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About the Volcano Eruption in Iceland

You might be wondering how safe it is to visit Iceland right now given the recent volcano eruption. Fortunately, the Icelandic authorities assert that the volcano is not considered a threat. Plus, vaccinated travellers are now able to explore Iceland and see the volcano for themselves if they want to!

Witnessing molten lava flow out of the earth is an extraordinary experience. At this latest eruption in Iceland, you can marvel at the glowing streams of orange lava oozing down the black basalt rock, all from a safe distance.

Rarely does a volcano put on such a spectacular show within easy reach from Iceland’s capital and airport, so this is indeed a unique opportunity. Read on to learn more about the volcanic eruption in Iceland, including safety tips and how you can visit it.

For a close look at the volcano erupting right now in Iceland, check out this live stream video.

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Frequently Asked Questions

You probably have questions about the recent volcano eruption in Iceland. To help answer your queries, our local travel experts – who are based in the Icelandic capital, Reykjavík – have compiled their safety advice and travel tips below.

The last volcanic eruption in Iceland began on 19 March 2021 in the Reykjanes peninsula, following weeks of seismic activity in the surrounding area, including Reykjavík. After much anticipation, a new fissure in the earth opened up and molten lava started to flow down to the valley below.

You’ll find Iceland’s newest volcano at Mount Fagradalsfjall, set within the Geldingadalur valley in the Reykjanes peninsula.

This region is located in the southwest of Iceland and is home to the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal pool and the country’s international airport, Keflavík. It would take you approximately 30 minutes to drive to the volcano car park from the airport.

Reykjanes is a UNESCO Global Geopark teeming with volcanic landscapes and geothermal activity, due to the pulling apart of two tectonic plates. It is the only place in the world where you can see the North Atlantic Ridge on land.

The Fagradalsfjall volcano is 32 kilometres (20 miles) away from Reykjavík, which is around 1 hour by car. After you reach the car park, it’s a 3-4 hour round-trip walk to reach the volcano itself.

It is generally considered safe for you to visit the Fagradalsfjall volcano.

You might be wondering how this is possible, especially if you think back to when the Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupted in 2010. Indeed, that was quite a dangerous and disruptive event, which grounded thousands of flights due to the vast ash clouds that the volcano left in its wake.

However, you should know that the Fagradalsfjall eruption is very different.

Rather than hurling rock and ash high into the air, like Eyjafjallajokull did, Fagradalsfjall’s lava flow is gentle, slow, and unthreatening. The fissures at Fagradalsfjall have released streams of molten lava that are gradually winding their way down the Geldingadalur valley.

This is why many people have been heading up to see the mesmerising lava streams first hand. Some Icelanders have gotten married at the eruption site!

That said, you should exercise caution if you explore volcanoes in Iceland. Stay away from the lava flow and keep to higher ground at all times. Should there be any bad weather or high levels of toxic gas emissions, you will not be allowed to access the area.

If you plan to visit the volcano, bear in mind that a good level of fitness is required due to the 3-4 hour return hike. It is not recommended that you go to Fagradalsfjall if you have any respiratory conditions as there is likely to be increased air pollution in the area.

Check out this guide to the Fagradalsfjall volcano eruption in Iceland on our experts' blog.

Conveniently, you can easily reach Iceland’s newest volcano from Reykjavík. You could explore the volcano site while based in Iceland’s capital city, or on the way back to the airport before your flight home.

If you are on a self-drive tour of Iceland, you have the chance to head to the volcano during your road trip, as it's only a 1-hour drive to the volcano site car park from Reykjavík.

You might like to visit at the beginning of your self-drive tour. Or you could go to the volcano at the end of your journey before returning to Reykjavík or the airport.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer not to drive, you could take the bus from the capital to the volcanic site. Your personal travel consultant at Nordic Visitor can arrange this for you and add an extra day in Reykjavík to your itinerary.

Once you arrive at the car park and drop-off point, you’ll need to hike for roughly 1.5-2 hours to reach the volcano itself. There are a couple of routes you can take from the car park.

Download the trail map from Safe Travel Iceland’s volcano updates to see your hiking options. We also highly recommend you check this page to find out about weather and safety conditions on the day of your visit.

