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Mt. Fagradalsfjall hikingtrails to the old eruption sites are open for visitors

The eruption sites from 2021, 2022 and the summer of 2023 are open
22.12.2023
View to the older eruption sites and over the parking 2. Image: Hörður Kristleifsson (@H0rdur)
View to the older eruption sites and over the parking 2. Image: Hörður Kristleifsson (@H0rdur)

The hiking trails (A, C and E) from Parking 2 to the eruption sites in Geldingadalur, Merardalir and Mt. Litli-Hrútur are open for visitors. 

The road closures for the town of Grindavík are by parking 2.

The new eruption site can not be reached from these hiking trails. The new eruption site is closed to visitors. Although it might be tempting, the rough mountain terrain and lava fields between the sites are rough and covered with snow that hides old fissures. There are also no marked trails. 

Before heading out to the Mt. Fagradalsfjall eruption sites, please take note of the following:

  • It is wintertime in Reykjanes peninsula
  • Ice and snow are covering the area and hiking trails. 
  • The daylight is short, use it well. No lights are in the area after dark and can be difficult to find the way back to the parking at that time. 
  • Check the weather conditions in the area on the MET office website before heading out hiking.
  • Check for road closures on road.is.
  • Dress well for hiking, and wear sturdy shoes (might need crampons on icy tracks for longer hikes)

See information on the hiking trails here.

 

Please take note of the following and the links below for further information:

  • The Sundhnúksgígar 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 the towns of Reykjanesbær and Vogar.
  • The eruption is at the moment at a safe distance from the town of Grindavik and other structures. It does not pose an immediate threat to people, and no additional evacuations are necessary at this time.
  • The highway Reykjanesbraut (no. 41) is open and operating as usual and the international airport in Keflavík is functioning normally. All flights are currently operating on schedule. The impact of volcanic eruptions tends to be limited to specific, localized areas near the eruption site. Notably, previous eruptions in the area did not impact international or domestic air travel.

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.
The next update is expected on December 21.