Iceland Volcanoes: A Guide to Volcanic Activity

Few places on Earth show the raw power of nature like Iceland. Here, fire meets ice, glaciers rest beside active volcanoes, geysers erupt next to frozen waterfalls, and the ground itself seems to breathe.

Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice because of its stunning glaciers and strong volcanic activity. It is one of the most active volcanic regions in the world and one of the few places where glaciers and volcanoes exist side by side. Most of Iceland’s magnificent landscapes that attract adventure seekers and nature lovers, such as geysers, hot springs, caves, lava fields, and high cliffs, are the result of volcanic activity.

What is a volcano?

A volcano is an opening on the Earth’s crust where lava, molten rock, gases, hot vapor, and other types of debris can escape to the surface. It is also a mountain formed by the aggregation of these eruptive products. Volcanoes form due to the movement of the tectonic plates.

Why is Iceland so volcanic?

Iceland sits right on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where two tectonic plates slowly drift apart. This unique position explains why the island is so alive with volcanic energy. The island also lies on a hot spot of geological activity known as the Iceland plume, an upwelling of very hot rock deep within the Earth. Together, these factors make Iceland one of the most volcanically active places on the planet.

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge cuts the island into two parts, with the east on the Eurasian plate and the west on the American plate. Iceland is one of the few places where you can see this ridge above sea level. Locations such as the Reykjanes Peninsula, Thingvellir National Park, and Lake Myvatn offer clear views of this geological wonder. On average, the valley widens by about 2.5 centimetres each year.

The Reykjanes Peninsula is featured on our Gracious Southwest Iceland tour, where you can walk between continents, visit geothermal sites, and see how the Earth’s forces continue to shape Iceland’s landscape. On several of our GJ Travel tours, guests start their Iceland adventure on the Reykjanes Peninsula and wind down the day with a peaceful dip in the Blue Lagoon.

What is the Difference Between an Active, Dormant, and Extinct Volcano?

An active volcano has erupted at least once in the past 10,000 years. A dormant volcano has not erupted for that long but could erupt again. An extinct volcano has not erupted in more than 10,000 years and is unlikely to erupt again. Iceland has all three types.

Types of Volcanoes

Volcanoes exhibit various features such as height, shape, and slope steepness, depending on the composition and viscosity of the magma. The three principal types of volcanoes are:.

• Composite Volcanoes (Stratovolcanoes): Steep-sided and symmetrical cones formed by alternating layers of lava flows, ash, cinders, and blocks with a crater at the top.
• Shield Volcanoes: Built entirely on fluid lava flows that spread widely, forming a gently sloping, domical cone.
• Cinder Cones: Built by particles and globs of congealed lava ejected from a single vent, forming a circular or oval cone.
• Others Include:
• Lava Domes: Form when lava is too viscous to flow and piles around the vent.
• Calderas: Bowl-shaped depressions formed when a volcano collapses into the void left by its emptied magma chamber.
• Fissure Volcanoes: Associated with ridges but can also appear in the land, emitting large volumes of lava that spread to cover a large area.

Living with Volcanoes in Iceland.

Iceland is a volcanic island, shaped by volcanic eruptions along the Mid Atlantic Ridge, boasts a surface entirely composed of volcanic rocks. As you stroll around the country, you could be walking on lava, surrounded by a landscape formed through extensive volcanic activity. The island’s relatively low vegetation and barren scenery reveal vast volcanic desert areas that have formed more recently.

 In the past 10,000 years, Iceland has produced about one-third of all the fresh lava on Earth. These eruptions shaped the country’s mountains, plateaus, and valleys, creating the dramatic landscapes we see today.

Dubbed the ‘land of ice and fire,’ Iceland is home to 130 volcanoes, including 30 that have erupted in recent history. Each volcano possesses its unique beauty, attracting tourists from around the world to marvel at these extraordinary sites. Among them, Grímsvötn in the South-eastern part of Iceland stands out as the most volatile volcanic system.

