Iceland is the land of Ice and Fire. Dotted with over a hundred volcanoes, lava fields, glaciers, hot springs, and breathtaking natural beauty, Iceland never fails to awe the tourists in you. Visiting Iceland often takes you through the region’s natural wonders. It even allows you to journey into the age-old magma chambers where the magma is hard with decades-old stories.
Hopping on guided Iceland tours will help you learn more about the history and significance of the attractions while taking in every bit of its beauty. This guide explores the volcanoes of Iceland and their relevance.
Table of Contents
Understanding Iceland’s Volcanic Geography
Iceland is situated on the decent Mid-Atlantic ridge, where Eurasian and North American tectonic plates diverge. This divergent boundary separates the island, forming a rift valley in the middle of the island, making it one of the most active areas in the world. The continual movement of these plates also enables magma from the mantle to rise and cause several volcanic eruptions. This setting defines Iceland’s striking territories and helps to build geothermal energy sources. The movement of tectonic plates is still actively shaping the region through consistent volcanic activity and seismic events.
Types of Volcanoes
Iceland hosts a variety of volcano types, each contributing to the island’s diverse volcanic terrain.
- Hekla is a classical strato volcano, a steep conical volcano built up from layer upon layer of lava and ash, often resulting in explosive eruptions.
- The shield volcanoes, including the ones in the Skjaldbreiður region, are generally marked by broad and gently sloped areas because of the flow of low-viscosity lavas, which are less explosive but extensive lava fields.
- Volcanic fissures are another type of eruption in which the earth splits to release lava, forming a linear fracture; the best example of this type of eruption was the Laki eruption of 1783, which led to one of the largest lava flows ever recorded in the world.
In recent years, Iceland has become active seismically. The prolonged eruption in March 2021 in Fagradalsfjall at the Reykjanes Peninsula attracted thousands of tourists who wanted to observe the rare phenomena of lava flows in a rather geologically friendly area.
Top Volcanic Sites to Visit
Eyjafjallajökull
Eyjafjallajökull is best known for its eruption in 2010 when the resulting ash plume rose high into the atmosphere, causing flight disruptions for weeks across Europe. Explosive volcanic eruptions occurred under a glacier, producing dramatic meltwater floods and widespread ash fields. Today, visitors to Eyjafjallajökull can explore the surrounding area, which offers stunning views of the glacier-capped volcano and the ash-covered landscapes. Hiking trails allow several firsthand glimpses of the stark difference between the glacial ice and the black volcanic ash.
Hekla
Hekla, referred to as the ‘Gateway to Hell’ in the medieval period, is one of Iceland’s most active and formidable volcanoes. With over 20 eruptions since the 9th century, Hekla’s fiery history has made it a focal point of Icelandic folklore and legend. The volcano is always a favorite spot for hiking since it has steep trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints. The most frequently taken trail is to the summit, offering stunning views of the rugged terrain, such as the lava fields and the glaciers. Hekla is quieter during the summer and is the best time to visit.
Askja
Askja is a remote volcanic caldera in Iceland’s central highlands, known for its beautiful landscapes and stunning blue waters of Víti Crater Lake. This caldera was generated by one of the biggest eruptions in the nineteenth century and is one of Iceland’s most spectacular volcanic areas. It is not easy to get to Askja, as the area is quite remote and is mostly covered by snow and other harsh weather conditions. However, for those who make the journey, the rewards are otherworldly.
Krafla and Mývatn
The Krafla volcanic system is situated close to Lake Mývatn. The area is rich in basaltic lava, formed during the Krafla Fires from 1975 to 1984. Tourists can go hiking in Leirhnjukur, where steam still rises, and enjoy the otherworldly landscape of hardened lava and colorful geothermal formations. Nearby, the Mývatn Nature Baths offer a relaxing experience in geothermally heated waters, surrounded by stunning volcanic scenery.
Eldfell on Heimaey Island
Eldfell, in Heimaey Island, is better known for the 1973 eruption, which threatened to devastate Vestmannaeyjar. It produced a new volcanic cone and even extended the area of the island’s geography, causing a permanent alteration in its appearance. Today, one can climb up the enormous crater of Eldfell, and some parts of it may still be warm to touch.
On the pinnacle, visitors can get splendid views of the island, the surrounding ocean, and the outcome of the eruption: houses buried in the ashes and the newly formed land. The island consists of striking bird colonies, particularly the puffins, which make it an excellent natural spot.
Thrihnukagigur
Thrihnukagigur offers a unique and unforgettable experience: an opportunity to go down an actual magma chamber. Near Reykjavík, this extinct volcano is the only place on the planet where it is possible to visit a magma chamber. The descent is a 120-meter guided tour to one of the world’s most extensive and colorful chambers that once was the home of molten lava.
The tour can only be taken during the summer and, as it’s a popular tour, booking the tour well in advance is recommended. The safety issue is always paramount, and the visitors are allowed to enter the ‘inside of earth’ area after the tour operators have provided all the required equipment and instructions.
The Experience of Iceland’s Volcanic Landscapes
Photographing Iceland’s otherworldly volcanic terrains requires combining photography skills and an appreciation for the unique environment. People suggest that the best light is during early morning or late afternoon as it makes fantastic shadows and washes out the details of rough surfaces.
Volcanoes hold a unique place in Icelnad’s culture and folklore. Traditionally, people feared and revered volcanoes, and they were seen as the abodes of powerful supernatural beings. The unpredictable eruptions of the volcanoes influenced the lives of the Icelanders and their traditions. They were often considered the wrath of Gods being unleashed on them or the work of the trolls and the elves. This cultural connection is reflected in Icelandic literature, place names, and traditional stories passed down through generations.
