To be informed of potential trips to see volcanic eruptions in Iceland, sign-up to our Volcano Hotline
volcanohotline@discover-the-world.co.ukIceland Volcano Holidays
If your interest in volcanoes is bubbling away then we have plenty to fire your imagination. Sited on a geological hot spot, Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on earth. Its volcanoes are also some of the world’s most closely monitored and are in fact, a major reason for the country’s global allure.
Most visitors will have the opportunity to be spellbound by Iceland’s legacy of volcanic features – peaceful craters, moss-clad lava fields, bubbling mud pits and black-sand beaches. Some may even have the opportunity to witness lava fountains and molten rock as live eruptions occur periodically.
The most recent volcanic eruption started at Litli-Hrútur on the Reykjanes Peninsula on 10 July 2023 following days of intense seismic activity and lasted until 6 August. It occurred near to the sites of eruptions in 2021 and 2022 and was dubbed ‘tourist-friendly’. As of November 2023, another eruption is predicted to be highly likely and is being closely monitored around a localised area on the Reykjanes Peninsula. As a precaution, the town of Grindavik has been evacuated, but there is no disruption to the rest of Iceland.
Speak to our Travel Specialists about how you can build a volcano experience into a short break or tailor made Iceland holiday.
Volcano Holidays in Iceland
Volcano Hotline
Sign up to our Volcano Hotline to be informed of potential trips to see future eruption as they happen and once it is safe to do so.
Images of the recent eruptions in Iceland
The Reykjanes Peninsula has been the focus of Iceland’s recent eruptions, occurring in consecutive summers in 2021, 2022 and 2023. See some extraordinary photos taken by photographer, RTH Sigurdsson.
On average there is an eruption there every five years, though with three eruptions happening in successive years since 2021, they don’t operate to a schedule. Prior to the that, the most significant and well-publicised eruptions were at Bardarbunga in 2014 and infamously at Eyjafjallajokull in 2010, which resulted in global disruption to air traffic. Thankfully most volcanic eruptions are perfectly safe and once the initial activity is over, the aftermath can create an inspiring spectacle as Iceland’s magnificent other-worldly landscape continues to be defined today.
Volcanoes have long been a big attraction of this north Atlantic island, and plenty can be found on the doorstep of Reykjavik – both the 2022 eruption and the 2021 eruption at Fagradalsfjall are just 25km from the capital, in an uninhabited valley. Our Reykjanes Explorer self drive offers the chance to visit the eruption site. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the Blue Lagoon and explore the rugged coastline of the peninsula, which is a UNESCO Global Geopark, at your own pace.
Images of the eruption in the Geldingadalur Valley in 2021
Whether you want to spend an entire week exploring Iceland’s most impressive eruption sites or just stop off for a curious peak as you drive along the coast, then you’ve come to the right place!
From live eruptions to dormant volcano explorations, for many years we’ve been sending our clients to experience the splendour of Iceland’s iconic volcanic landscape. Whether you want to descend deep into the magma chamber of a dormant volcano, fly over a crater in a helicopter, or simply hike over Iceland’s lava fields, we have a holiday just for you. Our collection of specialised volcano holidays includes a superjeep adventure, self drive exploration and northern lights combo. Alternatively, speak to our specialists about how you can enjoy Iceland’s volcanic curiosities on your tailor made itinerary.
A popular stop on the South Coast for our self-drive clients, the Lava Centre provides a high-tech, multi-sensory insight into the region’s volcanoes, including Hekla (one of the country’s most prolific volcanoes) and Eyjafjallajokull, Iceland’s most infamous (and unpronounceable) volcano which wreaked aviation havoc in 2010. We can arrange for you to explore some of the eruption sites on a superjeep expedition into the Thorsmork valley.
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