One of the most famous Icelandic volcanoes is Eyjafjallajökull, which gained popularity after its eruption in 2010. Another notable volcano, Þríhnúkagígur, is the only one globally with accessible magma chamber. Dormant for 4000 years, it is unlikely to erupt again. Other well-known volcanoes include Katla, considered the most dangerous, and Hekla, once nicknamed the “Gateway to Hell.” On tours such as the Land of Northern Lights and Guided Iceland Circle, you’ll travel close to some of Iceland’s most famous volcanoes and learn how they have shaped the surrounding regions.

In the land of ice and fire, Iceland showcases a rich variety of volcanic architecture. The most prevalent type is the stratovolcano, with notable examples such as Hekla, Tindfjallajökull in south Iceland, and Snaefellsjokull—a glacier-capped stratovolcano. Shield volcanoes, including Trölladyngja, the largest in Iceland, Eyjafjallajökull, and Surtsey, contribute to the diverse volcanic landscape.

Caldera eruptions add another dimension to Iceland’s volcanic scenery, with examples like Krafla and Askja. Bárðarbungu boasts a massive 10km-long caldera, displaying a combination of various volcanic features, including Strato, shield, and volcanic ridges. Fissure eruptions, exemplified by Eldgja—a fissure of Katla, have produced the highest volume of lava flow in the world in a single volcanic eruption. Vatnajökull, a basaltic fissure vent system in the southeast of Hekla, further enriches Iceland’s volcanic tapestry.

Volcanoes and the Boom in Tourism

Volcanic events have significantly influenced tourism in Iceland. Before 2010, Eyjafjallajökull was relatively unknown. However, its eruption caused extensive air travel disruptions, closing airspaces over many countries and affecting the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of people in Europe and beyond. The ash plume, lingering in the atmosphere, created turmoil for almost a month.

As news of the eruption spread globally, millions had the opportunity to witness the stunning footage of Iceland’s landscapes, inspiring a desire to explore further. In response, Iceland capitalized on the exposure by promoting the nation’s beautiful sceneries. This increased visibility attracted tourists from around the world, leading to a boom in the tourism industry. Many tour offerings in the nation are centered around exploring the captivating volcanoes and volcanic regions that define Iceland’s unique charm.

While some may assume that volcanic eruptions are brief events lasting hours or days, in reality, a volcano can remain active for an extended period, sometimes nearly a year. The Bárðarbunga volcano, for instance, erupted continuously for six months, covering an impressive 85 square kilometers with lava. Similarly, Laki erupted for 50 days, spewing out lava and covering an area of 370 square kilometers.

Regularity of Volcanic Eruptions in Iceland

Volcanic eruptions are a frequent phenomenon in Iceland, occurring on average every five years. Over the last century, the frequency of volcanic activity has increased. Notable recent eruptions include Fagradalsfjall (2021 and 2022, Litli Hrútur (2023) in Reykjanes, Bárðarbunga (2014), Grímsvötn (2011), the Sundhnúkar eruption (2023), and the infamous Eyjafjallajökull eruption that caused significant disruptions in 2010.

Recent Volcanic Activity in Iceland 

In recent years, volcanic activity in Iceland has become more frequent, especially on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Since December 2023, this region alone has seen nine eruptions, marking the most active period in modern times.

Historically, Iceland experienced one eruption roughly every four to five years, but the current pattern shows a much shorter interval. About one eruption every few months on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Most of these eruptions are small and well-monitored, posing no danger to residents, as people live far from the eruption zones. However, roads and travel routes can be affected for short periods, particularly in the southwest.

Two towns have felt the direct impact of volcanic activity. Grindavík, located near the eruption area on the Reykjanes Peninsula, experienced ground movement, temporary evacuations, and damage to roads and utilities. Some residents have since returned and now live there with special permits. It is an interesting place to visit and see the visible effects of nature’s power up close.

Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands), a small island community off the south coast of Iceland, was affected in 1973 when a sudden eruption on Heimaey forced residents to leave their homes for several months. The people of Vestmannaeyjar soon returned, rebuilt their community, and today the islands are a fascinating place to visit to learn about this dramatic event and the town’s remarkable recovery.

Volcanoes and earthquakes

Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes often go together. Earthquakes can signal that magma is moving underground, and Iceland’s scientists monitor these tremors closely.

Most of Iceland’s active volcanoes are strategically located beneath glaciers, presenting unique challenges and hazards during eruptions. When a subglacial volcano erupts, the intense heat from the lava melts the overlying ice, potentially leading to the formation of jökulhlaup—a phenomenon where flooding occurs, whether the magma breaches the surface or not. This poses a significant hazard in Iceland’s volcanic landscape.

“Vatnajökull National Park, home to eight volcanoes located under glaciers, showcases the geological diversity of Iceland. Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, houses renowned subglacial volcanoes such as Grímsvötn, Öræfajökull, and Bárðarbunga. When these subglacial volcanoes erupt, they can trigger sudden glacial lake outburst floods (jökulhlaup), resulting in devastating consequences.

Historical Subglacial Eruptions

In November 1996, the eruption of Grímsvötn sent floodwaters cascading across Skeiðarársandur, demonstrating the potential impact of subglacial volcanic activity. Another significant event was the Bárðarbunga eruption in 2014, which led to a large-scale lava effusion in the Holuhraun plain, illustrating the dynamic nature of Iceland’s volcanic landscape.

Iceland is familiar with volcanic activity, having encountered three recent eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The nation’s authorities and citizens are well-equipped to handle such events, and Iceland boasts some of the most sophisticated volcanic preparedness protocols globally. Geoscientists in Iceland possess significant experience in monitoring and managing volcanic activity.

Mitigating Volcanic Threats

With a network of advanced seismic stations across the country, volcanic eruptions in Iceland pose minimal threats to human life. The precise monitoring allows accurate prediction of potential eruptions. In the event of sudden seismic activity, precautionary measures, including restricted zones and close monitoring, are swiftly implemented. Iceland’s evacuation procedures have proven effective, ensuring that towns and homes are situated at a safe distance from the majority of active volcanoes.

A notable example is South Iceland, which has a lower population density due to the presence of Katla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes. Positioned beneath glaciers, eruptions from these volcanoes can trigger massive glacial floods, causing significant destruction.

Positive Impacts of Volcanic Activity

Contrary to the common perception associating volcanic eruptions with death and destruction, Iceland has harnessed certain benefits from these geological events. The country’s volcanic activity has bestowed upon it a unique resource: geothermal energy. Recognized as one of the cleanest and most cost-effective forms of energy, geothermal power has positioned Iceland as one of the least polluted nations globally. A significant portion of Iceland’s economy and infrastructure relies on geothermal forces, where hot water is directly pumped from the Earth to heat homes. Over 90 percent of housing in the country is heated by natural geothermal sources. Furthermore, meltwater from subglacial volcanoes presents a substantial potential source of hydroelectric power. Icelanders also cultivate fruits and vegetables in greenhouses throughout the year, even in the winter months, leveraging the continuous supply of geothermal energy generated by the same geological activity that forms the volcanoes.

Volcanic Tours

With 30 active volcanoes and many more scattered across the country, Iceland stands out as a premier destination for volcano-focused adventures. The land of fire and ice offers countless ways to experience this natural power, from hiking and sightseeing to exploring lava caves or soaking in hot springs formed by geothermal energy.

Iceland offers a wide range of volcano tours, whether you prefer an escorted bus journey along the South Coast or a helicopter view over recent eruption sites. While witnessing an active eruption is rare, it is sometimes possible to observe one safely from a distance, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

For the latest information on Iceland’s volcanic activity, check Visit Iceland’s dedicated page. You will find real-time updates, helpful articles, and news about ongoing volcanic events.
At GJ Travel, we also collect and share current updates about eruptions and travel conditions in one place: gjtravel.is/iceland-volcano-updates
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