7 Most Popular Volcanoes in Iceland

Known as the land of ice and fire, Iceland owes its very existence to its unique volcanic prone position on the North Atlantic range. From breathtaking geysers and glaciers to volcanic eruptions, geological activities in Iceland are more sensational than abundant.
With over 130 volcanic mountains, this geothermal land has all kinds of volcanoes bubbling throughout the year and eruptions are a prevalent occurrence.
Though, when they do occur, it is a striking spectacle to watch!

Volcanic eruptions occur on a regular basis in Iceland and are often very unpredictable. Though, since the past 100 years, eruptions have been more frequent but less dynamic.
They are rather short lived, lasting over a few days or weeks unlike months before. This extraordinary terrain attracts many tourists every year to experience these breathtaking wonders of nature.
Of course you don’t have to wait for an eruption to explore Iceland’s spectacular volcanic landscapes.
From fly drives to small group escorted tours, there are now numerous ways and excursions that showcase the country’s volcanic highlights and give you an unforgettable experience for a lifetime.

Here are a few of the most interesting volcanoes in Iceland:

• Eyjafjallajökull

Erupting frequently since the last glacial period, Eyjafjallajökull is one of the most active volcanoes in Iceland. It last erupted in 2010 disrupting air travel all over the world. Eyjafjallajökull volcano is covered across an area of 100 sq. kms by an ice cap. The activity level of the volcano is listed as moderate but there have been no eruptions since 2010. To experience it closely, the hike offers a superb and panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and Thorsmork Valley!

• Hekla

Hekla is situated in the south of Iceland. In fact, according to its high activity rating, it might just be the next one in Iceland to erupt! With its keel and a row of craters, Hekla is a part of a volcanic ridge that resembles an overturned boat which provides the tourists with mesmerizing scenic views and insights of an eruption. With about 8km3 of lava, it is also responsible for the largest amount of lava in the world which adds more uniqueness to it.

• Bárðarbunga

Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier is the home to the second highest stratovolcano of Iceland, Bárðarbunga. Bárðarbunga has been a silent and harmless volcano for the past 1000 years but it used to be deadly in history, erupting infrequently around every 50 years. Recent studies have shown an increased seismic activity listing it as a highly active volcano. So, should we expect it to outburst soon? We can never say for sure.

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• Katla

With twenty recorded eruptions between 930-1918, Katla hasn’t erupted violently in the past 100 years. Due to its recent seismic activity, Katla is again on high alert.

Katla is also one of the largest volcanoes in Iceland, bigger than its neighbor Eyjafjallajökull and partially covered with ice. When the volcano Eyjafjallajokull erupted former president Olafur Ragnar Grimsson said that in comparison with Katla, you ain’t seen anything yet!
This might just be true considering the intensity of the boiling half dead volcano below the ground but that is exactly what makes it stand out, its fierceness and strength.

• Krafla

Krafla is a caldera of around 10kms in diameter with about a 90km long fissure zone. It has been listed as a moderately active volcano since its last volcanic episode in 1975-1984. Located close to the gorgeous Mývatn, the Krafla region steams vents and craters that lend the area an otherworldly feel.
The near Myvatn Nature Baths lets you soak in the natural hot springs and experience the steam rise from the ground all around you. An experience that anyone can fail to put into words, an experience we can only experience in those calderas.

• Vestmannaeyjar – Eldfell

Eldfell is a volcanic cone that was formed in the surprise eruption in Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) in 1973. The eruption began spontaneously with no warning and lasted for about five months, destroying around 400 homes on Heimaey Island causing its permanent evacuation.
Today, there is an interactive museum built on the island where you can learn about the effects the eruption had on the inhabitants, who still celebrate Goslokahátíð (End of Eruption Festival) every year.
This volcano is listed as moderately active and is not likely to erupt anytime soon.

• Þríhnjúkagígur

The only dormant volcano on this list, Thrihnjukagigur is the only volcano you can actually go inside of! Discovered in 1974, tours are now operated in the volcano where you can take an elevator down into the magma chamber itself.
The ride down is part of the thrill of the tour and provides you with a stunning view of your surroundings. As you enter the volcano, you will truly feel like you have entered another world. Once you reach the ground you will have ample time to explore the inside of the volcano and take plenty of pictures of your adventure!

The crucial question now is, how to best experience these volcanoes in Iceland?

How to look close and experience even closer?

Well, that largely depends on your interest. A nation with 130 volcanoes in total, it’s impossible to not spot one on your private trip to Iceland.

There are now many provisions for the tourists to make their experiences with the Iceland volcanoes a once in a lifetime event.

If you’d like to see Iceland’s famous volcanoes like the Eyjafjallajökull and Hekla from above, the volcano and glacier helicopter tour is the best!

Other helicopter tours include the volcanic crater trip where you’ll fly along the coast and witness the playing tectonic plates from above.

A more affordable and great way to experience these scenes is the hiking tour.

There are plenty of hiking tours where you can experience the volcanoes up close. One of the most prominent places to hike in Iceland is Vatnajökull, where several volcanoes hide beneath the layers of ice. After hiking up Vatnajökull, you’ll have a once in a lifetime opportunity to enter the blue ice cave.

Last but not the least, the most breathtaking experience is when you sit on an elevator and go down inside a volcano.

To be able to experience this wonder, all you need is the willingness to do a moderate 45 to 50-minute hike and the guts to descend 120 meters/400 feet to the bottom of the crater in an open cable lift. And whatever you will see in there, mark my words, it will all be worth it.

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