Volcano Tourism in Iceland

The volcanic eruption of Iceland has now become a new attraction for tourists because they want to catch a glimpse of lava, which spurts & turns into molten rivers. Several people have already witnessed the volcanic eruption near Reykjavik in July. Therefore, people across the world are taking more and more interest in witnessing the live phenomenon of a volcanic eruption. So, it will help to open up new avenues for the tourism sector in this country. Iceland is a country that has the most number of active volcanoes on Earth and you should know that an eruption can occur every 3-5 years. Recently, Nordic Island's officials have warned of a new volcano near the Hagafell region. They said that it may erupt any time soon. Let's dig into the article to learn about Volcano Tourism In Iceland in detail.

How To Visit Iceland's Volcano Safely?

Authorities of this country keep on relaying information about the safety & volcano's accessibility. According to a report, locals & visitors get updates daily about the eruption site. So, all people need to follow instructions and safety norms to keep themselves away from danger. You can see travel agents who capitalize on such phenomena and set up volcano tours around it.

If you are planning to visit the volcanic sites, you need to be prepared before making a trip to Iceland. Because the eruptions can generate poisonous gases like the harmful SO2 (sulphur dioxide).

A report says that tourists have to be aware of the hazards at the eruption site. Besides, they should not go near the volcano. They have to evacuate if they feel discomfort. In addition, no one should walk on the lava, though it looks to be cooled off. According to Iceland's authorities, burning hot lava can still be there underneath the thin crust.

Volcano Tourism In Iceland:

Here, we are going to mention the top volcanos to see for making your trip exciting and memorable.

The Mount Eyjafjallajökull Super Jeep Tour:

Mount Eyjafjallajokull is called “the volcano that caused all the troubles.” In 2010, a lot of powerful eruptions occurred. That's why the mount became very popular. These eruptions caused a big chaos in the local area & much further afield.

The volcanic activities have produced intense heat, which melted the glacier at the top of Eyjafjallajökull. The generated meltwater powered through rivers located nearby, and resulted in the evacuation of 800 local people. However, this volcano has not caused problems for a decade and is unlikely to do so for a long time. So, you can go to this place now as it is a good time to visit. In order to explore the rugged landscapes, you can make Jeep tours.

Eruption On The Reykjanes Peninsula:

Its location is near Sundhnúkasigigar, which is on the north side of Grindavík. Reykjanes peninsula is where the volcanic eruption began most recently on 14 January 2024. As ash is not produced by this eruption, it will not affect air travel to & from the Keflavík International Airport.

The Volcano House In Reykjavík:

Before you venture into the countryside of Iceland to view actual volcanic sites, you should definitely visit the volcano house museum, if you want to learn about volcanoes in the capital city. This museum exhibits the geological history of the country. Also, here you will get to see the collection of volcanic rocks. Additionally, there can be found two documentaries about popular eruptions. The first one is about the sudden eruption that has occurred in the Westman Islands. And the second one is about the famous volcanic eruption at Eyjafjallajökull and Fimmvörðulháls in 2010.

Explore Iceland’s Mystic Underworld:

Do you think that getting inside a volcano can deliver a jaw-dropping experience? Then, what would be your opinion about exploring the one that lies beneath one? If you plan to explore this mystic underworld, you can take the help of a professional guide. This adventure will take you into a strange world that you haven't seen before. It can be the best adventure tour for scientists who specialize in the study of caves and related rock formations. Before starting the adventure in this strange world, you will be given a helmet and torch. While you can witness awesome stalactites, you can get to see the stalagmites. Additionally, you can see several different types of geological features.

Snæfellsjökull National Park In West Iceland:

The location of this park is at the tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula on the western side of Iceland. The terrain of Snæfellsjökull National Park can look like it was ripped from prehistoric times.

Based on the popular Snæfellsjökull volcano, the naming of this park was done. Jules Verne used this as the setting for 'Journey to the Center of the Earth,' his classic novel. There are several other volcanic landforms that you can explore in this park. For example, in Djúpalónssandur beach you can witness its lifting stones and smooth black pebbles. Also, you can explore Dritvík Cove. Discovering jutting cliffs is possible at Lóndrangar. At the same time, it is possible to explore lava fields surrounding volcanoes. Do you want to know more about volcanic history? Then, you should take a guided tour of the Víðgelmir cave or the Vatnshellir.

Take A Tour Inside A Volcano:

While you can see volcanoes from the outside, how will you feel if you need to climb inside one? Are you willing to experience a real-life journey to the earth's centre? Then, taking a tour inside the volcano can give you that experience.

You should visit here in order to get a spectacular and unique experience. During this tour, you can visit Thrihnukagigur Crater and the "Three Peaks Crater", which is a dormant volcano that isn't far from the country's capital city of Reykjavik.

What is special about Thrihnukagigur is that you can go to the magma chamber by taking an elevator. It may sound scary, but you can safely visit there. The reason is that magma drained away long ago. The last eruption was seen in this place in the 2nd century.

The Eldheimar Volcano Museum In Heimaey:

Vestmannaeyjar / Westman Islands is a mind-blowing archipelago of this country's south coast. People call it "Pompeii of the North." You should know that underwater eruption is the reason behind the evolution of all the islands of the archipelagoes. The name of the only inhabited island is Heimaey. In 1973, it used to be an eruption site. Almost 400 buildings were buried by this Volcano under thick lava.

The Eldheimar Volcano Museum In Heimaey focuses on this event which nowadays is considered a large natural disaster in Iceland or maybe the largest one.

