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Is Iceland safe to visit after the most recent volcano eruptions?

When volcanic activity first kicked off on the Reykjanes peninsula a few years ago, it came as a bit of a surprise. After all, the area hadn’t experienced an eruption for something like eight centuries. Over the past three years, volcanic activity has increased and subsided several times. The most recent phase began in late 2023 and has been ongoing on and off ever since. These eruptions have had a significant impact on the town of Grindavik in the south of the Reykjanes peninsula and also periodically, to the Blue Lagoon in the middle. So what effect, if any, will this have on your travel plans?
24.08.2024

The most important thing for anyone planning to travel to Iceland in the coming months is that Iceland is open for business and ready to welcome visitors. To understand why we can say this with such confidence, we need to look at the geography of the Reykjanes peninsula and where things are in relation to each other.

Let’s take Keflavik, for example. Although the country’s main international airport is located on the Reykjanes peninsula, it is situated in the far north west of the region. It has been unaffected by volcanic activity as it is too far away from the fissures and craters to be impacted by any lava flows.

However, as a precautionary measure, whenever a new phase of eruptive activity commences, incoming and outgoing flights have been halted for a very short time while the relevant authorities make their checks to confirm nothing has changed. This means that as a visitor you can be confident that while Keflavik Airport remains open, it is safe to take off and land.


Can you still visit Reykjavik and other parts of Iceland after landing at Keflavik Airport?

The main road to Reykjavik and the rest of Iceland runs along the northern coast of the Reykjanes peninsula. This road, known as Reykjanesbraut or route 41, leads to Hafnarfjördur, Kópavogur and then connects to roads leading to the capital and the ring road beyond. This route is unaffected by the recent volcanic eruptions and you can travel along it as normal.

But, if you had hoped to reach the area currently impacted by lava flows from the eruption, you’d need to travel south from Reykjanesbraut on another road, the 43. This is the road that the lava flow has partially covered. Because of this and to ensure the safety of the general public, the Icelandic authorities have chosen to restrict access by closing Route 43.


How does this current eruption compare to the infamous Eyjafjallajökull?

In 2010, Eyjafjallajökull erupted in spectacular fashion, sending a vast plume of volcanic ash high into the air. In the process, it caused severe disruption to European airspace, causing the cancellation of many flights and leaving many passengers temporarily stranded as airlines were forced to ground their planes.

It’s hardly surprising, therefore, that when news breaks about a volcanic eruption in Iceland people get a bit jittery. But this current eruption is different. For starters, there’s no large glacier covering the fissures and craters. If a volcano erupts under ice, when the molten rock meets that ice it causes an explosive eruption. In contrast, the current Reykjanes eruption has been characterised by often slow moving lava flows which are much easier to deal with.


Volcanic activity is confined to a remarkably small area

Most recently, fissures have opened up in the ground, causing some damage to homes and infrastructure in and around the town of Grindavik. Residents have been evacuated and the area remains off limits to tourists. What’s happening is very localised and the affected area is very small.

Another place that’s sometimes been affected is the Blue Lagoon. This famous geothermal spa has closed temporarily a number of times following advice from the Icelandic authorities. Effective safety measures and evacuation procedures have been put in place in case of emergency, but mostly the Blue Lagoon has been open for business.

However it’s important to note that all volcanic activity is unpredictable, which is why no one is taking any chances. For instance, the area impacted by gas emissions can vary according to the wind speed and direction. If you are planning to travel to other nearby Reykjanes sites or visit the Blue Lagoon, always check the current situation before you set out and never ignore official advice or signage.


Is it possible to see the volcano close up?

It depends on what you mean by close up. Back in 2021 during the earliest part of this volcanic activity, it was possible to hike to the edge of the lava field. Walkers could, with little risk to their personal safety, get a good look at the cooled lava flows and see smoking cones and rivers of lava from slightly further afield.

The hiking paths to Fagradalsfjall have recently reopened, making the original eruption site accessible on foot once again. If you’re keen to walk these trails, it’s sensible to check back for the latest updates before you set out to make sure it remains open. However, regardless it’s not possible at the moment to hike from here to the most recent lava flows or see the current active craters.

Nevertheless, it is possible to fly over the site on a helicopter sightseeing tour. Depending on the flight path and general visibility, you might even get to see moving magma from the plane as you arrive in or leave Iceland. You’ll definitely want to book a window seat just in case, as it’s an impressive sight.


Looking to the future

Scientists are closely monitoring the volcanic eruptions that have been happening on the Reykjanes peninsula and they are meticulously analysing the data that has been collected. Many believe that this eruption may continue on and off for decades but there’s currently no evidence to suggest that visitors should stay away from Iceland as a consequence.

That means if you’re planning to come to Iceland, it’s good news: these volcanic eruptions should not deter you. Events such as these are part and parcel of everyday life in Iceland and the relevant authorities employ plenty of experts who have many years of experience in their respective fields.





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