Recent volcano eruption in Iceland on the Reykjanes Peninsula
On August 22, 2024, at 9:26 PM local time, a fissure eruption began in the Sundhnúkagígar crater row near Grindavík on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula. This marks the ninth eruption in the past three years and the sixth eruption in this area since December 2023. The new fissure that opened is approximately 2.42 miles (3.9 km) long.
Residents of Grindavík were safely evacuated before the eruption started. Despite the ongoing volcanic activity, there has been no disruption to flights, airport transfers, or travel along Iceland's main highway, the Ring Road. The eruption, like those before it, is localized and does not impact daily life in the rest of the country. All tours are continuing 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:
The most recent volcanic eruption in Iceland started on August 22, 2024. It is located in the Sundhnúkagígar craters on the Reykjanes Peninsula. This new eruption follows the one which lasted 24 days, from 29 May until 22 June 2024. It did not cause any disruptions in flights or travel and no significant damage.
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 is our number one priority! While the area around the eruption site is currently closed to the public due to ongoing volcanic activity, you can still experience this natural wonder from above. Helicopter tours are an exciting and safe way to see the eruption from the air. Keep an eye out for other guided tours that may become available as the situation develops, offering even more ways to safely explore Iceland's volcanic landscapes.
The Blue Lagoon might be temporarily closed due to volcanic activity. The spa’s official website has 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 series of eruptions in the Sundhnúkur volcanic system started on December 18th, 2023, with the first eruption lasting 3 days.
A 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 most recent 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.
March 2024 Volcano Eruption in Iceland - Photo by Julius Matikas
