenal Askja Caldera. The vast Askja Caldera is the result of a collapsed lava chamber that was ruptured during a volcanic eruption. The caldera is filled with electric blue water, forming a lake within the crater. 

The area around Askja Caldera is lifeless and scorched like a distant planet. In fact, NASA astronauts prepared for the 1969 moon landing with a visit to Askja!

The Land of Fire and Ice

Volcanoes are not just part of Iceland’s landscape. They’re also part of the national culture and mindset. Local Icelanders have a special respect and admiration for the ways that frightening aspects of nature create beauty and power. The country’s volcanic history has inspired local mythology and continues to influence lore to this day. These beasts’ towering reputation echoes throughout the world.

Iceland’s love for its volcanoes burns like molten lava and is solid as a mountain.

FAQs

No, currently, there are no active volcanic eruptions in Iceland. The most recent one ended on September 5, 2024. However, all recent eruptions were contained in an isolated area and had no impact on travel and flights. For the latest information, please check Iceland's volcanic activity updates.

No, the volcano eruption won’t disrupt your travel plans in Iceland. Everyone in the country is safe, and the volcanically active region is well away from our tour routes. The area is always monitored by scientists and authorities, so there's no impact on travel itineraries. Flights to Iceland are also running normally. Your trip should go smoothly and be full of unique experiences!

Absolutely, Iceland remains a safe destination. Volcanic activity on the Reykjanes peninsula, while significant, is well-managed and poses no threat to the rest of the island. This region has experienced a number of eruptions since 2021. However, none have disrupted flights or general travel around Iceland. The current eruptions are taking place in the isolated area. Extensive monitoring by the authorities ensures that these events won't affect your visit.

No, the volcanic eruptions should not affect your flights. Keflavík International Airport is operating normally, and flights to and from Iceland are running on schedule. The recent ‘fissure eruptions’ do not produce ash clouds that would disrupt air travel.

When an eruption is active, the area around it is usually closed off for hiking. That’s why it’s best to book a helicopter tour to view the eruption from above! Once the area is safe and accessible, guided hiking tours will also become available to take you to the site, following secure paths and ensuring a safe experience. For the latest updates on available excursions, keep an eye on our volcano tours.

Yes, to visit the eruption site safely, it's best to go with a professional guide. Local guides are experienced in navigating the area and will keep you safe while providing essential information about the volcanic activity. Booking a guided excursion reduces risks and improves your experience.

The area where the eruptions have been active is about 25 miles (about 40 kilometers) southwest of Reykjavík. This distance ensures that the volcanic activity is contained to the Reykjanes Peninsula and does not directly impact the capital city.

Yes, volcanic activity is normal in Iceland. The country is on the boundary of two tectonic plates, which causes frequent eruptions and earthquakes. The Reykjanes Peninsula has seen more volcanic activity since 2021, which is part of a natural cycle. Authorities are well-prepared for these events.

No, walking on lava is prohibited and extremely dangerous. The top layer of lava can easily break, exposing hot lava below and creating serious hazards. Lava fields, in general, are protected in Iceland. Visitors should avoid disturbing or walking on them to prevent accidents and preserve the site.