Iceland may be a small country, but it packs a geological punch. In fact, the country is home to around 130 volcanoes. These are a mix of active and dormant volcanoes, many of which you can explore during your trip to Iceland.

One of Iceland’s biggest and most powerful volcanoes is Katla. You can get close to it by heading to Vatnajökull National Park, where the volcano lies beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. You can even take guided tours of the natural ice caves, which form in the winter and melt in the spring.

Volcanoes in Iceland are not considered dangerous, largely because most of them are located away from human civilisation. What’s more, experts constantly monitor volcanic activity in order to predict eruptions before they happen.

Of course, if you’re visiting Iceland and want to see volcanoes, it’s important to follow local guidance to stay safe. You should stick to the designated pathways when you’re exploring volcanic sites on foot. And if any roads are closed, do not attempt to drive on them.

Stay up-to-date with any ongoing eruptions by visiting this Iceland volcano update page. Otherwise, check out these health and safety tips in our Iceland Travel Guide.

Yes, you can visit active volcanoes in Iceland, and you shouldn’t miss the experience if you are fascinated by nature and geology!*

There are many places where you can enjoy an Iceland active volcano tour. Here’s our pick of the best experiences:

• • Take a helicopter flight over the eruption site near Litli-Hrútur mountain, on the Reykjanes peninsula
• • Discover Askja in the central highlands and witness its crater lake, Öskjuvatn, the deepest body of water in Iceland
• • Go hiking in Þórsmörk in the shadow of Eyjafjallajökull, a volcano on the south coast that famously erupted in 2010
• • Marvel at the fumaroles, mud pots and lava fields around Krafla and Leirhnjúkur, 2 active volcanoes in North Iceland
• • Explore Landmannalaugar in the central highlands, a place of rhyolite mountains and hot springs at the foot of Hekla
   

Read more about the best volcanic experiences to have in Iceland on our experts’ blog.

*If you’re visiting the country when there’s an ongoing eruption, check out these resources for the latest access and safety information:
• Iceland volcano update page
• Safe Travel Iceland website

In Iceland you can descend deep into a magma chamber to see the inside of a volcano. Aptly named the “Inside the Volcano” tour, this excursion takes you into the dormant crater of Thrihnukagigur, which you can enjoy on a day trip from Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital.

Trust us when we say that the “Inside the Volcano” tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Iceland is the only place in the world where you can do this!

As well as venturing into a dormant magma chamber, you can go lava caving in Iceland. Walk through underground tunnels formed by volcanic activity, passing stalagmites and stalactites as you go. You can do this while based in the capital, or Lake Mývatn in North Iceland.

Discover more top excursions to add to your Iceland itinerary.

You’ve probably heard about the latest volcanic event in Iceland, which began on 10 July 2023. The eruption site is located near Litli-Hrútur peak, north of Fagradalsfjall on the Reykjanes peninsula. This area is around 30 kilometres (19 miles) away from the capital city of Reykjavík.

The conditions at Iceland’s latest volcanic eruption near Litli-Hrútur are still evolving. This means that the area can be opened and closed at short notice, due to volcanic activity or weather conditions. As such, we ask that you respect the advice issued by local authorities. You’ll find the latest updates on the Safe Travel Iceland website and our Iceland volcano update page.

Until the volcano is better understood by the Icelandic authorities and scientists, we don’t recommend visiting the eruption site on the Reykjanes peninsula. This is because new fissures could open at any time and without warning.

What’s more, depending on the wind direction, harmful gases can accumulate in the area. This means the eruption site is dangerous for children and people with respiratory conditions.

That said, the Icelandic authorities have created a trail from road 427 out of Grindavík to a viewing point near the eruption. The return trip is 18-20 kilometres (11-12.5 miles) over rough ground and steep slopes. Please note that it could take anywhere from 5 to 8 hours to complete the hike, plus any time spent at the eruption site.

Please bear in mind that the trail is only suitable for fit and experienced hikers. A day bag with warm and waterproof clothing, along with plenty of water and food for the hike are essential.

It’s also worth noting that the route to the volcano could be closed or redirected if the eruption spreads or the course of the lava changes.

You can use these resources to find out more about the eruption:
• Safetravel Iceland – for safety alerts and to check if the route to the eruption is open
• Icelandic Met Office – for the Icelandic weather forecast and updates on gas pollution
• Visit Reykjanes – for information on the hiking route and parking