🌋 Fire & Ice
Volcanoes in Iceland
Iceland has thousands of waterfalls — from accessible Golden Circle giants to hidden highland cascades. Here are the most spectacular.
Iceland's Volcanic Power
Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. The island sits directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, creating intense geothermal and volcanic activity that has shaped the island for millions of years.
The country is home to more than 130 volcanoes and around 30 active volcanic systems. These volcanoes have created Iceland's dramatic landscapes — vast lava fields, black sand deserts, geothermal areas, and glacial valleys carved by volcanic floods.
Many of Iceland's most famous volcanoes are subglacial — hidden beneath massive glaciers like Vatnajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. When these volcanoes erupt, they melt enormous volumes of ice, creating sudden catastrophic floods called jökulhlaups.
Eruptions in Iceland can affect the entire world. The 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption disrupted European air travel for weeks, while the 1783 Laki eruption caused famines and crop failures across Europe and may have contributed to the French Revolution.
Most Famous Volcanoes in Iceland
Detailed guide to Iceland's most dramatic volcanic systems — with history, access and safety information
Eyjafjallajökull Volcano
The Volcano that Stopped Europe
Eyjafjallajökull became world famous after its massive eruption in April 2010 disrupted air travel across Europe for weeks, stranding millions of passengers. The name means 'Island Mountain Glacier' — the volcano is covered by an ice cap and sits on Iceland's South Coast. Despite the global disruption, the volcano is relatively small by Icelandic standards. The glacier and black sand landscapes surrounding it are now accessible via super jeep tours and hiking.
Hekla – Gateway to Hell
One of Iceland's Most Active Volcanoes
Hekla is one of Iceland's most active and feared volcanoes, with more than 20 recorded eruptions since the Middle Ages. In medieval Europe, it was often called the 'Gateway to Hell' because of its violent and frequent eruptions. The volcano has a distinctive elongated ridge shape, and eruptions can begin with little warning. Lava fields from previous eruptions stretch for kilometres around the summit.
Katla Volcano
Iceland's Most Powerful Subglacial Volcano
Katla is one of the most powerful and dangerous volcanoes in Iceland, hidden beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Eruptions from Katla can melt enormous volumes of glacial ice, causing sudden and catastrophic glacial floods called jökulhlaups that rush towards the South Coast. Historically, Katla erupts every 40–80 years — the last major eruption was in 1918, meaning the volcano is overdue. The black sand beach at Reynisfjara was formed by ancient Katla eruptions.
Snæfellsjökull Volcano
Jules Verne's Gateway to the Center of the Earth
Snæfellsjökull is a glacier-covered stratovolcano located at the western tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The volcano became world famous as the entry point in Jules Verne's novel 'Journey to the Center of the Earth'. On clear days, the peak is visible from Reykjavík, over 120km away. The volcano lies within Snæfellsjökull National Park and is considered one of the most mystical places in Iceland
Askja Volcano and Víti Crater
Remote Highland Caldera Lake
Askja is a dramatic volcanic caldera located in the remote Ódáðahraun lava field in the Icelandic Highlands. The 1875 eruption was one of the largest in Iceland's recorded history and created the Víti explosion crater, which now contains a warm geothermal lake where visitors can swim. The area was used by NASA to train Apollo astronauts for lunar missions due to its otherworldly volcanic landscape.
Krafla Volcano
North Iceland Volcanic Wonderland
Krafla is a volcanic caldera system near Lake Mývatn in North Iceland, famous for the Krafla Fires — a series of eruptions between 1975 and 1984. The Víti crater at Krafla contains a striking blue-green geothermal lake. Nearby Leirhnjúkur features colourful geothermal mud pools, steaming vents and fresh black lava fields. The Krafla geothermal power station harnesses the volcanic energy to generate electricity for Northeast Iceland.
