If you’ve ever wanted to witness the raw power of nature, Iceland has ANOTHER volcano eruption in Iceland that you won’t want to miss!
A stunning fissure eruption is currently lighting up the Reykjanes Peninsula with glowing lava flows, offering a rare and exciting spectacle. You might even get lucky and catch a glimpse of the northern lights dancing overhead, too!
While this might sound alarming, there’s no need to cancel your travel plans. Go to Iceland to see the volcano eruption. It is highly unlikely that the eruption will cause issues with flights. You can check the status flights at the Keflavik Airport and get overall updates at safetravel.is.
Icelanders have lived alongside these fiery giants for over 1,000 years, and the country’s advanced monitoring systems provide early warnings, similar to storm tracking systems.
On my first visit to Iceland in 2016, I asked an Icelander, “What do you do if there is a volcanic eruption?”
He replied enthusiastically, “We go to it!”
So, since Iceland has ANOTHER volcanic eruption, do as the Icelanders do, – go to it! Pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in one of the world’s most volcanically active and captivating landscapes! Iceland is a magical place with glaciers, huge waterfalls, geysers, golden sand beaches, towering basalt cliffs, and vast sand deserts.
August of 2022, I was in Iceland, and had the chance to hike to a tourist friendly eruption, meaning Icelandic authorities let hikers walk to the crater to view the eruption up-close. It was a life changing experience to see the red lava lakes flowing, to see the red glow on peoples faces, and to feel the hot air from the crater against my skin.
The August 22, 2024 eruption is not a tourist friendly eruption, yet. But here is information on how to see the volcano eruption in Iceland.
Living with volcanoes?
In the last 500 years, Iceland’s volcanoes have produced a third of Earth’s lava. Iceland’s volcanic activity is driven by tectonic forces along the mid-Atlantic ridge. At Thingvellir National Park, visitors can see seafloor spreading above sea level, where the widening valley pushes North America away from Europe, expanding the Atlantic. Iceland also lies over a hotspot, where magma rises, builds pressure, and eventually erupts through the crust, creating lava flows.
Where is the eruption in Iceland?
The eruption is on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It is about 45 minutes away from the capital city Reykjavik by car, and about 15 minutes from KeflavĂk International Airport. It is very close to the Blue Lagoon.
What type of eruption is taking place on the Reykjanes Peninsula?
This fissure eruption is the gentlest form, where lava seeps out of cracks in the earth as pressure is released. Unlike more explosive eruptions, this one allows magma to flow smoothly and steadily, creating stunning lava rivers that can be safely viewed from a distance.
What type of eruption is it not?
It is not a stratovolcano eruption like Mount St. Helens. While Iceland does have stratovolcanoes, most are located in the highlands or along the south coast. These eruptions are the ones that can pose air traffic disruptions due to ash clouds, such as the famous 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption. But since Iceland has ANOTHER volcanic eruption, this one is far less disruptive and much more visually appealing.
How can I see the volcano eruption in Iceland?
Important: Do not approach the volcano until authorities say it is safe. Also, avoid stopping on Road 41 to view it.However, you’ll get a fantastic show at a safe distance from nearby towns like Keflavik, Vogar, and even Reykjavik. Imagine soaking in the Sky Lagoon’s geothermal waters while watching Iceland’s latest volcanic wonder in action!
Here is a map of viewing locations of the volcano eruption in Iceland?
There are places to view the volcano from a safe distance without interfering with safety personnel or equipment. Check out this map from Visit Reykjanes.
Here is a live cam of the volcano eruption in Iceland.
If you can jet off to Iceland, you can watch the volcano eruption from home here.
Should I cancel my trip because of the volcano eruption in Iceland?
On the contrary, you should book a ticket right now! The only areas potentially affected by this eruption are the Blue Lagoon, Svartsengi power station, and the town of Grindavik. The rest of Iceland is completely unaffected and ready to welcome visitors with its usual charm. Since Iceland has ANOTHER volcanic eruption, it’s an ideal time to experience this extraordinary event!
Are Green Edventures’ Tours being affected?
No. The volcano is not affecting any of our tours. There’s no need to worry about your Green Edventures tour! We’re keeping a close watch on the situation, and if any updates are needed, we’ll inform you promptly. Iceland has ANOTHER volcanic eruption, but that’s just another reason to get excited about your upcoming adventure!
About the Author
Tara Short is the CEO / Founder of Green Edventures Tours.
August of 2022, Tara had the chance to hike to a tourist friendly eruption, meaning Icelandic authorities let hikers walk to the crater to view the eruption up-close. It was a life changing experience. You can listen to her talk about it here on the SignOut Podcast.