Hverfell Volcanic Crater In North Iceland:

North Iceland's Lake Mývatn area can be explained as a hotbed with unusual volcanic terrain. It is where you can get the opportunity to see several geothermal activities. This one is probably the biggest tephra crater in Europe because of its 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) diameter. Therefore, if you plan to visit the volcanoes of Iceland, you should definitely visit here. It was formed almost 2,500 years ago in an eruption.

The Lava Centre In Hvolsvöllur:

Have you come to this country with the intention to experience the Land of Fire and Ice? If so, then you must visit the Lava Centre museum in South Iceland. In 2017, this museum was opened. The distance between this museum and Mount Hekla is not so much. Hence, you should know that Mount Hekla is one of the active volcanoes that was considered as the gateway to hell in the Middle Ages.

Inside of the museum, through the state-of-the-art exhibit more than millions of years of Icelandic volcanic activities are depicted, that cover eruptions, rift systems, earthquakes, glacial floods, & the formation of landmass of the country. If you feel hungry after making trips to such areas, you can grab a bite at the onsite Katla Restaurant, which is named after one of Iceland's largest volcanoes.

Krafla Caldera In North Iceland:

Krafla is one of the popular Lake Mývatn area volcanic attractions. This one is a big caldera with a 10 Km diameter (6.2 miles), whereas its depth is 2 kilometres (1.2 miles).

It is located along a 56-mile or 90-kilometre-long fissure zone. Between 1974 and 1984, a total 9 times eruption was seen here, while it has the record of 29 times eruption in history. The "Krafla Fires" eruption lasted from 1977 to 1984, which is the longest time among these events.

The Víti Crater Lake At Krafla In North Iceland:

It is located on the northwest side of Krafla Caldera. This explosion crater has a diameter of 300 metres (984 feet). And there is a greenish-blue lake inside of this. The term Víti indicates "Hell" in Icelandic. The source of the word is the old local belief, which says the underworld was located under the volcanoes in this area.

After reaching the Krafla parking area, you are able to walk to the rim's edge on a marked path that will guide you through the sulphur vents & rocks, which are still warm to touch from the Krafla Fires.

Volcano Visit On Mountain E-bike:

To make your volcano tour in Iceland more exciting, you can enjoy an unparalleled e-mountain biking journey to the Litli-Hrútur volcano. In order to get some thrilling experiences and witness the best jaw-dropping landscapes, you must explore the area. When you ride a high-powered electric mountain bike for this unique expedition, you will get a unique experience of navigating to the rugged terrains. In Reykja, the journey will start. Then, you need to go to the newly-formed eruption site at Litli Hrútur. When you navigate through the lava fields, you get the opportunity of viewing a landscape that will showcase nature's beauty and raw power. 

The Ultimate Ice & Fire Combo Deal:

If you are willing to get the ultimate Icelandic ‘fire and ice’ experience, the Katla Volcano Ice Cave Tour is probably your first choice; the combination of both— a mighty volcano & a glacier.

The southernmost populated location of Iceland is Vík. And you begin your tour from the scenic coastal village of this location. After departing from this place, you can be taken a bit off the beaten track. Because, you will be taken into a different & beautiful world typifying all that people love about Iceland.

During this tour, you will get to see the Myrdalsjokull Glacier. After coming to this place, you can see all different kinds of frozen wonders, like an outstanding ice cave. You need to take help from an expert guide who lets you and your team know all the interesting facts about the beauty of this natural wonder. People are not allowed to climb inside this Volcano as it is an active volcano. But it is true that it hasn't erupted properly in more than a hundred years.

Visit Geldingadalur Volcano:

Do you want to hike up an active volcano? The hike up Geldingadalur Volcano will be steep & partially over uneven terrain. But the effort will be worthwhile, because when you reach the place, you will have a beautiful experience, like witnessing famous volcanic scenes. The Volcano does not always erupt with lava. But you can see steam coming from the top. You can be amazed by watching the uncountable valleys, jagged mountain peaks & colorful lava fields.

Reykjadalur "Steam Valley":

Reykjadalur Valley is called "Steam Valley," belonging to the Hengill Volcanic System. The last time this valley was seen erupting was over 2,000 years ago. However, steaming mud pools & fumaroles keep the valley active. Also, there is a hot river which flows down from the mountainside. If you want, you are capable of dipping in the river.

The Bottom Line:

Iceland is called the "Land of Fire and Ice." It is the nickname that it has earned from the long history of eruptions at volcanoes. You need to know that like the northern lights volcanic activities will not happen on demand. However, eruptions do occur and lava was most recently seen flowing on the Reykjanes peninsula in January 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can you still visit the volcano in Iceland?

Despite the volcano not erupting, tourists can go to the site via a helicopter tour. However, in the last few years, several eruptions occurred in the Reykjanes Peninsula.

• Can you visit volcanoes in Iceland on your own?

Yes, you are able to visit the volcanoes yourself, but it needs a little preparation. What you need to do is to drive to the trailhead. Hence, you have to follow the marked hiking trails to navigate to the volcano area. If you are hiking yourself without taking the help of the experts in Iceland, you will always be responsible for your safety. Keep in mind that you need to always expect unexpected things as the weather in such areas can change quickly.

• Why do tourists visit volcanoes?

Per year a lot of tourists visit active & dormant volcanoes, as they want to view the mesmerizing scenery and take pictures of eruptions. Whereas a few tourists want to do more activities, like they want to climb volcanic mountains and want to take a hot air balloon tour over the volcano.