Bárðarbunga Volcano
Iceland's Largest Volcanic System
Bárðarbunga is one of Iceland's largest and most powerful volcanic systems, located beneath the Vatnajökull glacier. In 2014–2015, it produced a massive six-month eruption at the Holuhraun lava field, creating one of the largest lava flows in Iceland since the Laki eruption of 1783. The eruption was closely monitored and could be seen glowing from Reykjavík on clear nights. The lava field covers more than 85 square kilometres.
Fagradalsfjall Volcano
The Accessible Lava Show
Fagradalsfjall gained global fame with eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula starting in March 2021, creating dramatic lava flows that thousands of visitors hiked to see. Eruptions continued sporadically in 2022 and 2023, creating new valleys filled with glowing molten lava. The site is only 40km from Reykjavík and became one of the most accessible volcanic eruptions in history. Even when dormant, the solidified lava fields are a dramatic sight.
Grímsvötn Volcano
Iceland's Most Frequently Erupting Volcano
Grímsvötn is Iceland's most frequently erupting volcano, hidden beneath the Vatnajökull glacier. It erupts approximately once every 5–10 years, with the most recent major eruption in 2011 creating a massive ash plume. The heat from the volcano melts the glacier from below, creating a subglacial lake that periodically releases in sudden jökulhlaup floods. Despite being Iceland's most active volcano, it is rarely visible due to the thick ice cover.
Laki Craters (Lakagígar)
The Eruption that Changed the World
The Laki fissure eruption in 1783–1784 was one of the most devastating volcanic events in recorded history. Over eight months, 130 volcanic craters along a 25km fissure poured out one of the largest lava flows ever recorded — covering more than 565 square kilometres. The eruption released toxic gases that killed 50–80% of Iceland's livestock and caused a famine that killed about 25% of the population. The eruption also caused crop failures and harsh winters across Europe.
All Volcanic Sites in Iceland
17 volcanic areas in our database
Volcanic Safety in Iceland
Check Before You Go
- •Always check safetravel.is for volcanic activity warnings
- •Monitor Icelandic Met Office (vedur.is) for eruption updates
- •Never ignore closed roads or barriers — volcanic areas change rapidly
- •Follow guidance from local authorities and emergency services
Near Active Lava
- •Keep at least 50–100 metres from active lava flows
- •Fresh lava remains dangerously hot for months or years
- •Volcanic gases can be deadly — respect gas warnings
- •Never walk on thin lava crusts — the lava beneath may still be molten
- •Wear sturdy hiking boots — sharp lava tears through regular shoes
Emergency Preparedness
- •Bring a charged phone but expect no signal in remote areas
- •Tell someone your plans before visiting remote volcanic areas
- •Emergency number in Iceland: 112
- •Download offline maps — GPS works even without mobile signal
- •Bring extra food, water and warm layers for highland volcano trips
Frequently Asked Questions
How many volcanoes are there in Iceland?
Iceland has approximately 130 volcanoes and around 30 active volcanic systems. About 13 of these have erupted since Norse settlement in the 9th century AD.
Which is the most active volcano in Iceland?
Grímsvötn beneath Vatnajökull glacier is Iceland's most frequently erupting volcano, with eruptions approximately every 5–10 years. Hekla in South Iceland is also highly active with more than 20 recorded eruptions.
Can you visit volcanoes in Iceland?
Yes — many volcanic areas are accessible. Krafla near Mývatn, the Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields, and Snæfellsjökull are all accessible. Remote highland volcanoes like Askja and Laki require 4WD and are only accessible in summer.
Is it safe to visit volcanoes in Iceland?
Yes, when following safety guidelines. Check safetravel.is for volcanic activity warnings. Never cross barriers or approach fresh lava. Stay on marked trails and follow local guidance. Guided tours are recommended for active volcanic areas.
Which volcano caused the 2010 ash cloud?
Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted in April 2010, creating an ash cloud that disrupted air travel across Europe for weeks. The eruption melted part of the glacier covering the volcano, creating dramatic floods.
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