Stunning Images of Iceland’s Volcanic Eruption, March 2021

Sunday, 21st March 2021

Pam Forrest

iceland rth sigurdsson in front of fagradalsfjall eruption site 20mar2021

On 19 March 2021, a volcanic eruption started in the Fagradalsfjall area of the Reykjanes Peninsula. The first eruption here in 800 years, it was in fact ‘due’ and after weeks of earthquakes and intense monitoring by scientists, the main event finally began in the evening on Friday 19 March with a fissure around 500 – 700 metres long opening up releasing red hot lava flows.

Multiple fissures subsequently opened pouring lava into the Geldingadalur Valley and reshaping the landscape. This dramatic spectacle was captured by photographer Ragnar TH Sigurðsson – new images added 20 April 2021!


Ragnar Thor Sigurðsson

Ragnar is one of Iceland’s foremost photographers and has been shooting most of our images in Iceland for almost 30 years.  He has special permission to visit active volcanic sites which are off limits to all but a few scientists and his material has been used in prestigious publications all over the world. Ragnar is able to capture the magic of the ever changing tapestry of Iceland’s magic landscape like nobody else, and we are extremely proud to have him working with us.

iceland fagradalsfjall eruption site 20mar2021 by rth sigurdsson
iceland lava at fagradalsfjall3 by rth sigurdsson
iceland fagradalsfjall eruption lava flow 20mar2021 by rth sigurdsson
iceland fagradalsfjall lava 20mar2021 by rth sigurdsson
iceland lava at fagradalsfjall by rth sigurdsson
lava flowing through geldingdalur valley apr21 by rth sigurdsson
iceland fagradalsfjall eruption site mar21 by rth sigurdsson
iceland lava at fagradalsfjall2 by rth sigurdsson
iceland aerial view of geldingadalur valley apr21 by rth sigurdsson
iceland new lava fagradalsfjall eruption apr21 by rth sigurdsson
New lava cooling
iceland tourists viewing fagradalsfjall eruption apr21 by rth sigurdsson
Tourists view the eruption
drone over fagradalsfjall eruption iceland apr21 by rth sigurdsson
Drone over Fagradalsfjall eruption

All images copyright RTH Sigurðsson, www.arctic-images.com


Feeling inspired?

Volcanoes are such a big part of Iceland’s unique appeal that we operate a Volcano Hotline notifying lava enthusiasts of potential trips to visit live eruptions at short notice. Get in touch to our Travel Specialists about incorporating a visit to the Fagradalsfjall eruption site into your holiday.

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