Witnessing a volcanic eruption combined with the aurora

Tuesday, 26th August 2014

Destination Specialist

iceland Bardarbunga RTH HiRes Eruption RE CREDITED

Thirty years ago, our MD, Clive watched a volcano erupting in northern Iceland while the northern lights blazed across the sky – and it was just as magical as it sounds…

“It was exactly 30 years ago. I was working on our first programme of holidays and there was a volcanic eruption in Iceland. I went there in a small jeep – this was in the north of Iceland – with three other people and we stood on a hill in the evening with an ocean of lava as far as the eye could see.

I picked up a piece of lava that was hardening on the lava flow, and we still have it up in our conference room today – a new piece of land.

At the same time it was dark and the northern lights came out, and then the moon shone down, reflecting off the scene. Then some whirlwinds started twirling because of the reaction from cold air hitting the lava. Beautiful.

There was an old couple in the jeep that I was in, who had lived in India and were very well travelled. They said they’d been all over the world and this was the most amazing scene that they’d ever, ever seen, and that as long as I would live, this would be the most amazing scene that probably I’d ever see and – so far – it has been.

I’ve still witnessed some pretty incredible scenes, but nothing to rival that.”

Clive Stacey

iceland aurora and volcano fimmvorduhals eruption ja

One of the many reasons we love Iceland and encourage travel there is because of its interesting geology and lively volcanic activity, which has moulded much of Iceland’s curious landscape. This ensures Iceland is always spectacular to explore, but if your interest lies in watching a live eruption first-hand, make sure you’re signed up to our Volcano Hotline and we’ll contact you with details of potential last minute trips.

All Discover the World holidays are covered by our industry leading 100% Guarantee and our Travel Disruption Charter, meaning you’re in safe hands whatever happens and wherever you travel.

Planning your trip

Discover more about holidays to Iceland or contact our team of Travel Specialists to discuss your plans or for a tailor made quote.

Speak to a specialist

Popular blog posts

7 Whale Watching Hotspots Around the World

Become a dedicated follower of flukes with our guide to the world's best places to spot cetaceans.
  • Wildlife

Friday, 17th February 2023

Destination Specialist

Top 9 Ways to see Canada’s Rocky Mountains

The Rockies are a must-see highlight on most Canada holiday itineraries, but how you choose to explore them can provide a truly unique perspective.
  • Adventure

Saturday, 25th March 2023

Destination Specialist

A Guide to the Best Road Trips

Imagine exploring a country at your own pace, driving through spectacular landscapes with your favourite songs playing in the background. From one-day classic drives to multi-day touring routes, read on for our pick of the world's great road trips.
  • Adventure
  • Inspire Me

Thursday, 9th June 2022

Pam Forrest

Other blogs you may like:

A mature perspective on descending Inside the Volcano

Our client Sam Boote and his wife descended into Iceland's dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano in June 2012 - read about his experience below.
  • Adventure

Monday, 14th July 2014

Destination Specialist

Clive Stacey witnesses a volcanic eruption in Iceland

Our MD Clive Stacey writes about his initial reactions to hearing about the eruption in Iceland, and his own experience of viewing some of this awesome display of nature.
  • Travel Stories

Monday, 14th July 2014

Destination Specialist

Volcanic Activity In Iceland

From geysers to volcanic eruptions Iceland's geological activity is not only abundant but sensational. The country owes its very existence to its unique volcanic prone position on the North Atlantic Ridge.
  • Discover our World

Wednesday, 20th July 2016

Destination Specialist

Incredible images of the Bárðarbunga eruption

Ragnar TH Sigurdsson, an Icelandic photographer and long-time friend of Discover the World, has been out photographing the Bárðarbunga eruption;
  • Adventure

Thursday, 4th September 2014

Destination Specialist