Welcome to the land of fire and ice - Iceland!
This stunning country is located in the North Atlantic Ocean and is home to glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, and more. It's no wonder it's always been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and when it comes to exploring volcanoes, there's no place on Earth quite like here.
This guide will dive deep into the breathtaking volcanic wonders of Iceland, including tips on where to go, what to see, and how to make the most of your trip.
So whether you're a seasoned traveller or this is your first time venturing into the world of volcanoes, strap in and get ready for an adventure!
Why do people want to visit the volcanoes in Iceland?
The volcanoes in Iceland are some of the most active and impressive in the world. They offer travellers the opportunity to see the power of nature firsthand and get up close and personal with lava flows, steaming fumaroles, and other incredible geological features.
What's more, Iceland is home to both Eyjafjallajökull and Hekla - two of the most famous volcanoes in the world. And while they may have caused havoc in recent years with their eruptions, they're still two of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland.
What is the most famous volcano in Iceland?
The most famous volcano in Iceland is undoubtedly Eyjafjallajökull.
This stratovolcano is located in the south of the country and last erupted in 2010, causing widespread disruption to air travel across Europe.
Despite its notoriety, Eyjafjallajökull is still one of Iceland's most popular tourist destinations and is now safe to visit, with hundreds of years between eruptions. Although, its neighbour Katla might decide to make some noise.
Another stunning volcano to visit is Hekla. This volcano is located in the south of Iceland and last erupted in 2000. However, it's considered to be one of the most active volcanoes.
Iceland's geothermal water & lagoons
One of the best things about Iceland is its geothermal water. This water can be found in lagoons, hot springs, and even taps! The most famous geothermal lagoon is the Blue Lagoon, which is located just outside Reykjavik.
This artificial lagoon was created in 1976 and is fed by water from the nearby geothermal power plant. The water is rich in minerals and is said to have healing properties, making it the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.
If you're looking for something a little less touristy, there are plenty of other great options scattered around Iceland. One of our personal favourites is Myvatn Nature Baths, which is located in the north of the country.
This lagoon is fed by water from a nearby geothermal power plant and is surrounded by stunning volcanic landscapes. It's the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring Iceland's incredible natural wonders, primarily if you treat yourself to a mud mask excursion!
I also highly recommend visiting Reykjavik's local swimming baths, they have geothermal water too!
The 2021 Fagradalsfjall Volcano Eruption in Iceland
The Fagradalsfjall volcano, located on the Reykjanes peninsula, was one of the most dormant volcanoes in Iceland. It lay silent for over 800 years, the last eruption dating back to 1226, but all this changed last year.
On March 19th, 2021, after some small seismic activity rocked the area, a small 600-700 metre fissure opened up to spill lava onto the slopes of the landscape of the Meradalir Valley, about 30 km from Reykjavik.
The eruption lasted around ten months, mostly ending on 18th September 2021.
The 2022 Fagradalsfjall Volcano Eruption - Meradalir Valley
But the peace wasn't to last for long, as the land of fire and ice showed its true colours once more.
On August 3rd, 2022, the Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted again after weeks of earthquakes. Over 10,000 recorded episodes of seismic activity rocked the area, the strongest of which measured more than five on the Richter Scale.
This was known as a tourist-friendly eruption, with the hike to get there being the only main concern. The spectacle rapidly became one of the highlight attractions of the island, with over 1,830 people visiting this impressive sight on the first day.
The Meradalir Valley is easily accessible in just under 90 minutes by trekking the hiking path from a newly formed car park. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visited the volcano, including many talented photographers and videographers.
And it's clear to see why.
For many explorers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see firsthand the power of nature.
If you're planning on visiting Iceland in the near future, make sure to keep an eye on the situation at Fagradalsfjall volcano. The eruption may have now ended but this incredible natural event has created a whole new lava landscape, and it could rumble again at any time! I recommended booking a tour guide to see Icelands newest volcano!
As you can see, Iceland is an incredible wonderland when it comes to volcanoes, and there's truly something for everyone, no matter how involved you want to get. It's certainly a country you don't ever want to miss.
And if you're looking to bring the power of Iceland's fire and ice into your own home, don't forget to check out our homemade, limited edition SÆR volcanic mugs inspired by the 2022 volcano eruption!
Safe travels 🌋