Iceland’s volcanic scenery is not only surprisingly subtle and beautiful, but it also exerts an irresistible pull on anyone keen to experience one of the most geologically active places on earth.
This North Atlantic island is a geological hot spot. Icelanders are used to dealing with volcanic and seismic activity and volcanoes here are some of the world’s most closely monitored. Potentially dangerous areas are closed off and every precaution is taken to minimise potential disruption.
We’ve taken a look at some of the country’s impressive geological and volcanic experiences.
1. Inside the Volcano
Dormant for 4000 years, Thrihnukagigur offers the unique experience of being lowered by elevator 120m into its cavernous magma chamber. Unusually for volcanoes, it’s almost as if someone pulled the plug on this unassuming volcanic cone 20km from Reykjavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The magma chamber drained away leaving behind an extraordinary cave with brightly coloured walls. Plan a visit as part of a self drive itinerary or join an escorted tour from Reykjavik.
2. Eyjafjallajokull by Superjeep
Iceland’s most notorious volcanic site, Eyjafjallajokull, can be explored on a Superjeep adventure into Thorsmork Valley. Lurking beneath the icecap this volcano wreaked aviation havoc in 2010 when it last erupted. Superjeeps are pumped-up off-roaders that are inherently Icelandic and are perfect for exploring the rugged terrain that includes wooded valleys, ridges and canyons surrounded by three glaciers, Myrdalsjokull, Tindfjallajokull and Eyjafjallajokull.
3. Visit Vidgelmir Lava Cave
Equally colourful, captivating and stone-cold dormant, the Vidgelmir lava tube snakes 1,600m down beneath an ancient lava flow near Husafell in West Iceland. Equipped with helmets and head torches, you can follow an elevated boardwalk deep underground, pausing to shine a light on lava stalagmites, as well as delicate ice formations.
4. Astronauts at Askja
Follow a classic 4WD trail into the heart of Highlands on an epic journey that traverses boundless plains of lava and the 1,682m mountain, Herdubreid to reach the flooded caldera of Askja. A massive eruption in 1875 catapulted this region onto the world map and created the stunning lake, Oskjuvatn – one of the deepest in Iceland at 220m and the explosion crater, Viti meaning ‘hell’ in Icelandic where you can bathe in the tepid milky-blue lake. This fascinating area is where NASA trained Apollo crews for the moon landings and Icelandic outlaws hid out during the Middle Ages.
5. Hike Hekla
One of Iceland’s most prolific volcanoes, Hekla has erupted over 20 times since the island was settled in 874. As such it is closely monitored by scientists and sits brooding behind fields of lava from past eruptions. The 1,491m snow-capped peak is a ridge rather than a single cone and is a magnet to summer hikers with a 3-4 hour trail leading almost to the summit, best attempted with a guide. On a clear day, you can view Hekla’s peak from Road 1 along the south coast.
6. Immerse yourself in the marvels of Lake Myvatn
Lake Myvatn in North Iceland is the jewel of the north. Birders are lured by the promise of wildfowl in abundance during spring and summer, but it is the volcanic scenery that is truly mesmerising. Black lava fields, twisted basalt spires, hissing fumaroles and pseudocraters create an otherworldly landscape you could spend a week exploring on a leisurely self drive. Stroll past the lava formations of Dummuborgir keeping watch for the hidden people and hike up and around the rim of Hverfjall’s crater, approximately 1km in diameter.
7. Mud Pools and Hot Springs
Iceland’s geothermal energy is plainly evident in the geysers, bubbling mud pools and hot springs that pepper the countryside. This supply of naturally heated water means that you are rarely far from a relaxing bathing opportunity. With geothermal water ‘on tap’ in many parts of Iceland, it’s not surprising that most villages boast a heated outdoor swimming pool and many hotels have hot tubs perfect for relaxing after a day exploring or watching for the northern lights during winter.
8. Journey to the Centre of the Earth
The striking cone-shaped peak of Snaefellsjokull dominates the skyline around the rugged Snaefellsnes peninsula. A glacier tipped strato-volcano, it is 700,000 years old and stands 1,446m above sea level. Serving as the inspiration for Jules Verne famous novel, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, published in 1864, it is one of the most iconic mountains in Iceland and steeped in folklore. The scenic drive around its base offers many side trips to enjoy the area’s abundant volcanic and coastal features, or venture onto the glacier on a snowmobile adventure.
9. Drop into the Lava Centre
Hosting the country’s largest volcano and earthquake exhibition, the Lava Centre was built in 2017. Around 100km from Reykjavik, it is easily accessible via the country’s famous Ring Road fitting seamlessly into a self drive itinerary. The centre offers a full multimedia experience, immersing guests into Iceland’s volcanic and seismic life. Learn all about the country’s powerful inner forces, from eruptions and lava flows to earthquakes, faults and glacial floods. All this and perhaps a spot of lunch in the restaurant or a light refreshment in the cosy coffee shop.
Feeling inspired?
Volcanoes are such a big part of Iceland’s unique appeal that we operate a Volcano Hotline notifying lava enthusiasts of potential trips to visit live eruptions at short notice – once travel resumes that is.
Find out more about how you can incorporate any of these experiences into an Iceland holiday, or if you want to start planning a tailor made trip, call us on 01737 214 250 or contact our travel specialists to start discussing your options.
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