On March 16, 2024, a volcanic eruption started north of Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland. Despite this volcanic activity, if you're heading to Iceland, you can still go ahead with your travel plans. Keep reading to learn more about the recent volcanic activity.
Key points:
Our top priority is to keep our customers and employees safe. If there are any changes in the situation, we will post updates. Nevertheless, now is an excellent opportunity to visit Iceland and safely experience this spectacular natural phenomenon from a distance.
Recent volcano eruption in Iceland on the Reykjanes Peninsula
On March 16, 2024, a fissure eruption began between Hagafell and Stóra Skógfell, near Grindavík in southwest Iceland. This marks the fourth eruption of its kind in the area since December. Residents of Grindavík were safely evacuated before the eruptions started.
If you're wondering about the safety of visiting Iceland, rest assured that the authorities have confirmed that volcanic activity poses no threat as long as safety guidelines are followed. Flights and airport transfers remain unaffected, and the Ring Road, the main road around Iceland, is open as usual. All tours are proceeding as scheduled.
Whether you've already planned your trip or are considering visiting Iceland, you can proceed confidently.
For more information, check the official Icelandic sources:
On March 16th, 2024, Iceland experienced the fourth eruption in the Reykjanes Peninsula since December. The lava flowed from a fissure north of Grindavík, between Mount Hagafell and Stori-Skogfell, around 40 km (25 mi) from Reykjavik.
Like past eruptions, this one is localized and does not affect travel to all other parts of Iceland, including the airport, Reykjavik, and the Ring Road, Iceland’s main highway.
Despite recent volcanic activity, travel to Iceland remains unaffected for visitors. Flights and tours (excluding those visiting the Blue Lagoon) operate as usual, and the Ring Road remains open.
Experts say the eruption poses little to no threat to the public or air travel. This is because it's a fissure eruption, meaning lava flows are confined to the immediate area around the vent. While authorities may eventually allow controlled access to the site, for now, it's best to stay away for safety reasons.
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.
Safety comes first! Due to ongoing activity, the area around the eruption site is currently closed to the public. When it becomes accessible, guided tours are a fantastic option for safely exploring volcanic landscapes in the future.
The Blue Lagoon is currently closed due to the volcanic activity. You can check the spa’s official website for updates on the reopening date.
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 they'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 12 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 eruptions in the Sundhnúkur volcanic system began on December 18th, 2023, with the first outburst lasting for 3 days.
By January 14th, 2024, a second eruption commenced, spewing lava for 2 days and causing property damage near Grindavík, leading to evacuations.
February 8th saw another eruption erupt roughly a kilometer north of Grindavík, emitting lava fountains and depositing an estimated 15 million cubic meters of lava before subsiding later that day.
As of April 2024, the most prolonged eruption is ongoing, having started on March 16th in the same area as the February event. While initially intense, it has become the longest-lasting eruption of the Sundhnúkur series.
March 2024 Volcano Eruption in Iceland - Photo by Julius Matikas
