15.06.2022

Volcanoes in Iceland to Visit: A Brief Guide

In 2021, over 700,000 international tourists visited Iceland. Prior to the pandemic, over 2 million people visited this island nation!

It might not be on many people’s radars since it’s out of the way. But tucked in the northern hemisphere is a country that’s filled with natural wonders. In addition to hot springs and geysers, Iceland also has many volcanoes scattered around.

If you’re someone who likes nature and adventure, then you must see the volcanoes in Iceland. This country is one of the most volcanic regions on the planet, after all!

Read on to find out which Iceland volcanoes you should visit.

Eyjafjallajökull volcano
Eyjafjallajökull volcano

Eyjafjallajökull

If this name sounds familiar, it’s because Eyjafjallajökull made headlines in 2010 when it erupted. It created chaos in Europe, as it halted air travel. Despite this huge impact, thankfully, it didn’t harm any humans or animals.

While Eyjafjallajökull is still active and is undoubtedly one of the most popular Iceland volcanoes, it’s definitely not one of the most active.

Þríhnúkagígur

Þríhnúkagígur is the only volcano in the world where you can access the magma chamber, so it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to come visit. You can access it by taking a cable lift down 394 feet, and inside, you can see the lava-rock walls that are all colorful, thanks to the lava pulling up the earth’s different elements from the core.

Þríhnúkagígur is a dormant volcano, so if you’re looking for eruptions, you’ll want to check out other volcanoes. Its last eruption was over 4,000 years ago!

Grimsvötn Volcano System

The Grimsvötn Volcano System is the most actively erupting volcano in the country. So definitely put this on your list of active volcanoes in Iceland to see.

The last time it erupted was in 2011 and this system is home to the Laki volcano, which caused chaos in 1783 with its eruption.

Hekla volcano
Hekla volcano

Hekla

The Hekla volcano has been nicknamed “The Gateway to Hell”. As you can tell, this volcano in Iceland isn’t for the faint of heart.

Hekla has the most unpredictable volcanic activity in Iceland, so you never know when it’s going to erupt. Its intervals have been anywhere between 9 to 112 years, and its most recent eruption was in 2000. Thankfully, it didn’t cause a major disaster.

Snæfellsjökull glacier
Snæfellsjökull volcano

Snæfellsjökull

Snæfellsjökull has the nickname “Door to the Center of the Earth”. It’s known as one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the nation, so that alone makes Iceland travel worth it.

What’s even better is there are rumors of both alien invasions and paranormal activity here. So if you’re into that, you can kill 2 birds with 1 stone by seeing Snæfellsjökull.

volcanic eruption in Iceland
Volcanic eruption in Iceland

Come See These Volcanoes in Iceland

The volcanoes in Iceland are truly a sight to behold. Whether they’re active or dormant, you’ll still have an amazing time sightseeing in this Nordic country.

So now that you know where to see volcanoes in Iceland, it’s time to start planning your trip. It’ll be the vacation of a lifetime!

Have the best time in Iceland by renting a car with Geysir Car Rental. We are one of the oldest and largest national car rental companies.

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