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Hiking trails open until 17:00 today

Information from the local Authorities is in the blog
19.07.2023
From the eruption site. Photo: H0rdur
From the eruption site. Photo: H0rdur

Today all hiking trails from the south of the peninsula are open until 5 Pm. See map. No trails from the north are open. That includes Keilir.

The weather forecast for the eruption site in the early evening and throughout the night is heavy fog with very little visibility.  Therefore the site will be closed at 5 Pm.

Hiking trails:

  • The main hiking trail is the E trail - Merardalir (blue). The hike is about 20 km both ways and does not fit everyone. The hike can take up to 5-7 hours.
  • Other hiking trails on the map are open.
  • Hikers need to dress according to the weather, bring food and water and fully charged phones. The mobile service is not secure in the whole area.
  • Before heading to the eruption site check the wind directions (the best option is the wind blowing away from the hiking trails) and news updates.

First responders:

  • The fire department is still operating in the area due to the wildfires.
  • An ambulance is in the area.

Safety information:

  • It is important to follow the instruction from the Police authorities and first responders at the site at all times. They are there to ensure your safety.
  • A hazard zone has been mapped out, as the eruption site is not safe for further development of the eruption. More fissures can open in the area and the lava is still running with steaming hot lava falling on the ground around the lava flow at full speed which can be difficult to run away from. Visitors are not allowed to enter the hazard zone.
  • Even though a volcanic eruption is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it is a dangerous event and important to be alerted to any changes.
  • It is not safe to go too close to the eruption site because of the volcanic gases. It becomes more dangerous with less wind.
  • The volcanic gases can be life-threatening when it sets in hollow ground.
  • It is recommended to use gas masks because of the wildfires.
  • It is not recommended to take children to the eruption site.
  • Pregnant women and people with heart or lung diseases are recommended not to go to the eruption site due to possible gas pollution and the smoke from wildfires.
  • Hiikers are in the area at their own risk.

Parking:

  • Parking places are at the beginning of the hikes by road no. 427. See maps: PDF or online
  • Use the marked parking places. Do not park the car on the roads.
  • All driving off-road is forbidden.

Other information sites:

Gas forecast: (18. July 2023 @21:29 - 19. July 2023 @23:59)

Wind from north-west 3-8 m/s. Volcanic gases will blow to the south and can be felt on road no. 427 and on the hiking trails towards the eruption site. Heavy fog with very little visibility is expected early evening and throughout the night.