The name of this country consists of two words "ice" and "land," which translates from English as "icy land." It would seem that the entire territory of Iceland should be covered with a thick layer of snow; however, the island enchants with its green landscapes. The country has a rather harsh climate and unpredictable weather, and part of the island's area is covered by glaciers. Because of these features, the country received its name. Many tourists are concerned about another feature of the island — they are attracted to the volcanoes of Iceland. This simultaneously enchanting and frightening natural phenomenon. There are over 130 volcanoes on the "icy land." If you want to know the exact location of most of them, it is futile to Google it. It is better to ask the locals — only native Icelanders can tell you about the locations of these attractive and dangerous places.
Volcanoes of Iceland – the main reason for seismic activity
At the beginning of 2024, the eyes of observers around the world were fixed on Fagradalsfjall. It erupted for the second time within the year. Over the last thousand years, between 25 to 30 volcanoes have awakened according to various data. The reason for the seismic activity lies in its location. The volcanic island is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Essentially, Iceland is an island of volcanoes and geysers. This feature affects the locals. Cities occupy only a quarter of the entire area of the island. They are located in valleys and coastal areas. The rest of the country consists of lava fields and craters.
However, the vibe of these places greatly attracts tourists. Some want to enjoy the view of plains and beaches with black sand. There are glaciers, breathtaking waterfalls, fjords, and islands that deserve tourists' attention. The most extreme travelers dream of climbing to the crater. They want to peer into the mouth of the volcano. And travel agencies are ready to take you as close as possible, considering safety. Let's get acquainted with the volcanoes that are top-rated among tourists. Perhaps they will attract you so much that you will dare to embark on a long journey.
TOP volcanoes of Iceland
Eyjafjallajökull — one of the most famous
Rising 1666 m above sea level, it became known in 2010 — then, due to the eruption, 100,000 flights were canceled, and millions of passengers had to adjust their plans. Until 2010, the crater was covered with a thick layer of ice. Its diameter is 3-4 km. The volcano owes its intricate name to the glacier located nearby. One study states that only 0.005% of people can pronounce its name correctly. If you managed to do it on the first try, then undoubtedly you are a genius. After the last active eruption, it became particularly attractive to tourists. People flock from various corners of the world to see and photograph the crater.
Katla – the friend of Eyjafjallajökull
The volcano is shorter than its neighbor — it rises to 1512 m. Katla resembles a cauldron in shape, which is exactly what its name translates to. Local legends surround it. Katla is one of the most powerful in the country. Its eruptions have greater consequences than just lava flows. The activity leads to the melting of glaciers, creating entire rivers of water. Why can it be called the friend of Eyjafjallajökull? They are synchronous in their eruptions. Usually, after the activity of the first, Katla quickly awakens as well. However, 2010 was an exception. Although scientists held their breath after the massive eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. The friends are located 20 km apart from each other.
Grímsvötn – a dangerous volcanic system
The crater is located at an altitude of 1725 m. It is almost completely hidden under the Vatnajökull glacier. The volcanic system, located in the southeast of the country, awakens every 3-10 years. During an eruption, huge and dangerous clouds of ash rise. The Grímsvötn system includes Laki. During its eruption in 1784, life for people turned into chaos. This was not only the case for Iceland — although about 50% of livestock and 20% of the population perished here. The consequences were felt worldwide. In Europe and America, temperatures dropped due to smog, which also led to mortality and crop failures. Today, the surface of the crater is quite unstable — when climbing it, there is a risk of falling into a crevice or cave. Traveling here is dangerous even in all-terrain vehicles and jeeps. It can be observed from a distance of about 2–3 km.
Askja – a popular spot for tourists
This volcano in Iceland rises to 1516 m. Its destructive eruption occurred in 1875. It caused significant damage to the residents of the country — ash poisoned the land and killed livestock over a larger area of the island. The effects of the eruption were also felt by the residents of Sweden and Norway. It was the reason for the emigration of many Icelanders. However, today Askja is open for excursions. For tourists, a small settlement has even been established a few kilometers from the volcano. However, it only has three houses. Therefore, if you plan to travel here, it is advisable to book a place in advance. After the eruption in 1875, two lakes were formed here — Öskjuvatn, the deepest in Iceland, and Víti. After the activity in 1926, a tiny island appeared in the larger body of water. Here you can take cool photos for social media or create other content. For moving around, it is better to use an all-terrain vehicle or SUV.
Snaefellsjökull — a portal to the center of the Earth
The volcano, rising to 1448 m, is located in the national park of the same name in the west of the country. Covered in ice, it has been sleeping since the 18th century. Snaefells is known more for its contribution to art than for its activity. It became the setting for the book "Journey to the Center of the Earth," authored by Halldór Laxness. Few remember the name of the volcano in Iceland mentioned in Jules Verne's book. However, it was Snaefellsjökull that became the portal that transported the main characters of "Journey to the Center of the Earth," written by this famous author. Events in its crater also took place in the eponymous film released in 2008. Although this volcano has been sleeping for a long time, scientists are not in a hurry to write it off. Notably, it can be seen from various corners of the country. However, only in clear weather.
Hverfjall — an easy excursion route
The volcano, with a height of 420 m, is located in the east of the country. It is one of the easiest treks in Iceland. The crater is located a kilometer from the ring road. The walk will take only an hour. The volcano has been sleeping for over 2,500 years. This route is definitely worth including in your travel plan, as it offers a wonderful view of Lake Mývatn and the surrounding landscape in sunny weather.
Hekla – dangerous beauty
It rises to 1491 m. Ancient inhabitants believed that the crater was a path to hell. Because of this, Hekla is also called "the gateway to hell." It is one of the most unpredictable and dangerous in the country. Its last eruption was recorded in 2000. Between periods of activity, anywhere from 9 to 121 years can pass. The strongest eruption occurred in 1104. The most destructive ones were in 1300, 1693, and 1845. They claimed many lives, destroyed buildings, and killed livestock. Subsequent eruptions were less dangerous.
A unique country for excursions
The residents of Iceland literally live on a volcano. However, they enjoy their stay on this "contrasting" island. On one hand, they are surrounded by constant danger, on the other — views that take your breath away. The locals have even learned to harness the energy of volcanoes for their purposes — they convert it into electricity, heating for homes, and more.
It is impossible to describe all the beauty of Iceland in one go. There are many other craters that definitely deserve your attention. The "must see" list should include:
- Baudarbunga;
- Kedling;
- Sulur;
- Fagradalsfjall;
- Heingid;
- Eldgjá.
You can visit the country either independently or by using the services of a travel company — our tour leaders will help you plan your trip wisely and show you the main "highlights" of the island.