Southwest Iceland saw its newest volcano eruption on November 20, 2024. Photo by Gunnar Gaukur Guthmundsson.
Recent volcano eruption in Iceland on the Reykjanes Peninsula
On November 20, 2024, at 11:14 PM local time, a fissure eruption began in the Sundhnúksgígar crater row on the Reykjanes Peninsula, approximately 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Reykjavik. Located between Mt. Stóra-Skógfell and Mt. Sýlingarfell, this marks the tenth eruption in the past three years and the seventh in this area since December 2023. The fissure was approximately 1.86 miles (3 km) long. After 18 days of activity, the volcano fell quiet on December 8, 2024, with only gentle smoke rising from the ground.
Residents of Grindavík were safely evacuated before the eruption started. Despite the new volcanic activity, flights, airport transfers, and travel along Iceland's main highway, the Ring Road, have not been disrupted. Whether you've already planned your trip or are considering visiting Iceland, you can proceed confidently.
For more information, check the official Icelandic sources:
The latest eruption began on November 20, 2024, near the Sundhnúksgígaröð crater row, southwest of Reykjavik, just two months after the previous one. It lasted 18 days, ending on December 8, without disrupting flights or travel.
Despite frequent volcanic activity, Iceland remains fully accessible to travelers. Flights and most group tours will continue as planned. Key routes, including the Ring Road and the popular Golden Circle, remain open and unaffected, ensuring smooth travel across the island.
Experts say the latest eruptions in Iceland pose little to no threat to the public or air travel. This is because they were fissure eruptions, meaning lava flows are confined to the immediate area around the vent. However, it's important to follow the advice of the local authorities until they allow access to the site.
See this video by Dr. Matthew Roberts, the Managing Director at the Icelandic Met Office.
Keflavík Airport remains fully operational, and flights are running as scheduled. The Reykjanes Peninsula has experienced several eruptions since 2021, none of which caused any issues for air travel or tours.
Unlike the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull, which was subglacial and produced significant ash clouds that disrupted air travel, the recent eruptions in Reykjanes are fissure eruptions. These are smaller and typically don't emit ash, minimizing any impact on flights.
Helicopter tours are an exciting and safe way to see the eruption from the air. While the area around the eruption site can be temporarily closed to the public due to ongoing volcanic activity, you can still experience this natural wonder from above. Keep an eye out for other guided tours that may become available as the situation develops, offering even more ways to explore Iceland's volcanic landscapes safely.
The Blue Lagoon might be temporarily closed due to volcanic activity. You can check the geothermal spa’s official website for updates on the operating schedule.
Absolutely. Iceland has extensive experience managing volcanic activity, especially in the Reykjanes Peninsula, which has seen multiple eruptions recently. The country has well-developed protocols in place and experienced authorities to manage such events.
The good news is that tours in Iceland are operating normally despite the eruption. However, we understand you might have questions about your specific itinerary. Feel free to contact us directly, and we'll be happy to address any concerns.
Unfortunately, predicting the exact duration of volcanic eruptions in Iceland is difficult. They can range from short bursts lasting a couple of days to events spanning several months.
Volcanic activity is a regular part of life in Iceland, given the movement of tectonic plates. Residents are familiar with earthquakes and eruptions, and authorities are equipped to respond effectively.
Iceland typically experiences eruptions every 5 years on average, but since 2021, the frequency has increased, with eruptions occurring almost every few months.
The Reykjanes peninsula, known for its stunning volcanic landscapes, has experienced increased activity since 2021, particularly around the Fagradasfjall volcanic area. This marks the beginning of a new volcanic cycle, expected to last for decades. Despite several fissure eruptions, these events did not pose any danger to people or disrupt flights and tours.
Following safety assessments by authorities, previous sites affected by the eruptions were reopened, allowing both locals and visitors to witness the lava fields firsthand. Many travelers consider this a unique and unforgettable experience.
The series of eruptions in the Sundhnúkur volcanic system started on December 18th, 2023, with the first eruption lasting 3 days.
The second eruption, lasting two days, followed on January 14th, 2024. This event caused property damage near Grindavík and led to evacuations.
On February 8th, 2024, a third eruption occurred about a kilometer north of Grindavík. It produced significant lava fountains and deposited around 15 million cubic meters of lava in a single day. The eruption ended after two days.
The fourth eruption began on March 16th, 2024, in the same area as the previous eruption. It lasted until May 8th, 2024, making it the longest eruption of the series at 54 days.
The fifth eruption started on May 29th, 2024, and lasted for 24 days, ending on June 22nd. It created the largest lava field in the series.
The sixth eruption began on August 22nd, 2024, at 9:26 PM local time. This eruption is part of the ongoing activity in the Sundhnúkur volcanic system and marks the ninth eruption in the Reykjanes Peninsula over the past three years. The activity stopped on September 5th after 14 days.
The seventh eruption began on November 20, 2024, around midnight, near the Sundhnúksgígar crater row, between Mt. Stóra-Skógfell and Mt. Sýlingarfell. After 18 days of activity, experts declared the eruption over on December 8, 2024. While the amount of lava produced was significant, it posed no danger to people or infrastructure.
March 2024 Volcano Eruption in Iceland - Photo by Julius Matikas
