Eyjafjallajökull Glacier

About Eyjafjallajökull Glacier

Eyjafjallajökull is a stratovolcano on Iceland's South Coast, topped by a glacier approximately 100 km² in size. The summit rises to 1651 metres above sea level and is visible from the ring road on clear days as a broad white dome dominating the southern skyline. The 2010 eruption was preceded by months of seismic activity and a smaller flank eruption. When the main crater erupted beneath the glacier it produced a massive ash cloud that drifted east across Europe, becoming one of the most talked-about natural events of the decade. Today, guided glacier hikes and super-Jeep tours operate on and around Eyjafjallajökull, offering visitors a chance to explore the crater area, nearby Þórsmörk valley, and the iconic landscapes made famous by the eruption. The nearby Lava Centre in Hvolsvöllur provides excellent exhibits on Icelandic volcanism.

📖 Story

When Eyjafjallajökull erupted in April 2010, a plume of volcanic ash rose high into the atmosphere and spread across Europe, grounding thousands of flights for over a week. Suddenly the world had to learn to pronounce an Icelandic name few had ever said before. The volcano had been dormant since 1823, and the eruption brought Iceland's volcanic power to global attention in a way no marketing campaign ever could.

Key Facts