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Eruption by Hagafell near Grindavík

Information on road closures and access to attractions in Reykjanes
16.01.2024
Grindavík. Image: Thrainn Kolbeinsson
Grindavík. Image: Thrainn Kolbeinsson

Updated January 16th 2024. 

On Sunday, January 14th, an eruption started near the town of Grindavík by Mt. Hagafell. The volcanic activity decreased significantly in volume after the first day and today it has been declared over.

The town had previously been evacuated, and people were not in danger.  Some road closures are still ongoing in the region and the status can be viewed below.

The location: The eruption is located by Mt. Hagafell approximately 1 km north of the town of Grindavík on the Reykjanes peninsula. 

Road closures: The event is affecting closures in the southern part of the peninsula to give responders time and space to work on-site.  The eruption itself is isolated to the town of Grindavík and its surroundings. 

Although an eruption can be a spectacular vision this event is affecting our community and nature and visitors are asked to stay away from the Grindavik area and not to stop the vehicles on the Reykjanesbraut highway (no. 41). As for now all roads around the Grindavík area have been closed. Follow updated news on road closures on road.is.

Zoom out the map above to view the closures. 

  • The eruption site is closed and therefore hiking in the area is prohibited. Please respect the closures and follow the instructions of the authorities.
  • The eruption is best viewed online with a live feed on the media sites mbl.is and ruv.is or from viewing sites from Reykjanesbær.

The Closures are locations are as follows and affect the following sites towards Grindavik:

All sites on the northern part of the Reykjanes peninsula are open, that is for example around Reykjanesbær, Garðskagi lighthouse, Hvalsnes church, Vogar, and east of Kleifarvatn.

Useful links to monitor and review updates on the events:

  • The Icelandic MET office: Latest information on the seismic activity and development of events. The Icelandic Meteorological Office is observing and monitoring the eruption, analyzing developments and updating on any changes in cooperation with the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, and a team of scientists from the University of Iceland.