Iceland: Guide to Active Volcanoes and How to Visit Them Safely

The Island that Burns and Freezes Simultaneously

Iceland is geologically unique: it sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (where Europe and North America separate) AND over the Iceland hotspot (a mantle plume that produces enormous amounts of magma). The result: an island with over 130 active volcanoes, eruptions on average every 3-5 years, and the most accessible volcanic system for non-specialists on the planet. It's not just geology — it is one of the most visually dramatic landscapes on Earth.

The Main Volcanic Systems

Reykjanes Peninsula: Gateway Volcanism

The Reykjanes peninsula, where Keflavik Airport is located, has experienced a spectacular volcanic rebirth: between 2021 and 2024, the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system produced 4 eruptions, making this the most accessible volcano in the world during an active eruption. The black, shiny lava fields of the peninsula can be visited on a day trip from Reykjavik.

Eyjafjallajökull: The Volcano that Grounded Europe

The 2010 eruption paralyzed European aviation for weeks and made this volcano world-famous (also because its name is unpronounceable for 98% of Europeans). Today it is dormant. The Eyjafjallajökull Visitor Center at Þorvaldseyri tells the story of the eruption through the eyes of the farming family who lived next to it — one of the most emotional and personal volcanic museums in Iceland.

Hekla: The Gateway to Hell

In the Middle Ages, European theologians believed that Hekla was literally the gateway to Hell. Understandable: the volcano erupts roughly every 10 years with minimal warning, producing ash clouds that rise 15km high. The last eruption was in 2000 — scientists consider it "overdue" for the next one. It can be visited with certified guides, with real-time seismic monitoring.

Krafla and the Mývatn Valley: The Martian Landscape

In northeastern Iceland, the Lake Mývatn area and the Krafla volcano offer the most diverse and accessible volcanic landscape: fumarole fields at Námafjall (where the earth boils and smokes with sulfur), the Viti crater lake (filled with light blue water), the eruptive cones of Hverfjall, and the Leirhnjúkur lava field (partly formed during the eruptions of the 70s-80s, still warm to the touch in some places).

How to Visit Volcanoes: Safety Rules

• Always check the Iceland Met Office (vedur.is) for updates on volcanic activity
• Never approach active lava areas without a certified guide and specific equipment
• Volcanic gas (CO₂, SO₂, H₂S) accumulates in depressions — do not linger in fumarole areas if there is no wind
• Bring an FFP2 or P3 mask for dusty areas with volcanic ash
• Stiff-soled hiking boots are mandatory on lava fields — freshly cooled lava is sharp as glass

Photographing Volcanoes: Practical Tips

• For glowing lava at night: ISO 400-800, shutter speed 1/60s, f/5.6 — long exposure is not needed for natural fire
• Fumaroles photographed backlit at sunset create dramatic backlighting effects
• Use polarizing filters to reduce the glare on the shiny surfaces of fresh basaltic lava
• Protect your camera from ash with rain covers — volcanic ash is corrosive to shutter mechanisms