Another way you can discover the erupting volcano in Iceland is by helicopter. This is a thrilling adventure that will have you soaring over Reykjavík and the Reykjanes peninsula to reach Fagradalsfjall in no time.

With a birds-eye view of the action, you’ll get to witness the lava flowing from the volcano in a way that few others get to experience. And you don’t need to worry about driving, hiking, or taking the bus.

As there are limited spaces for the helicopter tour, make sure you have it booked in advance of your trip.

Add this activity to your Nordic Visitor tour for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not many people can say that they’ve flown in a helicopter over an erupting volcano!

For an exhilarating getaway in the Land of Fire and Ice, check out more thrilling things to do in Iceland on a post-lockdown trip.

The car park at the volcano site is about a 10-minute drive from Grindavík on the south coast. Turn right off the 427 road to reach Geldingardalur Volcano Parking, which you can find on Google Maps.

If you’re hiking to the volcano, you should wear sturdy walking shoes, warm layers, and a waterproof jacket and trousers. We also recommend you bring a hat, scarf and gloves to stay warm.

Additionally, hiking poles will be useful for walking on uneven terrain. You should also pack plenty of water and food for your visit. And don’t forget your camera to take home memories of your volcano experience.

In summer Iceland has long daylight hours, but from late summer it gets darker earlier in the evening. If you are visiting from September onwards, we recommend you bring a flashlight with you, in case you hike back in the dark.

For sunset and sunrise times, read about time and daylight in Iceland on our travel guide. Or check our Iceland packing list to find out more tips on what to bring.

The recent volcanic eruption in Iceland started on 19 March but more fissures have appeared since then. Lava has been oozing out of these and flowing down into the surrounding valley.

You can never quite predict how long a volcano will continue to erupt, because nature has its own way of doing things. But that said, experts have identified signs that volcanic activity at Fagradalsfjall could last a long while.

Having studied the basalt rock, volcanologists believe that the molten lava has come from a deep magma chamber. They estimate that the source is around 15 kilometres (9 miles) below surface level.

According to the scientists, this is the first time in thousands of years that magma has come from a chamber this deep. And, because the lava flow taking place beneath the surface is the same as that above ground, the eruption could continue for some time.

Due to its position between two tectonic plates, volcanic activity is common in Iceland. In fact, you might be surprised to know that Iceland has around 130 volcanoes, which is pretty impressive for a small island country!

This is why Icelanders are used to eruptions taking place. But rarely are the volcanoes so accessible and visitor-friendly, like the recent one at Mount Fagradalsfjall.

Interestingly, the eruption at Fagradalsfjall is the first to occur in the region in 800 years. The last one erupted over a 30-year period, and so some scientists predict that the Reykjanes peninsula may again see renewed seismic activity for many years to come.

Discover more volcanic experiences to have in Iceland on our blog.

You can now visit Iceland without needing to quarantine upon arrival if you are fully vaccinated or you have proof of Covid-19 antibodies. 

Children are also exempt from Covid-19 border measures.

For the latest guidance on visiting the country, read our Iceland travel update.

There are some Covid-related restrictions currently in place in Iceland, including the following:

  • • A maximum of 500 people are allowed in the same location, with some restrictions including wearing a mask and social distancing.
  • • Social distancing of 1 metre is required between people who are not closely linked.
  • • Face masks must be worn indoors when the 1-metre social distancing cannot be observed.
     

You are also encouraged to wash or sanitise your hands regularly, limit contact with others, and avoid touching your face.

You can stay up to date with Iceland’s regulations by following our blog article: Is Iceland safe to visit?

If you have cancellation insurance with us, your payment is protected. This means that, if you need to cancel because of Covid-19 related reasons, you will never lose the money you’ve paid to us. 

Should you test positive for Covid-19 before your trip, you can rebook your tour, on one occasion, without incurring any change fees. Or you can receive a refund of 80% of the total value of your booking, and a 20% travel credit towards a future tour with Nordic Visitor. 

If you’d like more information on our flexible booking policy, discover our Book With Confidence terms.

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